Recumbent - Pedals Pins and Shoes

From all the pics posted here it seems that most bents feature platform pedals. Only a few-- mainly trikes-- employ clipless, and fewer still take toeclips. Obviously, it is harder to get your foot into these on a bent than on a DF, and there must be ergonomic factors involved as well, I guess. Anyway I swapped out the clippers on my LWB for some platforms taken off of my hybrid bike, but now I find it difficult to keep my feet in place, what with the rough terrain where I ride. Guy at my LBS recommended MTB style bear-traps, but I've also been checking out BMX jobbies, the kind with embedded pins. Couldn't find any info about what kind of shoe is designed for that, my search results mostly turned up those with SPD inserts. It would seem to me that your foot gear would need some specific kind of tread pattern to take advantage of the pins, otherwise it would be awkward and uncomfortable. Could any of you please enlighten me on this subject, or post your recommendations for good bent shoe/pedal combos? Thanks!

Nashbar mtb-style SPD clipless pedals with Shimano touring-type shoes with recessed cleats. Can't imagine not riding with clipless pedals.

The BMX-style platforms are often used with sneakers or Vans-type shoes.

I used SPD for a while, but due to foot pain switched back to the original pedals for a while. My feet would slip off in wet weather so I bought the BMX-style pedals with pins. I wear whatever footwear I want: sneakers, sandals, boots, whatever. The pins can slightly damage the bottom of the shoe over time, but my feet don't slip anymore.

I honestly can't think of any bent riders I know, bike or trike, that do not use some type of clipless pedal. They all seem to have differing opinions as to what type they like best: SPD, Speedplay, Crank Bros., Look, Time, etc., but the risk of foot suck pretty much makes their use a necessity. My trike has dual-sided pedals, platform on one side, SPD on the other. I keep them only so other folks can try out my trike without special shoes.

Just got a new pair of lake shoes with recessed spds. I took off the clips on one side of the pedals so I have platforms and on the other I can clip in the spds. Need the cleats for sure ! Summer I will probably get some sandals. Should buy em now there on sale lol. Had never used cleats or clips before , i'm just a casual rider and comfort is #1. The spds and the large platforms are where its at for me. they sell the same ones with clips on amazon for under $50. Feet remain very stable.

I use platform pedals with pins on both of my bents. I love them.

I have Wellgo MG-1 (magnesium) on one, and Sun Ringle Zu-Zu pedals on the other. They work very nicely with hiking shoes, my Mesa hikers stick to them like glue, never slide and never come off the pedals (at least until I want them to come off!).

Both of my bents are LWB designs, with low bottom brackets.

Here's a pic of the Wellgo pedals

Ha, I just this minute ordered those Wellgos in Black from eBay!

http://www.jensonusa.com/product/pe/PE703A02BLK_______916.jpg

Now I just have to find a decent pair of shoes, through the soles of which I won't feel each pin.

Thanks everyone for the tips and recommendations. I went with the pinned platforms because my right foot turns out quite a bit, which makes clipless pedals a no go for me. Not to mention that I can't walk in shoes with cleats.

Now I just have to find a decent pair of shoes, through the soles of which I won't feel each pin.

Thanks everyone for the tips and recommendations. I went with the pinned platforms because my right foot turns out quite a bit, which makes clipless pedals a no go for me. Not to mention that I can't walk in shoes with cleats.
Walking in recessed-cleat SPD shoes is not a problem for most.

Here's a tip: Avoid barefoot ridin' with your new pedals. :D

Couldn't find any info about what kind of shoe is designed for that, my search results mostly turned up those with SPD inserts. It would seem to me that your foot gear would need some specific kind of tread pattern to take advantage of the pins, otherwise it would be awkward and uncomfortable. Could any of you please enlighten me on this subject, or post your recommendations for good bent shoe/pedal combos? Thanks!

Quick answer is NOPE.

No need for specific pattern, just so it has a pattern. All of the pins don't fit into the patterned area, but the ones that do, do the trick. The ones not fitting into the patterned area still help also. You won't feel or notice the actual pins, unless you try and "slide" your foot. You'll find that it has gripped real well. Often I move my foot position slightly ( another benefit of pins....try that clipless ) I have to lift my foot slightly, very slightly to reposition my foot.

I am a huge believer of the pin/peg system.

Thanks.

Even with my Wellgo rubberized platforms on my LWB I have to lift my feet a bit from the pedals to reposition them, because it takes a certain amount of pressure on the platforms just to keep my legs extended in the first place.

From what I've gleaned so far, the only potential problem with the MG-1s might be that the pins can kinda chew up your shoe soles. Don't want to ruin my Merrels, the rubber on them seems pretty soft. The Giros I wear when riding in clips have fairly stiff, durable soles but still they are thin and I can feel everything through them. Hear that Five Ten are good but that the pins will still eat them; plus they are a little heavy looking for my intended Summer use. And the Vans don't look like they would be too happy slogging through the upstate mud.

Good thing my LBS is actually a sports store and specializes in shoes. They should be having a sale this time of year too, I suppose. :)

I used SPD for a while, but due to foot pain switched back to the original pedals for a while. My feet would slip off in wet weather so I bought the BMX-style pedals with pins. .

BMX only for me too- the rounded inexpensive ones with bungie cords added- mounted on the pedals to stretch behind the heel as slings. I had nothing but problems with SPD pedals. Now I just reach down, stretch the bungie behind my heel and when my foot is on the pedal; release the bungie. Sling and pedal/shoe pressure with a snap!

I didn't realise that they had recessed clips till I went to the bike shop to look at some shoes. The sole is necessarily stiff but they are a comfortable walk and the cleats do not protrude. Simply pull out the cover you see in the sole and mount the spd clip there is plenty of front back left right adj to get them in a comfortable position. I was amazed at the difference!! Search the web for BMX cleated shoes there are a ton out there.


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