Anyone Ride with Plain Ol' Platform Pedals, No Clips or Nothin'?

[wackyjacky1]

I was reading this (http://www.rivbike.com/article/clothing/the_shoes_ruse) article about riding without specialized shoes and pedals, and it got me thinking about giving it a try.

Currently I use toe clips...simply because I'm used to them, and clipless still kinda scares me. I like how secure I feel when I stand up to pedal, but otherwise I don't really know how necessary they are. My riding is either commuting, where I wear my work shoes (sneakers or trail shoes) or leisurely weekend rides. I notice that I experience less fatigue when I wear cycling shoes (these (http://www.teamestrogen.com/prodLG_1487107.html)) but perhaps a larger platform pedal would accomplish the same thing?

Are there any "free pedalers" out there? What pedals do you use? How secure do you feel on those occasions when you stand up and stomp on the pedals?

Would love to hear some feedback!

[indigoiis]

My mountain bike has a flat (with teeth) pedal on the left, clipped in on right. Road bike I have Look clipless pedals, and my beater I have flat pedals.

[Owlie]

I have clipless pedals (SPDs) on my road bike, but my next bike purchase will likely be a hybrid or flat-bar road bike (haven't decided yet) for commuting, and I'm just going to put platform or possibly BMX pedals on it. I figure a semi-urban or college campus-type commute, with all its stopping and starting, will give me none of the benefits of clipless but all the hassles.

[Bike Writer]

Yep, me. I have jumbo platform pedals on my new bike and rode pedals with out toe or any other kind of clip system on my old bike. While I believe myself to be a bit on the fearless side, this is one area I am fearful over and that would be riding with my feet attached somehow to the pedals. Nope. Not for me. I admire the courage of those who do, though.

[jessmarimba]

My bike has flats, but I "lose" the pedals too often when I take it offroad. My shins don't need any more holes dug in them from the teeth on the pedals, so I'm thinking of swapping back to spds here soon.

On my road rides & commute, I haven't felt the urge to go clipless there yet.

[ClockworkOrange]

I'm another one who loves nice grippy wide pedals, I love my DMR V12 Mag Pedals.

Secretly would like to try the SPD's but not brave enough, don't like the thought of not being able to unclip quickly. :rolleyes:

[sgtiger]

I have flats on my commuter and xtracycle bikes. The Masi mixte has Black Ops BMX pedals. The X has Shimano DX pedals. The Blacks Ops are alright, but I don't love them. They do beat the heck out of the plastic platforms that were stock on that bike though. My feet were constantly slipping off those stock pedals. I do love the Shimano DX pedals. They replaced a pair of bear traps that came with the Trek frame. I have not had my feet slip off of the DX even in wet conditions. Also, I can stand up and pedal in them without any issues. I highly recommend the DX pedals. Even at double the price of the Black Ops, they have been well worth it in my opinion.

My Black Ops pedals are similar to these, but not the exact same ones. Mine don't have the Bulletproof written on them, just their regular logo.
http://lh4.googleusercontent.com/public/3xukj8s4NZ37FUjv0K6ucRMuqR8z8KE0-vXN5W4t0TYZL0PStmU-Cw_6Q5AWWP1dDMQZ_hxZFEuuBN6tPyoqpDZUyRDneVoKputB4cWgAXeYxK3BNarhcCinhJx7eCd_xWnAMVuvII47laeDBT-oOK0DOfvatMBuZrJItg

These are the exact Shimano DX pedals that I have. Mine came with a second set of the pedal spikes that are slightly longer than the ones already installed on the pedals, but I haven't felt the need to change them out. The stock spikes make the pedals plenty grippy enough for me.
http://www.shimano.com/publish/content/global_cycle/en/us/index/products/pedals/mountain/product.image.+media+images+cycling+products+bikecomponents+PD+PD-MX30_600x450_v1_m56577569830637309_dot_jpg.bm.512.384.gif

[kimikaw]

I have clipless pedals (SPDs) on my road bike, but my next bike purchase will likely be a hybrid or flat-bar road bike (haven't decided yet) for commuting, and I'm just going to put platform or possibly BMX pedals on it. I figure a semi-urban or college campus-type commute, with all its stopping and starting, will give me none of the benefits of clipless but all the hassles.

I decided on Friday's commute to switch my pedals back to flats. The sections I am on road, are through areas with lots of driveways, harried delivery trucks and the such. Too much possibility for suddden stops - and well, I still am not that automatic in my clip out response. I'm okay for normal road riding, but increasingly uncomfortable on the commute.

