In praise of platform pedals...
#26
Senior Member
Join Date: Jun 2002
Location: Pennsylvania
Posts: 7,481
Bikes: Too many to list!
Mentioned: 1 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 0 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 3 Times
in
3 Posts
If you own a pair of SIDIs, your feet will be happy - on, and off the bike. Okay, they are not slippers, or sandals, but man SIDIs are by far the best fitting, and comfy shoes on the market.
That's my opinion, so it must be right. I can't ride platforms.
... Brad
That's my opinion, so it must be right. I can't ride platforms.
... Brad
#27
Senior Member
Join Date: Jan 2006
Location: Berwyn PA
Posts: 6,408
Bikes: I hate bikes!
Mentioned: 39 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 431 Post(s)
Liked 710 Times
in
233 Posts
So for he folks that ride platforms w/ Powergrips, how do you feel the system performs in stop & go traffic? Is it a PIA to rotate the pedal around to get started?
#28
♋ ☮♂ ☭ ☯
Join Date: Feb 2005
Location: 40205 'ViLLeBiLLie
Posts: 7,902
Bikes: Sngl Spd's, 70's- 80's vintage, D-tube Folder
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 0 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 2 Times
in
2 Posts
Although I ride them un-modified on my other bikes,
riding fixt with straight platforms is not a great idea....
Here is a modded set of BMX'ers that are on my Fix :
riding fixt with straight platforms is not a great idea....
Here is a modded set of BMX'ers that are on my Fix :
#29
You know you want to.
Join Date: Jun 2005
Location: Norman, Oklahoma
Posts: 1,894
Bikes: Pinarello Prince, 1980's 531 steel fixie commuter, FrankenMTB
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 0 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 0 Times
in
0 Posts
Originally Posted by MillCreek
Back in 1997, I was not able to unclip in time due to sticky cleats. I crashed my MTB down on my left side, fracturing my left femoral neck. I still have three stainless steel screws in my hip. Since that time, I have gone to platforms on all five bicycles. The novelty of one major orthopedic injury was quite enough.
Originally Posted by fender1
So for he folks that ride platforms w/ Powergrips, how do you feel the system performs in stop & go traffic? Is it a PIA to rotate the pedal around to get started?
I've never had a problem, except when I wear sandals and the straps get caught in the grips, but that happens with toeclips too.
__________________
Weather today: Hot. Humid. Potholes.
Weather today: Hot. Humid. Potholes.
#30
Senior Member
Join Date: Feb 2007
Location: San Francisco!
Posts: 909
Bikes: 2010 Surly LHT (main rider and do-everything bike), 2011 Bike Friday NWT (back-up bike and multi-modal)
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 0 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 0 Times
in
0 Posts
Originally Posted by Nicodemus
You do realise that you're defending yourself in a pro-platform pedal thread right?
#31
domestique
Join Date: Nov 2005
Location: off the back
Posts: 2,005
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 1 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 0 Times
in
0 Posts
Originally Posted by fender1
So for he folks that ride platforms w/ Powergrips, how do you feel the system performs in stop & go traffic? Is it a PIA to rotate the pedal around to get started?
#32
Senior Member
Join Date: Aug 2006
Location: Chicago, IL
Posts: 714
Bikes: Jamis Nova
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 0 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 0 Times
in
0 Posts
Originally Posted by fender1
So for he folks that ride platforms w/ Powergrips, how do you feel the system performs in stop & go traffic? Is it a PIA to rotate the pedal around to get started?
So its definitely a little more annoying thats straight up platforms, since there is a right side up... But, its MUCH easier than toe clips.
I found when the powergrips are new, its kind of annoying and I often just rode with one foot in, and the other foot on the platform side, until I cleared an intersection and had a moment to flip the pedal.
BUT,
as the powergrips wear, they tended to fit the form of my foot better and better, and often times i start pedalling, and found my foot naturally found its way into the powergrips accidently and naturally. After a few days of breaking in my feet almost always find their way naturally into the power grips as I get started, and only sometimes do I have to think about flipping the pedal up first.
#33
Senior Member
Join Date: Nov 2006
Location: United Kingdom
Posts: 475
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 0 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 0 Times
in
0 Posts
Slap me down if I am wrong here, but as regard starting with these power grips... and do bear in mind I have not used them.
But pwergrips are something you can fit to flat pedals... yes?
So.. that being the case, when stopped and your foot is off the pedal, the weight of the powergrip will turn the pedal so that the side without the powergrip is upper most.. in short... a normal flat pedal?
So you set off from the lights... and only when you are moving use your toe end to flip the pedal and slip into the grip? So it should be no harder to start to pedal than a flat... and when safe you slip into the grip?
But pwergrips are something you can fit to flat pedals... yes?
