How many flat/platform pedal peddlers are out there?
01-31-16, 08:00 PM
#76
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Both
- touring bike & commuter bikes & even my single speed are platform pedals
- speedy road bike, cross bike and trail bike are "clipless" - now knows as "clip in" - either way, I lock my feets to the pedals.
- touring bike & commuter bikes & even my single speed are platform pedals
- speedy road bike, cross bike and trail bike are "clipless" - now knows as "clip in" - either way, I lock my feets to the pedals.
01-31-16, 09:34 PM
#77
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When I started riding in 1972, the only platform pedals I knew about were Lyotard No. 23s; they probably were the only platform pedals available in the US. Toe clips and straps cost much less, and I was in grad school. A few years later, I graduated to touring shoes, then cleats, clips, and straps. I stopped riding around 2002, in part because my shoes disintegrated. When I started back up in '13, running shoes were unbearable above 20 miles, so I switched to what was available inexpensively - SPDs. I never got the hang of them (kept falling down trying to disengage), so I went back to clips and straps, adding road shoes without clips, but I experienced knee and foot pain. Enter a set of today's 'platforms' ... heavenly. If they had been available in 1972, I never would have gone with clips and straps.
When I installed the SPDs, my speed went up about 10%; I lost the extra speed when removed them. The platforms seemed to add that 10% back, at least in the flat Chicago North Shore.
When I installed the SPDs, my speed went up about 10%; I lost the extra speed when removed them. The platforms seemed to add that 10% back, at least in the flat Chicago North Shore.
01-31-16, 10:14 PM
#78
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I remember having toe clips on my Varsity back in the early '60s, & I recall them as useful on steep hills.
With age my riding style has changed a lot since then. These days I can get my full weight on the pedals
without leaving the saddle. I pedal 'perfect circle',pulling with one foot while pushing down with the other.
I just don't need clips any more. In fact, I think I'd be a little nervous about about being attached to the
pedal. I have 'bear traps' on 3 of my bikes & true platforms on my mtn. bike. The platforms aren't all that
great in wet weather, but they are more comfortable that the 'traps'.
With age my riding style has changed a lot since then. These days I can get my full weight on the pedals
without leaving the saddle. I pedal 'perfect circle',pulling with one foot while pushing down with the other.
I just don't need clips any more. In fact, I think I'd be a little nervous about about being attached to the
pedal. I have 'bear traps' on 3 of my bikes & true platforms on my mtn. bike. The platforms aren't all that
great in wet weather, but they are more comfortable that the 'traps'.
01-31-16, 11:16 PM
#79
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In the minority of people posting in this thread. I'm a member of a road club of 500 members and it's rare to see anyone not using clipless on our rides.
For me, clipless was a great change back in the 80s. I hated clips and straps, especially in the cold. Since the 80s I use clipless on everything, road, mtb, and touring.
I've recently considered trying flat pedals on the mtb for the more technical rides.
For me, clipless was a great change back in the 80s. I hated clips and straps, especially in the cold. Since the 80s I use clipless on everything, road, mtb, and touring.
I've recently considered trying flat pedals on the mtb for the more technical rides.
02-01-16, 06:29 AM
#80
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I remember exactly when I got back into bikes; August of 2013 at age 56.
The reason was I had decided to ride a bike to NY State the following summer.
Fortunately I had an '89 Schwinn Voyageur that had been hanging my my garage wall for most of the previous 24 years. I started to ride it to work, working up from a nine-mile round trip commute to a 20-30 mile commute. Did a century that January and another in March while carrying 40lbs packed on the bike for a training effect. Long story short; I made it.
During that year the mods made to the original bike were new 700c wheels, trekking bar, Chris King headset, new front and rear racks (Ortlieb panniers), Nashbar Mt. Bike 44-32-22 chainrings and bottom bracket, Brooks saddle and 8 speed 11-34 rear cogs.
This photo was taken at the Hawk's Nest lookout on the Delaware Water Gap, just about 2,000 miles and 33 days from my own driveway.
Early on when I first got back on that Voyageur with its straps and toe clips I kept suffering sudden bouts of severe knee pain. On one outing it was so bad I limped to a nearby bike shop and put on el cheapo Welgo platforms. The relief was immediate! The difference was I could freely move my feet around in response to knee pain, change the angle, and the pain would go away. I severe cases I could move my foot forward to that my instep was directly over the pedal "axle". I soon replaced the Welgos with much better quality Nashbar Verge platform pedals.
The other problem I had was broken toes on my right foot that had healed crooked. In any sort of shoe the forward pressure of my foot while pedalling would become increasingly painful. My solution was these, slippers from the Dollar Store over plain 'ol cotton dress socks....
I brought an extra pair along just in case but never needed 'em, tho' the traction spikes on the Nashbar platforms did do a number on the soles over that 2,000 miles.
I hope to put in 2,000 miles with this same set-up in the UK this summer, though as a concession to climate I'm prob'ly gonna wear Crocs
But seriously, without the platform pedals and slip on sandals I woulda been sidelined early on.
