Which is the right way to use these pedals?

[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:

[DebW]

wouldn't they be marked R and L?

They are usually marked L and R, but in any case can only be installed one way since the left pedal has left threads and the right pedal has right threads.

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

Rat trap pedals is another name. Bear trap must refer to the leg-hold type animal traps? Rat traps look like mouse traps, so that analogy is not as obvious.

This is also called a platfrom pedal, AKA flats:

Yes, any pedal that supports much of your foot and can be used comfortably with a soft-soled shoe. The ones you picture are also called BMX pedals, as they have small studs to keep your feet stable doing BMX jumps.

[Heifzilla]

Yes, any pedal that supports much of your foot and can be used comfortably with a soft-soled shoe. The ones you picture are also called BMX pedals, as they have small studs to keep your feet stable doing BMX jumps.

The quill pedals...are they supposed to be good with a soft-soled shoe? They don't seem to be as large as those BMX pedals. I usually ride in gym shoes, but I did just order Keen Commuters.