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What are Egg Beater Pedals?
Malcolm Tatum
Malcolm Tatum
In the world of bike pedals, there are a several different types that are designed for various uses. Egg beater pedals are a unique design of pedals that feature cleats as part of the configuration. Made for use by serious biking enthusiasts, the egg beater pedals make excellent use of the energy expended during the pedaling process, providing the ability to do more than the usual thrusting down in order to propel the bicycle.
A first look at egg beater pedals will reveal why these unique pedals are given such a colorful name. Literally, the pedals look as if the egg beaters from an electric mixer were attached in the place of the standard platform pedals that come on most bikes. Constructed of stainless steel or titanium, they feature "wings" that hook onto the cleats of a cycling shoe, and eliminate some of the slippage that may occur with standard pedals. This means that the rider is less likely to have his or her feet slip off the pedals by accident. The presence of the wings, along with the circular design of the pedals, also means there is the chance for increased speed, generated by the fact that the bike is propelled by more than just pushing down on the pedal.
Because the wings lock the feet securely in place on the egg beater pedals, forward motion is created by both downward thrust and the upward motion that follows. This means that the rider can use both types of movement to achieve the level of speed that is required. As an added bonus, the usage of the egg beater pedals enhances the health providing aspects of the exercise. Muscles that would not receive much of a workout on a bike outfitted with standard pedals will be challenged by the need to thrust upward. The result is that more muscles receive a sustained workout during bike riding, which in turn leads to increased muscle tone in the legs and stomach areas, as well as helping to sustain a healthy heart rate.
Another advantage of egg beater pedals is they are ideal for biking in odd road environments. Often, this would involve running through mud and dirt that would cake on the platform pedals. The action of the egg beater pedals tends to give them a partial self-cleaning action, flinging away dirt and mud while riding. This aspect helps to make it easier to clean the bike after a long period of riding.
Malcolm Tatum
After many years in the teleconferencing industry, Michael decided to embrace his passion for trivia, research, and writing by becoming a full-time freelance writer. Since then, he has contributed articles to a variety of print and online publications, including Sports&Hobbies, and his work has also appeared in poetry collections, devotional anthologies, and several newspapers. Malcolm’s other interests include collecting vinyl records, minor league baseball, and cycling.
Learn more...
Malcolm Tatum
After many years in the teleconferencing industry, Michael decided to embrace his passion for trivia, research, and writing by becoming a full-time freelance writer. Since then, he has contributed articles to a variety of print and online publications, including Sports&Hobbies, and his work has also appeared in poetry collections, devotional anthologies, and several newspapers. Malcolm’s other interests include collecting vinyl records, minor league baseball, and cycling.
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![Egg beater pedals are a unique design of pedals that feature cleats as part of the configuration.]()
By: pershingEgg beater pedals are a unique design of pedals that feature cleats as part of the configuration.
Discussion Comments
So, these clipless pedals are basically a little bar instead of a the regular flat pedal design you find on most other bikes, right? I stand up on the pedals a lot while riding my bicycle, and I'm curious if these egg beater clip-in pedals would throw off my balance.
More importantly, doesn't the pressure right in only one spot on the soles of the feet put stress on the arch of your foot? Unless the soles of the specialty cleats with the little slots in the bottoms are really stiff, I know I would have trouble with that.
@Malka - I know the idea of mountain bike pedals that lock your feet onto the pedals is intimidating, but don't let that keep you from trying egg beater clip-ins!
The Crank brand egg beater pedal is a design that is known as "easy in easy out". That means that the clip-in wings come loose from the slots in the cleats really easily if the rider moves their foot off of the pedal.
You should be able to just make a kicking motion to get the clips to let go of your cleat, and with a bit of practice you can do it plenty fast enough to brace your foot to the side to stop the bicycle.
Some people think that egg beat clip-ins actually come loose a bit too easily, so if you're worried your foot will be stuck that should be reassuring.
As for sporting goods places letting you test out egg beat clip-ins, I really don't know much about it -- I got mine online.
@hanley79 - So Crank Brothers is a good brand? I'm looking into buying a pair of these, and since they're really expensive like you said, I want to make sure I get the right pair.
Are they hard to get on and off of? I mean, if the cleats lock into the wings on the pedals, doesn't that mean your feet are stuck to the bike? I'm a bit nervous about not being able to get my feet off of the pedals in time if I need to stick my foot out to lean on like a kickstand. I do that a lot when I stop my bike.
It's great to have some feedback from somebody who has really tried these. I wish there was somewhere I could go to try them out -- I wonder if any specialty bike shops or sporting good stores would let you test out a pair? I should look into this.
If you're serious about bicycling as a sport, sooner or later you're going to get yourself a pair of clip-in pedals. These pedals are so small that they give you more power and less resistance for your pedaling efforts.
When I finally decided to admit to myself that bicycling has become a serious part of my life, I asked around and learned about clip-in pedals and how they hook into the bottoms of special pairs of shoes.
My bicycling friends told me that the quality pro standard then I should aim for was a pair of Crank Brothers brand shoes with egg beater style clip-in pedals. At around a hundred dollars a pair, they're a significant investment, but they've been so worth it!
My egg beater clip-in pedals are made from brushed aluminum and brass. Since they're well-made, they come apart pretty easily to clean off grit and mud.
You can tell when a pair of egg beater clip-ins need cleaning when they start making a creaking noise; I usually get to that stage and need to clean mine after two or three seasons (fall and spring and such, not bicycling seasons) of use. Always clean them before considering replacing them -- they're expensive!
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