Quote Originally Posted by RedRansV2
I don't think there's any way you could effectively pedal circles unless your foot's locked onto the pedal, but I may be willing to sacrifice that to regain the joy of riding.

RedRans, I currently run flat DMR pedals on my hardtail MTB and Crank Bros Candys on all my other bikes including my full-suss ( the flats are for practising things like bunny hops etc). The thing that surprised me most was that pedalling had to be very very smooth (i.e. proper circles and constant pressure) else it was easy for feet to lift off. You obviously can't pull up but you don't need to mash either. I'm not sure about on a recumbent but using them on my hardtail has actually improved my pedal stroke.

A friend of mine has gone back to platforms after not getting on with SPDs at all, seemed to be climbing like a demon today with a very good spin. It has revolutionised her riding.

If you go for something like an MTB flat pedal with pins then a soft soled pair of shoes is best - I have an old pair of Vans skate shoes.

And it does hurt like hell when the pins hit your shin!