Where is my power going?
 

(Disclaimer, I have not posted on these forums in entirely too long. Sorry, folks)

I've been primarily a road cyclist for a long time now, and recently picked up a Pure Fix India as my "around town" and commuting bike. I love it and it's a ton of fun, but I'm noticing that I'm putting way too much effort into the pedals for not a whole lot of return.

Initially, I thought "saddle height" and/or tire pressure, but neither of these seemed to remedy the problem.

So, I'm wondering if this is an issue of:

A. Getting used to the gear ratio/bad cadence management
B. Not having used platform pedals since who knows when
C. Something having to do with riding on Thickslicks after being used to the 4000s on my road bike
D. Something else

Pedal straps have seemed like the obvious choice, but I wanted to check with other single speed/flip flop riders and see if maybe it's something simpler than that.

Thoughts?

What gear ratio are you running?

The tires definitely seem like a good candidate. Probably your whole wheels are heavier as well which can really make a ride seem sluggish.

When you say "pedal straps seem like an obvious choice" does that mean you don't have any foot retention?

Running a 44/16 gear ratio

Yes, I felt like pedal straps were a good choice, since I have spent so much time clipped into my road pedals. It feels to me like I'm not getting anything out of my upstrokes using the platform pedals with my feet not secured into anything... and thought that might be where the power is going. I am, however, open to other ideas... hence going to the forums.

Shoes? Sneakers are a lot less stiff than cycling shoes.

Since I'm riding it just around town, errands and what not, I'm wearing plain running sneakers

Embrace the platform pedals, they aren't showing you down. It take a little while to get used to them but you will be golden in no time. You're being slowed down by poor bearings, heavy tires, and heavy rims.

http://25.media.tumblr.com/tumblr_m8...wmvqo1_500.jpg

I feel like **** everytime I ride platform pedals, seems like I can't get my power either. I've tried maybe like 5 times over the years to switch back and always just go back to clipless.

Platforms suck even with foot retention.

I've fallen victim to this one. I have a pair of Specialized Armadillos that came with a used bike and I never knew how incredibly drastic an effect sluggish tires can have on a ride until I met those two. It was like pedaling through molasses.

After I switched out the tires it felt like I had inherited a rocket. And I use platform pedals with straps.

One of the best feelings ever was swapping out 28mm cheap continentals for some 23mm Vittorias.

Yep. That bike is probably 25lbs.

Lighter wheels like the Wabi Sub 15 and a pair of Vittoria Rubino Pro's would change the way it rides.

The tire thing makes sense. I've been on my 4000's and going over to Thickslicks... that theory holds water. The wheels didn't seem heavier but I checked specs and they actually are.

That being said, technique-wise... what do you recommend? What can I do to get used to this set up, coming over from road riding? Are we talking something more along the lines of foot position? A different approach to cadence? Standing out of the saddle more?

How can I pedal more efficiently and come at least close to the acceleration and control I get in clipless pedals?

You just have to ride it more, enjoy the ride, don't over think it. Your pedaling with smooth out soon enough.

+1 for tires. Flat pedals are ok but it can be a problem for getting up the steeper hills.

Like Hairnet said, it's just a case of practice. You're never going to come close to the feel of clipless pedals in soft running shoes and platform pedals, or even any kind of retention system that doesn't involve a cleat and a stiff sole. So unless you fancy going clipless I'd just forget about it and focus on enjoying the bike.

Pedal harder and get a lighter bike :ride:

If your chain is too tight, this could be a HUGE source of friction. Set up the chain so that it is as loose as possible without being able to fall off/be pushed off.