Clipless problems - AGAIN
 

If anyone remembers my prior topic, I've narrowed it down. On the Shimano pedals that are clipless X platform, I have no problem clipping in. On the round ones that are clipless on both sides, it's almost impossible for me.

Note, now, that I have some nerve damage in the feet. Heat, cold, and pain, I can feel. Pressure I cannot. I'm going to need some kind of pedal that helps me work my feet into the clips. Ideally, they would be like the pedals on the hybrid, only clipless on both sides. Any suggestions? I will mention that I'm using a Shimano 51 cleat, and am not going to get a separate pair of shoes for each bike.

You have to use that the cleat will work with. I'm assuming you need a clipless SPD pedal with some sort of platform

http://www.pricepoint.com/images/sty...0%20SHI457.jpg

www.pricepoint.com has them. You have access to the same internet as I do.

Thanks for the suggestion.

Yes, I do. A reccommendation from a someone with a similar difficulty was what I was hoping for.

Some of us who post are experienced bike mechanics and technicians who have seen changes over the last few decades and would like to share our experience. I've had to modify bikes, and find suitable parts, to help people with disabilities enjoy riding. I'm sorry I wasn't the correct person you want advice from. My 15+ years of experience must be moot since my neuropathology isn't that advanced.

My first recommendation would have been an Eggbeaters platform based clipless pedal, but you wanted to retain the same cleats you have, so I went with a good second option. Sorry I offended you.

Not disabled (unless crocked knees count) but from the sounds of it just go for the biggest platform and cleat possible. Personally, I wouldn't touch shamino and crank bros. but a lot of other people think they're great.

Anyway, have a look at Time atac Z and Z XX pedals. Large platform, double sided, easy to clip into, secure, reliable and a large SPD type cleat.

http://www.time-sport.com/us/home.htm

http://www.mtbr.com/reviews/pedal/index_T.shtml

Time, every time!

http://www.cambriabike.com/Images/pr...pedal_pair.jpg

http://www.bikeworld.pl/zdjecia/sprzet/time2_d.jpg

No offense taken, DieselDan, and I didn't mean to sound like there was.


Thanks to you, too, Markhr. I appreciate the time you spent on this, and I'm off to read the reviews.

No problem and good luck.

Shimano A520 They are only single sided, but the weighting to make the front point upwards makes them much easier to clip in than the double sided SPD pedals I had previously.

Crank Brothers models with "platforms", Winwood Deckster pedal inserts
 

Of the Crank Brothers pedals, several models (particularly mountain bike oriented models) have a platform around the eggbeater clipping system. This helped me learn to clip in. I could place the toe/ball of foot area of the shoe on the platform, slide it forward, and engage the clips. Practice sessions on a stationary trainer were VERY helpful.

I use the Candy model, but their Mallet model has the largest platform. Since the clipping system still is slightly above the surface of the Mallet, I do not know if you would want to use it as a platform pedal for anything other than a short ride. I think the Shimano model mentioned above is the only clipless pedal that is a true platform on one side and a clipless pedal on the other.

However, if it is important to have a platform option, almost any SPD style clipless pedal can be made platform on one (or both) sides with the metal Winwood Decksters Pedal Inserts at LINK. I have not used these, but I see no reason they would not work well for casual riding. Winwood's instructions have some important information on them at LINK. You might also try searching these forums on the Deckster Pedal Inserts.

The best approach I can think of is a good local bike store that would let you try clipping in to different systems in the store with the shoes you use.

There is a cheaper form of this shimano pedal (M424) that uses a plastic cage. I use it on the back of the Tandem as Clipless shoe riders can use it and it works well as a Platform pedal for new riders aswell.

The Shimano A520 mentioned by AndrewP is what I have on the hybrid. I like it, and can get in and out without problems. Having the platform on one side is an okay option on that bike. On the other, double sided would be better.

Actually, I've ridden the touring bike with street shoes, and it was not uncomfortable. That M424 sounds like the way to go. Pedals of any kind stretch the budget right now, but separate shoes and cleats for each bike are totally out of the question.

Thanks everyone, for the specific answers.

No mountain bike cleat will give you as big a surface as look or SPD-SL's.

The OP stated he wants the clipless mechanism on both sides of the pedal, but also would like a platform around the mechanism. These were what I could find that fit his needs, as he wants to use the same shoes on all of his bike.

Roger,

Nashbar also makes a platform/clipless pedal, the highlander @ $40.00.
http://www.nashbar.com/nashbar_photo...-NCL-ANGLE.jpg
I have them on my mountain bike and a utility bike. I very much like the platform side. The clip side is generally easy to clip into, not much in the way of "float" though, so after about 20-25 miles my knees hurt.

I use the A 520 on the new road bike. All my other bikes use the M520 or similar Shimano clipless pedals and like you- I did not want to have different shoes for different bikes. The A 520's are comfortable and I did not realise how the Size of the platform of the pedal can make a difference to comfort- till I got these.