Ask Pinkbike: Shock Tuning, Flat Pedals, Ride Tracking & More | Bike Flat Pedals

Looking for a more personal gift? Something special, perhaps even handmade? An elegant yet practical item that they’ll carry with them at all times and think of you whenever they use it? Well, if you were shopping for a normal person you might get them a wallet or a handbag. However, this is bikes we’re talking about, so the nearest equivalent is a really fine tool roll.

Last year, David Hayward put together a brilliant introductory piece to flat pedals for those interested in those benefits. He also tested no fewer than 17 flat pedals to find out which were the grippiest, the toughest and the best value.

The newer Speedplay Aero Walkable cleat has taken the pedal system from being horrible to walk with, to one that’s pretty decent.

Really I’d only recommend them to riders who will find that learning curve worth the touch of extra speed off the lights or side of the road. To me it was.

The A600s also provide a reassuringly secure hold, they’re as easy to engage as conventional road pedals since the body always hangs at the right angle, there’s ample tangible and audible feedback from the entry and release, and there’s a good range of tension adjustment on tap as well.

When it comes to choosing the right flat pedal, there are a lot of factors to consider.  At the end of the day, it boils down to personal preference both in feel and aesthetics.

You’re pretty much guaranteed to live your life at a slower pace in sandals, so I wouldn’t be surprised if someone claims they’re the next must-have accessory for a more wholesome life on a bike.

• The number of bike commuters seen during my one-way, 35-minute commute is up, from low single digits to not-as-low single digits.

There isn’t a triple option for EPS. In fact I don’t think there’s a triple option for any e-shifting system.

I switched last year to PowerTap P1 pedals, which require Keo cleats and just used the old pedals in the winter, because I still have SPD winter boots.

The Hellcats work fine, even with Eggbeater pedals. However, they feel even better with a clipless pedal with a bit more platform. photo: Leah Barber

(Note: this is an especially thoughtful gift if the person you’re shopping for is a roadie, since when left to their own devices, roadies won’t do anything to help anybody.)