pedals...clipless, toe clip, power strap, or?
 

so, I have really bad knees and I've been trying to figure out a pedal configuration that works for me...right now I am using crank bros mallets with DZR ovis shoes...so it's not too bad to go into the office with my bike shoes on...but sometimes it just seems like it would be really nice to have the ability to pull without having to have my bike-specific shoes on (since this saves me from applying downward pressure at the top of a pedal stroke, which causes me a lot of pain). I haven't liked traditional toe clips because they tend to scratch my leather shoes...so...I am wondering what people's experiences with power straps (or similar) or specific clips that are good at not scratching up your shoes, or some other idea?

Cheers,

Josh

I've used power grips before and they've worked fine. The only reason I quit using them is that my feet would go numb on longer more intense rides. Commuting with them wasn't a problem. I can't guarantee that they won't ever scuff up your shoes but they are probably better than metal or hard plastic toe clips.

Would pedals with pins give you sufficient grip to pull back?

Quite a while ago I gave up on the metal toe-clips and went to plastic toe-clips. I think the plastic ones are much easier on the shoes (one may need to de-burr them).

Last spring I made the leap to SPD clips as I liked how they seemed to hold my feet more stable on the pedals (no tilting sideways), and have been happy with the choice.

I found that Shimano makes some casual looking SPD shoes, but your DZR Ovis shoes also look quite nice. I may have to check them out in the future.

I rode into work today with my power straps and my leather slip-ons for work. They will scratch up your shoes a little bit, nothing serious, but on the outsides and insides of my feet, I notice it. I always prefer having my clipless shoes then switching them out for something more office appropriate. Are you sure your fit/set up is not the issue?

I have SPD clipless but I can take it or leave it. If I had to buy all new stuff I'd probably go with toe clips.

I tried power straps once but I found them incredibly difficult to get in and out of, worse than any other option by far.

I use platform pedals (specialized Bennies) so that I can use regular shoes. They do make casual looking shoes that are SPD compatible and most likely crank brothers eggbeater type of pedals.

Another thing to consider is to get a bike fit to see if they can eliminate or reduce the knee pain you mentioned. I used to have some knee pain after a long ride and I too thought my saddle height was correct but after the bike fit I found that the saddle was 1.5 inches too low. I now ride pain free. Just something to look into.

I've used powergrips and they are pretty good. The only downside I had was if your foot doesn't go in right it's very hard to correct by feel, so you have to look down and figure out what the problem is.

If you're having knee pain at the top of the pedal stroke, have you considered using shorter cranks, or whether your seat is too low? Also are you spinning in an easier gear so as not to apply too much force through the flexed knee?

i had the same deal as mentioned - seat too low. now i've got one knee that seems to have buggered up cartridge or something.
got a bike fit - raised my seat. no problems now.
- my commuter / coffee shop / beater has platform pedals (but i wear sneakers, not dress shoes. i carry my dress shoes in panniers so i can get a harder work out...)
- Shimano 105 clipless on my road bikes (with a bit of float)

i only get knee pain when i run too far. i miss running too far.
if i was in the same spot as the OP, i think i'd go power strap thingys.

If the seat isn't too low, using shorter cranks is a great suggestion. Your knee won't be bent as much at the top of the pedal stroke.

I have the Gates Fixed Gear Pedal Straps | Fyxation on my winter commuters. I can't say much about scratching shoes since I wear hiking boots for winter communing. But I like them, and there's only one metal buckle that could scratch shoes.

On my city bike, I have a set of aluminum pedals with rubber tops. Very nice for commuting with street shoes.

I am definitely looking at changing my gear ratios...switching from an automatix 2sp hub to a 5sp or 7sp hub. As far as fit goes, the shop did its thing with the angle measurers and such, so I think it is probably pretty close to right. As far as cranks go, I haven't tried that, but it's worth a shot. I put 155mm bmx cranks on my wife's bike so I am not sure of why I never thought of getting some shorter ones for mine :)

But I think I might give the gates straps a try. They look like they are relatively free of sharp edges to scratch up my shoes...

at the end of the day, (un)fortunately I live in a place where I need to bike because driving really isn't an option...so hopefully I can figure out a way to make my bike work for me again.

cheers,

Josh

Here are some platform pedals that should clip into your current pedals, so you can skip the bike shoes if you want:
Problem Solvers
Another similar solution: Fly Pedals - Universal Clipless Pedal Adapter
Shimano SM-PD22 Flat Pedal Cover Kit | BicycleBuys.com


you and me both. I'm ramping mileage and speed up super slow in hopes of being able to become a good runner again in the future.

I'll probably have more luck with running when I'm 170lbs vs 200, though.:p

If you're worried about scratching up your shoes, you could always line your toeclips with fabric of some sort. Or make toe covers for your shoes.

Im just wearing regular shoes , and pedals with a grippy upper surface..

If you want toe clips there are plastic ones , 1/2 and full with a strap .. you should not scratch your polished shoes that way..

or duct-tape over the Metal ones..


Fixie types have spawned a market for a 2 strap + pad 2" wide strap for platform pedals , some adjust with 2" wide Velcro..

For knee issues fit and cadence are more important then pedals.

Clipless, Power Grips, toe clips and straps, I've used 'em all. My conclusion has been that I'm happiest either with clipless or plain old flat pedals. I'm not a fan of any of the devices that put a strap or clip over the top of your shoes. The very large majority of my riding time and mileage is with clipless pedals, but the bike I do most of my commuting on has cheap resin plastic pedals. I don't find myself missing the benefits of clipless pedals on that bike. Though the commuting bike right now is a fairly upright hybrid and my ride distance is short, I first tried using flat pedals without clips when my commuter bike was a drop bar touring bike. I liked them just fine on that bike, too. For a bike I'm going to ride in street clothes, being able to just hop on and start pedaling is super valuable to me. For me, in those circumstances, I don't think attaching my feet to the pedals has any real benefits, just aggravation.