Utility Cycling - In praise of platform pedals...

I started commuting full time a little over a year ago, my commute is relatively short, about 7-8 miles round trip. I have been using clipless pedals and shoes (walkable mountain types). It never really bothered me to change shoes at the office, but it was a minor annoyance from time to time when going to other destinations where I didn't have back-up shoes waiting (and had to spend any long period of time on my feet).

I recently injured my foot somehow... still waiting to see a specialist to determine how it happened. I'm not sure if it is a repetitive stress injury from the clipless, or unrelated to cycling. Regardless, not wanting to aggravate the injury, I put platforms back on my Breezer for the duration, as I seem to be able to ride them without it getting worse (in fact the pain has all but gone away since).

MAN! I love platform pedals. For my short distances, I don't really see any serious advantages to the clipless setup. It's wonderful to hop on and off my bike and be in comfortable shoes all day. Walking around the store, downtown, shops, restaurants, ect.

I'm one of those gear heads who can get caught up in bike gadgets... but I'm so glad I rediscovered my platforms! Now I'm looking to take the clipless of my commuter fixie and go back to toe cages or power grips so I can enjoy the same kind of freedom on that bike too! :)

I love my platforms for just that reason - versatility. I would like to go clipless but due to injury can't. But in any case, the platforms are perfect for my varied lifestyle on the bike :beer:

I think I found a pretty good middle ground. The problem with platforms was that I would sometimes slip out of the pedal (when cranking hard, or standing up, or when there was moisture in the air). Anyway, I now use Power Grips (http://www.powergrips.com/). I can wear regular shoes and get out of them easily, but I have the benefit of being secured in the pedals when it would be dangerous to slip off.

You can get platform pedals that are clipless. I use the Crank Brother Mallet C pedal. There are others out there too.

BMX platforms..
Primo Tenderizers
:beer: x 1000 !!

The only way to roll !

Hey, KnoxBreezer! :) I got MKS sylvan touring pedals with Powergrips. I'm very happy with the set up.

I use platforms only in the dead of winter when I want to wear insulated hunting boots to keep my toes from freezing.

For all other times there's Shimano MO21 mountain shoes. SPD, but I can leave them on at work and I honestly forget that I'm wearing them, they feel like comfy sneakers.

I may think about getting dual-use ones; sometimes I just want to pedal down to the corner store, and having to go inside and get my cleated shoes on is a PITA. But OTOH, I don't like the idea of having to worry about which side of the pedal to use.

Hey, KnoxBreezer! :) I got MKS sylvan touring pedals with Powergrips. I'm very happy with the set up.
Hey, I just bought some MKS tourers as well! So I guess you'd recommend the power grips eh? I never knew about those, I kind of gave up on toeclips because I ride with hiking boots. Maybe those would work...

Anyone know if those are common over here in Yuurp?

I like all of the above. :D

I currently have BMX platforms and low gearing on my bad weather SS commuter. This bike also doubles as a lazy day errand bike.

I have SPD pedals on my geared bikes for the ambitious "go fast" rides.

I have used and enjoyed PowerGrips. They are the best of both worlds. I think they are a little less durable than the other options, but not too bad. I'm thinking of putting some on the fixed gear training bike I'm going to build this summer.

I have used and enjoyed PowerGrips. They are the best of both worlds. I think they are a little less durable than the other options, but not too bad. I'm thinking of putting some on the fixed gear training bike I'm going to build this summer.


Have you worn out a pair of PowerGrips? I've got some on my fixie right now, they've got about 2000 hard brakeless miles on them, and show little sign of wear (except on the tip of the arc, where they occasionally drag the ground). I thought they looked a little more fragile (coming from steel toeclips...), but I've been surprised pleasantly thus far.

Platforms certainly have their place, my cruiser has 'em. For anything I pedal over 90rpm, though, I feel more comfortable with something holding my feet down.

Hey, I just bought some MKS tourers as well! So I guess you'd recommend the power grips eh? I never knew about those, I kind of gave up on toeclips because I ride with hiking boots. Maybe those would work...

Anyone know if those are common over here in Yuurp?

Get the extralong powergrips if you are going to use hiking boots. At least for me the stock straps are too short to go over my boots easily and my shoe size is only a size 8 - a little wide though.

Have you worn out a pair of PowerGrips? I've got some on my fixie right now, they've got about 2000 hard brakeless miles on them, and show little sign of wear (except on the tip of the arc, where they occasionally drag the ground). I thought they looked a little more fragile (coming from steel toeclips...), but I've been surprised pleasantly thus far.

Platforms certainly have their place, my cruiser has 'em. For anything I pedal over 90rpm, though, I feel more comfortable with something holding my feet down.

They still work, but aren't as rigid as they were when new. They kind of lean over to the side and droop a bit. Takes a little more toe wiggling to get into them. I still like them.

Ahg... those MKS's are for tourists. The GR-9's, now there's a real platform pedal. They are basically GR-8's, plus one more. Put Power Grips on them and it could very well take it up to 11.

Yep.. I am a lover of flats as well, especially as I use an old pair of hiking boots in winter, I need something big to support them.

Wellgo MG-1 Magnesium Flat Pedals (http://www.fullcycles.com/product_info.php/products_id/688?osCsid=19b4a92d8074288957cb16bd874399bb)

They did cost a bit, but they are almost maintenance free, and the pins give good grip.

I like the look of those Powergrips however.

I use powergrips on all my bike pedals now, and am into it =)

I use ATB strapless clips on my touring bike as I use hiking shoes when touring or commuting.
Strapless clips keep you from slipping off your platform pedals, allow use of any type of shoe of boot, you can get your foot off the pedal preventing falling over and hitting the ground, and surprisingly close to the efficiency of strap in clips.
http://i143.photobucket.com/albums/r154/n4zou/fenders.jpg

Hey, KnoxBreezer! :) I got MKS sylvan touring pedals with Powergrips. I'm very happy with the set up.

Nice, a little retro with a new school spin. :)

How about campus pedals? I love mine.

Have you worn out a pair of PowerGrips?

I have... a few weeks ago I was pedalling along and my foot came flying off the pedal -- turns out the strap had pulled out from the bolt thing that sort of pinches it in place. When I tried to put it back, the bolt seized up and then snapped off.

I've been running regular toe clips since then... still debating whether to give the Power Grips another try. I didn't crash but it was a bit scary when it failed.

Get the extralong powergrips if you are going to use hiking boots. At least for me the stock straps are too short to go over my boots easily and my shoe size is only a size 8 - a little wide though.
Cheers, I was wondering whether I'd need the long ones. With UK size 10 boots, I think the answer's clear :)

Hey, KnoxBreezer! :) I got MKS sylvan touring pedals with Powergrips. I'm very happy with the set up.

I think you all have me convinced. I'm going to try this exact same setup on the fixie and see how it treats me. I gotta use the extra long straps for my size 12s... so the wider touring pedals are probably good too.

I wear comfortable SPD shoes all day long everyday so clipless works out just fine. Even for short distances Im glad its there

http://www.performancebike.com/product_images/250/50-2439-NCL-ANGLE.jpg

Clipless? I've never tried clipless. Probably never will, unless I'm going to race, or train for a race, either :D

In every bike I've ever ridden or test-ridden in my entire life, I've only used plain platforms, whether those be the "rat-cage" type pedals on old 10-speeds, plastic Wal-Mart bike platforms, beach cruiser platforms, or BMX platforms.

Just leave me be with my platforms without bombing me about how much power/efficiency/etc. that I'm supposedly missing out on with no clip-in systems. All those "I need my clipless on any ride over 10 miles" folks just sound downright silly to me. For one thing, I've done 40+ mile rides on plain jane platforms (no clips to speak of), and my feet were just fine! Honest! :p

I will try Power Grips on my next bike, however, though after reading Kent Peterson's arguments against the use of clipless pedals, I once again reiterate--don't think I'd be using clipless unless I will be racing. Road racing or triathlons. Just another area of maintenance (to avoid difficult clip-ins/enormously hard clip-outs) and proper set-up (to avoid foot hot-spots and float-related injuries) to worry about for a bike nut that's as lazy about maintenance as I am. Plus, I would have to buy a new pair of shoes that would fit the cleats for whichever clipless system I end up with, not to mention the fact that I'm too poor to buy an expensive pair of clipless pedals AND expensive shoes.

I'm too used to just hopping off my bike whenever I please to have to learn a specific way of jumping off the pedals.

Clipless? I've never tried clipless. Probably never will, unless I'm going to race, or train for a race, either :D

In every bike I've ever ridden or test-ridden in my entire life, I've only used plain platforms, whether those be the "rat-cage" type pedals on old 10-speeds, plastic Wal-Mart bike platforms, beach cruiser platforms, or BMX platforms.

Just leave me be with my platforms without bombing me about how much power/efficiency/etc. that I'm supposedly missing out on with no clip-in systems. All those "I need my clipless on any ride over 10 miles" folks just sound downright silly to me. For one thing, I've done 40+ mile rides on plain jane platforms (no clips to speak of), and my feet were just fine! Honest! :p

I will try Power Grips on my next bike, however, though after reading Kent Peterson's arguments against the use of clipless pedals, I once again reiterate--don't think I'd be using clipless unless I will be racing. Road racing or triathlons. Just another area of maintenance (to avoid difficult clip-ins/enormously hard clip-outs) and proper set-up (to avoid foot hot-spots and float-related injuries) to worry about for a bike nut that's as lazy about maintenance as I am. Plus, I would have to buy a new pair of shoes that would fit the cleats for whichever clipless system I end up with, not to mention the fact that I'm too poor to buy an expensive pair of clipless pedals AND expensive shoes.

I'm too used to just hopping off my bike whenever I please to have to learn a specific way of jumping off the pedals.
You do realise that you're defending yourself in a pro-platform pedal thread right?

Back in 1997, I was not able to unclip in time due to sticky cleats. I crashed my MTB down on my left side, fracturing my left femoral neck. I still have three stainless steel screws in my hip. Since that time, I have gone to platforms on all five bicycles. The novelty of one major orthopedic injury was quite enough.

If you own a pair of SIDIs, your feet will be happy - on, and off the bike. Okay, they are not slippers, or sandals, but man SIDIs are by far the best fitting, and comfy shoes on the market.

That's my opinion, so it must be right. :D I can't ride platforms.


... Brad

So for he folks that ride platforms w/ Powergrips, how do you feel the system performs in stop & go traffic? Is it a PIA to rotate the pedal around to get started?

Although I ride them un-modified on my other bikes,
riding fixt with straight platforms is not a great idea....
Here is a modded set of BMX'ers that are on my Fix :

Back in 1997, I was not able to unclip in time due to sticky cleats. I crashed my MTB down on my left side, fracturing my left femoral neck. I still have three stainless steel screws in my hip. Since that time, I have gone to platforms on all five bicycles. The novelty of one major orthopedic injury was quite enough.

I put straps or clips on everything I have (except the cruiser that doesn't go over 10mph) for almost the same reason. No surgery, but quite a bit of blood loss and a nasty scar on my heel from my foot slipping off a platform, as well as various other injuries, and coming less than 3 feet away from being run over by the car behind me.

So for he folks that ride platforms w/ Powergrips, how do you feel the system performs in stop & go traffic? Is it a PIA to rotate the pedal around to get started?

It's about twice as hard as a double-sided SPD, and 1/4 as hard as regular toe clips. You develop a system of stepping on the outside corner of the pedal (since that's where the strap isn't), and then sort of 'kicking' in to the strap. If all else fails, you just ride it like a platform until you get through the intersection, and try again once you're moving.

