Go Back  Bike Forums > Bike Forums > Clydesdales/Athenas (200+ lb / 91+ kg)
Reload this Page >

Having trouble with keeping foot on pedal

Notices
Clydesdales/Athenas (200+ lb / 91+ kg) Looking to lose that spare tire? Ideal weight 200+? Frustrated being a large cyclist in a sport geared for the ultra-light? Learn about the bikes and parts that can take the abuse of a heavier cyclist, how to keep your body going while losing the weight, and get support from others who've been successful.

Having trouble with keeping foot on pedal

Old 12-15-13, 04:21 PM
  #1  
Newbie
Thread Starter
 
Join Date: Nov 2013
Posts: 3
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 0 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 0 Times in 0 Posts
Having trouble with keeping foot on pedal

Hi guys!

This is my first post. I'm just getting back into cycling after a many decade layoff. I'm 62 and weigh about 230, 5'7" tall or short, depending on your opinion I just purchased a Cannondale Trail 5. Right now, my wife and I are only riding on roadways and smooth gravel trails.

Here's my problem. I've got an artificial left knee. Due to the tendons being a bit tighter than the original, I can't get as much flex as I really need to pedal efficiently. This will change as I progress on my biking, but for now, my left foot keeps slipping forward until I'm pedaling on my heel. I can re-adjust my footing as I ride, but it's really inefficient.

I've tried riding with toe clips in the past and find them really dangerous for me, I can't seem to get my feet out of them very easily when I stop, so I'm not interested in using them. But I have never tried clipless shoes and pedals. I have no idea how easy it is to get in and out of them, and for that matter, if they would even work in my situation.

Any thoughts?

Jerry
henkelphoto is offline  
Old 12-15-13, 05:15 PM
  #2  
Senior Member
 
the fly's Avatar
 
Join Date: Jan 2013
Location: the wall
Posts: 144
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 0 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 1 Time in 1 Post
I've used SPD and Look imitations, and both were able to be adjusted for ease of release. In fact, I need to tighten up my Look imitations, as it really is too easy to unclip. It really becomes second nature getting in and out. Still haven't perfected the trackstand, but alot of stops I don't have to put my foot down, so there's that as well.
the fly is offline  
Old 12-15-13, 05:55 PM
  #3  
Lover of Old Chrome Moly
 
Myosmith's Avatar
 
Join Date: May 2011
Location: NW Minnesota
Posts: 2,949
Mentioned: 3 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 143 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 23 Times in 17 Posts
I use double-sided pedals with SPD on one side and platform on the other. Adjust your SPD pedals to the lightest tension and get the multi-release SPD cleats. With this setup I've never had a failed clipout, even with an unexpected or panic stop as even the natural sidestep to put a foot down releases the cleat with only light pressure. The only natural foot motion that doesn't result in easy release is pedaling and I've never had an accidental clipout.
Myosmith is offline  
Old 12-17-13, 10:50 AM
  #4  
Senior Member
 
BeginnerCycling's Avatar
 
Join Date: Sep 2010
Posts: 93
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 1 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 0 Times in 0 Posts
You might try something like Delta Bicycle Strapless Toeclips -- keeps your toes from sliding forward, but you're not strapped in.
BeginnerCycling is offline  
Old 12-17-13, 08:37 PM
  #5  
Senior Member
 
exile's Avatar
 
Join Date: Mar 2008
Location: Binghamton, NY
Posts: 2,896

Bikes: Workcycles FR8, 2016 Jamis Coda Comp, 2008 Surly Long Haul Trucker

Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 2 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 6 Times in 5 Posts
I use Power Grips with some MKS Lambda pedals. I'm not sure if they will work for you but I like them enough to have them on both my bikes.
exile is offline  
Old 12-17-13, 10:09 PM
  #6  
The Left Coast, USA
 
FrenchFit's Avatar
 
Join Date: Feb 2008
Posts: 3,757

Bikes: Bulls, Bianchi, Koga, Trek, Miyata

Mentioned: 8 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 361 Post(s)
Liked 25 Times in 18 Posts
What you want are mini plastic toe clips,or half clips, like these on eBay

https://www.ebay.com/sch/i.html?_trks...at=0&_from=R40

Essentially, they keep your foot from sliding forward but don't limit you when removing your foot from the pedal sideways. They work like gangbusters, they're cheap and virtually indestructible.
FrenchFit is offline  
Old 12-17-13, 10:35 PM
  #7  
Senior Member
 
c_m_shooter's Avatar
 
Join Date: Sep 2006
Location: Paradise, TX
Posts: 2,087

Bikes: Soma Pescadero, Surly Pugsley, Salsa Fargo, Schwinn Klunker, Gravity SS 27.5, Monocog 29er