So.. that being the case, when stopped and your foot is off the pedal, the weight of the powergrip will turn the pedal so that the side without the powergrip is upper most.. in short... a normal flat pedal?
So you set off from the lights... and only when you are moving use your toe end to flip the pedal and slip into the grip? So it should be no harder to start to pedal than a flat... and when safe you slip into the grip?
#34
tired
Join Date: Apr 2006
Location: Portland, OR
Posts: 5,651
Bikes: Breezer Uptown 8, U frame
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 1 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 2 Times
in
2 Posts
Originally Posted by fender1
So for he folks that ride platforms w/ Powergrips, how do you feel the system performs in stop & go traffic? Is it a PIA to rotate the pedal around to get started?
__________________
"Real wars of words are harder to win. They require thought, insight, precision, articulation, knowledge, and experience. They require the humility to admit when you are wrong. They recognize that the dialectic is not about making us look at you, but about us all looking together for the truth."
"Real wars of words are harder to win. They require thought, insight, precision, articulation, knowledge, and experience. They require the humility to admit when you are wrong. They recognize that the dialectic is not about making us look at you, but about us all looking together for the truth."
#36
Senior Member
Join Date: Feb 2007
Location: Wellington, New Zealand
Posts: 603
Bikes: Thorn Nomad S+S, Trek 520 - 2007 (out on loan), and a crap Repco MTB
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 0 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 0 Times
in
0 Posts
All I ever use is flat pedals, even when touring on my Trek 520, no clips or straps at all.
They are great, and I've never slipped off them. (exept when acting the goat, ie: look, no hands or seat!..etc etc)
They are great, and I've never slipped off them. (exept when acting the goat, ie: look, no hands or seat!..etc etc)
__________________
Sparsely updated blog
Sparsely updated blog
#37
Cat None
Join Date: Aug 2005
Location: San Diego
Posts: 4,508
Bikes: LOOK KG 461, LeMond Zurich, Giant Talon 29er 0
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 2 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 0 Times
in
0 Posts
I disagree. Cycling to work gives me a good workout and I prefer to do it on the same bike I do my weekend rides on, which is a road bike. I can shower at work and store my bike next to my desk so for me platform pedals are a step into the past and compromises, somewhat, the purpose of commuting by bike for me.
Clipless is the only way to go.
Clipless is the only way to go.
#38
``````````````
Join Date: Feb 2007
Location: san jose
Posts: 763
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 0 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 1 Time
in
1 Post
Originally Posted by Nicodemus
Cheers, I was wondering whether I'd need the long ones. With UK size 10 boots, I think the answer's clear
Originally Posted by Cadfael
So.. that being the case, when stopped and your foot is off the pedal, the weight of the powergrip will turn the pedal so that the side without the powergrip is upper most.. in short... a normal flat pedal?
So you set off from the lights... and only when you are moving use your toe end to flip the pedal and slip into the grip? So it should be no harder to start to pedal than a flat... and when safe you slip into the grip?
So you set off from the lights... and only when you are moving use your toe end to flip the pedal and slip into the grip? So it should be no harder to start to pedal than a flat... and when safe you slip into the grip?
#39
Very Senior Member
Originally Posted by Eatadonut
Have you worn out a pair of PowerGrips? I've got some on my fixie right now, they've got about 2000 hard brakeless miles on them, and show little sign of wear (except on the tip of the arc, where they occasionally drag the ground). I thought they looked a little more fragile (coming from steel toeclips...), but I've been surprised pleasantly thus far.
__________________
It's better to cycle through life than to drive by it.
It's better to cycle through life than to drive by it.
#40
tired
Join Date: Apr 2006
Location: Portland, OR
Posts: 5,651
Bikes: Breezer Uptown 8, U frame
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 1 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 2 Times
in
2 Posts
Originally Posted by MikeR
I have steel toeclips and I'm interested in PowerGrips. How do the PowerGrips compare to toeclips?
__________________
"Real wars of words are harder to win. They require thought, insight, precision, articulation, knowledge, and experience. They require the humility to admit when you are wrong. They recognize that the dialectic is not about making us look at you, but about us all looking together for the truth."
"Real wars of words are harder to win. They require thought, insight, precision, articulation, knowledge, and experience. They require the humility to admit when you are wrong. They recognize that the dialectic is not about making us look at you, but about us all looking together for the truth."
#41
Very Senior Member
Originally Posted by donnamb
Now, this comes secondhand from my housemate, as I've never use toeclips. She used them before her PowerGrips, and said there is no comparison. The PowerGrips were easier for her to get in and out of and she felt the were more efficient. They also don't mar shoes like toeclips can.
__________________
It's better to cycle through life than to drive by it.
It's better to cycle through life than to drive by it.
#42
domestique
Join Date: Nov 2005
Location: off the back
Posts: 2,005
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 1 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 0 Times
in
0 Posts
Originally Posted by Cadfael
Slap me down if I am wrong here, but as regard starting with these power grips... and do bear in mind I have not used them.
