What kind of pedals do you use on a recumbent?
 

OK I bought a Bacchetta Strada from Tractor Tom and it needs new pedals. What do you guys use? I have spd and platform and spd-sl (road bike)
Does anybody use road pedals? I haven't fallen yet but I'm off tomorrow and Wednesday and I'm going to learn to ride the Strada or die trying:lol: But I may do some experimenting with the pedals

I prefer Speedplay Frogs on all my bikes. I like the zero-tension float for my knees, along with the zero-tension release. In general I want a MTB style cleat, because I like the MTB shoes so you can walk normally in them.

Also what I use. Good to have something that's easy to get out of in a hurry. However, to start out with, I'd recommend sticking with platforms until you get the feel for your new bike. After that, it's a matter of personal preference.

i have spd/platform sided pedals on all three of my bents.....i like to clip in and get serious and i like to tootle into town for chores !
but for real riding, once ya clip in, ya wont go back !

Shimano PD-M324 SPD/Platform.

I have them on 4 bikes, including my R200.

Crank Brothers Candys

Shimano SPD's on all of my recumbents. I've used them since they started making them (1990). Others use other pedals for other reasons, but these work for me.

I use a Time pedal and an MTB cleated shoe on our Rans Screamer and on my Catrike Expedition. As the captain of the tandem, I need a slip proof sole to prop the tandem while my stoker clips in. On the trike, I would/could use any combination, but I would always ride clipped in. Leg suck is just too great a possibility on the trike. Mike

+ 1.

I also have a pair of Heel Slings from hostelshoppe.com , you attach them to platform pedals and the heel is held from slipping off with a cable. Reminds me of cable ski bindings I used while skiing as a kid. That way I can wear my waterproof hiking boots while cycling during the chilly rainy season. They do take some initial adjustment and I'm still getting used to using them, though.

Generic SPD pedals. With Genuine Shimano mountain shoes.

Me too. The story of how I got there is probably longer than you want to hear and I've been using them for so long that I'm unmotivated to try something different.

My bottom line today is that I'm essentially a restaurant-to-restaurant rider. As such being able to walk comfortably is important to me.

Speedplay zeros. I just keep the "coffee shop covers" in my frame bag if I need to walk to the 'loo or something.

On my Stratus I use the rat trap pedals it came with. On my cruiser, I use the SPD/rat trap pedal, altho I always use the SPD side. IMHO everyone should use clipless pedals on a trike.

I'm using Look Keo Blades.
super light, super cheap (at planet cyclery.com)
they come with grippy cleats.
stay with the 12nm tension, though... can't imagine how hard the 16nm would be to pivot your foot in...

T

Me too. Or, I guess, three.

I know my opinion doesn't count...seeing that I sold you the bike with worn out pedals, but I really like Crank Bros 'egg beater' pedals. Have been using them on my recumbents for the last seven years or so. Easy to get in and out of, as you can clip into all four sides you don't have to rotate the pedal to the 'clip side'. I prefer these to the 'candy' pedals with the platform added around the clip, or the 'smarty' pedals. Just a good working pedal for a low cost.

Tractor Tom in Okeechobee, FL

+1 on platforms for your first 100-200 miles, you'll know the point when your mind stops fighting with your body as you make the transition from upright to recument. After that up to you. I like eggbeaters becuase you can get in on four sides instead of 1 or 2, and I'm lazy.

I use Time RXS, same as I use on all my bikes, because I only have one pair if bike shoes and am not about to start changing cleats. I actually ride DF more than recumbent, but find the clipless pedals if anything more important on the recumbent. Maybe it is a matter of experience, but initially I had more trouble with my feet coming off the platform pedals my (used Rotator SWB) recumbent came with than I ever had with a DF, and there is absolutely no way I could reach to tighten the straps on toe clips! As far as the choice of clipless pedals, I don't think the criteria are different for a recumbent, except that you can see the pedals without having to divert your gaze. IMO, the Speedplays require more maintenance and are more sensitive to setup and cleanliness than is worth it unless you are racing and the 2 seconds it takes to be sure your pedals are right side up. In addition, Time (RXS or ICIC) have cleats that can be walked on without ruining them, although they are not in the same league as recessed SPD cleats on mountain shoes.

Thanks guys! I got a new Madone 5.9 frame for my upright bike and my attention got diverted but I have some time this weekend to get back to learning. I put platform pedals on for now and I will switch to SPD later I have SPD shoes I use with my hybrid. On my first few rides I had no problem keeping up with my friends but I hurt in some places I had not hurt before. Different muscles huh?:D

Yes. the biomechanics are different. usually it takes a couple of months to get your "'bent legs"

One more vote for Shimano PD-M324 SPD/Platform.

Anybody having any problem with hotfoot? I use the M324s with Sidi Bullets with yellow Superfeet liners. I used to have no problems with them, but dang I've been getting hotfoot lately.

What kind of pedals?
-rat traps with sealed bearings;
PowerStraps bolted to the stock clip-on mounting holes;
modified with composite foot-beds to both fit my shortest leg and eliminate any possibility of any hint of a "hot" spot.

What kind of shoes?
-Any, including (but not limited to) bare feet.
Honestly, I ride with the cheapest, lightest pair of running shoes I have. For protection;
and only spin the pedals barefoot when the bike is on the trainer, for ventilation.

I think out of the box....

dudel

For hot foot or pain the problem is usually because cycling shoes are too narrow. When you put your cycling shoes on, loosen the laces down to the bottom. Pull the first cross over up so that you can almost put a finger under the laces. Then at the top pull the laces up tight and tie. This will allow the shoe to expand out wider over the instep and the front part of the shoe. Works well for me.