Mentioned: 1 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 186 Post(s)
Liked 234 Times in 166 Posts
If you are scared of toeclips, you may be better off with a good set of BMX platform pedals. They will have a larger platform than your stockers and replacable metal pins that dig into your shoes and hold on.
c_m_shooter is offline  
Old 12-18-13, 09:10 AM
  #8  
Senior Member
 
JReade's Avatar
 
Join Date: Sep 2010
Location: Oregon City, OR
Posts: 1,617
Mentioned: 4 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 95 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 3 Times in 3 Posts
I feel like you may have a few additional problems with the fake knee and the clipless pedals. I'm not sure how your range of motion is, but it requires a rotation outward with your ankle (and some knee twist) to get them to unclip. I'd say half clips like FrenchFit said. You won't get the efficiency of clips/straps or clipless, but it'll be better than your foot sliding off. It may help stretch out your knee a little too.
JReade is offline  
Old 12-18-13, 09:27 AM
  #9  
Custom User Title
 
RPK79's Avatar
 
Join Date: May 2013
Location: SE MN
Posts: 11,239

Bikes: Fuji Roubaix Pro & Quintana Roo Kilo

Mentioned: 40 Post(s)
Tagged: 1 Thread(s)
Quoted: 2863 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 31 Times in 14 Posts
Originally Posted by FrenchFit
What you want are mini plastic toe clips,or half clips, like these on eBay

https://www.ebay.com/sch/i.html?_trks...at=0&_from=R40

Essentially, they keep your foot from sliding forward but don't limit you when removing your foot from the pedal sideways. They work like gangbusters, they're cheap and virtually indestructible.
I used similar before making the leap to clipless. Much better than just using a platform alone.
RPK79 is offline  
Old 12-18-13, 10:53 AM
  #10  
That guy from the Chi
 
Chitown_Mike's Avatar
 
Join Date: Jul 2012
Location: Chicago
Posts: 1,009

Bikes: 88 Trek 800 - gone to new cheeks; '14 Trek 1.2 - aka The X1 Advanced; '13 Trek 3500 Disc

Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 13 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 2 Times in 1 Post
Originally Posted by Myosmith
I use double-sided pedals with SPD on one side and platform on the other. Adjust your SPD pedals to the lightest tension and get the multi-release SPD cleats. With this setup I've never had a failed clipout, even with an unexpected or panic stop as even the natural sidestep to put a foot down releases the cleat with only light pressure. The only natural foot motion that doesn't result in easy release is pedaling and I've never had an accidental clipout.

What dual sided pedals do you use? I want to get a set for my commuter once I get a new road bike. Basically I want to ride the commuter without cleats if I want, or throw them on and go to town. Haven't found a pedal that seems to have reputable quality or uses some weirdo cleat that isn't made for a road bike without going to the same pedals.
Chitown_Mike is offline  
Old 12-18-13, 01:50 PM
  #11  
Senior Member
 
Join Date: Aug 2009
Location: North of Boston
Posts: 5,721

Bikes: Kona Dawg, Surly 1x1, Karate Monkey, Rockhopper, Crosscheck , Burley Runabout,

Mentioned: 10 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 854 Post(s)
Liked 111 Times in 66 Posts
Try some good mountain bike/skate shoes like vans or 661. They have a sticky soft compound on the bottom with a stiff sole. Pair with a good quality flat pedal with steel pins. Should not slip. Some other good suggestions here as well.
Leebo is offline  
Old 12-18-13, 03:14 PM
  #12  
Senior Member
 
BeginnerCycling's Avatar
 
Join Date: Sep 2010
Posts: 93
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 1 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 0 Times in 0 Posts
As for shoes, after hearing everyone rave about FiveTen mountain biking shoes I recently got some FiveTen Freerider shoes and (even though I was a bit skeptical). I have to say, they stick to my MTB pedals (cheap Diamondback Sound with pins) more than I could have imagined, and have just the right amount of stiffness in the sole.
BeginnerCycling is offline  
Old 12-18-13, 04:37 PM
  #13  
Shredding Grandma!
 
