How can choosing pedals be so hard?

Missybiker

I have a giant expression LX which I adore. The pedals look strangely cheap and scruffy in comparison with the rest of the bike, so I thought, I will buy a new pair of pedals.

It is so difficult to decide what to buy. I know don't want clip on pedals, but the cost seems to range from £4.99 to £500. How the heck do I decide what to choose.

I thought that all pedals were supposed to have orange reflectors on, but not all of them do so. Some appear to be made of metal ( which I imagine is very slippy). Any suggestions?

I generally ride with my trainers in, or very occasionally in my girly sandals ( flat ones with straps).

Any suggestions? Thanks

adamtaylor

My partner has just opted for MKS GR-9 platform pedals with MKS Half Deep toe clips. She wanted a bit of the security you get with clipless pedals without worrying about actually being clipped in commuting. They are metal, and probably would be a bit slippery but the toe clips solve that.

It is a legal requirement to have reflectors on your pedals but in practice, if you have lights on your bike, it will be fine.

I have some DMR flat pedals, which are large and grippy but it comes at the expense of your shins if you accidentally whack them.

It might be easier to see if you can get down to a shop and see a handful close up.

supersonic

Try some of these:

http://www.highonbikes.com/wellgo-mg1-m ... oCu0Hw_wcB

Nice large platform, light weight, removable pins (very grippy), superb bearings - and great price.

mr_evil

adamtaylor wrote:

...It is a legal requirement to have reflectors on your pedals but in practice, if you have lights on your bike, it will be fine...

Lights are definitely the most important thing, but it's still a good idea to have reflectors on the pedals or on your lower legs, because they make a big difference to visibility (the motion makes you instantly recognisable as a cyclist).

The Rookie

I have yellow reflective tape on my crank arms facing front and rear to achieve the same effect, or you can get ankle straps.

SS's suggestion is an excellent choice for functional, effective and well priced pedals, if you want fancy colours you could try the Superstar nano's instead.

Yes strictly yellow reflectors on the pedals are a legal requirement.

Missybiker

Thanks chaps !

skylark

If you have platform pedals already then don't bother with another set. Unless the bearings are completely worn out this would seem the perfect time to try clipless pedals.

Any SPD compatible pedals are a perfect starting point. Entry level Shimano SPD or Deore SPD pedals are perfect, durable, will take a knocking and will last a long time. You also need shoes and again entry level Shimano SPD shoes can be had for not alot.

Clipless pedals improve your cycling action by motivating you to pedal during an upstroke as well as at the downstroke. Platform pedals only allow you to pedal during the downstroke. You are using more of your musculature by pedalling at both the up and downstrokes. You get fitter, your cycling improves.

anewman

Another vote for SPD. The M520 are usually a reasonable price. I would recommend replacing the supplied cleats with multi-release ones though, particularly if you're nervous at the prospect of going clipless.

supersonic

Clipless pedals improve your cycling action by motivating you to pedal during an upstroke

I've read it's less efficient overall though. But you'd develop those muscles!

skylark

You don't mention 'less efficient' compared to what, platforms?

If you can post the article that you read then we can better understand if and why.

supersonic

Pulling up on the pedals:

http://www.roadbikerider.com/cycling-sc ... al-strokes

I have a study and figures on my other computer, I'll have to find it.

Pulling up was significantly less efficient than the riders' preferred technique. The study indicated that the muscles that flex the leg and allow pulling up the pedal on the backstroke are intrinsically less efficient than those that push down.

Admittedly a small data group, but interesting none the less (and there are caveats further down the article) - as above I have other articles as well. Somewhere! I think the main benefits of SPDs is that you are always going to have the foot in the best (and hopefully most efficient) position for you. With flats it can be hit and miss sometimes, especially in MTBing where you may often be moving around a lot. That said many like the security they offer too.

Missybiker

Interesting stuff Supersonic, thanks. Haven't had the courage to go clip less yet, but it's one of my next challenges...

skylark

supersonic wrote:

Pulling up was significantly less efficient than the riders' preferred technique. The study indicated that the muscles that flex the leg and allow pulling up the pedal on the backstroke are intrinsically less efficient than those that push down.

Statement is saying 2 things. Both statements on their own are confounding.
(I). A new technique may well be less efficient than a preferred habitual technique. That's why there is the training.
(II). Pull-up may be less efficient from an anatomical perspective but pulling up is almost half the pedal stroke. There is no avoiding it.

Article discusses four techniques:
(1) their normal, preferred technique;
(2) concentrating on pedaling circles;
(3) pulling up on the backstroke;
(4) pushing down hard.

Article has absolutely little if any substance to it. It draws distinction between pulling up, ie. technique (3), and technique (2). Technique (2) which is pedalling circles, although it doesn't explain it explicitly, we might think of as having a smooth transition from the downstroke to the upstroke, namely smooth pedalling. This is precisely the purpose of clipless pedals, to allow you to smoothen the pedaling action.

Article then goes on to explain on drawing distinction between overpowering at the downstroke and pedalling smoothly over long durations. Let's see then, which noob is going to do a Cav or Kittel on platform pedals?



N.B.
To train to be a proficient rider you shouldn't train to sprint from the outset. Nor should you be learning to pedal violently like Great Amstrong did as the article describes. Instead focus on a smooth pedalling technique. Developing the ability to control your power output. This means developing a habit for a smooth transition from the downstroke to the upstroke and vice versa. This is what clipless pedals allow you to do.

The Rookie

You can't effectively use a pull action all the time, doesn't work, I find I can use a Pull occasionally when I need an extra burst, but really the muscles just don't work as well and my HR and breathing speed up noticeably.

keef66

SPDs just keep your feet in the right place on the pedal and help you pedal smoothly and for more of the crank revolution. Apart from flat-out sprinting where it may feature, there's almost no benefit to be had from pulling upwards.

If you're happy in trainers or sandals, just get some modestly priced flat pedals

supersonic

Might be this one actually! It has been about 4 years since I read it though!

http://cycleseven.org/wp-content/upload ... baylor.pdf