BMX pedals

BMX pedals are very easily split into two categories:

Flat or platform pedals

Flat, or sometimes named platform pedals, are the type of pedal that we are used to seeing on a BMX bike riding in the street at home. This is just a basic pedal that you can use with any shoe, and because you are not mechanically connected to the bike makes them an easier option to use for young riders.

In BMX racing in certain countries it is only allowed to use this type of pedal in the younger ages. There is an argument that it is safer, as the rider can easily put their foot on the ground to balance themselves, and that it is better for learning technique on the BMX bike.

When racing at high level it is recommended to use a pedal with sufficient grip, for this many BMX pedals use small steel pins to grip under the shoe. It is also recommended to use a shoe with a flat underside that allows the pins to grip the shoe.

Clipless BMX pedals

A clipless BMX race pedal uses a system that mechanically holds the riders shoe on the pedals. This type of system is regularly used in road racing and mountain bike racing. With this type of pedal the rider has a more connected feel with the bike and in some cases it makes it easier to jump the bike or to hop the bike when needed. A clipless pedal system very often also makes it faster for the rider to power out the starting gate.

There are many manufacturers of clipless pedals and the specific shoe that is required for this system. For using clipless pedals in BMX we recommend the rider only tries this once they have some experience of BMX racing, we don’t advise this for complete beginners to the sport.