All those who know what trial bikes are about are sure to tell you a whole lecture on the need to purchase contact pedals (KP). It is understandable, because in mountainous conditions it is important that the legs are exactly on the pedals and do not slide off them, and only the gearbox can provide such an opportunity.
What are contact pedals for a bicycle? Their device is quite simple. These are special pedals equipped with a rigid hitch mechanism with cyclist shoes. When the trialschik takes a seat on the bike, the spikes located on his bike shoes come in direct contact with the grooves on the pedals. Using the fastening system (based on springs), the feet are held in a fixed position. If you turn your leg, you can pull out the bike shoe from the locks, so during the trip it is not recommended to make any other movements with the feet, except for pedaling.
Widespread use of this device began only 23 years ago, when Greg Herbold, a rather well-known cyclist, first tried out shimano contact pedals, thanks to which he won many professional competitions that season. Since then, such a bike is a must-have for any trial person.
Contact pedals for a bicycle have three advantages. Firstly, it is a reliable bike shoe mount. Secondly, a high level of efficiency, since the energy with a rigid mount is completely spent on the movement. Thirdly, the ability to perform a variety of extreme stunts without the risk of losing pedals.
The first plus, however, is also a minus, since beginners can tear their skin when they remove their legs from the bindings. The reason is just the very sharp spikes that are needed to hold the feet. Only the long-term experience of using such pedals will help avoid injuries. But you need to learn, of course.
The second plus has no negative side at all. It will be useful for beginning trials, who just bought contact pedals for a bicycle. As a result of testing, it was found that when using them, it is possible to spend much less effort on riding, since energy is wasted, unlike the same pedals with belts, not wasted at all. This allows you to save your own strength and make longer bike rides in the mountains.
The third plus also has only a positive side. Everyone who loves extreme cycling and practiced stunts on ramps knows that first of all you need to be sure that your legs do not slip off the pedals. Earlier, before the appearance of contact pedals, many trial workers easily received fractures even when performing simple elements, since the feet often slipped due to the complete lack of attachments. Now, when it is possible to purchase contact pedals for a bicycle, injuries have drastically reduced.
So, based on the above factors, it will be useful for you to purchase contact pedals if you are a trial person or a mountain bike lover. If you are new to this sport, then be careful, as you can get very injured on the spikes of the mounts.