Clipless vs flat pedals: do I need clipless?
Direct answer · Cyclesite
Clipless pedals clip your shoe to the pedal through a cleat, giving a more efficient, secure connection, and they are standard for road riding and common on cross-country and trail mountain bikes. Flat pedals need no special shoes, let you put a foot down instantly, and are easier for beginners, commuting, and gravity mountain biking. You do not need clipless to start; many riders begin on flats and switch later. For longer distances and efficiency, clipless is worth learning, just expect a few slow-speed topples while you get the knack of unclipping.
Last reviewed: 2026-06-01
What "clipless" actually means
The name is confusing: clipless pedals have no toe-clips. Instead, a cleat bolted to the sole of a cycling shoe locks into a mechanism in the pedal, and you twist your heel out to release. Flat (or platform) pedals are simply a flat grippy surface that your shoe rests on, with no attachment.
Why riders use clipless
Clipless gives a secure, efficient connection: your foot cannot slip off, you can apply power more smoothly through the pedal stroke, and your feet stay put over rough ground and in sprints. That is why clipless is standard for road riding and popular for cross-country and trail mountain biking, where efficiency and a planted feel matter.
Why flats still win for many
Flat pedals need no special shoes, so you can ride in trainers, and you can get a foot down instantly, which is reassuring in traffic and essential on technical or gravity mountain-bike descents where you may need to bail. They are cheaper to start with, and modern grippy flats paired with the right shoes hold your feet surprisingly well. For beginners, commuters and a lot of mountain bikers, flats are the better choice.
Starting out and buying notes
You can absolutely start on flats and upgrade to clipless once you are confident. If you do go clipless, practise unclipping next to a wall first, because almost everyone has a slow-speed topple or two while learning. Remember that most road and performance bikes are sold without pedals, so budget for pedals, and for clipless add compatible shoes and cleats on top of the bike price.
| Feature | Clipless | Flat pedals |
|---|---|---|
| Pedalling efficiency | Better | Good |
| Beginner-friendly | Has a learning curve | Easy from day one |
| Foot down speed | Must unclip first | Instant |
| Special shoes needed | Yes (cleated shoes) | No |
| Best for | Road, long distance, XC/trail | Beginners, commuting, gravity MTB |
| Cost to start | Pedals + shoes + cleats | Pedals only |
Average used bike prices by category (UK)
| Category | Average price | Sample size |
|---|---|---|
| road | , | 1 |
Last updated: 2026-06-01
Related Questions
Do I need clipless pedals as a beginner?
No. You can start perfectly well on flat pedals in normal trainers and upgrade to clipless later once you are confident on the bike. Many experienced riders still prefer flats for commuting and technical mountain biking.
Are clipless pedals hard to use?
There is a short learning curve, mainly retraining yourself to twist a heel out to unclip before you stop. Expect a slow-speed topple or two early on. Practising against a wall for a few minutes makes it click quickly.
Do bikes come with pedals?
Most road and performance bikes are sold without pedals, because riders have a strong preference. Budget for a pair, and for clipless add compatible shoes and cleats. Many hybrids and kids bikes do include basic flat pedals.
Are flat pedals slower than clipless?
Marginally less efficient over long efforts, but for most riding the difference is small. Modern grippy flat pedals with stiff-soled flat shoes hold your feet well and transfer power effectively.
Find Bikes on Cyclesite
Browse 96 verified bikes with automatic stolen-bike checks on every listing. Transparent flat listing fees, no commission on classified sales.