We recently learned something amazing: the first bicycles didn’t have pedals at all.
In the 19th century, you simply moved forward by pushing your feet against the ground. Imagine gentlemen in formal suits and top hats, and ladies in long, heavy dresses, whizzing through the streets on wooden treadmills.
It must have been quite a sight, but this mode of transport remained rather awkward and looked nothing like what we know today.
A brief history of pedals
Pedals didn’t appear right away, and at first they were very simple.
Chains didn’t exist yet, so the pedals were attached directly to the front wheel axle. One pedal stroke corresponded to one wheel rotation; to go a little faster, the front wheel was made enormous and the rear wheel tiny.
This is how the famous penny-farthing was born.
The cyclist sat very high up, struggled to keep their balance, and the slightest stone on the road could send them tumbling over the handlebars.
Everything changed in 1885 when Englishman John Kemp Starley introduced a bicycle equipped with a chain connecting the pedals to the rear wheel.
The wheels finally became equal in size, and riding became safe and comfortable. It was even called the safety bicycle.
This is when the bicycle we know today was born.
Different pedals for every cyclist
Nearly a century and a half later, pedals have come a long way, and the choice is far wider than you might imagine.
There are different pedals because we don’t all ride in the same way: some cross the city every day to get to work, others head out for a hundred kilometers on the weekend, and others simply love beautiful retro bicycles.
The first thing to do is therefore to ask yourself honestly:
How and where do I ride at the moment?
And if you have several bicycles, it’s very possible that each one needs its own pedals.
Most often, you choose between three main types.
1. Flat pedals — everyday simplicity
These are the direct descendants of the very first pedals: a wide platform on which you simply place your foot.
Modern models are made of aluminum or durable plastic, with small metal studs that prevent the sole from slipping, even in the rain.
You can ride with any shoes, and taking your foot off is as easy as putting it on.
Ideal for: the city, daily commutes, and leisurely rides.
2. Toe clips — the charm of classic cycling
This is a classic pedal equipped with a small frame and strap into which you slide the front of your shoe.
Your foot stays securely in place, and you can not only push down on the pedal but also pull it up, making your effort more even.
No special shoes required.
Toe clips come from classic cycling and remain popular with fans of track bikes, single-speed bikes, and retro styles.
Ideal for: fans of classic, track, and retro-style bicycles.
3. Automatic pedals — for going further
This is the most advanced option.
They require special cycling shoes with a small cleat under the sole that clicks into the pedal.
Your foot and the bicycle become one, and almost all the force of each movement is used to move forward.
To unclip, simply turn your heel outward, although it takes a little time to get used to.
They are chosen for road cycling, gravel riding, and long journeys, when speed, endurance, and proper foot position matter.
Ideal for: road cycling, gravel riding, and long distances.
The right choice is the one that suits you
Pedals may seem like a minor detail, but they are through them that you feel the bicycle with every rotation.
A well-chosen pair takes the strain off your knees and feet and makes every ride more enjoyable.
Still undecided?
Come and see us at the Routes & Roads workshop in Paris’s 13th arrondissement: we’ll help you choose and install the pedals that are right for you.
The Routes & Roads team