Pamestique's Avatar
 
Join Date: Jun 2006
Location: So Cal
Posts: 4,803

Bikes: I don't own any bikes

Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 46 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 0 Times in 0 Posts
Originally Posted by c_m_shooter
If you are scared of toeclips, you may be better off with a good set of BMX platform pedals. They will have a larger platform than your stockers and replacable metal pins that dig into your shoes and hold on.
Although I usually recommend a clipless system, I think with your limitations this is your best best. Buy a good shoe (the Five Ten mentioned above is exactly what I mean) that is meant for the pedal and you should have no problem. A number of my friends use these pedals with good result. One of my friends is scheduled for knee replacement and this is the only system that works for her.
__________________
______________________________________________________________

Private docent led mountain bike rides through Limestone Canyon. Go to letsgooutside.org and register today! Also available: hikes, equestrian rides and family events as well as trail maintenance and science study.
Pamestique is offline  
Old 12-18-13, 04:46 PM
  #14  
Galveston County Texas
 
10 Wheels's Avatar
 
Join Date: Nov 2007
Location: In The Wind
Posts: 33,218

Bikes: 02 GTO, 2011 Magnum

Mentioned: 18 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 1346 Post(s)
Liked 1,234 Times in 615 Posts
Originally Posted by henkelphoto
Hi guys! This is my first post. I'm just getting back into cycling after a many decade layoff. I'm 62 and weigh about 230, 5'7" tall or short, depending on your opinion I just purchased a Cannondale Trail 5. Right now, my wife and I are only riding on roadways and smooth gravel trails. Here's my problem. I've got an artificial left knee. Due to the tendons being a bit tighter than the original, I can't get as much flex as I really need to pedal efficiently. This will change as I progress on my biking, but for now, my left foot keeps slipping forward until I'm pedaling on my heel. I can re-adjust my footing as I ride, but it's really inefficient. I've tried riding with toe clips in the past and find them really dangerous for me, I can't seem to get my feet out of them very easily when I stop, so I'm not interested in using them. But I have never tried clipless shoes and pedals. I have no idea how easy it is to get in and out of them, and for that matter, if they would even work in my situation. Any thoughts?

Jerry

57,000 miles like this: You don't need Straps.



https://store.velo-orange.com/index.p...alf-clips.html
__________________
Fred "The Real Fred"

10 Wheels is offline  
Old 12-18-13, 04:58 PM
  #15  
Grillparzer
 
Grillparzer's Avatar
 
Join Date: Aug 2009
Location: Silver Spring, MD
Posts: 643

Bikes: Surly Cross Check

Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 4 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 2 Times in 1 Post
Originally Posted by henkelphoto
Hi guys!

This is my first post. I'm just getting back into cycling after a many decade layoff. I'm 62 and weigh about 230, 5'7" tall or short, depending on your opinion I just purchased a Cannondale Trail 5. Right now, my wife and I are only riding on roadways and smooth gravel trails.

Here's my problem. I've got an artificial left knee. Due to the tendons being a bit tighter than the original, I can't get as much flex as I really need to pedal efficiently. This will change as I progress on my biking, but for now, my left foot keeps slipping forward until I'm pedaling on my heel. I can re-adjust my footing as I ride, but it's really inefficient.

I've tried riding with toe clips in the past and find them really dangerous for me, I can't seem to get my feet out of them very easily when I stop, so I'm not interested in using them. But I have never tried clipless shoes and pedals. I have no idea how easy it is to get in and out of them, and for that matter, if they would even work in my situation.

Any thoughts?

Jerry
Post this question in the Adaptive Cycling forum as well, there may be potential solutions to your problem of which we're unaware. I use a pair of Crankbrothers 5050 pedals on my commuter and have been very impressed with them. They're platform pedals, wider than they are long, with a great grip no matter what type of shoe I wear.
Grillparzer is offline  
Old 12-18-13, 08:53 PM
  #16  
Lover of Old Chrome Moly
 