Mike
The reason was I had decided to ride a bike to NY State the following summer.
Fortunately I had an '89 Schwinn Voyageur that had been hanging my my garage wall for most of the previous 24 years. I started to ride it to work, working up from a nine-mile round trip commute to a 20-30 mile commute. Did a century that January and another in March while carrying 40lbs packed on the bike for a training effect. Long story short; I made it.
During that year the mods made to the original bike were new 700c wheels, trekking bar, Chris King headset, new front and rear racks (Ortlieb panniers), Nashbar Mt. Bike 44-32-22 chainrings and bottom bracket, Brooks saddle and 8 speed 11-34 rear cogs.
This photo was taken at the Hawk's Nest lookout on the Delaware Water Gap, just about 2,000 miles and 33 days from my own driveway.
Early on when I first got back on that Voyageur with its straps and toe clips I kept suffering sudden bouts of severe knee pain. On one outing it was so bad I limped to a nearby bike shop and put on el cheapo Welgo platforms. The relief was immediate! The difference was I could freely move my feet around in response to knee pain, change the angle, and the pain would go away. I severe cases I could move my foot forward to that my instep was directly over the pedal "axle". I soon replaced the Welgos with much better quality Nashbar Verge platform pedals.
The other problem I had was broken toes on my right foot that had healed crooked. In any sort of shoe the forward pressure of my foot while pedalling would become increasingly painful. My solution was these, slippers from the Dollar Store over plain 'ol cotton dress socks....
I brought an extra pair along just in case but never needed 'em, tho' the traction spikes on the Nashbar platforms did do a number on the soles over that 2,000 miles.
I hope to put in 2,000 miles with this same set-up in the UK this summer, though as a concession to climate I'm prob'ly gonna wear Crocs
But seriously, without the platform pedals and slip on sandals I woulda been sidelined early on.
Mike
02-01-16, 06:54 AM
#81
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That's the main reason I'm comfortable with platform pedals now. I like being able to adjust my foot position for any shoe and to suit the conditions and how I'm feeling. Last night, during a critical mass ride, I felt a knee twinge, but moving my foot around a bit relieved the pain. Usually I'll ride on the balls of my feet for downhills and flats without wind, and center my feet over the pedals for uphill climbs or riding into the wind. May not be right for everyone but suits me.
02-01-16, 09:31 AM
#82
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On my road bike, these...
with these...
work best for me. Dura Ace PD-7400 and Specialized Elite Touring shoes.
Foot is solid enough on the pedals, do not to slide, no float issues, without the cleat easy to slide out (still old school getting in), and I can walk in them.
John
with these...
work best for me. Dura Ace PD-7400 and Specialized Elite Touring shoes.
Foot is solid enough on the pedals, do not to slide, no float issues, without the cleat easy to slide out (still old school getting in), and I can walk in them.
John
02-01-16, 09:32 AM
#83
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I admire your grit
But I have to say if one finds oneself on a bicycle, even on a 2,000 mile tour, that requires GRIT one is probably going about the whole thing wrong.
IMHO bicycles are supposed to be FUN, enjoyable, all of that.
On tour, the bicycle is your job for that day. You get on the bike in the morning, spin the pedals and off you go. If you find yourself getting tired through all of that, slow down, or get some lower gears. Long as the wheels are turning you will get there, prob'ly sooner than you thought.
Mike
02-01-16, 04:51 PM
#84
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All of my bikes (now a total of 6) are equipped with platform pedals. They’ve suited me just fine even on my longest mountain rides (200 & 250 miles).
However, there are times when I’d like to clip in and give it a try, but I’m afraid I might like it, so I’ve refrained for the sake of sparing myself from the additional expense.
However, there are times when I’d like to clip in and give it a try, but I’m afraid I might like it, so I’ve refrained for the sake of sparing myself from the additional expense.
02-01-16, 08:42 PM
#86
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Platform with pegs on my mountain bike and SPD SL on my road bike
02-03-16, 07:47 PM
#87
Senior Member
Platform and sandals like Sharpshin on my beach cruiser for all rides including the 200km ones, except when the temps dip making the toes chilly! I might have to try those open sandals and socks!
Interesting OldsCOOL talked about pulling away from redlights, when I ride with road guys-- at intersections I'm halfway or more across the intersection before some of them get their foot is clipped in!
I'll have to look at some of the pedals mentioned, my main drawback is cruisers have 1/2" threads vs. 9/16" and the pedal selection for 1/2" is not very good.
Back in the 80's I did try the pedal/cage/leather strap/slotted shoe combination and it definitely made me feel more one-with-the-bike, but now I just prefer to move my feet around.
Interesting OldsCOOL talked about pulling away from redlights, when I ride with road guys-- at intersections I'm halfway or more across the intersection before some of them get their foot is clipped in!
I'll have to look at some of the pedals mentioned, my main drawback is cruisers have 1/2" threads vs. 9/16" and the pedal selection for 1/2" is not very good.
Back in the 80's I did try the pedal/cage/leather strap/slotted shoe combination and it definitely made me feel more one-with-the-bike, but now I just prefer to move my feet around.
