Are clip-in pedals worth it?

First, the confusing name. Clip-in pedals are often called "clipless", which confuses everybody, since the whole point is that you clip in. Shops use both names for the same thing. A small metal or plastic cleat bolted to the sole snaps into a mechanism on the pedal, and you twist your heel outward to release.

What changes when you clip in

• Your feet stay put. No sliding forward on bumps, no foot bouncing off the pedal on rough ground.
• Pedalling feels smoother. You can push over the top and pull through the bottom of the stroke more naturally, which many riders find makes long rides feel more fluid.
• Stiff shoes. Cycling shoes with cleats have rigid soles, so the pressure spreads across your foot rather than concentrating on one spot.
• You feel part of the bike. On long climbs and fast descents, many riders love this.

The learning curve

Almost everyone who uses clip-in pedals has a story about falling over at a standstill, in front of an audience, usually at traffic lights. It is a rite of passage, it is embarrassing rather than serious, and it happens because you forget to unclip before you stop.

To make the learning gentler:

• Practise on grass or in a quiet car park. Clip in and out dozens of times, both feet, until twisting your heel out is automatic.
• Set the release tension low. Most pedals have an adjustment screw. Start easy.
• Unclip early. Get one foot out well before you need to stop, and decide which foot is your "down" foot.
• Use multi-release cleats if you can. Some systems, especially mountain bike style ones, offer cleats that release more easily in different directions.

After a few weeks, it becomes second nature.

Road versus mountain bike style systems

• Road-style cleats are big and sit proud of the sole. They're stable on the pedal but awkward to walk in; you'll waddle into the café like a duck in tap shoes.
• Mountain bike-style cleats are small and recessed into a treaded sole. You can walk normally, and they're easier to get in and out of. Many commuters, tourers and gravel riders prefer them for that reason.

If you plan to stop for coffee, sightseeing or a walk round a village, recessed cleats make life much easier.

When flat pedals make more sense

Flat pedals are not a beginner's compromise. They are the right choice for plenty of riding:

• city riding with lots of stopping;
• short trips in normal clothes and shoes;
• riding with children or carrying shopping;
• anyone who feels anxious about being attached to the bike.

The secret with flats is the shoe. A stiff-soled, grippy shoe makes a big difference to comfort and control compared with soft trainers. Wide pedals with small pins grip well too.

A sensible way to decide

Ride flat pedals until you know what kind of riding you love. If you find yourself doing longer road or gravel rides regularly, joining group rides or wanting more connection on climbs, try clip-ins. If you mostly ride around town, flat pedals and decent shoes will serve you happily for years. Our guide to your first long bike ride works with either.