Myosmith's Avatar
 
Join Date: May 2011
Location: NW Minnesota
Posts: 2,949
Mentioned: 3 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 143 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 23 Times in 17 Posts
Originally Posted by Chitown_Mike
What dual sided pedals do you use? I want to get a set for my commuter once I get a new road bike. Basically I want to ride the commuter without cleats if I want, or throw them on and go to town. Haven't found a pedal that seems to have reputable quality or uses some weirdo cleat that isn't made for a road bike without going to the same pedals.
I have Shimano A530 pedals on my touring/commuter bike which has since turned gravel grinder. The A530 is a great touring/commuter pedal but can be a bit slick on the platform side if you have wet or muddy shoes or shoes without much grip. The PD-M324 might be better for slip resistance but might be a little less comfortable in street shoes. Either would work just fine for a commuter. Both use the SPD cleat system and I only own walkable MTB shoes that look a lot like regular athletic shoes. As long as you use the multi-position release cleat SH56 and set the retention on the pedals to a light setting, clipping out is almost instinctive, even in an emergency stop or if you have to put a foot down quick in squirrely conditions. Most shoes come with single release cleats, but it's an easy swap. I like walkable MTB shoes for several reasons: they are comfortable, they are easy to walk in, they look just like a standard athletic shoe so they don't look out of place with non-cycling clothing like I wear when commuting, touring, or pleasure riding. The only tell-tale that they aren't regular sports shoes is the slight click of the cleat when walking on hard surfaces like tile or concrete.



The multi-release SPD cleat, A530 pedals, PD-M324 pedal, and an example of a MTB shoe that looks like an athletic shoe.
Myosmith is offline  
Old 12-18-13, 10:37 PM
  #17  
Senior Member
 
Join Date: Jan 2005
Location: North DFW Metroplex
Posts: 122
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 2 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 0 Times in 0 Posts
Another vote for toe clips, and not using clipless. Like mentioned, the clipless may be a bit problematic. I tried 3 different clipless systems over the years.....always had hot spots or knee pain somewhere (even with a bike fitting).....gave up on trying anymore. Platform BMX pedals (almost exactly what 10 Wheels showed), and Keen Sandals.....couldn't be happier (except for the weird tan lines ).

We use a setup similar to what 10 Wheels posted (only plastic pedals/toe clips) on 4 bikes in our household. On each of my daughter's MTB bikes (elementary aged), and on the rear of 2 of our tandems (where the daughters stoker). We originally put the setup on the tandems to keep their feet on the pedals while my wife and I captained as we rode as a family (two tandems, one for me and a daughter, one for wife and a daughter). The girls liked them so much they wanted them on their MTB bikes (more urban commuter than MTB'ing so far).

Hope that helps! Let us know what ends up working.
hartphoto is offline  
Old 12-21-13, 10:28 PM
  #18  
Senior Member
 
SeanBlader's Avatar
 
Join Date: Aug 2012
Location: Campbell, CA 95008
Posts: 257

Bikes: 2013 Specialized Tarmac SL4 Di2

Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 0 Post(s)
Liked 6 Times in 1 Post
I have to add my vote for SPD clipless pedals as well, many of them can be set to be really easy to step out of, while also keeping you feeling secure while on the bike. Highly recommended. I rode the dual SPD/platform for a while, and when I was wearing sneakers on the platform side, I kinda regretted it after having been clipped in for so may prior rides. You get used to it. Have yet in a year of using them to fail to unclip and fall all the way over.
SeanBlader is offline  
Old 12-21-13, 11:37 PM
  #19  
Senior Member
 
Join Date: Oct 2013
Posts: 87
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 0 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 0 Times in 0 Posts
+1, multiple release cleats, number 56. Work great.
MacNasty is offline  
Old 12-23-13, 09:46 AM
  #20  
Newbie
Thread Starter
 
Join Date: Nov 2013
Posts: 3
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 0 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 0 Times in 0 Posts
Hi guys! Wow, what a bunch of responses!

Sorry I haven't been back on the site recently to reply, been busy with all the stuff for Christmas, work, etc. Clipless sounds like a bad idea at this time. And I've been out at the local bike shops with no luck trying to find shoes that will fit my wide feet. So, it looks like those little plastic clips are the bet option for me.

I did find an old pair of fabric hiking boots in the back of my closet with an extremely soft sole that has worked for the past week for me with the stock pedals. I'm thinking of trying that for a while and see how they do, but if they don't do the job, I think I'm going to go with those little plastic toe clips. Thanks Frenchfit!

And Grillparza, thanks for the suggestion to post in the adaptive forum, I've just been on here for a few visits and didn't even notice that forum till you mentioned it!

Jerry
henkelphoto is offline  
Old 12-23-13, 01:29 PM
  #21  
Humvee of bikes =Worksman
 
Nightshade's Avatar
 
Join Date: May 2004
Posts: 5,362
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 10 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 6 Times in 6 Posts
Originally Posted by henkelphoto
Hi guys!