02-04-16, 03:11 PM
#88
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I use SPDs for the road bike, toe clips with no straps for trails. Heck I can't run on trails without falling! 
Fairly certain I would bite the dust with clipless on trails.
Fairly certain I would bite the dust with clipless on trails.
02-04-16, 04:40 PM
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I've come full circle as I started out on platform pedals and after trying all the variations I'm back on the flats.
02-06-16, 10:24 PM
#91
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These:
MEC Double A+ Down Hill Pedals - Mountain Equipment Co-op. Free Shipping Available
I've been running these on my road/touring bike for a couple of years now. They look so good and grip so well there is absolutely no advantage to clip-in pedals anymore. Plus, you don't have to look like you're wearing clown shoes with taps when you're off the bike.
'Sharpshin' - you make an important point in that platform pedals allow you to make micro-adjustments as you ride that just wouldn't be possible with any other system.
MEC Double A+ Down Hill Pedals - Mountain Equipment Co-op. Free Shipping Available
I've been running these on my road/touring bike for a couple of years now. They look so good and grip so well there is absolutely no advantage to clip-in pedals anymore. Plus, you don't have to look like you're wearing clown shoes with taps when you're off the bike.
'Sharpshin' - you make an important point in that platform pedals allow you to make micro-adjustments as you ride that just wouldn't be possible with any other system.
Last edited by NVanHiker; 02-09-16 at 09:49 PM.
02-07-16, 07:15 PM
#92
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I was tempted to try those lightweight metal platform pedals with pins, but my current bike tends to make contact with the ground on rough gravel trails and pastures. The soft plastic pedals have grippy pins molded in and are wearing down a bit from those contacts, but that's better than a more rigid metal pedal grabbing the ground and tossing me off. I'll wait until I have a bike better suited to off road use before trying those metal pedals.
02-07-16, 08:45 PM
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I have the same pedals. They are great. I have really wide feet so bike shoes are out. I used hiking boots and they stick to the pedals like glue
02-16-16, 07:18 PM
#94
Senior Member
+1
That's what's on my '85 Fuji. I have looked at all the different flavors of clipless pedals, and then I just walk away. Nope... Sorry... Ain't gonna happen... I mean, I understand the concept, but in truth, it's a bicycle - not a pair of downhill skis with bindings!
That's what's on my '85 Fuji. I have looked at all the different flavors of clipless pedals, and then I just walk away. Nope... Sorry... Ain't gonna happen... I mean, I understand the concept, but in truth, it's a bicycle - not a pair of downhill skis with bindings!
02-16-16, 07:55 PM
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Edit: ....the above aside, on my winter/errand runner/putter about Townie I use Shimano Saint platforms and be quite happy with them.
Last edited by ltxi; 02-17-16 at 07:27 PM.
02-17-16, 12:28 AM
#96
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My two bikes have platform pedals. They are best for me when touring. I also wear a leg brace and specially re-built shoes so clips etc are a no-no ( too expensive to have a separate set of shoes for bicycling). But everyone has different needs - this is how I meet my bicycling needs. I am now almost 68 y.o. (in June) and have always used platform pedals since i first learned to ride a bicycle in 1955
02-17-16, 03:25 PM
#97
Full Member
[QUOTE=avidone1;18502857]My combination of steel pinned platforms and five ten freeriders is very sticky. No slippage under any conditions. I understand what your saying about that "intuitive" foot placement. I'm working toward that ideal
Yes, this is virtually the same "set up" that I use, although I often ride in a good pair of trail running shoes as well. My pedals are Wellgo B-184's. They are pretty light at 350 g./pair, along with being somewhay concave so that ones feet really grab. I also switched out the standard pins with Wellgo's "V" pins. These bite like crazy and I find that I can keep very light pressure on the pedals and pedal in circles.
As I've often said, what's more important is to just ride, be safe, and enjoy every minute of it!
Best regards
Yes, this is virtually the same "set up" that I use, although I often ride in a good pair of trail running shoes as well. My pedals are Wellgo B-184's. They are pretty light at 350 g./pair, along with being somewhay concave so that ones feet really grab. I also switched out the standard pins with Wellgo's "V" pins. These bite like crazy and I find that I can keep very light pressure on the pedals and pedal in circles.
As I've often said, what's more important is to just ride, be safe, and enjoy every minute of it!
Best regards
02-17-16, 06:03 PM
#98
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I use the raceface affect. They have hex shaped pins that are wicked sharp. Seriously, I have perforated my shins on more than one occasion. I too have been able to really lighten up my pedal stroke, especially on the upstroke. I lift my foot and the pedal follows. Except for the guess free foot placement I don't see how clipless pedals are any advantage, and that "fall over" thing is certainly a disadvantage.
02-18-16, 08:55 AM
#99
Senior Member
I use flat pedals for pavement, and mt biking n the winter. Spd pedals for mt biking during warmer months. Clipless have a few benefits for technical riding. They keep your feet on the pedals during rocky downhills. Also useful for the lazy way bunny hop over logs. YRMV
02-18-16, 09:16 AM
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