Clipless vs Flat Pedals: An Honest Comparison
What clipping in actually buys you, what it costs, and the riders who are genuinely better off on flats.
Cycling Shoes and Pedals
Clipless against flats, the competing cleat standards, and why the shoe and the pedal have to be bought as one decision.
Shoes and pedals are a single purchase pretending to be two. Buying them separately is the most common and most expensive mistake in cycling gear.
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How to Choose Cycling Shoes and Pedals
Why the shoe and pedal are one decision, the competing cleat standards, sole stiffness, closures and fit.
Read the guideMore in cycling shoes and pedals
Gear referenced in these guides
Affiliate links. See the disclosure.
Shimano
Shimano SPD mountain shoes
First clipless shoes, gravel, commuting and anything you walk in
Check priceVarious
Pinned flat pedals
Technical riding, beginners, commuting and anyone who wants to dab
Check price