With my new job, I went from a nice 4 mile commute on a mtn bike to an unhappy 1 hour car commute across town. My plan is to gradually take on a 20 mile each way commute on a road bike (arriving soon!). Bianchi Dama She ... so excited!

After researching pedals (lots in this forum), I've decided to not go clipless (!!!), based on the following:

  • rarely rains in LA (and if it does I can drive or bike/bus)
  • used to the freedom of my platform pedal mtn bike as well as skateboarding (and hated snowboarding because I felt strapped in)
  • will make a lot of stops due to stoplights, and may need to walk my bike some of the way. I also like to stop and smell the roses.
  • worried about falling due to crazy LA traffic around me (plus I'm commuting alone).
  • knee problems that I don't want to exacerbate
  • I like wearing a variety of shoes
  • I am known get distracted, so clipping process will lead to a lot of unnecessary falls.
  • I have small feet (size 6)


However..

  • I have a semi-steep hill on the way home, and may have some hills en route to work (not sure yet).
  • Since it will be a long commute, I would like to push for as much efficiency as I can comfortably and safely get.


Here are my latest top 5 based off reading a bunch of internet stuff, but this is all so new to me:

  1. Power Grip Pedals
  2. BMX platform pedals
  3. BMX double-sided pedals?
  4. BMX flat pedals wth replaceable "spikes"?
  5. Toe clips?


Note that I don't know what most of these are. Is there a hybrid pedal? Any recommendations overall? Pro-clipping thoughts also welcome.

Anyway, I'll try to test some out at the LBS. I tried the cages and wasn't the biggest fan, but maybe it takes practice.

Thanks!