Source
r/bicycling•
Chronos_

Pedals - which type and why? (new owner)

Hi all,

Brought my first bike since I was a kid last week. Got a cheap second hand hybrid (Claud Butler Explorer 100).

Now reading around a lot of sites seem to suggest replacing the pedals pretty quickly. Often suggesting going for cleats. However I see a lot of people on here saying to avoid them. Why is this?

I see why people say this about the ones with the toe clips that go over the top as these seem dangerous.

I'm thinking I'd be best getting touring/hybrid pedals which can he used with cleats or normally. Or is there a better option?

Thanks for your help.

Posted May 31, 2015, 4:33 PM UTC

612
RedPill115•

A lot of people got the idea that clipless pedals made you much faster. I thought that they did. Then I went back to good grippy flats, and I realized from my speedometer that my speed was no different.

Whether clipless makes you a little faster or not faster at all or is slightly less taxing is a matter of great debate. Most studies have shown no improvement, but I haven't seen a study that has been able to completely replicate real world conditions. And those don't account for theories that clipless doesn't help on the flats, but helps somewhat when sprinting, uphill, or is less fatiguing on long rides.

There's no consensus on whether clipless is no speed improvement or a small one, but either way it's not any huge improvement, as long as you have decent flats and decent shoes (not shoes with cushioning that absorbs power when pedalling).

I don't like the "hybrid" pedals because you have to look down and flip the pedal to get back into them, and now you're doing that at the worst times - at intersections when your head should be up looking at traffic not down looking at your pedals and trying to turn them over.

If you're commuting, I really see no point in clipless as any time saved in pedalling is lost in changing shoes. (Though to be fair some people might say it's easier to keep your foot connected to the pedal in the rain with clipless.)

I usually suggest getting a decent pair of flat pedals like say these "VP All Purpose DH/FR/ BMX Pedal Black" $50 - http://www.amazon.com/dp/B004JKEQZ2/ref=wl_it_dp_o_pC_S_ttl?_encoding=UTF8&colid=WY4I3K3W4NW4&coliid=I1GGQDQQ1ZCXEW

Or these Specialized Bennies ($80) -http://www.specialized.com/us/en/ftb/mtb-components/pedals/bennies-platform-pedals

And getting regular shoes with a flat sole (not cushioned). That's just my preference/opinion. That's what I'm using now.

6
Chronos_OP•

Thanks for the explanation. Based on what you and the others above have said I think a pair of flats are best. Either the ones you mentioned or the Wellgos.

I also see the safety problem you mentioned with the hybrids - didn't consider that but yea, sounds unnerving.

I'm currently riding with running shoes which isn't ideal - either those or the pedals are the next thing to buy.

2
RedPill115•

I had this pair of Wellgo's:
http://www.amazon.com/Wellgo-Alloy-Sealed-Mountain-16-Inch/dp/B00E7UZ6I0/ref=sr_1_12?ie=UTF8&qid=1433112248&sr=8-12&keywords=Wellgos

But I wasn't a big fan, the pins were not great at gripping and the pedal felt a little small. I know specialized makes good stuff, I admittedly haven't used the VP's but they have a lot of pins and they make a lot of pedals.

The ones I personally own are the DMR Vault Pedals, but they're expensive, but they worked well for having big feet:
http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B005U5WIYG?psc=1&redirect=true&ref_=oh_aui_search_detailpage

Like you said running shoes are not ideal. You want at least 2 things in a flat shoe:

  1. No padding the compresses and decrompresses while using the shoe (some people use skate shoes, companies like FiveTen and Chrome make specific flat bottomed shoes for biking)
  2. The bottom of the shoe should be relatively flat so when it's on the pedal the pin can dig in. So shoes with really spikey uneven soles are not great, shoes with fairly solid flat soles are good.
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takeshita_kenji2013 Jamis Aurora Elite•

My only thing with platforms is that I can never seem to get my feet in the right spot with them. As in, I've broken a set by riding too far out, worn stuff out by riding too far in, and so on.

Aside from that, when platforms wear out, they tend to lose their grip unless you go for pedals with pins, which I did for a while.

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RedPill115•

I am suggesting pedals with pins...I mean personally I've had more trouble with clipless than platforms. Locking your foot into the same spot the whole ride causes it's own problems - my right knee always used to hurt when riding clipless, despite 2 different fittings. It's a lot easier to get hotspots on your feet with clipless.

Lol, do some squats with a barbell and in my experience you'll find that "get your feet in the right spot" feelings goes away completely...

1
kimbo305•

Pedals for shoes with cleats (aka clipsless pedals) are for long rides. If you're hopping on your bike for a few miles, going and getting some groceries, and going home, they're a bit much. I would say better platform pedals will suffice unless you really want to ride lots, in which case you might want to get another bike.

This is the cheapest pair of BMX-style platforms, which have pins to grip your soles: http://www.amazon.com/Wellgo-Magnesium-Sealed-Platform-Pedal/dp/B00GDF87GU

They used to be a bit cheaper; hrmm.

5
Chronos_OP•

The plan is to ride 3/4 times a week around 20km a time or so. Would BMX style of pedals be best for that?

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colloidaloatmealJamis Coda Sport•

I have these pedals on my bike and they will suit you just fine as a new owner on 20km rides. I ride more than that on a regular basis. I will say that I smashed the reflector off the back of one of them within a month or so, but I've done that to literally every pedal I've ever had.

Also, they were much cheaper at my LBS, around $20.

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DonObliviousr/CyclingMSP•

Yeah.

If your pedals will take them half clips are cheap, easy to use and keep your foot from moving around a lot. They're easier to get in and out of than toe clips with straps and you can use them with most any shoe.

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leadnpotatoes2014 Novara Strada•

Get a good pair flats so you can get reacquainted with riding. Clipless is great, but not for the faint of heart..

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0PB2009 Acme Bully Porteur•

Nashbar has one called the Highlander with an SPD on one side and BMX style grips on the other.

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[deleted]•

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Zoot_KatzReal Steel•

Back in the mid eighties, when clipless pedals were just being introduced, there was another invention called [Power Grips] (http://www.powergrips.com/) They didn't catch on because they're not as sexy and the evil empire Shimano doesn't make them. They're still made and deserve to be more widely known. They don't require special shoes, they secure your foot to the pedal and release the same as clipless. You can even use them with work boots if that's your thing. I've been using them on my daily rider since 1999 and love them.

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