I've never had a problem, except when I wear sandals and the straps get caught in the grips, but that happens with toeclips too.

You do realise that you're defending yourself in a pro-platform pedal thread right?

Yes I do indeed! :D :D :D

So for he folks that ride platforms w/ Powergrips, how do you feel the system performs in stop & go traffic? Is it a PIA to rotate the pedal around to get started?

I don't think its so bad. Only time I had a problem was when I was doing my fixed gear experiments with them. It's tough to hook your foot in the loop when the pedal won't hold still. Of course the solution to that problem is to learn how to track stand.

So for he folks that ride platforms w/ Powergrips, how do you feel the system performs in stop & go traffic? Is it a PIA to rotate the pedal around to get started?

I ride with mine exclusively in stop and go traffic.

So its definitely a little more annoying thats straight up platforms, since there is a right side up... But, its MUCH easier than toe clips.

I found when the powergrips are new, its kind of annoying and I often just rode with one foot in, and the other foot on the platform side, until I cleared an intersection and had a moment to flip the pedal.

BUT,

as the powergrips wear, they tended to fit the form of my foot better and better, and often times i start pedalling, and found my foot naturally found its way into the powergrips accidently and naturally. After a few days of breaking in my feet almost always find their way naturally into the power grips as I get started, and only sometimes do I have to think about flipping the pedal up first.

Slap me down if I am wrong here, but as regard starting with these power grips... and do bear in mind I have not used them.

But pwergrips are something you can fit to flat pedals... yes?

So.. that being the case, when stopped and your foot is off the pedal, the weight of the powergrip will turn the pedal so that the side without the powergrip is upper most.. in short... a normal flat pedal?

So you set off from the lights... and only when you are moving use your toe end to flip the pedal and slip into the grip? So it should be no harder to start to pedal than a flat... and when safe you slip into the grip?

So for he folks that ride platforms w/ Powergrips, how do you feel the system performs in stop & go traffic? Is it a PIA to rotate the pedal around to get started?
In the beginning, it's a bit annoying. After a while, your body "remembers" what to do, and it becomes almost reflexive.

Nothing wrong with a good set of platforms. I still use them offroad and have been tempted to go back to them on the 'mutter

All I ever use is flat pedals, even when touring on my Trek 520, no clips or straps at all.

They are great, and I've never slipped off them. (exept when acting the goat, ie: look, no hands or seat!..etc etc)

I disagree. Cycling to work gives me a good workout and I prefer to do it on the same bike I do my weekend rides on, which is a road bike. I can shower at work and store my bike next to my desk so for me platform pedals are a step into the past and compromises, somewhat, the purpose of commuting by bike for me.

Clipless is the only way to go. :beer:

Cheers, I was wondering whether I'd need the long ones. With UK size 10 boots, I think the answer's clear :)
I wear US size 13, and I use the tightest holes on the extra long straps. In fact I'm planning to punch another set of holes one size smaller and see how that works.

So.. that being the case, when stopped and your foot is off the pedal, the weight of the powergrip will turn the pedal so that the side without the powergrip is upper most.. in short... a normal flat pedal?

So you set off from the lights... and only when you are moving use your toe end to flip the pedal and slip into the grip? So it should be no harder to start to pedal than a flat... and when safe you slip into the grip?
Not really. Mine hang 110-120 degrees forward from flat, so a little past vertical. Either side takes some work to get onto at that point. After a few months, it became a habit to step on the pedal with my foot moving back, which flips the strap up. The only problem is that the strap occasionally catches my toe and I have to take my foot off the pedal to reset it.

Have you worn out a pair of PowerGrips? I've got some on my fixie right now, they've got about 2000 hard brakeless miles on them, and show little sign of wear (except on the tip of the arc, where they occasionally drag the ground). I thought they looked a little more fragile (coming from steel toeclips...), but I've been surprised pleasantly thus far.I have steel toeclips and I'm interested in PowerGrips. How do the PowerGrips compare to toeclips?

