The fact that many road bikes are still delivered without pedals has good reasons – and these are directly related to riding style, efficiency, and personal preferences. Understanding this is particularly important for beginners to avoid making the wrong purchase (and frustration).
Why racing bikes are usually sold without pedals
1. Pedals are not a trivial matter on a racing bike.
Pedals play a significantly larger role in road cycling than in everyday or trekking bikes. They influence:
In short: pedals are a key performance component – and extremely individual.
2. Every driver has different preferences.
While city bikes almost always come with simple platform pedals, road bikes offer a variety of pedal systems that differ significantly. Manufacturers would inevitably install "something" – and that often doesn't suit the rider.
Therefore, most brands deliberately leave the decision to the buyer.
3. Many drivers already have a system
More ambitious cyclists often already own pedals, cleats, and suitable shoes and want to continue using them on their new road bike. A pre-assembled pedal would then only incur unnecessary costs.
4. Price and weight
Pedals can easily cost between 50 and 200 euros or more, depending on the system. If high-quality pedals were fitted as standard, it would increase the selling price. Cheap pedals, on the other hand, are not suitable for the demands of a racing bike.
Overview of the most important pedal systems
There are basically three relevant options for road cycling beginners.
1. Platform pedals – the easiest way to get started
Platform pedals are commonly found on everyday bicycles. You ride with normal shoes, there's no need to clip in, everything feels familiar immediately.
Advantages:
Disadvantages:
👉 Conclusion: Okay for the first few meters, but not a long-term solution for road cycling.
2. Clipless pedals – the road bike standard
Clipless pedals connect the shoe and pedal via a cleat plate. The foot is fixed in place but can be released by twisting it outwards.
Typical road bike systems are:
SPD-SL (Shimano)
Look Keo
Advantages:
Disadvantages:
Special shoes are required.
It takes some getting used to (yes, almost everyone falls over at the beginning 😄)
👉 Conclusion: Anyone who seriously wants to ride a racing bike can hardly avoid clipless pedals.
3. SPD pedals – the compromise for beginners
SPD pedals (originally from the MTB sector) are very popular with beginners.
Advantages:
Disadvantages:
👉 Conclusion: Perfect for beginners who want to combine safety, comfort and everyday usability.
What road bike beginners should pay attention to in the pedal system
1. Safety first
Especially at the beginning, a smooth release is crucial. Many systems offer adjustable release tension – you should take advantage of this.
2. Suitable shoes
Pedals and shoes must be compatible. Road cycling shoes are:
SPD shoes are usually a bit softer and more suitable for everyday use.
3. Realistically assess the area of application
short after-work rounds → SPD or even platform
Longer tours & training → Clipless pedals
City + racing bike → SPD systems with dual-sided use
4. Don't be blinded by the professional.
Just because professionals use ultralight, high-end pedals doesn't mean they're suitable for beginners. Comfort, confidence, and control are more important than a few grams of weight.
Typical beginner mistakes – and how to avoid them
❌ Trigger sensitivity set too high
❌ Cleats incorrectly mounted → Knee pain
❌ Buying high-end systems too early
❌ No need to plan for an adjustment period
💡 Tip: Do your first click tests on a meadow or against a house wall – this will save you from getting bruises.
Conclusion: No pedals are not a drawback – but an advantage.
Selling racing bikes without pedals is not a cost-cutting measure, but a conscious decision for individuality . The pedal system significantly determines how safe, efficient, and relaxed one's riding experience is on a racing bike.
For beginners:
Those who make this conscious decision lay the foundation for many pain-free, efficient and, above all, fun kilometers on their racing bike.