[sundial]

I pedal to my heart's content on big honkin' BMX platform pedals and I am proud of it! I use Wellgo MG-1 (http://www.amazon.com/Wellgo-MG-52-Magnesium-Pedals-Black/dp/B001CJZ9EA) on my mtbs and Tioga Spyder (http://www.amazon.com/Tioga-Spyder-Pedals-Black/dp/B0029LIY8I/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&s=sporting-goods&qid=1306186763&sr=1-1) pedals on my zippy bike. The only time I feel I am at a disadvantage to using platforms is when I want to sprint or use more of my upstroke. Otherwise I am pretty happy with my setup. Hope you are too. :)

[ultraviolet]

I have plain ol' flat pedals on my LeMond road bike. I've actually never even thought twice about standing up on them, so I must feel pretty secure. I can't say that I've ever had any foot slippage--I've ridden it in Keen sandals and running shoes. I don't know the model of the pedals, but I know they're silver metal and I'm pretty sure they say Dimension on them.

[uforgot]

I rode clipless for about 3 years. I tried them all but never liked being attached. I thought that any serious rider HAD to ride clipless. I finally put lightweight platform pedals on my bikes and I love them. No slipping and I don't care what others think, and I now enjoy riding more.

[Orange utopia]

I personally love my frog pedals so they are on both bikes but my DH who is a way more accomplished rider and gone completely back to platforms and even rides them mostly in crocs of all things. He says he doesn't lose anything inefficiency at all but gains in lateral movement and over all comfortability. It is kind of funny to see him all decked out in riding gear from his head to his knees and then hope on his carbon road bike with crocs and platform pedals but it works for him.

[Catrin]

When I ride platforms I ride Sunringle Zuzu (http://www.sun-ringle.com/mtb/accessories/zuzu-pedals/) BMX pedals, that is how I roll...couldn't resist saying that :)

I detest regular platform pedals because my feet tend to bounce off and I strongly dislike that, they work for others. The nice things about these pedals is the pins are adjustable. Currently only my mountain bike has BMX pedals, my other two bikes have Frogs and SPDs - eventually I will replace the SPD pedals on my LHT with either Frogs or return to BMX pedals for that bike. When my skills have advanced Frogs will be on my mountain bike :)

The point is to ride however you are most comfortable. Nothing wrong with ANY kind of pedal system.

[owlice]

I have platform; LBS thought I needed new ones -- no doubt I did -- and put new ones on. I didn't pay attention what they were.

[KnottedYet]

I love BMX pedals.

All three of my bikes have them:

Waterford has elegant sexy MKS Lambda pedals http://www.modernbike.com/itemgroup.asp?igpk=2126179083&TID=367

Surly Cross Check has brutal burly Crank Brothers 5050 pedals, with adjustable spikes, which I really love http://www.crankbrothers.com/pedals_5050.php

Giant "Resurrectio" has basic MKS fixed-spikes pedals which are very similar to the Kona Jacksh*t pedals http://www.cambriabike.com/shopexd.asp?Item=051435000203 (I can't find a page of my pedals, but these are close)

I have a pair of Speedplay Frogs that I can pop onto any of my bikes at will, because I also have a PEDAL WRENCH (every woman should have one) with an extra long handle, and I know how to use it! Stand back, I'm going to use LEVERAGE!

But by far I prefer my BMX pedals. (Mind you, the farthest I've gone in one day on BMX pedals is only 84 miles, so don't take my enthusiasm as a ringing endorsement for BMX pedals for long distances.)

[wyld thang]

I have the platform pedals on my (antique) MTB which I rode/ride mostly on the road. Back when I was riding the bike a lot, I also had a kid in a seat on the back so clipless freaked me out. I never had a problem with slipping off the pedal though. I did focus on good pedaling form which I would suspect has a lot more influence than being clipped in.

I did have some great (clipable) mtb shoes from Performance way back. They were a lot more helpful than regular tennis shoes, lot less general foot fatigue. My dog chewed them up tho when she was a pup(boo!) and I'm hoping to pick up some new shoes soon. I have some trail running shoes that I use now(saucony) that seem to mesh well with the pedals. I do like a stiffer sole. The Performance mtb shoes had nice deep hard rubber cleats that made grip easy.

But yeah, have always liked having options to positioning feet on pedals(or pegs on the dirt bike, feet move around a lot on those too depending on how much flexion you want for body suspension--more towards toes for more flexibility, back towards arch for stiffer). Helps with fatigue on long rides, and the repetitive movement injury thing.

