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Step 1
Determine your budget. Like all bicycling gear, there is a wide price range for pedals. And, if you choose clip-less pedals, you will need to purchase biking shoes with cleats in them. Make sure to consider that cost in determining what you can afford.
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Step 2
Stick with the standard flat mountain bike pedals that come on your bike only if you don't plan to ride your bike very often and will only ride for short distances.
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Step 3
Consider pedals with toe clips and straps for if you are on a limited budget and cannot afford clipless pedals and the accompanying cycling shoes or only take short trips on your bike and don't want to have to change shoes. Toe clips are a plastic "cage" that are on the front of the pedals. You slide your foot in to the toe clip and it keeps your foot from slipping off the pedal.
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Step 4
Consider clipless pedals with platforms for more serious biking. The pedal clips on to the cleat on the bottom of your cycling shoe, to lock you onto your bike. The platforms are great when you reach an area where you want your feet out of the pedals quickly. (See related eHow article titled "How to Use Clipless Pedals.”)
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Step 5
Upgrade to a clipless pedal without a platform once you have the hang of riding clipless. These are the lightest weight pedals for your bike.
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Step 6
Shop online at websites like Brands Cycle for great deals on clipless pedals and cycling shoes. See Resources section for links
