Platform vs bear trap pedals
 

Is there any advantage to platform pedals with replaceable pins over bear trap type pedals for single track riding over logpiles, rock gardens, etc.? I'm not yet ready to go clipless on my MTB but have been told that platform pedals with replaceable pins are better than bear traps....
Thanks
Keith

it really comes down to a personal preference. I prefer platforms. I like the way my entire foot feels more supported and overall i just feel like I have a better grip on the pedal. A good pair of platforms will be grippy enough to do anything you want. The only real reason to go to clipless is the ability to pedal a little bit more efficiently which alot of clipless people don't do, causing undue strain on the knees that could be avoided. you should never be truly pulling up on the pedal at the back but in reality moving in a D pattern versus the pedaling in circles you hear about. Pulling up on the pedals puts force in an unnatural direction on your knees. you should really be pushing down, 'scraping' backwards, not pulling up, and pushing the pedal forwards and then down.

I find that riding platforms is much more enjoyable to me as it actually forces me to be a better rider by not allowing me the possibility of using clipless as a crutch in any way. I also ride multiple disciplines (dirt jumping, street, XC, and some freeride) and love the ability to have the exact same pedal on every rig so that it always feels the same on my feet instead of switching from flats to clipless and bike with different bikes.

I concur. The pointy bits on the bear trap cages have a tendency to bend or break when impacting rocks. 5 cents apiece for a replacement pins is more sensible than buying a complete replacement cage.

Further, most dual parallelogram platforms have a greater contact area than the oval bear trap types.

Yep, and the bear traps will cause more "hot spots" due to the contact area.

The biggest concern is which will hurt more when it hits your shins, the beartraps tend to penetrate flesh a little better.

Thanks! Platforms it is!

My shins are all scars for exactly this reason. Ow.

Bear traps should be renamed bear claws as in "my shins look like they get mauled by a bear".