Platform Pedals VS. Clipless SPD Pedals for Touring???
07-27-15, 11:15 AM
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Cannot talk about every kind of sole out there, but my combo worked nice on wet (not pouring water but after some heavy rain) conditions.
Those are mine sneakers: Nike SB Eric Koston Huarache Zapatillas de skate - Hombre. Nike Store ES
Those are mine sneakers: Nike SB Eric Koston Huarache Zapatillas de skate - Hombre. Nike Store ES
11-28-15, 12:41 PM
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I've been running clipless and/or toe clips and straps for a long time. But I switched over to platform pedals for commuting. I love being able to use any shoe that I want. It's a big plus in the winter being able to use boots.
I've made up my mind to go with platform pedals for touring because I'd like to use my hiking shoes (and not have a second pair of shoes in my bags).
I've made up my mind to go with platform pedals for touring because I'd like to use my hiking shoes (and not have a second pair of shoes in my bags).
11-28-15, 01:19 PM
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I'm not sure what you mean by platform pedals.
My around town bicycle has toe clips and straps.
I wouldn't ride farther than a mile or 2 before switching shoes to clippless. I can't use SPD, too small of a footbed. But that's me.
My around town bicycle has toe clips and straps.
I wouldn't ride farther than a mile or 2 before switching shoes to clippless. I can't use SPD, too small of a footbed. But that's me.
11-28-15, 04:43 PM
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I go platform so I can bring a single pair of shoes. I use merrell "barefoot" running shoes. That way I don't need a second pair of shoes for when I go hiking, walk around town, etc.
11-28-15, 06:09 PM
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How does this type of shoe work out on the bike? I've never believed that you need stiff soles for pedaling efficiency but I haven't tried a shoe this flexible. Just curious what they feel like as far as comfort and if you feel any loss/gain in efficiency? Which model of Merrill do you have?
11-28-15, 06:53 PM
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I use the Trail Glove 2 and Bare Access. I've used heavier shoes of theirs in the past, like the Chameleon Stretch, but I like the light running shoes best.
They definitely feel a lot different than cycling shoes, and I wouldn't expect everyone to like the feel, but I don't notice a dramatic drop in efficiency.
I prefer the Bare Access to the Trail Gloves because the sole is a little thicker and stiffer, but its still a very light shoe.
I've fitted both shoes with bungee laces that work just like Merrell's Stretch line, for added convenience.
They definitely feel a lot different than cycling shoes, and I wouldn't expect everyone to like the feel, but I don't notice a dramatic drop in efficiency.
I prefer the Bare Access to the Trail Gloves because the sole is a little thicker and stiffer, but its still a very light shoe.
I've fitted both shoes with bungee laces that work just like Merrell's Stretch line, for added convenience.
11-28-15, 07:05 PM
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Thanks for the info. I like that they are zero drop. I always disliked the elevated heel of a typical running shoe. I am currently riding on platform pedals with a flexible skate shoe (similar to Vans). As far as the sole do they feel radically different than this?
11-28-15, 08:35 PM
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They're not worlds apart. The Bare Access has a much closer feel to a skate shoe. The Trail Gloves have a pretty unique feel, especially once broken in and worn in a bit. They feel more like wearing a sock with a thin strip of rubber on the bottom than the way a traditional shoe feels. They have more flex than regular shoes too. I like them, but it's definitely a try before you buy thing. They carry them at the REI near me, and I've seen them at Gander Mountains too.
11-29-15, 09:40 AM
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11-29-15, 11:32 AM
#37
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For my bikes that I ride on the road or MUPs, I still use 'cage' pedals with toe clips and straps. That way I can wear any shoe I desire - from my steel-toe work shoes with anti-slip or lugged soles, to running shoes, cross-trainers, hiking boots or even my ancient pair of Specialized cycling shoes.
I keep the straps < just > loose enough that I don't have to loosen them to pull the shoe straight back when coming to a stop. Yes, the pedal swings upside down at stops, but over the 40+ years that I have been using clips and straps, I've perfected the technique needed to drag/flip them around and slide the foot into the toe clip without looking.
I keep the straps < just > loose enough that I don't have to loosen them to pull the shoe straight back when coming to a stop. Yes, the pedal swings upside down at stops, but over the 40+ years that I have been using clips and straps, I've perfected the technique needed to drag/flip them around and slide the foot into the toe clip without looking.
11-29-15, 02:33 PM
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They're not worlds apart. The Bare Access has a much closer feel to a skate shoe. The Trail Gloves have a pretty unique feel, especially once broken in and worn in a bit. They feel more like wearing a sock with a thin strip of rubber on the bottom than the way a traditional shoe feels. They have more flex than regular shoes too. I like them, but it's definitely a try before you buy thing. They carry them at the REI near me, and I've seen them at Gander Mountains too.
11-29-15, 10:26 PM
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11-30-15, 04:28 AM
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I use routinely Clipless and platform pedals depending on what I'm going to do with the bike. My platforms are a set of Ergon PC2. You can check the maker's website:
ERGON BIKE ERGONOMICS
Love them. I had them for a short time (1 month) and my experience with them is flawless.
Advantages:
- Capable to hold a wide and relatively big (not huge) foot (I wear a US11 size) and pedal holds AND grabs my shoes nicely.
- No spikes ready tho shred your shin or other delicate tissues (this is a big plus for me).
- You can use them effectively with almost any kind of sneaker. I use a pair of Nike Skateboard shoes (wifey Works at a sports shop and got with a huge discount).
Cons:
- Weight (at least if you're paranoid about using a pair of pedals that weight about 500grams for the large size).
- Allen key (8 milimeter) needed for fitting (no provisions for open wrench slots) & anti seize REQUIRED (the axle is from Cr-Mo and if you want to remove them someday, better to put some on the threads).
- Price?. I paid 83Euros for them but I feel that's a nice Price for them with the build quality.
An image is better than 1000 words, so I place a video to look at them decide for yourself.
https://vimeo.com/25957933
ERGON BIKE ERGONOMICS
Love them. I had them for a short time (1 month) and my experience with them is flawless.
Advantages:
- Capable to hold a wide and relatively big (not huge) foot (I wear a US11 size) and pedal holds AND grabs my shoes nicely.
- No spikes ready tho shred your shin or other delicate tissues (this is a big plus for me).
- You can use them effectively with almost any kind of sneaker. I use a pair of Nike Skateboard shoes (wifey Works at a sports shop and got with a huge discount).
Cons:
- Weight (at least if you're paranoid about using a pair of pedals that weight about 500grams for the large size).
- Allen key (8 milimeter) needed for fitting (no provisions for open wrench slots) & anti seize REQUIRED (the axle is from Cr-Mo and if you want to remove them someday, better to put some on the threads).
- Price?. I paid 83Euros for them but I feel that's a nice Price for them with the build quality.
An image is better than 1000 words, so I place a video to look at them decide for yourself.
https://vimeo.com/25957933
11-30-15, 04:56 AM
#42
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I've opted for MKS Lambda pedals and added spikes. I had switched from clipless to VP Gripsters a few years ago, but this summer the bearings on the Gripsters made a decision to fail without warning, mid tour. The MKS have serviceable bearings.
Marc
Marc
11-30-15, 05:25 AM
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I've opted for MKS Lambda pedals and added spikes. I had switched from clipless to VP Gripsters a few years ago, but this summer the bearings on the Gripsters made a decision to fail without warning, mid tour. The MKS have serviceable bearings.
Marc
Marc
11-30-15, 05:34 AM
#45
aka Timi
11-30-15, 06:34 AM
#46
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11-30-15, 06:46 AM
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11-30-15, 06:49 AM
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So you went from not knowing what a platform pedal is to knowing that using one is dangerous in the space of a few posts (from post no. 34 to post no. 39) . . . .
11-30-15, 06:53 AM
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Always amusing how quickly noobs can develop strong opinions!
11-30-15, 07:13 AM
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