Pedals

[Redrover]

Having just purchased my bike two days ago, I am thinking that the pedals feel awkward to me. It feels like they are too thick and boxy for me to feel secure on. Also, they seem to spin too easily and I don't feel like I have a good "grip" on them. Does anyone understand what I am describing and if so, can anyone suggest what remedy I might pursue?:(

[KSH]

Get some clipless pedals and shoes.

I suggest Speedplays.

:D

[Redrover]

I am so not ready to go clipless. Let me reiterate my newness to this adventure; I have a real fear of just plain falling so the concept of attaching my feet to the pedals is so foreign to me as to be unfathomable. (You'll pardon the pun...) but maybe further on down the road I might reach a place where that might be a consideration but not now. I just want some secure-feeling thinner pedals.

[DebW]

Can you tell us (or post a pic) of the pedals on there now. Toe clips would be an option to keep your feet from sliding. You can keep the straps loose to get in and out easily while you get used to riding. Or you might prefer a different sort of flat pedal that sticks to your shoe better.

[xeney]

I have these (http://www.rivbike.com/webalog/pedals_clips_straps/14048.html) on my commute bike and I love them because they work well with whatever shoes I happen to be wearing. (And in spite of the impression you get from that page, you don't have to buy them from Rivendell; I got mine locally.)

[Redrover]

Xeney, that looks like exactly what I had in mind. Thanks for the suggestion. The prospect of clips, straps, or the clipless inserts is most definitely not for me at this stage of the game.

[BleeckerSt_Girl]

I have similar pedals- but I have the MKS Touring, not the "lite":
http://www.rivbike.com/webalog/pedals_clips_straps/14020.html
They work great for me, I like their extra width too, because I wear regular walking/running shoes, which are wider than typical clipless bike shoes.

[Bad JuJu]

You could also try Power Grips--essentially a strap that attaches diagonally across the pedal and holds your foot in place but easy to back out of. Another good thing about them is that you can flip the pedal over and use the strapless side if you want to. I have these on my neighborhood cruiser bike, for when the neighborhood ride gets a little more spirited than usual. Just a thought.

[pooks]

I ordered them from Amazon because they were much cheaper there. ($16.99 instead of 24.99.) Didn't realize until later that the order actually went to Nashbar. Not that I care -- I just want the Power Grips!

But Amazon is fast with their deliveries, and I don't know what to expect from Nashbar.