[Koronin]

My mountain bike has platforms (and I fully intend on keeping it that way). My road bike has those hybrid ones, platforms on one side and clipless on the other side. I still have issues clipping my right foot in. My left foot I don't mind. However, I do like my roadbike shoes, although since I have the hybrid pedals I can wear just regular tennis shoes if I want to. Which reminds me that I need to buy a new pair of tennis shoes, old ones are worn out and the other pair I have I don't like.

[Velocivixen]

I ride with the platform pedals which came with my Trek FX 7.3 and have no problems standing up on them and pedaling. No issues whatsoever.

[blackhillsbiker]

I have the MKS Lambda (aka Grip KIngs) pedals on my commuter, mtb and road bike. I love them. I've ridden in a variety of shoes with no slipping. I guess I'm too old to worry about what people think. I love to ride, and am a skilled rider. I just don't want to feel clipped in. I can keep up with my clipped in roadie friend, so I guess it's all good.

Deb

[Velocivixen]

@blackhillsbiker, do your shoes slip when those pedals get really wet? I saw a couple of reviews of them at Universalcycles website (they're in Portland and I could go pick them up in person). They look great, but being in a rainy part of the world it would be good to know about slippage. Also, if I wanted to wear sandals for a half mile ride to coffee or something how do you think these pedals would feel through softer sole shoes?
Thanks.

[KnottedYet]

I ride the same pedals here in the rainy northwest, and I don't find them slippery at all in the rain. Riv has instructions for adding BMX spikes if you find they slip on you. (I buy my BMX spikes at the LBS for something like $10-15 for a box with more spikes than I'll ever need) They are not as grippy as my spike-y Crank Bro 5050, but they are a long way from slippery for me.

Keen and Chaco sandals have no problem on my MKS Lambda pedals.

[Kerry1976]

Ditto on loving the MKS Lambda/Grip Kings. Have them on my Trek Pure and will have them on my Bike Friday NWT (when I can ever get the order moving forward - waiting for my bike consultant, Dave, to email back).

I should add, it was so dewy this morning on my ride to the office that it was as if it had rained. Those pedals were not remotely slick. In fact, I didn't even realize how fabulously wonderfully unslick (is that a word?) they were until reading this thread and seeing the question about rain.

I ride with my Ecco sandals and have no problems at all.

[blackhillsbiker]

I haven't had any slipping problems, wet or snowy. I've worn them with a variety of footwear without any discomfort, from canvas sneakers to hiking boots. They are long, making them comfortable. They are not as wide as the rattrap pedals I had before, making them better for cornering (they don't hit the pavement). I haven't tried them with flipflops because I don't wear them, but I think even those would work. I got them because I was having a hotfoot problem at the balls of my feet. I don't have any desire to clip in. I wanted to find efficient, comfortable, well-built pedals. I've been very pleased. This is just one person's opinion, though, and YMMV.

Deb

[Velocivixen]

@Knotted, Kerry & Deb, thanks for the clarification. They look like very functional and cool pedals.

[kimikaw]

So glad for this thread. I've been struggling since Friday with my decision to remove the clipless pedals from my commuter. Thoughts of not being a real cyclists without being clicked in, trying to decide if I should impose a deadline to put them back on. All silly, ridiculous thoughts, really.

This thread plus today's commute on flat pedals made it all so clear. This is the right decision for me, on this bike, for this route. So nice to not be constantly worrying about my feet, or balancing one unclipped foot on a pedal. No problems with the hills - even where on Friday I stopped at one place and pushed bike up - mainly due to being afraid I'd lose momentum and tip over unable to get foot out while standing and mashing.

I'll continue to use the clipless on the road bike, and work towards them on the mountain bike. I know someday I will get more instinctual. But for my commute with lots of starts and stops, lots of traffic. I feel better in flats.

But am going to check out some of these recommended pedals. Was looking at BMX type - do the little spikes tear up soles of shoes? Seems like they would.

[Velocivixen]

@Kimikaw - here's my .02 cents worth. If you are riding a bike for any reason, then you are a "real cyclist". You're not on foot, not on roller skates, not in a car or on horseback. You're on a bike. I think, despite what you are riding for, it should be fun. You might be riding to work, or grocery shopping or whatever, but if it's not fun then I'm less likely to ride.
So, yes, you are a real cyclist pedals and all.

[wackyjacky1]

Wow, great input from everybody! Thank you so much.

I totally get the "Does this mean I'm not a real cyclist?" thing -- I was having a bit of a hang-up with that, myself. It's nice to see that so many of you ride platforms without problems (either physical or psychological, lol).

So many choices out there, too! I stopped at my LBS on the way home and had them slap on some inexpensive Wellgo platforms. I have to say, I really liked how it felt on the rest of my ride home. I may upgrade at a later date to a lighter weight version, but for now these'll do.

