Bicycle pedal

It provides the connection between the cyclist's foot or shoe and the crank allowing the leg to turn the bottom bracket spindle and propel the bicycle's wheels.

Pedals were initially attached to cranks connecting directly to the driven (usually front) wheel.

The safety bicycle, as it is known today, came into being when the pedals were attached to a crank driving a sprocket that transmitted power to the driven wheel by means of a roller chain.

They typically had a smaller cutaway underside giving greater cornering clearance, which was often needed for track cycling.

Mountain bikers tend to use aluminum or magnesium because of the necessary use of metal studs to offer grip while the pedals are wet, muddy and slippery.

[citation needed] BMXers tend to prefer platforms to cage pedals because they offer more support and grip for flexible "skate" shoes by using short metal studs.

[citation needed] Platform pedals are available in a wide variety of types and prices, ranging from disposable plastic units used for test rides on new bicycles to high-end downhill models.

Budget models may be made of steel or aluminum and incorporate reflectors for safer riding on streets at night, in addition to complying with some traffic laws.

More expensive platform pedals for the mountain bike market are available with replaceable metal traction pins and cartridge bearings.

Lightweight pedals intended for freeride and downhill cycling have been made from exotic metals such as magnesium.

Toe clips typically are generally not installed on this type of pedal because they are considered unsafe by some MTB and BMX riders.[who?]

To use the quill pedal, the cyclist pushes his foot against the platform formed by the parallel cage plates.

The use of the slotted cleat enhances a cyclist's ability over that provided by toe clips and strap, enabling for greater pedaling efficiency.

Track pedals are narrow and the front and back plates of the cage are separate, road being a little wider with a one piece cage in a shape of a sideways "U", and touring being the widest to allow for comfort when used with wider, non-racing shoes during longer rides.

Initially used by triathletes to facilitate faster "transitions",[citation needed] Bernard Hinault's victory in Tour de France in 1985 then helped secure the acceptance of quick-release clipless pedal systems by cyclists.

Then, instead of loosening a toestrap or pulling a lever, the cyclist releases a foot from the pedal by twisting the heel outward.

Road cycling shoes are typically lighter than their mountain bike counterparts, and feature a protruding cleat and less weatherproofing.

Mountain bike cleats can generally be mounted without difficulty to road shoes although sometimes an adapter is required.

This can be highly important to prevent damage to knees, as most people's legs do not remain in a single plane as they pedal.

[13] Established bicycle component manufacturer, Mavic, introduced a magnetic pedal and dedicated shoe for casual riding in 2009.

For a short time in the early 1980s, Shimano made pedals and matching cranks that had a 1-inch (25.4 mm) by 24 TPI interface.