NashvegasMatt

New to the forum here and the first change I'm making to my trek is the clip on pedals. I'm using this bike to ride to work and need something more practical. Being a newb.... I don't know what the difference is between all the different types, but what I do know is that clip pedals won't work for me. Any suggestions? Keep in mind, cost is an issue. I have no problem paying for quality, but I have a college budget to live on.

twodownzero

If you're not going to be clipped to them, it probably doesn't matter what you use.

ahsposo 

Toe Clips.

NashvegasMatt

so what you're saying is that aluminum isn't better than plastic, and that all brands are equal?

whataracket

One approach would be to go try on shoes until you find some that you can afford and that seem to fit you well. The type of bolt pattern on the bottom of those shoes then may narrow your pedal options some.

If you are not insisting on absolute minimum weight and minimum drag, and are using them for commuting, you might want to consider shoes for mountain biking because they are a lot better for walking around. People with road shoes occasionally slip and fall trying to walk around in their shoes.

Also, read up about "float" and try to decide what characteristic is best for you. That will narrow your choices as well. I found I got sore knees with anything other than free floating pedals (I use Speedplay Frogs).

NashvegasMatt

I guess i should re-reference my first post.... I'm commuting to work...no clips, no special shoes.... just regular pedals. any suggestions?

twodownzero

Yes that's what I'm saying. If you're not clipped to it, a pedal is a pedal. They all do exactly the same thing and lack in the same area...primarily, that you're not clipped to it.

Durockrolly

When it comes to platform pedals if you like aluminum, then go with them. If you like plastic then that should be your choice. Throw some tow clips on and be on your way to work, my friend. Opinions will be slim on this subject since most riders use clipless. In my opinion there will be little difference between aluminum and plastic but that being said I've been clipless for more than a couple of decades.

whataracket

Ah! You are taking the clipless pedals off.

All the plastic plain platform pedals I've seen were just test ride pedals that are put on new bikes. I wouldn't trust test-ride pedals to stand on over and over again - they feel like they'd bend. Good platform pedals generally have a metal frame even if they have rubber or plastic treads. There may be carbon fiber ones out there but they wouldn't be cheap.

I would suggest posting an ad on Craigslist in the bike section saying you want to buy somebody's cheap platform pedals, or go a to a local bike shop and ask them if they have any take-offs they'll sell you cheap. I would think the price range would be free to $10. I've given them away in the past.

NashvegasMatt

thanks for the response... might have to try that.

Homebrew01

Platforms are good because they spread the load out. You don't want old "rat trap" type pedals that will put all the pressure in a small area of your shoe, because you'll feel it in your foot.

You can consider those fabric "toe straps" that work with street shoes to give you a bit more safety & "clip feeling" .... can't remember the correct name.

Edit: I just did a search on "platform pedal straps" and a bunch of different types show up. For example:

byrnemm

try the commuter forum

Reeses

These have served me well. I got them for $40 but they're on $35. One side is platform and the other is SPD. How low is your budget ?

fstshrk

Ergon makes a nice set of regular pedals.

tballx

https://www.rivbike.com/product-p/pe1.htm

bikerjp

I think the power grips are kind of cool though I've never tried them.

BarracksSi

They look really interesting; I want to try them someday.
https://www.ergon-bike.com/us/en/product/pc2

For now, I've got these MKS Touring pedals on my commuter. Part function, part style -- the rest of the bike is black with a few aluminum bits.
https://www.rivbike.com/product-p/pe3.htm

I'll tell you this -- if you ever ride with hard-soled dress shoes and it gets wet, they suck.

esldude

Clearly you don't want clips, straps, power pedals or anything except hop on it with whatever shoes and ride. Unlike some comments, I see nothing wrong with that, and keep at least one bike that way myself. So you want something aluminum and with good bearings and such. My suggestion would be something by MKS. A bit above many other pedals in basic quality. MKS Sylvan touring pedals suggested by many. Probably cost you around $35 on Amazon or elsewhere.

Now if you wanted more you could get things like MKS Grip King. A long pedal which will cost you about $55 or so. I have some and do like them better. They are bit slippery when damp.

The MKS RMX pedal might be a better choice. Those run about $30-35 too. Something between a touring road bike pedal and a BMX pedal with those screw in spikes.

There are a number of people that make BMX style pedals in almost any price range. Were I doing it now, I would try the RMX above. But some who tour without clipping in and such insist the spiky wide surface of BMX pedals is the thing. Usually very sturdy (though sometimes heavy).

If money is tight, check a bike shop for some take off pedals. Any aluminum pedal should do okay.

NashvegasMatt

50 or less

NashvegasMatt

thanks for the info.. I'll have to check into MKS

NWS Alpine

I have MKS grip kings on the bike I commute with. I wear rainbow sandals almost daily to work and have not had any issues. The longer platform is nice since I have a large foot. My plastic stock pedals started getting stress marks and were unsafe to ride any longer. The spindle would have ripped from the platform.

mprelaw

Pr1mo pinned platform pedals aren't bad. They have a wide surface, and around 10 raised pins that have some gripping traction to help minimize slippage. Around $35.

abstractform20

the correct answer is Speedplay Zeros with Platformers.

Rex81

I've always liked MKS Sylvans. They're similar to the touring, but with a little bit more style. I've seen them for around $30. You can also get the Sylvan Prime for mayb $15 more, which is better quality with serviceable bearings and such.

NashvegasMatt

went by REI and picked up an aluminum pedal similar to the sylvan, and until i determine what I want, these cheapies will do for now.