Pedal issues, need some suggestions, advice, etc.
#1
Thread Starter
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Joined: Aug 2010
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Pedal issues, need some suggestions, advice, etc.
https://www.benscycle.net/index.php?m...oducts_id=7158
These are my current pedals. With mks steel clips, and toshi single straps. Surly steamroller running fixed.
When I wear my reebok classics, adidas stan smiths, etc. Running / tennis shoes. Getting in and out of the clip is a pain. The sole is kinda thick so the ridge doesn't bother me as much, but starting to feel it and my shoes are all getting a cut in them where the ridge is. I am sure it's only going to get worse. When wearing converse chuck taylors, they slip in nice, but the sole is way too soft. Very uncomfortable. And trying to stand and sprint is painful.
The bottom line is the ridge on that pedal hurts like hell. I want to get rid of it.
Back to the drawing board with pedals. Here is a few ways I think I can go..
1) Keep the clips and straps and go with the white industries urban platform pedal. They look pretty comfortable. Nice and wide. Can take double straps if I decide. They are kind of expensive, but if I could have a really comfortable pedal for the next few years I have no issue paying.
https://www.universalcycles.com/shopp...s.php?id=31102
2) Some kind of bmx platform pedal along with something like the reload or holdfast straps.
3) Go clipless. This will be the most comfortable solution, but will have to carry shoes 90% of the time. And change shoes.
What do you guys think? I ride quite a bit. 7 miles one way to work daily, and then anything else is on top of that.
These are my current pedals. With mks steel clips, and toshi single straps. Surly steamroller running fixed.
When I wear my reebok classics, adidas stan smiths, etc. Running / tennis shoes. Getting in and out of the clip is a pain. The sole is kinda thick so the ridge doesn't bother me as much, but starting to feel it and my shoes are all getting a cut in them where the ridge is. I am sure it's only going to get worse. When wearing converse chuck taylors, they slip in nice, but the sole is way too soft. Very uncomfortable. And trying to stand and sprint is painful.
The bottom line is the ridge on that pedal hurts like hell. I want to get rid of it.
Back to the drawing board with pedals. Here is a few ways I think I can go..
1) Keep the clips and straps and go with the white industries urban platform pedal. They look pretty comfortable. Nice and wide. Can take double straps if I decide. They are kind of expensive, but if I could have a really comfortable pedal for the next few years I have no issue paying.
https://www.universalcycles.com/shopp...s.php?id=31102
2) Some kind of bmx platform pedal along with something like the reload or holdfast straps.
3) Go clipless. This will be the most comfortable solution, but will have to carry shoes 90% of the time. And change shoes.
What do you guys think? I ride quite a bit. 7 miles one way to work daily, and then anything else is on top of that.
#3
i smell bacon
Joined: Mar 2010
Posts: 5,574
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Bikes: Geekhouse Deerfield, GT Edge Ti, Spooky Skeletor, TET Track, Ritchey P-650b, Bridgestone MB-3
MKS GR9s are great and can be found <$30.
I've seen good reviews for the WI pedals, but, personally, I don't see a point in paying $200 for pedals.
Another option is to go clipless and pick up some of those new spiffy Mission Workshop shoes or something.
I've seen good reviews for the WI pedals, but, personally, I don't see a point in paying $200 for pedals.
Another option is to go clipless and pick up some of those new spiffy Mission Workshop shoes or something.
#6
Banned.
Joined: Apr 2010
Posts: 331
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From: Chicago IL
Bikes: trek t1
Like it has been said, you can get a nice pair of shoes + pedals for that price.
Yes, those 200 dollar pedals are badass. I don't see any place for them but a show bike. How are you going to feel when you take a spill and the first thing that gets scratched up is your expensive pedals. Not to mention any performance gains will be unnoticable except the "large kick plate." That in my mind is not worth the cost of the price tag.
shoes/clipless > 15-30 bmx platform+holdfast > 200 dollar platform.
Yes, those 200 dollar pedals are badass. I don't see any place for them but a show bike. How are you going to feel when you take a spill and the first thing that gets scratched up is your expensive pedals. Not to mention any performance gains will be unnoticable except the "large kick plate." That in my mind is not worth the cost of the price tag.
shoes/clipless > 15-30 bmx platform+holdfast > 200 dollar platform.
#7
モㄥ工匕モ 爪モ爪乃モ尺
Joined: Feb 2010
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From: LA San Gabriel, California
Bikes: Custom frame
I used to have this problem. I just put a piece of cardboard on the platform of the pedal so it levels it And cut a sheet of alum and put that in place of the platform. Then the ridge was very minimal. Now i have new pedals of course. but what eva
#8
Thread Starter
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Joined: Aug 2010
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Thanks.
Just threw the BMX pedal thing out there. Really not interested in that one.
