So, I have been looking for new pedals for the Trek Verve again. I thought I would finally get around to going with the Shimano PD-MX80 platform pedal based on previous research, but those no longer seem to be available.

So, what is the recommendation these days for good platform pedal, good size for bigger foot? Holds up well? Comfortable?

I used to run Pedaling Innovations Catalyst pedals on my Trek DS3. They were really nice, as they allowed you to use a softer soled shoe due to their size. However, their size may be an offset for some, as they are fairly heavy at a little over 500g. More here: https://pedalinginnovations.com/. The length of the pedals is what is the Catalyst pedal's strength, as it allows more power to be put down and allows you to place your foot centered on the pedal spindle, instead of the ball of your foot.

As I run clipless shoes on my indoor spin bike, I have since purchased a combination (hybrid) pedal, which is flat on one side and has an SPD system. That way, I can decide how I want to ride. My current pedals are Funn Mamba One-Sided. They're as wide as the Catalyst, but not as long.

Chester Race Face.

Relatively inexpensive. Grips your shoes like glue but lets you move your foot easily.

Clean action...no grinding in the bearings.

Made of composite material so if you scrape a curb they stay the same color and you barely notice.

Appears Shimano renamed their pedals with some new updates:

https://bike.shimano.com/en-NZ/appar...ffroadPlatform

Yeah, I did see that. Looks like they have the PD-M8040 and PD-M828 now. Couple changes here and there on them.

I have the Pedaling Innovations on one of my hybrids. I wear size 13(US) shoe so these are nice. I do not ride for speed or worry about the weight of anything I put on my bike except my personal weight. I did change the pins from the shorter pins to the longer ones.

Those are moved to the top of my list now. Look like a very nice product with good theory behind them.

By far my favorite pedals.....just received a new color (turquoise) yesterday. Use the Freerider 510 shoes and it is like glue....

Another vote for the Race Face Chester. Great pedals. And many colors to choose from.

IMO, the theory is sound. Once I adjusted my saddle to the correct position (about 3mm forward), I had relatively no pain in my lower body at all, even on the longest rides and I was able to put down more power through the center of my foot.

I have always dealt with a little hip and knee issues now and then, even with a professional "fit". And I get the "Arch" strength. I have done leg workouts in Rebook Nano, Five Fingers, and barefoot. Good to know on the seat adjustment.

I use these for my commuter. Use them with Keen sandals. Work great.
https://www.amazon.ca/RockBros-Light...gateway&sr=8-8

You can still get them
https://www.universalcycles.com/shop...SABEgIgMPD_BwE

Pedaling innovations

Canfield Crampons

Well when I purchased a couple of Canyon Roadlite Cf 9.0 LTD bikes last year at $2999.00 each, I figured the pedals that came with them were ok. Come to find out they are prefect for the kind of riding my wife and I do. So I went hunting for some for our back up bikes and our mountain bikes. They are VP 538's found them both on ebay and in Europe for about @$40 with the shipping. But then searching for them in the US I ran into Rivendell Bicycle Works Clem Pedals @ $22 pair. https://www.rivbike.com/collections/...38-black-pedal In checking them out they are in fact the same pedals VP 5338's. So I purchased four more sets. Now they are on all my bikes. We mostly ride with Keen sandals or just sneakers. It's been a rare bike season that I have not had bare skin come in contact with a metal pedal.. Usually the pedal wins out....... not any more!

MKS Grip Kings have worked well for several years.

I have VP 530 (similar to 538, but with aluminum body) on my bike. They were cheap at €15 a pair and so far are holding up well. I've done around 3500 km on them, and apart from the black anodizing wearing off, they're perfectly fine.