One thing I missed was, when at a stop, being able to raise the foot that is still clipped-in so that the pedal is in the "go" position when I'm ready to take off again. But I'm sure I'll get used to that.

Once again, thank you for all the excellent advice.

ETA: The inexpensive Wellgo pedals that I got (model B087) do not have replaceable pins. They are painted black, and the paint seemed to make the pins feel perhaps a little slick. That sorta worried me on my way home, wondering how they would be if they got wet. I just sanded the paint off the tops of the pins, and they seem more grippy now. Just fyi.

[sundial]

I'll continue to use the clipless on the road bike, and work towards them on the mountain bike. Was looking at BMX type - do the little spikes tear up soles of shoes? Seems like they would.

Cycling is sort of an evolution in itself. You go through several seasons refining what you like or dislike and you make changes accordingly. There's no pressure in the decisions you have to make today. It may not be on the radar by next season.

As for the BMX pedals and shoes--none of my soles have been affected by the pins on the pedals--whether it's cycling shoes or Keen sandals. If you want really super sticky soles that self heal so to speak, 5.10 shoes paired with BMX pedals are great together.

[Velocivixen]

@wackyjacky1 you said, "One thing I missed was, when at a stop, being able to raise the foot that is still clipped-in so that the pedal is in the "go" position when I'm ready to take off again. But I'm sure I'll get used to that."

So here's what I do with regular platform pedals. When I get to the stop light & am stopped I lean to my right with the weight on my right leg (I am left leg dominant and want that leg in the top "go" position), I use my left foot to backpedal the pedal & stop when my left foot is in the "Go" or top position. It's a quick, automatic loop that I make and I don't really even think about it. I hope that makes sense.

[Brina]

my road bike has Look pedals and my hybrid has campus pedals (flat on one side, spd on the other). If I am using the hybrid for training and back when I used to pull my daughter in a burley, I use cycling shoes and spd. If I am just riding around with my kids, going to the farmers market on a Saturday or running a quick errand I use the flat pedals and wear sneakers or Keen sandals.

[Owlie]

@wackyjacky1 you said, "One thing I missed was, when at a stop, being able to raise the foot that is still clipped-in so that the pedal is in the "go" position when I'm ready to take off again. But I'm sure I'll get used to that."

So here's what I do with regular platform pedals. When I get to the stop light & am stopped I lean to my right with the weight on my right leg (I am left leg dominant and want that leg in the top "go" position), I use my left foot to backpedal the pedal & stop when my left foot is in the "Go" or top position. It's a quick, automatic loop that I make and I don't really even think about it. I hope that makes sense.

What I did when I was mentally transitioning myself toward clipless pedals (but still using platforms) was stop, then catch the left pedal (the one that I now keep clipped in) with my toe and bring it back up (basically backpedaling) to the "go" position. There was significantly less awkward hopping at stop signs, back then.

[Geonz]

I have toe clips without straps on my commuter. I *have* had my foot slip forward off the pedal, and gotten the front of my shoe stuck in my wheel, and had the wheel suck the shoe entirely off my foot (I was wearing it sandal-style), wrap itself around the fender and into the spokes and bring the bike to a halt and hurl me over the handlebars. The hard part was untangling fender and shoe and wheel... then I could ride away again. (The hardest part was standing in the road, on one foot 'cause theother foot was just socked, looking at this absurd entanglement, and having left my camera at home. I didn't even have witnesses; it was a quiet morning. It was April; I was wearing lots of layers, hardly even any road rash.)
Having just the clip part (they're the mountain bike kind) means there's something to hold my foot in but it is **really** easy to get my foot out.
Real cyclist? Splort! I am too busy being myself to define myself, thank you. By definition, according to some in my community, I'm not "real" if I'm commuting, not training or racing. There are others who think that the simpler things are, the closer one is to the ultimate definition of Real Cycling. Whatever. I just do it for the bliss.

[Owlie]

I have toe clips without straps on my commuter. I *have* had my foot slip forward off the pedal, and gotten the front of my shoe stuck in my wheel, and had the wheel suck the shoe entirely off my foot (I was wearing it sandal-style), wrap itself around the fender and into the spokes and bring the bike to a halt and hurl me over the handlebars. The hard part was untangling fender and shoe and wheel... then I could ride away again. (The hardest part was standing in the road, on one foot 'cause theother foot was just socked, looking at this absurd entanglement, and having left my camera at home. I didn't even have witnesses; it was a quiet morning. It was April; I was wearing lots of layers, hardly even any road rash.)
.

