Recreational & Family - Platform pedals for recreational cycling?

Hello,

I would like to change the standard pedals on my Trek Hybrid 7200 for some pedals with more grip.
Clipless pedals are not my thing, as I have trouble putting my left foot straight on the pedal.
So I think platform pedals would be a better alternative for me?

Any ideas and/or advice on which platform pedals to buy? Or shouldn't I buy platform pedals at all?

Thanks !
Tom

Any platform pedal design that you like and is comfortable is what you need. Look online or at your LBS to see what's out there.
Here are a few online links.
http://www.nashbar.com/results.cfm?category=6000108&subcategory=60001181&storetype=&estoreid=&init=y&pagename=Category%3A%20Pedals
http://www.performancebike.com/shop/sub_cat.cfm?subcategory_id=10045
http://www.jensonusa.com/search/?s=pedals
http://www.bikeman.com/Platform_Pedals.html
http://www.rei.com/category/4500130

I like platforms with toe clips myself.

Platform pedals are fine and has never gone out of style or out-of-favor with many cyclists. Just look at what pedals people are using on any of your rides...the majority of the pedals will be variations of the platform design. The ability to wear any shoes/sandals (or none) for rec or commuting is very convenient and practical for most people. Only when you go to bike specific forums is where it takes a beating.

What type of or brand of platform pedals is up to you. Some like the old school rubber block pedals or 'rat trap' designs, while others prefer pedals with pins or toe clips/power grip straps. Platforms can also be found in different widths and lengths. Many can be disassembled for servicing/greasing and imho, should be and greased and adjusted before using...only takes a few minutes.

I used platform pedals for commuting for about 4 years and found them perfectly adequate. Get BMX-type with pins for extra grip and they'll be fine.

Alternatively, as others will tell you, Power Grips can also be useful, depending on which angle your foot naturally rests on the pedal. See if you local bike shop can give you a tryout with both choices.

Thanks, the BMX-platform pedals is what I meant.

The ones with the little studs sticking up should keep your foot from sliding around.

Go for something with sealed bearings (these will be noticibly smoother, move efficient and wear better) I bought some off ebay for about £13 (new from an e-seller shop) the same as these...

http://i22.ebayimg.com/01/i/000/f4/59/20d1_1.JPG

these are very grippy. I've added strapless clips too - you can use these with any shoes, and are a good compromise from being clipped in, and not being clipped in. A bit of practice and its easy to flip the peddle up and put your foot in (I mean after a week it will be second nature)

http://i4.ebayimg.com/03/i/000/b9/c8/673d_1.JPG I paid £5 for these


Clips make a big difference in efficiency allowing you to pull up and push down at the same time (better to use both legs for that though :lol: ), or at least lift your non-pushing leg so all your power is being used to push the bike along, and not used in lifting your other leg up!

Well, these are exactly the pedals I currently use on my bike but without clips. Don't know what to think about those plastic clips : they seem OK, but I want my feet to be 'free' on the pedal, meaning I want to be able to get my foot of the pedal without thinking : 'OK, now pull your foot backwards, then put it on the ground.' I know it sounds stupid.....

Well, these are exactly the pedals I currently use on my bike but without clips. Don't know what to think about those plastic clips : they seem OK, but I want my feet to be 'free' on the pedal, meaning I want to be able to get my foot of the pedal without thinking : 'OK, now pull your foot backwards, then put it on the ground.' I know it sounds stupid.....

Well that's the thing. no straps means the foot can come out sideways too. At the end of the day they are £4 to buy. Try them for a week and if you don't like them give them to the charity shop.

And I do know where you're coming from the cleated clip ins really take some getting use to, you have to remember to twist and pull, whilst falling off!

IMHO those pedals are about as grippy as they get - if you still sliding, consider what shoes you are wearing and whether a more grippy sole is the place to go?

I just bought the Odessy Twisted Pro from my LBS. They were $30 for a pair. I have plenty of grip, my feet fit on them, and they are comfortable.

Hello,

I would like to change the standard pedals on my Trek Hybrid 7200 for some pedals with more grip.
Clipless pedals are not my thing, as I have trouble putting my left foot straight on the pedal.
So I think platform pedals would be a better alternative for me?

Any ideas and/or advice on which platform pedals to buy? Or shouldn't I buy platform pedals at all?

Thanks !
Tom

Tom,

Have you ever seen Animal Hamilton Pedals? They are a BMX Platform pedal and have tons of grip. They might be just what your looking for. They come in a ton of different colors and are around $30-$35.

http://www.danscomp.com/465238.php#

Ray

OK, two possible solutions : standard pedals with clips or a decent pair of platform pedals with pins like the Animal Hamiltons.

Most of the time I wear Merrell hiking shoes with Vibran sole when I go cycling, & esp. in the wet they don't grip well, so maybe I should consider using other sole-types, yes.

One more question on the platform pedals with pins : won't the pins damage/destroy the shoe-soles?

Thank you all for the input, guys !

I'd like to get some Grip Kings, but they're rather spendy:

http://www.rivbike.com/products/list/pedals_and_so_on#product=none

I use these: http://www.bikeworldusa.us/Kore-Race-Pedals-Alloy-916/M/B000WY8OOI.htm
Pretty cheap, and I stick to them pretty well. Plus the pins are removable. They're a little heavy, and I know that some people swear by lightweight plastic pedals, but I personally prefer metal (stick to the pedals better IMO). If price were no object, I'd love a set of Crank Brothers 5050's with sealed bearings. Not sure how much you're looking to spend.