I have steel toeclips and I'm interested in PowerGrips. How do the PowerGrips compare to toeclips?
Now, this comes secondhand from my housemate, as I've never use toeclips. She used them before her PowerGrips, and said there is no comparison. The PowerGrips were easier for her to get in and out of and she felt the were more efficient. They also don't mar shoes like toeclips can.

Now, this comes secondhand from my housemate, as I've never use toeclips. She used them before her PowerGrips, and said there is no comparison. The PowerGrips were easier for her to get in and out of and she felt the were more efficient. They also don't mar shoes like toeclips can. I have big feet. My toe clips never really fit that well - even with modifications.

Slap me down if I am wrong here, but as regard starting with these power grips... and do bear in mind I have not used them.

But pwergrips are something you can fit to flat pedals... yes?

So.. that being the case, when stopped and your foot is off the pedal, the weight of the powergrip will turn the pedal so that the side without the powergrip is upper most.. in short... a normal flat pedal?

So you set off from the lights... and only when you are moving use your toe end to flip the pedal and slip into the grip? So it should be no harder to start to pedal than a flat... and when safe you slip into the grip?

You are essentially correct. The only thing I can say against this method is that the powergrips can drag the ground when you are pedalling with the pedals upside down. For this reason, I usually would start with my right foot securely in the powergrip and try to hook the left side one on the first rotation. I'll admit to a quick little look down while doing this. Some people might not like that distraction in traffic.

I have big feet. My toe clops never really fit that well - even with modifications.
PowerGrips come in an XL size (http://powergrips.mrpbike.com/fs_show_item_details.php?item_id=6&search=&pg=show_brands&site_section=&secpg=&header=1). Good for winter boots, too. :)

Just leave me be with my platforms without bombing me about how much power/efficiency/etc. that I'm supposedly missing out on with no clip-in systems. All those "I need my clipless on any ride over 10 miles" folks just sound downright silly to me. For one thing, I've done 40+ mile rides on plain jane platforms (no clips to speak of), and my feet were just fine! Honest! :p


You seem to have a persecution complex. No one thinks your feet aren't fine.
I've done 80+ mile rides on platform pedals. My feet were fine also. But I also have the added perspective of having done rides with clipless pedals also. For a long or fast ride, I would choose clipless pedals every time.

If you're happy with platforms, good for you. Some aren't. You don't need to justify yourself to them.

My father in law is a hardcore clip user... he tells me he can 'toe and heal' with them? I am assuming this mean that in addition to pushing down on one pedal... he also uses the other foot to lift the other pedal, which I suppose means he is getting twice as much drive for his energy?

This is why I find the Powergrips interesting, I am not keen on having to actually ,ess abput and snap my foot on to a pedal, but I would give the Powergrips a try.

Anyone ever used toe clips with flipflops? I was riding after a rain the otherday and my flipflop slid off the petal and almost wrecked me. Sorry, I am in florida, I am not giving up the flops!! Not even for biking. Plus if I even owned a pair of non-work shoes, I wouldnt want to get them wet in the rain :)

Hey, KnoxBreezer! :) I got MKS sylvan touring pedals with Powergrips. I'm very happy with the set up.

+1, I love my MKS+Powergrips solution. On my folding MKS's and my MKS Touring Pedals!!!

PowerGrips come in an XL size (http://powergrips.mrpbike.com/fs_show_item_details.php?item_id=6&search=&pg=show_brands&site_section=&secpg=&header=1). Good for winter boots, too. :)I'm gona have to break down and get them.

You are essentially correct. The only thing I can say against this method is that the powergrips can drag the ground when you are pedalling with the pedals upside down. For this reason, I usually would start with my right foot securely in the powergrip and try to hook the left side one on the first rotation. I'll admit to a quick little look down while doing this. Some people might not like that distraction in traffic.But that is the same as toe clips - right?

But that is the same as toe clips - right?
It's the same issue