:eek:

[sundial]

I *have* had my foot slip forward off the pedal, and gotten the front of my shoe stuck in my wheel, and had the wheel suck the shoe entirely off my foot (I was wearing it sandal-style), wrap itself around the fender and into the spokes and bring the bike to a halt and hurl me over the handlebars.

:eek: :eek: You win the shoe suck award!

[Velocivixen]

Yes, Owlie that's a better description of what I do. Just got back from a ride & paid attention to what I do with my left foot. No problems with my start ups at the light.

[Catrin]

One thing to be aware of with BMX pedals is something called pedal slap. Gotta love those pins, they keep your feet from sliding, but if the pedal should slam against your shin or calf when walking or stopping for some reason - it will draw blood. No ifs ands or buts about it - that being said I still prefer them much better than "regular" platform pedals because my feet do stay on them much better.

Just something to be aware of.

[wackyjacky1]

One thing to be aware of with BMX pedals is something called pedal slap.
Ha ha, years ago I had a mtb with those bear-trap style pedals that are kinda serrated on both sides. I was riding in the street and decided to try hopping up the curb and onto the sidewalk (I had just come back from a visit to The Netherlands and saw folks do this a million times, it looked so effortless and easy). I totally flubbed it, my left foot slipped off its pedal, and with all my weight on the right pedal, the crank arm swung around and the left pedal smacked me full-force in the shin. It opened up a series of 2- to 3-inch long scrapes on my shin that went down to the bone. Hurt like a mother!!! It looked like I had been mauled by a wild animal, lol.

(I got back on my bike and made my way to a bar called Duddley's Draw -- this happened in College Station, TX -- and ordered a pitcher of beer. I sat on the front porch of Duddley's, propped my bloody leg up on a chair, and drank that whole pitcher.) :D :cool:

[luv2climb]

Ha ha, years ago I had a mtb with those bear-trap style pedals that are kinda serrated on both sides. I was riding in the street and decided to try hopping up the curb and onto the sidewalk (I had just come back from a visit to The Netherlands and saw folks do this a million times, it looked so effortless and easy). I totally flubbed it, my left foot slipped off its pedal, and with all my weight on the right pedal, the crank arm swung around and the left pedal smacked me full-force in the shin. It opened up a series of 2- to 3-inch long scrapes on my shin that went down to the bone. Hurt like a mother!!! It looked like I had been mauled by a wild animal, lol.

(I got back on my bike and made my way to a bar called Duddley's Draw -- this happened in College Station, TX -- and ordered a pitcher of beer. I sat on the front porch of Duddley's, propped my bloody leg up on a chair, and drank that whole pitcher.) :D :cool:
Ow! :eek:

I use the serrated bear-trap pedals on all my bikes, but they all have toe clips and straps. When I buy a bike one of the first things I do is install clips and straps. They have saved my shins many times and they are definitely more efficient, especially on climbs. When I did the steep hill climbs on my single-speed Dahon folding bike that I posted video of, I did a lot of pulling up on those hills. It helped a lot!

[Espresso]

(I got back on my bike and made my way to a bar called Duddley's Draw -- this happened in College Station, TX -- and ordered a pitcher of beer. I sat on the front porch of Duddley's, propped my bloody leg up on a chair, and drank that whole pitcher.) :D :cool:

LOL! What a great (but painful!) story! :D

[wackyjacky1]

Wanted to post a quick follow-up to say how much I LOVE these pedals. Having used toe clips my entire adult life, it felt a little weird to go without, but now that I've adapted to these new pedals, I am a platform pedal convert.

I now experience zero foot fatigue, and where I once would get some slight knee pain after a long ride, there is absolutely no knee pain now. I love being able to wear any old shoe and still be able to pedal efficiently (the wide platform seems to serve the same purpose as a stiff-soled shoe).

Love 'em, love 'em, love 'em. And thanks again to everyone for the helpful tips and advice.

[Velocivixen]

So you're still with the Wellgo's you mentioned? Sounds like a good choice. My DH has similar pedals on his commuter and limes them a lot.

[wackyjacky1]

Yes, the cheapie Wellgo B087's. They don't spin too freely, but I'm hoping the bearings will smooth out when they get a few more miles on them (I've put about 100 miles on them so far). If they don't, I may upgrade, but even the way they are, I love 'em.

[Catrin]

Wanted to post a quick follow-up to say how much I LOVE these pedals. Having used toe clips my entire adult life, it felt a little weird to go without, but now that I've adapted to these new pedals, I am a platform pedal convert...

Glad to hear these are working for you! I really do like BMX pedals, but I have knee problems if I am not attached to my bike so have moved to Frogs which have made a world of difference. The important bit is what you and your knees like :D