I'd consider switching to skate shoes. They actually do make biking specific shoes (FiveTen Impact, for example), but skate shoes are cheaper, easier to find, and perform almost as well (slightly less stiff so a little more power loss, and the rubber is likely a little different, but skate shoes have always worked well for me). And no, pins won't mess up your shoes, at least not any more than walking around wearing the shoes will.

Of course, what came on your bike was platform pedals. The wide ones with pins do have a bit more grip. I have a pair of Wellgo MG-1 on one of my bikes and those work very well. They are made of magnesium and are very light. My feet don't slide on them at all. And a pair of Sun Ringles on another.

http://www.fullcycles.com/popup_image.php/pID/688?osCsid=10a5f170518bfb122a39b0b4348ec682

I have a nice pair of cage pedals with the plastic toe clips as shown earlier. Didn't realize any noticeable benefits from the clips, outside of it being easy to position my feet properly very quickly. Downside was that when I felt like I wanted to reposition my feet, they made that difficult.

There are cheaper versions of these kinds of pedals, sold under brands like Cyclist Choice. Usually around $25-$30. Heavier, not quite as nice, but decent.

I like a good platform pedal. The ones with the pins stick to your shoes nicely, you can get on and off easily, you can wear regular shoes.

I'd like to get some Grip Kings, but they're rather spendy:

http://www.rivbike.com/products/list/pedals_and_so_on#product=none



the grip kings have nice support, but they are too slick imo.

Well, it's been a while, but I finally ordered a pair of decent platform pedals with pins !

TIOGA FLAT SUREFOOT MX PRO's ! They aren't cheap, I know, but the reviews were so convincing !
Ordered them from CHAIN REACTION CYCLES in the UK. Can't wait to put them on my TREK

Here they are :

http://www.chainreactioncycles.com/Models.aspx?ModelID=11363

SWEET.....:love:

I have recently installed some DMR V8s on my commuter, replacing some Wellgo metal cage pedals that have fallen apart.

I wear Hi-tec waterproof hiking shoes or Merrell sandals which have deep tread and the grip from the pedals is fantastic. The large size of BMX pedals provide particularly good support compared with my previous pedals.

The Tioga's are on the bike ! And I couldnt wait to try them last Saturday.
Enjoyed cycling in the early spring.

They really grip like mad ! Then I also purchased a pair of VANS-shoes. This combo really is awsome !
I never thought my feet would stick this good on the pedals, one happy customer here !:)

BTW:
Thumbs up for ChainreactionCycles in the UK for the fast delivery service

now watch those shins.;)

I have a pair of Wellgo City pedals that I put on last year:
http://www.rei.com/product/752213
They are wide with a good rubber grip area - no pins to attack your shins if you make a mistake.

RE: I've added strapless clips too - you can use these with any shoes, and are a good compromise from being clipped in, and not being clipped in. A bit of practice and its easy to flip the peddle up and put your foot in (I mean after a week it will be second nature)

http://i4.ebayimg.com/03/i/000/b9/c8/673d_1.JPG I paid £5 for these

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I installed a pr of these plastic "miniclips" this past weekend, but i think once installed the pedal length was too "short" front to back. I felt like I was pedaling on my toes. My feet were killing me after my frst ride, so I took them off again. Other than the pain, I really liked the whole concept (esp more stability while standing) and would love to find a way to use them. They didn't come with any instructions...I am wondering if there is some trick to attaching or using them that would improve my experience.

MKS pedals are excellent quaility and have tons of different shapes. Just google MKS pedals and you'll find something you like.

RE: I've added strapless clips too - you can use these with any shoes, and are a good compromise from being clipped in, and not being clipped in. A bit of practice and its easy to flip the peddle up and put your foot in (I mean after a week it will be second nature)

http://i4.ebayimg.com/03/i/000/b9/c8/673d_1.JPG I paid £5 for these




I installed a pr of these plastic "miniclips" this past weekend, but i think once installed the pedal length was too "short" front to back. I felt like I was pedaling on my toes. My feet were killing me after my frst ride, so I took them off again. Other than the pain, I really liked the whole concept (esp more stability while standing) and would love to find a way to use them. They didn't come with any instructions...I am wondering if there is some trick to attaching or using them that would improve my experience.


I just put a pair of these things on our tandem (Delta from Amazon). I am still getting used to them, but they do seem to set my foot back from my "normal" position, I don't know if that means they are bad, or that I've had improper foot position all these years. A few more miles and I'll pass judgement on them...

Oh yeah, I have to say they are much more rigid than they look for plastic, I was pleasently surprised.

It's a hybrid. You don't really need to maintain a certain "correct" look like a road bike rider might be inclined to do. Just the ordinary, inexpensive metal pedals they sell in ordinary bike shops for mountain bikes and hybrids should do the job very well. I don't think I've ever seen a bike shop that doesn't have some hanging on the wall somewhere next to the saddles, bells, pumps, etc. These pedals are likely to last longer than your bike will, and they will grip your soles very well. With any non-clipless or toe clip equipped pedal, it will help if you use shoes with an appropriate sole. It should have at least a little rubberyness so the teeth of the pedal can grip into them.