I was looking at the gr-9s. From what I have read they will be too narrow for me. I wear size 12.
I don't know. It will cost ~120 for decent egg beaters, or candy pedals, or comparable spd pedal. Then ~80 to ~120 for a pair of shoes. With including low end models basically looking at ~175+ for shoes and pedals. Realistically ~230 to ~250. Really the same price and now I have to carry around shoes everywhere.
Those WI pedals do look pretty nice. Especially this image.
https://www.whiteind.com/images/640_2_STRAP_TOP.jpg
They look really comfortable. It's a shame there are 2 options for pedals like this. $25 mks gr-9s, and $200 White industry. The even more messed up part is there are pages and pages of these pedals that were designed for slotted cleats, but where do you buy the slotted cleats and shoes at? I saw some over at yellowjersey. But you would think with 99.999999% of toe clip pedals being made with a ridge as sharp as a razor blade that slowly cuts into your foot, there would be more availability of the cleats also.
I just emailed them to get the width of the pedal. Would love to hear if anyone here has those pedals. There are some reviews and comments around the net. But would like to hear something bad about them, aside from the price. Thanks.
Just threw the BMX pedal thing out there. Really not interested in that one.
I was looking at the gr-9s. From what I have read they will be too narrow for me. I wear size 12.
I don't know. It will cost ~120 for decent egg beaters, or candy pedals, or comparable spd pedal. Then ~80 to ~120 for a pair of shoes. With including low end models basically looking at ~175+ for shoes and pedals. Realistically ~230 to ~250. Really the same price and now I have to carry around shoes everywhere.
Those WI pedals do look pretty nice. Especially this image.
https://www.whiteind.com/images/640_2_STRAP_TOP.jpg
They look really comfortable. It's a shame there are 2 options for pedals like this. $25 mks gr-9s, and $200 White industry. The even more messed up part is there are pages and pages of these pedals that were designed for slotted cleats, but where do you buy the slotted cleats and shoes at? I saw some over at yellowjersey. But you would think with 99.999999% of toe clip pedals being made with a ridge as sharp as a razor blade that slowly cuts into your foot, there would be more availability of the cleats also.
I just emailed them to get the width of the pedal. Would love to hear if anyone here has those pedals. There are some reviews and comments around the net. But would like to hear something bad about them, aside from the price. Thanks.
#9
Senior Member
Joined: Jan 2006
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From: East coast
Bikes: Specialized Tarmac Expert, Cannondale R700, Specialized Langster, Iron Horse Hollowpoint Team, Schwinn Homegrown
run clipless and carry some Vans(or whatever you are into) to slip on and walk with.
#10
Since this a pedal thread, I'll just tag along and ask a question as well:
I have the stock pedals on my kilo tt, and was going to replace the plastic clips with steel clips, however, the steel clips mount on the front, and my current clips mount on the bottom. Should I just buy whole new pedals? Or buy steel clips and bend them to work.
If I had money I would for sure go clipless. So that's for the OP.
I have the stock pedals on my kilo tt, and was going to replace the plastic clips with steel clips, however, the steel clips mount on the front, and my current clips mount on the bottom. Should I just buy whole new pedals? Or buy steel clips and bend them to work.
If I had money I would for sure go clipless. So that's for the OP.
#11
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Joined: Jul 2009
Posts: 11,862
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From: Ciudad de Vacas, Tejas
Bikes: 34 frames + 80 wheels
Since this a pedal thread, I'll just tag along and ask a question as well:
I have the stock pedals on my kilo tt, and was going to replace the plastic clips with steel clips, however, the steel clips mount on the front, and my current clips mount on the bottom. Should I just buy whole new pedals? Or buy steel clips and bend them to work.
If I had money I would for sure go clipless. So that's for the OP.
I have the stock pedals on my kilo tt, and was going to replace the plastic clips with steel clips, however, the steel clips mount on the front, and my current clips mount on the bottom. Should I just buy whole new pedals? Or buy steel clips and bend them to work.
If I had money I would for sure go clipless. So that's for the OP.
https://www.universalcycles.com/shopp...9&category=113
https://www.universalcycles.com/shopp...6&category=113
https://www.universalcycles.com/shopp...&category=1670
https://www.universalcycles.com/shopp...&category=1670
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Last edited by TejanoTrackie; 10-25-10 at 09:19 PM. Reason: add links
#12
I was actually looking at the Gr-9s before I posted, so this just gives me more reason to spend and pull the trigger. But if the stock pedals aren't meant for normal shoes, and they aren't clipless, what are they supposed to work with?
#13
Veteran Racer


Joined: Jul 2009
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From: Ciudad de Vacas, Tejas
Bikes: 34 frames + 80 wheels
These
#14
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Joined: Sep 2010
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From: Sandy, OR
Bikes: 96' lemond tourmalet, 11' leader 725tr
does anybody actually ride with the bmx pedals and holdfast setup AKA not just tricks and coffee shop strolls. they look comfy i just wonder if they actually work for more then ten minutes.
