Bike Pedals and Bike Performance

On a bicycle, the pedals constitute the interface that transfers power from the user to the bike itself. Depending on the environment, this can involve many different factors that make different bike pedals appropriate for different situations. For instance, in an indoor environment where the surfaces have very little variation and where stopping and starting are not a concern, maximum contact between foot and pedal is the goal. In an urban setting, where bicyclists face a variety of unpredictable environments and physical challenges, the ability to quickly dismount the bike and to remove the feet from the bike pedals without hindrance is of greater importance. The method by which the pedal connects to the bike as a whole varies by model and style, so choosing a manufacturer-produced pedal is preferable to relying on a generic after-market model. The right pedal is also a matter of rider preference.