As some of you know, I picked up a used Trek 7.3 FX. I dropped it off at LBS for tune up. Right away I could tell that I did not like the stock pedals. I prefer a platform pedal with pegs. I could go to Dicks and pickup Diamondback allow platforms but is there something else out there that you recommend? It would be nice to get something that works like a cliplesss without having to buy special shoes, etc.

Thanks!

Well, you might get lots of recommendations and my recommendation will require special shoes, but IMHO, totally worth it. Especially if you wanted to do clipless but always had the typical clipless reservations.....

SHIMANO CLICK'R - TECHNOLOGIES - CYCLING FOOTWEAR AND PEDALS - LIFESTYLE GEAR - SHIMANO

Click around through there. (pun intended)

Get the basic shoes & pedals and you'll have a blast without hurting your feet or walking like a weirdo!

Direct link to the standard PDT400 pedals.....

PD-T400 - PEDALS - CYCLING FOOTWEAR AND PEDALS - LIFESTYLE GEAR - SHIMANO

And shoes.....

SH-CT40 - TOUR - CYCLING FOOTWEAR AND PEDALS - LIFESTYLE GEAR - SHIMANO

PowerGrips are good for foot retention and can prepare you for clipless pedals, but they cost the same as a pair of cheap SPD pedals

No experience with the newer ClickR pedals but I have used the Shimano M324s. SPD one side, platform other side. Pretty decent grip on the flat side with street shoes. There is also the M530 - once again no personal experience.

Fixie kids have made a market for a 2"wide strap that runs straight across a pretty wide platform pedal .


shortened commute I have been happy with Ergon's pedals without sweating the need for speed or straps on pedals.

Just go clip less. You should be able to find a pair of SPD compatible mountain shoes for the cost of a decent pair of cross trainers, and they will last for years. If you want versatility, go with SPD on one side, platforms on the other.

I agree that going clipless is worth the jump based on limited experience.

I had previously used Crank Brothers Candy pedals, but in looking for a combo platform/clipless I am switching to SPD (the 530 model). I like the idea of the multi-release cleats, so I bought a pair. On a couple of recent long riders (for me) I could have really used the stiffness of my cycling shoes.

I haven't done clipless in a few years, so I hope I get used to the SPDs pretty quickly. Just dug out my cycling shoes and attached the clips last night. Will get the pedals on this evening.

If you are set on avoiding cycling shoes, then I would suggest going with either the power straps mentioned earlier, or go with toe clips. I rode part of my ride this past weekend with a guy who was using toe clips. He was wearing them much looser than traditional, but he still found them beneficial to his riding. If you want toe clips, the choice of pedals is pretty good, I have big feet, and when I was looking for large pedals to use with the clips/straps, I was intrigued by the MKS Sylvan Touring pedals.

Good luck on making a good choice for you.

I have tried Shimano clipless pedals but could not get my mind off falling, esp while riding in traffic or having to stop suddenly. Although, I did not have any serious falls...I returned them. The Shimano Click'r pedals look interesting. Thanks!

I can vouch for them eliminating that worry as I should have fallen TWICE!!

When you REALLY need to get out......you're out!

I could probably tighten mine a bit now from stock settings, but I don't (more cuz I'm lazy just like I said I was going to adjust my cleats a little forward.....just lazy) Only penalty in that regard is that I now move my feet into different shapes enough (fighting for speed, power, ease of ache, etc) that I *have* come off the pedals when I *didn't* want to but while pedaling like a normal person.....locked as snug as I wanna be.

Very interesting! Thanks!! I read a review by an Aussie blogger regarding the Click'r pedals. I am going to pickup the bike tomorrow and will check out the pedals, if the LBS has them.

Get some old school bmx pedals with the 1" long daggers, I mean pegs. They work fantastic until you do finally slip up, as the huge scar on my shin will attest to.

I had Diamondback alloy pedals on my previous comfort bike and they were not half bad. Granted they are not high end pedals but the pegs were comfortable and I had no problems with slipping. That was the bike that I tried clipless on as well.

I have, on my 2012 7.4FX, Answer Rove pedals. These are very high quality, have 10 pins per side, and are concave so your feet are in great position.
I have used them with inexpensive trail running shoes that have lots of ridges and grooves for the pins to "lock in." I currently use Five Ten Freerider shoes which coupled with the pedal feels like your feet are glued on. Just incredible!

I won't get in to the clipless vs. platform pedal debate as that is an individual thing. I can only tell you what I do and recommend if indeed you do not want to go the clipless route.
Best regards