Bicycle Pedals
Bicycle pedals can be confusing to the uninitiated, but they are actually very simple. There are essentially two kinds of pedals: platform and clipless.
Platform pedals such as the Wellgo 888 Quill Pedals are used by riders wearing regular street shoes and come on most every bike not purchased at a high-end bike shop. Toe clips can be attached to platform pedals to increase pedaling efficiency.
Road Pedals
Even though you clip-in to them, common road bike pedals are referred to as "clipless". They are the pedals that utilize a cleat to connect a cycling-specific shoe, which latches into the pedal with various spring operated mechanisms (depending on brand). Clipless pedals are a requirement for racing or fast recreational riding. Elite riders are often fiercely loyal to their preferred pedal, and different pedal brands are not compatible with one another. Look invented the clipless pedal and is an industry leader to this day. The Look 2009 Keo Carbon Pedals is part of their Keo line, which is one of the most popular clipless pedal systems. 
Shimano Dura-Ace PD-7810 Pedals and Time RXS Ulteam Carbon Ti Road Pedals are two top-level road pedals systems. Shimano Ultegra SL PD-6620-G SPD-SL Pedals and Time RXS Carbon Road Pedals are two of their mid-range counterparts.
MTB Pedals
Mountain pedals such as the Shimano PD-M540 SPD Clipless Pedals utilize smaller cleats which are less prone to gathering mud and more easily disengaged when the rider must dismount their steed to avoid an obstacle. Their smaller size makes them better suited for off the bike adventures. Mountain bike pedals are also used in cyclocross races. The Crank Bros Eggbeater SL Pedal is quite popular for the low weight and clever 4-sided entry mechanism.
Clipless pedals can be adjusted in two ways. Float refers to the amount, left to right, that the rider's heel can travel without disengaging the pedal. Float is designed to relieve muscle stress by making it possible to slightly change positions while maintaining pedal stroke, the amount of float possible is a matter of riders' preference. Tension adjustment adjusts the amount of force it takes to disengage the pedal. Elite racers may prefer high tension, to guarantee security during the hardest efforts. Casual riders may prefer lower tension to be able to unclick quickly when unexpected obstacles come about.
The most important step in pedal maintenance is cleat replacement. Worn cleats can disengage unexpectedly causing serious injury. We also stock replacement cleats for all of our pedals.
For any questions regarding pedals, clipless or otherwise, contact us at (800)682-0570 or sales@biketiresdirect.com.