#16
I commute with holdfast style straps (blaq, because they were on sale) and they are alright. The upside is they work with a wider range of shoes, but I find myself having to re-tighten the straps occasionally, and they are a bit difficult to get into, which is a pain at stoplights. I know that holdfasts probably don't have that issue as much, though.
#17
Here, with all these busy intersections, crazy traffic, messed up streets, etc, I've found (and this is subjective) that the benefits of clipless (in terms of power transfer and efficiency) sort of get wasted with so much stopping, going, dodging cabs, avoiding getting mowed over, etc. I've noticed that with clipped platforms, my riding is more relaxed, and less conservative (but not reckless). Overall, more enjoyable.
Your commute may be different though. If your rides are more straightforward / less stressful, clipless is great. Definitely a much more efficient pedaling system.
Anyways, once again, if you decide to go with platforms + clips + straps, I'll add another vote for GR-9's.
If you go clipless, most people recommend either Time ATAC's or Shimano PD-M520's. I have the 520's. Great, inexpensive pedals.
Last edited by NateRod; 10-26-10 at 08:30 PM.
#18
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Joined: Aug 2010
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Used clipless for a bit on my road bike. Didn't really like them much to be honest. If I was going on a 50 mile ride down a trail clipless it is. But 10 miles through the city, rush hour traffic, stopping at the store, getting a bite to eat on the way to work - clips and straps are so much better.
Think I'm gonna give white industries a shot.
Forget the gr-9's. They are too small for me. If I didn't wear size 12 shoe I would go for the gr-9's.
Now I just have to decide if I should add a pair of toshi doubles to my shopping cart too hehe.
Will let you know how they turn out.
Think I'm gonna give white industries a shot.
Forget the gr-9's. They are too small for me. If I didn't wear size 12 shoe I would go for the gr-9's.
Now I just have to decide if I should add a pair of toshi doubles to my shopping cart too hehe.
Will let you know how they turn out.
#20
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Joined: Sep 2007
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From: Scottsdale, AZ
Bikes: 1986 Pinarello Pista
Im a size 11. The GR-9's are horrible for a shoe that big so I will be the only one here to not recommend those pedals.
I currently run Shimano Ultegra pedals and Sidi shoes. It is sooo nice riding in them.
I vote go clipless.
I currently run Shimano Ultegra pedals and Sidi shoes. It is sooo nice riding in them.
I vote go clipless.
#21
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Ended up ordering them a couple days ago. Should be here early to mid next week (free economy shipping which seems to drag).
Just going to stick with single straps. I prefer to crank on them as much as possible and pretty good at leaning over and slapping the left one open in a pinch. I don't think doubles would be good for me. The single holds me just fine. The doubles do look cooler though.
Also ordered some Panaracer T-Serv Messenger tires in 35's. 32's would of been better I think, but love how the steamroller looks with fat tires. But no sense to get some knobbies that will just wear down fast. So the T-Serv 35's it is.
I'll report back on the pedals after I get them and try them out.
Just going to stick with single straps. I prefer to crank on them as much as possible and pretty good at leaning over and slapping the left one open in a pinch. I don't think doubles would be good for me. The single holds me just fine. The doubles do look cooler though.
Also ordered some Panaracer T-Serv Messenger tires in 35's. 32's would of been better I think, but love how the steamroller looks with fat tires. But no sense to get some knobbies that will just wear down fast. So the T-Serv 35's it is.
I'll report back on the pedals after I get them and try them out.
#23
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My pedals came today. And somehow I ordered the wrong color. Wanted the silver, and ordered the black. I remember I was checking out the site a few days before I actually ordered and put a set in my cart to see shipping options. Then when I ordered there were 2 in my cart and must of removed the wrong ones. Can't believe I did that.
They are going to swap them out for me, luckily.
The t-serv tires in 35 are pretty sweet. The bike does feel a tad heavier, but the smoother ride makes up for it. Only just put them on a few hours ago and did a 5 mile ride.
They are going to swap them out for me, luckily.
The t-serv tires in 35 are pretty sweet. The bike does feel a tad heavier, but the smoother ride makes up for it. Only just put them on a few hours ago and did a 5 mile ride.
#25
android
Joined: Jun 2010
Posts: 20
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From: Boston
Bikes: 75 motobecane mirage, 74 raleigh sports
I use holdfasts on platform pedals for regular riding and I really like them. I ride in adidas Samba Ks. Once you have them adjusted to your foot they're pretty damn perfect.
attached a pic of my urban ss 29er w/ the holdfasts
attached a pic of my urban ss 29er w/ the holdfasts