This is my first post. I'm just getting back into cycling after a many decade layoff. I'm 62 and weigh about 230, 5'7" tall or short, depending on your opinion I just purchased a Cannondale Trail 5. Right now, my wife and I are only riding on roadways and smooth gravel trails.

Here's my problem. I've got an artificial left knee. Due to the tendons being a bit tighter than the original, I can't get as much flex as I really need to pedal efficiently. This will change as I progress on my biking, but for now, my left foot keeps slipping forward until I'm pedaling on my heel. I can re-adjust my footing as I ride, but it's really inefficient.

I've tried riding with toe clips in the past and find them really dangerous for me, I can't seem to get my feet out of them very easily when I stop, so I'm not interested in using them. But I have never tried clipless shoes and pedals. I have no idea how easy it is to get in and out of them, and for that matter, if they would even work in my situation.

Any thoughts?

Jerry
Consider these BMX pedals to solve your slipping problem without tying your feet to the pedals (a really bad idea).

https://www.nashbar.com/bikes/Product...2_549650_-1___

I use a earlier model of this pedal on all my biked find that they work very well with my knee implants.
__________________
My preferred bicycle brand is.......WORKSMAN CYCLES
I dislike clipless pedals on any city bike since I feel they are unsafe.

Originally Posted by krazygluon
Steel: nearly a thousand years of metallurgical development
Aluminum: barely a hundred, which one would you rather have under your butt at 30mph?
Nightshade is offline  
Old 12-28-13, 06:28 PM
  #22  
Member
 
Join Date: Nov 2013
Location: Bakersfield CA
Posts: 29

Bikes: Specialized Sirrus Sport

Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 0 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 0 Times in 0 Posts
I have two replaced knees. I tried spd pedals for a time but had trouble with getting out of them. I went to flat pedals with the built in replaceable spikes and wear a pair of Doc Martin airs. the soles on the shoes are spongy and the spikey pedals dig right in. I can reposition my foot to accommodate my knee preference.

I ride 20+ miles 3-4 days a week (commute) with longer on weekend. The riding helps limber up the knees and I have nothing but praise for switching to flats.

I'm not really a high cadence person but not really a masher either.
kimokimo is offline  
Old 12-28-13, 11:06 PM
  #23  
Senior Member
 
ZmanKC's Avatar
 
Join Date: Sep 2009
Location: Overland Park, KS
Posts: 799

Bikes: 1999 Giant TCR 2T 2009 Giant Cypress DX 2015 Giant Anyroad 1

Mentioned: 1 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 15 Post(s)
Liked 2 Times in 2 Posts
Originally Posted by JReade
I feel like you may have a few additional problems with the fake knee and the clipless pedals. I'm not sure how your range of motion is, but it requires a rotation outward with your ankle (and some knee twist) to get them to unclip. I'd say half clips like FrenchFit said. You won't get the efficiency of clips/straps or clipless, but it'll be better than your foot sliding off. It may help stretch out your knee a little too.
I have a fake knee and have not had any problem ast all with clipless pedals.
ZmanKC is offline  
Old 12-28-13, 11:20 PM
  #24  
Senior Member
 
BigJeff's Avatar
 
Join Date: Jan 2011
Location: Pacific NW
Posts: 563
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 1 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 1 Time in 1 Post
Crank Brothers pedals, either their mallet or candy model would give plenty of confidence.... I personally like the Mallet for working with any kind of shoe, but a SPD compatible shoe would be optimal

https://cart.crankbrothers.com/pedals/candy-1.html
https://cart.crankbrothers.com/pedals/mallet-1.html
BigJeff is offline  
Old 12-29-13, 04:09 PM
  #25  
Senior Member
 
nkfrench's Avatar
 
Join Date: Aug 2008
Location: Fort Worth, TX
Posts: 1,846

Bikes: 2006 Specialized Ruby Pro aka "Rhubarb" / and a backup road bike

Mentioned: 2 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 7 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 13 Times in 4 Posts
Have you considered getting shorter cranks to accommodate your range-of-motion limitations?
nkfrench is offline  

Thread Tools
Search this Thread

Contact Us - Archive - Advertising - Cookie Policy - Privacy Statement - Terms of Service -

Copyright © 2024 MH Sub I, LLC dba Internet Brands. All rights reserved. Use of this site indicates your consent to the Terms of Use.