But pwergrips are something you can fit to flat pedals... yes?
So.. that being the case, when stopped and your foot is off the pedal, the weight of the powergrip will turn the pedal so that the side without the powergrip is upper most.. in short... a normal flat pedal?
So you set off from the lights... and only when you are moving use your toe end to flip the pedal and slip into the grip? So it should be no harder to start to pedal than a flat... and when safe you slip into the grip?
But pwergrips are something you can fit to flat pedals... yes?
So.. that being the case, when stopped and your foot is off the pedal, the weight of the powergrip will turn the pedal so that the side without the powergrip is upper most.. in short... a normal flat pedal?
So you set off from the lights... and only when you are moving use your toe end to flip the pedal and slip into the grip? So it should be no harder to start to pedal than a flat... and when safe you slip into the grip?
#43
tired
Join Date: Apr 2006
Location: Portland, OR
Posts: 5,651
Bikes: Breezer Uptown 8, U frame
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 1 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 2 Times
in
2 Posts
Originally Posted by MikeR
I have big feet. My toe clops never really fit that well - even with modifications.
__________________
"Real wars of words are harder to win. They require thought, insight, precision, articulation, knowledge, and experience. They require the humility to admit when you are wrong. They recognize that the dialectic is not about making us look at you, but about us all looking together for the truth."
"Real wars of words are harder to win. They require thought, insight, precision, articulation, knowledge, and experience. They require the humility to admit when you are wrong. They recognize that the dialectic is not about making us look at you, but about us all looking together for the truth."
#44
Geosynchronous Falconeer
Join Date: Sep 2004
Location: Sacramento, CA
Posts: 6,312
Bikes: 2006 Raleigh Rush Hour, Campy Habanero Team Ti, Soma Double Cross
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 1 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 0 Times
in
0 Posts
Originally Posted by fat_bike_nut
Just leave me be with my platforms without bombing me about how much power/efficiency/etc. that I'm supposedly missing out on with no clip-in systems. All those "I need my clipless on any ride over 10 miles" folks just sound downright silly to me. For one thing, I've done 40+ mile rides on plain jane platforms (no clips to speak of), and my feet were just fine! Honest!
I've done 80+ mile rides on platform pedals. My feet were fine also. But I also have the added perspective of having done rides with clipless pedals also. For a long or fast ride, I would choose clipless pedals every time.
If you're happy with platforms, good for you. Some aren't. You don't need to justify yourself to them.
__________________
Bring the pain.
Bring the pain.
#45
Senior Member
Join Date: Nov 2006
Location: United Kingdom
Posts: 475
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 0 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 0 Times
in
0 Posts
My father in law is a hardcore clip user... he tells me he can 'toe and heal' with them? I am assuming this mean that in addition to pushing down on one pedal... he also uses the other foot to lift the other pedal, which I suppose means he is getting twice as much drive for his energy?
This is why I find the Powergrips interesting, I am not keen on having to actually ,ess abput and snap my foot on to a pedal, but I would give the Powergrips a try.
This is why I find the Powergrips interesting, I am not keen on having to actually ,ess abput and snap my foot on to a pedal, but I would give the Powergrips a try.
#46
Senior Member
Join Date: Dec 2006
Location: Jacksonville Florida
Posts: 765
Bikes: Raleigh Glacier MTB/Commuter. Cannondale CAAD5, Windsor Timeline fixed gear
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 0 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 0 Times
in
0 Posts
Anyone ever used toe clips with flipflops? I was riding after a rain the otherday and my flipflop slid off the petal and almost wrecked me. Sorry, I am in florida, I am not giving up the flops!! Not even for biking. Plus if I even owned a pair of non-work shoes, I wouldnt want to get them wet in the rain
#47
Tornado of Teeth
Join Date: Sep 2006
Location: Astoria, NYC
Posts: 437
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 0 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 0 Times
in
0 Posts
Originally Posted by donnamb
Hey, KnoxBreezer! I got MKS sylvan touring pedals with Powergrips. I'm very happy with the set up.
#48
Very Senior Member
Originally Posted by donnamb
PowerGrips come in an XL size. Good for winter boots, too.
__________________
It's better to cycle through life than to drive by it.
It's better to cycle through life than to drive by it.
#49
Very Senior Member
Originally Posted by squeakywheel
You are essentially correct. The only thing I can say against this method is that the powergrips can drag the ground when you are pedalling with the pedals upside down. For this reason, I usually would start with my right foot securely in the powergrip and try to hook the left side one on the first rotation. I'll admit to a quick little look down while doing this. Some people might not like that distraction in traffic.
__________________
It's better to cycle through life than to drive by it.
It's better to cycle through life than to drive by it.