What are clipless pedals, and what are their advantages and disadvantages compared to flat pedals?

Hey, talking about clipless pedals, they're great, but they do intimidate some beginners. Let me give you an analogy to make it clear.

Imagine it like the "click" mechanism on a snowboard where your boot locks onto the board. The clipless pedal system also consists of two parts: a pedal with special cleat slots, and a cleat that needs to be installed on the sole of a dedicated cycling shoe. When you align the cleat on your shoe with the pedal's slot and step down, with a "click," your foot becomes one with the pedal.

Compared to regular pedals (which we call "flat pedals"), its advantages and disadvantages are very clear:

Advantages of Clipless Pedals:

Greatly Improved Efficiency: This is the core advantage. Think about it: with flat pedals, you can only apply force by pushing down. When your foot comes up, it's essentially "hitching a ride" and not generating power. But with clipless pedals, because your foot is connected to the pedal, you can pull up with one foot while pushing down with the other. This way, you're applying power throughout the entire pedal stroke, making your ride feel more effortless and faster, especially noticeable during long rides and climbs.
More Stable and Safer Riding: On bumpy roads or when you suddenly sprint, your foot can easily slip off flat pedals, which can be quite dangerous. Clipless pedals secure your foot in the optimal position, so you never have to worry about your foot slipping off. This gives you a sense of "unity between rider and bike" and a more secure ride.
More Standardized Posture: Once set up correctly, the cleats ensure your foot lands in the same correct position every time. This helps develop proper pedaling habits and prevents knee or ankle injuries caused by improper posture.

Disadvantages of Clipless Pedals:

Learning Curve, Prone to "Zero-Speed Falls": This is the biggest reason beginners are deterred. Because your feet are fixed, you need to perform a "heel-out" unclip motion in advance when stopping. When first using them, many people, due to unfamiliarity, forget to unclip at traffic lights or when suddenly stopping, and then slowly fall over in place. We jokingly call this a "zero-speed fall." While it doesn't usually hurt, it can be a bit embarrassing. But don't worry, this is a rite of passage for almost every clipless pedal user. Practice on some grass for half an hour, and you'll develop the muscle memory.
Additional Investment: You not only need to buy a pair of clipless pedals but also a pair of compatible cycling shoes. This is an extra expense, ranging from hundreds to thousands.
Inconvenient for Walking: Clipless shoes typically have very stiff soles for better power transfer, and the metal or plastic cleat protrudes from the sole. This makes walking very awkward and causes a "click-clack" sound. They are only suitable for cycling, not for everyday wear or walking. Unlike flat pedals, where you can ride in any shoes and then walk around after reaching your destination.

In Summary:

If you only cycle for daily commuting, grocery shopping, or casual rides around the city, then flat pedals are perfectly sufficient and convenient.

However, if you've started to love cycling and want to pursue faster speeds, challenge longer distances (like dozens or hundreds of kilometers), or want to make your riding posture more professional, then switching to clipless pedals is definitely an upgrade that will "greatly enhance your power." That feeling of direct power transfer and unity with the bike, once you get used to it, you might truly never go back to flat pedals.