Which is the right way to use these pedals?

[BleeckerSt_Girl]

Those loops sticking up look like attachment gizmos to me, not like traction teeth. I wouldn't think you're supposed to put your foot on those things that stick so far up. I agree, must be cage attachments or something. Put your foot on the 'flat' side that only has the 'regular' smaller teeth.

[DebW]

The tabs are to flip the pedal over with your toe as you slide into the toe clips. Toe clips always weight the pedal so it ends up upside down. The side you have up in the right hand picture is the bottom of the pedal. Actually unusual to have two off-center tabs like that right set. The tab on the inside of the pedal is to direct the toe strap upward around your foot. Otherwise the strap (at least when your foot is not in it) will catch the crank arm and prevent the pedal from swinging freely.

[Heifzilla]

I feel really stupid, but hey, at least I asked

Live and learn, eh? I wonder, though, how many people have been using their platform pedals incorrectly and how much of their foot numbness is caused by it.

Thanks for your replies

[DebW]

Typically the spindle is offset on that type of pedal, so if you use it right side up your foot doesn't press hard on the center of the pedal, or the center area around the spindle is flattened for comfort. The other side often has the spindle area bulging up. If they made the pedal symmetrical you'd be more likely to catch it on the ground leaning into a turn.

[DebW]

Oh, and those pedals are not actually platform pedals. They are quill pedals. Platform pedals look like this and are used by cycle tourists with non-cleated shoes.

[Heifzilla]

Oh, and those pedals are not actually platform pedals. They are quill pedals. Platform pedals look like this and are used by cycle tourists with non-cleated shoes.

Quill pedals? I've never heard that term. I am really learning a lot on this forum, and that's great.

Seriously, thanks for taking time to answer questions like this. It's one of the things I really like about this forum. At some point I might even be able to discuss this stuff in public without looking like an idiot

[Irulan]

wouldn't they be marked R and L?

We call the ones pictured in this thread "bear traps" because of how they chew up your shins.

This is also called a platfrom pedal, AKA flats: