Short version of question: For use with toe clips/straps on my hybrid, which pedal is recommended:
(a)
All-City Wallner Pro Track or (b)
MKS Platform GR9
Longer version of question:
I am likely over-analyzing a pedal/toe-clip decision, but my question relates to specific model of pedals (and toe clips come to that – see end of post) to install. Best approach would be to install and try them out. But then I would not feel able to return them, so I am hoping the extensive experience of cyclists in this forum can get me to the right solution.
(BTW I acknowledge – and appreciated receiving - advice from some in an earlier post to go straight to so-called ‘clipless’ system. If my knees give me problems, I may revisit sooner as the advice included valuable input re being more comfortable as well as more efficient. For better or worse, however, I have decided to be cautious in moving to ‘new’ technology in my 68th year and intend to wait a little longer before taking that step. I am ‘progressing’ to the ‘old-fashioned’ approach I used when I did a little cycling over 20 years ago.)
Not sure if any other information is relevant to such a decision. I am a recreational rider, with no real hills in my cycling from home, normal ride being under 35 miles long at speeds in the 12 / 17 mph range. I am planning on trying for a full century ride in 2015 (having completed a ‘metric’ one in 2014). I use size 10 Specialised cycling shoes I bought over 20 years ago (having a stiffened sole for old-fashioned ‘non-clipless’ pedals). My 2012 Cannondale Quick SL-1 has all original equipment (except I have acquired Ergon GP5s bar ends – not yet installed but look just wonderful).
All-City Wallner Pro Track: I ordered these on-line based on internet research (my LBS had no platform shoes in stock!?!). I liked the sound of sealed bearings (albeit I tend to avoid cycling in dirty weather so this feature is likely not essential), and user reviews which mentioned road use. They seem nice enough, but now I have received them I am having second thoughts (eg only focused on the ‘track’ part of the title just now).
Specific doubts are related to the serrated edges my shoes will rest on - possibly making slipping in/out of the toe clips more difficult, and providing a very small contact area for the shoes which may mean comfort issues on longer rides (as noted above, my old ‘specialised’ cycling shoes do have stiffened soles)?
I also see they have no ‘flipper extensions’ – are these important for facilitate use of toe-clips?
I have full ‘return’ rights, and even allowing for the extra postage I would about ‘break-even’ if I replaced them with the
MKS Platform GR9 Pedal (which seems to overcome my above concerns about serrated edges).
Finally toe-clips / straps (I used a traditional ‘steel’ toe clip on my old Bianchi). I have found two models (
MKS Steel Chrome or the
All-City Swan Road Style Double) which seem similar, except that the ‘All-City’ ones have ‘double’ straps – anyone have any experience whether this is really the benefit claimed in their product blurb?
Sorry for the long post – hope this winter is short up in Canada – obviously without my riding I have too much time on my hands to fret over the little stuff.