What’s the difference between flat and clipless pedals?
Flat pedals are sometimes called platform pedals and provide a wide, flat area for your feet. While you can use these pedals with normal shoes, many flat pedals users prefer mountain bike specific shoes with sticky rubber soles to improve grip. Shimano takes this one step further with flat pedal and shoe designs that work together as a system, providing a larger interface between the pedal and shoe while optimizing grip.
The term “clipless pedal” is a bit of a misnomer and can be confusing to new cyclists. Clipless pedals work together with cycling-specific shoes that have cleats bolted to the soles. When you step onto the pedal, the cleat clips into a spring-loaded mechanism in the pedal for a secure attachment between your shoe and the bike. With an easy twist of your heel to the side, the cleat and pedal release and your foot is free.
So why are pedals that you step or “clip” into called “clipless”? In the early days of the cycling, many riders used flat pedals with metal or plastic cages at the front of the pedal that held the rider’s foot in place. Straps were used to tighten the cages down over the user’s feet and these pedals were commonly referred to as “toe-clips.” They were difficult to get into and out of while riding, leading to the development of the pedals known today as clipless.