Hybrid Bicycles - Which pedals for Trek 7.5FX?

I use my Trek 7.5FX to get around a small university town ---several short rides a day in normal clothing and shoes (with maximum ride under 3 miles at a time). I dont like the pedals on my Trek 7.5FX ---a little small and flimsy in feel---but dont want the hassle of clipless pedals. (I have been reading posts here and understand how they are more efficient because they allow you to pull up on the pedal at the lowest point of the stroke. But, they aren't practical for my needs.)

Can somebody recommend other pedals? Should I look into BMX pedals? How are clips for riding around town in traffic?

Thanks

Your pedals are fine. Spend your money on weed.

Your pedals are fine. Spend your money on weed.

ROTFLMAO.......Haven't you done enough damage for today, go to bed !


on the pedals, just pick up a regular set at your local LBS, you will be much happier, Richard

The original pedals on my 7.5FX where wearing a groove in the sole of my shoes, so now I use combo (clipless/platform) pedals on my 7.5FX, but you might like these platform pedals:http://www.rei.com/product/752213 from REI on yours. I use the city pedals on my Trek Navigator which is my "SUV" bike. Any type of BMX pedal would be good, but you might want to get the type with removable pins, so they don't damage your shoes.

I would recommend getting Shimano A530 dual-purpose pedals. You'll have the option to ride on the flat pedal side with sneakers or clip in with your bike shoes for longer rides. I installed them on my Giant Rapid 1 and they are awesome.

but dont want the hassle of clipless pedals. (I have been reading posts here and understand how they are more efficient because they allow you to pull up on the pedal at the lowest point of the stroke.

I think that has been proven false. You can generate more power that way and sometimes that is helpful but it is more efficient to generate power on the down stroke and lift on the up stroke only hard/fast enough to keep that leg from fighting the one that is pushing down. Clipless pedals keep your feet attached to the pedal and allow you to do this without losing your foot position on the pedal and they allow you to extend your power stroke a modest amount which is efficient. They aren't needed for tooling around town. There are other options besides platform pedals (although many people are perfectly happy with platform pedals). PowerGrips and traditional toe clips will give you a lot of the benefits of clipless pedals and are slightly easier to use even though they too can trap your feet in a fall if you are not careful. I've been using a strapless toe clip on my commuter bike and I find that they give the best balance between the benefits of having a foot locating device and a tremendously easy pedal to get out of. I wish I could say they were my discovery but I was pointed to them by an internet buddy who has done 10's of thousands of miles of bike commuting in Chicago and now uses them exclusively for that.

Ken

I would recommend getting Shimano A530 dual-purpose pedals. You'll have the option to ride on the flat pedal side with sneakers or clip in with your bike shoes for longer rides. I installed them on my Giant Rapid 1 and they are awesome.

I got a set of these a week ago and they truly are awesome. Have only used in the flat mode to date, but I like have the option of a viable clip in it the need arises. They are much more substantial than the combo pedals that came with the bike and have really improved the experience.