Why do expensive bikes not come with pedals?

Expensive bikes typically do not come with pedals because manufacturers allow riders to choose the pedal system that best suits their individual riding style, comfort, and performance preferences. This approach ensures that cyclists can tailor their high-end bicycles to their specific needs, leading to a more customized, comfortable, and ultimately more enjoyable riding experience.

While it might seem counterintuitive for a complete bike to lack such a fundamental component, there are several practical and performance-driven reasons behind this industry standard for higher-end models.

The Core Reasons for Omission

1. Personalization and Rider Preference

At the heart of the matter is the vast diversity of cycling disciplines and rider preferences. Just as a professional chef selects specific knives, an experienced cyclist requires a particular pedal system that aligns with their chosen riding style and objectives. By omitting pedals, bike manufacturers empower riders to make this critical decision, ensuring compatibility with their existing gear and preferred pedaling dynamics.

This personalization is crucial for:

• Riding Discipline: Road cyclists often prefer one type, while mountain bikers or commuters prefer others.
• Comfort: The interface between shoe and pedal significantly impacts comfort on long rides.
• Performance: Different pedal systems offer varying levels of power transfer efficiency and foot retention.

2. Variety of Pedal Systems

The world of bike pedals is far from "one size fits all." There are primarily two major categories, each with sub-types designed for specific purposes:

A. Flat Pedals

These are traditional, platform-style pedals that rely on friction and pins to grip the rider's shoe.

• Who uses them: Ideal for casual riders, commuters, beginners, and specific mountain biking disciplines (e.g., downhill, dirt jumping) where quickly dabbing a foot on the ground is crucial.
• Benefits: Easy to dismount, no special shoes required (though shoes with specific sole compounds enhance grip), and versatile for different activities.

B. Clipless Pedals (and compatible cleats/shoes)

Despite the name, "clipless" pedals are designed to clip in the rider's shoe, creating a secure connection between foot and pedal. They require specialized cycling shoes with cleats attached to the sole.

• Road Clipless (e.g., Look Keo, Shimano SPD-SL):
  • Characteristics: Typically feature larger, triangular cleats that protrude from the shoe, making walking difficult. Provide a very stable platform for efficient power transfer.
  • Who uses them: Road cyclists and racers who prioritize maximum power transfer and aerodynamic efficiency.
• Mountain Bike Clipless (e.g., Shimano SPD, Crankbrothers Eggbeater):
  • Characteristics: Smaller, two-bolt cleats that are often recessed into the shoe's sole, allowing for easier walking. Dual-sided entry is common.
  • Who uses them: Mountain bikers, gravel riders, cyclocross racers, commuters, and touring cyclists who need to walk occasionally or deal with mud and dirt.

3. Cost-Efficiency and Value

Including a generic set of pedals would add to the overall cost of an expensive bike, a cost that many discerning riders would rather avoid. Since most high-end bike buyers already own a preferred pedal system or plan to invest in a specific one, factory-installed pedals would simply be removed and discarded, representing wasted material and an unnecessary upcharge. By omitting them, manufacturers can keep the bike's base price focused on its core components.

4. Weight Savings

For high-performance road or mountain bikes, every gram counts. Pedals add weight, and elite cyclists or enthusiasts seeking the lightest possible setup prefer to choose pedals known for their low weight, often made from advanced materials like carbon fiber or titanium. Omitting them from the factory allows the rider to make this weight-conscious decision themselves.

5. Transitioning from Old Bike to New

Many cyclists upgrading to an expensive new bike already have their preferred pedals and cycling shoes. By not including pedals, the new bike is ready to accept the rider's existing, broken-in, and familiar setup immediately, ensuring a seamless transition.

Choosing the Right Pedals

Selecting the ideal pedal system is a crucial step for any cyclist, especially when investing in a high-end bike. Here’s a brief guide:

Ultimately, the absence of pedals on expensive bikes is a testament to the industry's respect for rider preference and the specialized nature of high-performance cycling. It allows for an unparalleled level of customization, ensuring that every rider can optimize their machine for their unique needs and aspirations.