Clipless pedals are the most popular option, but many cyclists, both mountain bike and road bike riders, prefer platform or flat pedals. These pedals offer greater freedom of movement and eliminate the need to constantly clip in and out. The variety of platform pedals on the market is extensive, with ergonomic options and advanced technologies to ensure optimal grip and hold. By following some key recommendations, it is possible to get the most out of these pedals, both on mountain trails and road rides.
Which platform pedals should you choose?
Platform or flat pedals can be used in any cycling discipline. But it should be noted that they are better suited for Mountain Bike than for road or gravel. And within MTB, for the more extreme disciplines, where optimal pedaling is not the main priority for adequate performance. Likewise, these pedals have found a great following among e-bike users. 
A reliable and durable platform pedal should have the following characteristics:
- Concave platform. Entry-level models (the ones usually given away in stores with the purchase of a bike) are typically made of nylon and have a completely flat support surface. This causes your foot to slide when applying extra force to pedal or on uneven terrain, compromising grip. A mid- or high-end flat pedal has a slightly concave surface. Thanks to this, the weight of the central part of the foot and shoe is held by the curvature of the platform, holding the foot better when the level of demand increases.
Choosing a quality pedal (concave, aluminum, and with pins) is essential for comfortable and efficient pedaling.
- Aluminum body. This material is synonymous with strength, reliability, and low weight. If you add a non-slip surface (with grooves or rough inserts), you will get maximum grip and avoid your shoe slipping or coming off.
- Retention pins or bolts. These are small screws inserted into both sides of the pedal structure. They dig into the sole of the shoe to ensure a strong hold, but still allow you to unclip easily from the pedal.
- Steel axle. The axle material is crucial for the pedal's weight. Chromoly steel axles offer the best price-to-strength ratio. But if you want to save 50 or 100 grams, you can opt for pedals with aluminum or titanium axles. They are equally robust but more expensive.
The importance of the shoe sole
Another determining factor is the design and material of the shoe sole. At this point, we recommend getting specific cycling shoes, with a non-slip rubber sole designed for pedaling with platforms.
The combination of a grippy flat pedal and a specific sole provides support similar to that of a clipless pedal, while also allowing for super quick release.
Wearing regular sports shoes, or cycling shoes with cleats, together with platform pedals, is not recommended. Grip will decrease, as well as the adaptation of the foot, making the leg muscles work harder to maintain balance. In addition, it can cause discomfort, overload, and, in the long run, significant injuries.
📺 In this video, Laura Celdrán shares useful tips for choosing the platform pedal shoes best suited to your needs.
The sole must be completely flat, with a slight curvature from the tip to the metatarsal area. And, if you want to fine-tune your search, the dimensions of the contact surface should approximately match those of the pedal body. For this reason, some brands already offer two pedal sizes for the same model. The most standardized sizes are 100 – 110 mm wide and 100 – 115 mm long. We recommend soles designed by Michelin for brands such as Shimano or Northwave, as well as the Vibram rubber sole, present in many brands (Five Ten, Giro, Fizik, Northwave,etc.).
Pedaling with platform pedals: 5 technique tips
Pedaling with platforms offers benefits such as freedom of foot movement, quick support of the foot on the ground in case of a sudden stop, no clogging with mud, less maintenance than clipless pedals, more support surface for the sole of the foot, etc. But, on the other hand, the foot's grip on the pedal will be somewhat lower due to the greater freedom of movement, resulting in some energy loss when transferring it from the foot to the bike. This means your movements and pedaling posture will need to adapt to achieve optimal performance:
1.- Support the foot on the metatarsals
Try to center the foot position slightly behind the head of the metatarsals, toward the center of this bone, and apply force there. This will increase the support surface and prevent slipping due to sudden impacts in obstacle areas.
2.- Continuous pressure of the feet on the pedals
With flat pedals, you will need to apply extra pressure during the pulling or transition phase and in the upward phase of the pedal stroke. This involves greater muscle effort, but it will also minimize dead spots in the pedaling cycle.
3.- Reposition your foot outside technical sections
Although a non-slip platform pedal with pins guarantees a very solid grip, but it is likely that your foot will move slightly when passing over rocks or other obstacles. If this happens, we advise you to keep applying pressure to the pedal and not reposition it in the middle of the obstacle, as this increases the risk of slipping.
4.- Reduce suspension rebound
At high rebound speeds, the bike behaves more nervously, kicking you upwards. This can cause your foot to move, increasing the risk of losing your position on the platform and even suddenly coming off. Therefore, try to adjust the rebound of the fork and especially the rear shock. A slower speed will reduce these types of reactions.
5.- Tilt the pedals to adapt to the terrain
A good technique tip for Enduro or DH riders is that, when passing through uneven or downhill sections, you tilt the pedal slightly backward, lowering your heel. This will allow you to counteract and absorb the impact from the obstacle more effectively, keeping the sole firmly on the pedal.
Is it efficient to pedal with platform pedals?
We have already explained that the efficiency of pedaling with platforms begins the moment you buy the pedals themselves. Also with the choice of shoes. These are two key aspects for the grip of the shoe on the pedal and reducing the risk of slipping, pedal strikes, and falls. But, on the other hand, the cyclist must apply a series of technical adaptations. The position of the foot, movements on uneven terrain, the pressure of the foot when pedaling... By applying the tips described day by day, you will be able to ride with great efficiency and safety. Practically on par with any clipless or cleat pedal.
Tuvalum Team
