Talk to Me About Flat Pedals

[Artista]

O.K. I switched from SPD's to flats on my mountain bike this spring. I've been using some really cheap, really thick, pedals knowing that I needed to switch to something better soon. Now is the time.

So here are my questions:

• If you use flats, which ones are you using?
• What do you like and dislike about them?
• Any pedals that you really hated?
• Any pedals on your wish list?

I don't mind investing some $$$ in pedals as I've learned that they are arguably the most important contact point on the bike, (spoken by someone who managed to break her ankle when her foot slipped off of an unclipped, SPD pedal).

TIA!

[Irulan]

http://www.twenty6products.com/predator.html

pedal lust

[Catrin]

I love my Sunringle ZuZu pedals. Very well made, and they have stood up to many, many falls over the last year.

I like that they have adjustable pins and also that they have so many of them. I don't like that they are black, I want them to be in colors like the Predators that Irulan provided a link for I can't tell from the Predator site if the pins are adjustable or not.

Like with all good pedals of this type, one has to think about pedal slap regardless of the pedals you choose. The bear claw type that you provided a link to will also do that, but the pins increase the likelihood. Basically they are meat tenderizers and can do a number on your shins and calves, which is why I wore shin protectors last year until I got used to them. I still wear them occasionally and will likely invest in a better pair as I start to ride more advanced trails.

[Artista]

Those titanium, Twenty6 pedals are works of art! Especially the silver with multicolored pins. I also like the pin design which looks like it would never be a problem to replace a sheared off pin. These pedals are high on my list but I'd probably go with the less expensive, cromoly version.

Canfield Crampon Ultimates are also on my radar.

Those ZuZu's look like solid pedals and I like the price point. I'm leaning toward a really thin pedal, though, as I've experienced some problems with the tall front and back edges of my current pedals.

[atombessy]

I use these on my mountain bikes:

http://www.crankbrothers.com/pedals_mallet.php

I like that if I miss the clip the pedal is still totally secure/comfy to ride on, feels like the best of both worlds! May or may not be up your alley depending on why you're switching from SPDs to flats.

[Artista]

I use these on my mountain bikes:

http://www.crankbrothers.com/pedals_mallet.php

I like that if I miss the clip the pedal is still totally secure/comfy to ride on, feels like the best of both worlds! May or may not be up your alley depending on why you're switching from SPDs to flats.

Thanks. These look like they would be great if I was willing to risk clipping in when I didn't want to. What I really want are thought-activated-auto-release clipless pedals. Flats are the closest that I can get at this point in technology.

[Twenty6Products]

http://www.twenty6products.com/predator.html

pedal lust

Thanks for the hat tip, Irulan!

Just to give you a heads-up, we have last year's Prerunner flat pedals on sale in our web store with cromoly axles in white and urban camo. Plus, $20 of the sale goes to bike trail advocacy and awareness in our community (Gallatin Valley, MT) so it's for a good cause.

If you're used to being clipped in, the two things that will matter for you most in a flat pedal are grip and thinness of the pedal body. I can assure you that you won't find a grippier flat pedal - and I don't just say that because I represent Twenty6 - you can see it for yourself. Look at all the flats out there: manufacturers seem to make a cool shape for the pedal body, then throw some set screws in a few locations for traction pins, almost as an afterthought. We design our pedals backwards to that method, by deciding where each pin should be located for maximum grip, then designing the pedal body to support those locations. You can see it in the pin design and the raised, islanded pin seats. Think of each pin as a micro-clip; each one is important to holding your foot in place.

Sorry if this is a long-winded post, but we're pretty passionate about all of our components (made entirely in-house here in Bozeman, MT, USA), so it's hard to shut me up. To make up for bearing with me, I'll throw this out to you - mention this forum post when you snag a pair of Prerunners from the web store, and we'll install aluminum traction pins of any color you choose - just leave a note during ordering.

Happy pedaling,
Andrea the Marketing Girl
Twenty6 Products Inc

[Irulan]

omg i might just have to give in. I already have some other of your bling on my bike....

[Anelia]

My husband rides these ones and they are very light. But for a better grip, I think these would be better.

[Artista]

I'm in!!! Thanks for explaining how Twenty6 pedals differ from the competition, Andrea. Can't wait to get off of those bear traps!

[Artista]

Thanks for the links Anelia. I'm pretty smitten by the Twenty6's at this point.