I previously shared the role a proper-fitting saddle can have in the enjoyment (and performance) of a cyclist. In today's article, I wanted to crank it up a notch.

Yes, cranking on the pedals is something every cyclist will do at some point. Having the right pedal attached to your bike makes all the difference in the world when it comes to energy output and efficiency of each stroke (the leg's revolution as it follows the pedal around the circle).

The first question to ask yourself: How attached are you to you bike (at least where you feet are concerned)?

Many pedals require riders to 'clip in' while those used by casual cyclists are flat, allowing the rider to slide their feet off and balance themselves at a stop sign, or on a steep incline.

I will have to admit that 'clipping in' to a pedal takes some getting used to, as does the feeling of riding as an extension of the bike. Most of these pedals have the ability to adjust the side-to-side play or 'float' to ensure that the cyclists ankles don't take on the undue stress of a less-than-perfect stroke.

Riders clipped in don't have to worry about their feet slipping off the pedals, so they are perfect for racing situations. Also, once the rider is used to the feeling, they can concentrate more energy into the power in the stroke, thus becoming more efficient.

Casual bikers, on the other hand, will often want the ability to have their feet free, especially if they are coming to a full stop in urban situations.

Almost everyone grew up with standard pedals, and you got used to hopping on and off your bike whenever the mood struck.

Many of the newer standard pedals have metal ridges, which provide better traction for the soles of various shoes.

On the other hand, if you want to be clipped in, you'll need special 'clips' to attach to your cycling shoes, and there are a multitude of brands out there, with most not compatible with one another.

Cyclocross offers the unique challenge of needing a pedal that provides a steady platform for which to lay down the power, but also a pedal that is easy to get in and out of when a rider has to carry his bike over, up or down obstacles or hills.

One of the most popular cyclocross pedals is the Crank Brothers Eggbeaters (since that is exactly what they look like). The great thing about these is you can clip in from four entry points, to get you back underway fast after a run up.

One of the questions I get most often from novice riders is "When you're clipped in, what happens if you have to stop quickly, or for more than a second?"

Well, if you can't anticipate a stop (for a red light, or a crowded intersection), a track stand is probably the answer.

A track stand is a way for cyclists to hold a position while being clipped in. Used mainly in track cycling, the rider balances with the front wheel turned askew, putting pressure on one pedal or the other, and compensating if there is a slope involved.

While I have seen many local cyclist who can track stand for minutes at a time, I'm afraid my prowess in this discipline is somewhat lacking, and more often than not, I'll have to unclip a foot and anchor myself.

Another question I get is "Have you ever fallen over when you couldn't get you foot clipped out soon enough?"

Again, being clipped in is something you have to get used to, and the sage advice is to practice riding clipped in on or near some grass, so that if you can't accomplish disengagement, at least your fall won't be too severe.

But yes, I have to admit that I've managed to fall over with the bike on top of me on a number of occasions, more often than not due to the fact that I was preoccupied with something just long enough to lose my balance while going 0-1 mile per hour. This is embarrassing enough if no one else is around, but if you happen to lapse with a group of friend around, the heckling will ensue and continue for some time. All in good fun, though!

Anyway, I hoped I've made the difference and function of each type of pedal a little clearer for you. Either way, get out there and ride!

Jerry Hitchcock can be reached at 664-8176, Ext. 2017, via email at jhitchcock@cdapress.com, or follow him on Twitter at HitchTheWriter.