Best pedals for bents and semi bents???
 

Hi Everyone!

It looks like I'm getting closer and closer to getting a semi recumbent Rans Fusion! :p

I've used Shimano SPDs for years...but there are some clipless pedals out there that I really want to take a good look at...riding bents and semi-bents use different pedaling dynamics than uprights(mtn, road, etc.), and I've heard some good to great things about BeBops, Speedplay Frogs, and, getting a lot of buzz lately, Egg Beaters, as used for recumbent riding.

Who here uses one or any of these three pedals, and could you please comment on how/why you like/dislike them? Would you recommend them for recumbent/semi-recumbent riding? I know that BROL did a very nice write-up on the Egg Beaters, but I also know of at least one bent merchant/customizer who solely recommends BeBops.

Thanks for your help!
:D

I have been using Eggbeaters on my Pursuit for the last 7 months. They are very good pedals and the cleats appear to be almost impossible to wear out. They are brass. Should you get them, I would suggest three things. First, set them up with the loosest setting as per the instructions. The other setting makes it too hard (for me) to clip out. 2nd, get yourself a set of stiff soled shoes if you don't have them, you will want them. I bought a pair of Sidi Dominators, great shoes. 3rd, move the cleats are far back toward the heel as your shoe will allow. Works better with recumbents.
Bruce

I love my bebops! I mounted them to a pair of Sidi Dominator 4 Mega's (Mega's the wide version). The trick to getting these to work 100% is to make sure that the spindle of the pedal is not rubbing on the treads on your shoes. On my first pair of shoes, which I sent back due to sizing issues, I used a Dremel tool and a griding attachment to wear it down. This is tedious. When my replacement shoes arrived, I used a bench grinder. This was so much faster than the Dremel.

My favorite features of the pedals are the free float. I don't like anything telling me at what angle my feet should meet the pedals. They are easy to clip out of, and you KNOW when you've clipped out. I find sometimes that I can fail to clip in, but that is usually solved when I start out, since I tend to torque very hard on my first couple strokes.

"Best pedals" is too subjective. I have Time ATACs on my Lynx (MTB shoes) and PD-7800 on my Baron (road shoes). I like both of them. Eggbeaters are good, too, I'm sure, but I've no experience with them. I might miss not having some platform, though.

I have the Speedplay Frogs and I'm very happy with them. They have allot of float and there is little to no adjustment to them. I've had them for years.

I too have used the speed play frogs - can't be beat - like the float - bad knees don't suffer at all. I have also used the atac peddle as well as the spd. to this point the Frogs are the best I have used

Thanks for all of your input!

'Sounds like all three pedal systems have loyal and satisfied followers.

After I posted this thread, I heard that Crank Bros. sells their beaters with a full platform built around them--the aluminum Mallet C and a brand new model made of lighter magnesium called the Mallet M....for me, this sounds like a great all around pedal---for most riding, one can clip in to the beaters and go...and when one's just taking a quick run to the store and doesn't feel like putting on the cycling shoes, the platform pedal will work wonderfully with any shoes/sandals! Does anyone here own a pair? Are they as great as they sound?!?

Thanks for your helpful comments!

I have them on order. They have awesome reviews.

Well, I got a pair of the Crank Bros. Mallet C's on eBay(seller had a perfect profile rating and was a LOT cheaper than any merchant, online or otherwise), and got 'em in the mail in 3 days! :>)

I initially had some difficulty clipping in, so I used the shims that come included with the pedals...now I can clip in pretty much first try every time, and clip out easily. I get the full support of the platform while pedaling clipped in...and they look nice on the Fusion too...these are GREAT pedals!

Thanks for the tips, Bruce! I did follow your suggestions, and installed the cleat with the dots on the right shoe for easier disengagement. And I did position the cleats as close to the heel end as possible). After a test run, I went back and installed the shims; now it's a snap to clip in and out...and no unintentional disengagements! These are great pedals!


Now I have to start saving up to buy a pair of those Sidi Dominators! Any ideas on where to get them for less than $209?!?! :eek:

Thanks again for your help! ;)