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Flat pedals on road bike w/ Ultegra

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Flat pedals on road bike w/ Ultegra

Old 08-07-20, 04:39 AM
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bikeamateur70
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Flat pedals on road bike w/ Ultegra

I own a road bike Cannondale Caad9 with Ultegra crank arms. For city use I would like to be able to sometimes swtich to normal flat pedals so I dont have to wear bike shoes. Being a newbie when it comes to bike mechanics I need help: whats the kind standards for flat pedals? Will any fit?
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Old 08-07-20, 05:06 AM
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Kapusta
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Those cranks use a 9/16” pedal thread. 9/16” thread is the modern standard, and most pedals out there these days are that size.

Pedals are one of the few things that component manufacturers have thankfully not overcomplicates with multiple competing standards.

Last edited by Kapusta; 08-07-20 at 05:19 AM.
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Old 08-07-20, 06:09 AM
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Depending on the type of cleats/pedals you are using, you may be able to find some two-sided pedals: flat on one side, clipless on the other. Then you can swap shoes without swapping pedals.
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Old 08-07-20, 06:12 AM
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These are decent if you want just one pedal for both types of riding. A compromise for sure but maybe better than switching out the pedals regularly.

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Old 08-07-20, 08:25 AM
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I run PD-M324 dual sided on most of my bikes.

https://bike.shimano.com/en-EU/produ...0/PD-M324.html
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Old 08-07-20, 08:38 AM
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You can also get clip in flat platforms for most types of pedals now so you won't have to change the pedal each time. Just do a search for whatever style pedal you have. Cheaper, easier than getting a second pair.
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Old 08-07-20, 08:53 AM
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I found the old style toe clips best for in city riding. I would leave them loose enough that I could get out easily but tight enough that they provided at least some upstroke value. They let you press hard on the downstroke without fear of slipping off. And if they aren't too tall you can ride the flat side without them. Mine will scrape the ground slightly so I don't do that much.
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Old 08-07-20, 08:56 AM
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Or MKS Ezy QR Pedals & you can switch back & forth Easy..
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Old 08-07-20, 08:58 AM
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Yeah it's standard any flat pedal should work.

I have dual sided flat/SPD on my roadbike, this is great and I recommend it. I got the ones from decalthon, they kinda look like road pedals, it doesn't bring the look of my quite high end roadbike down
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Old 08-07-20, 09:06 AM
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You might look at MKS GR-9's with or without toe-clips. Not as "fred" as most platforms for road bike considerations. I used to ride clipless but now ride flats.

GCN did a video last year "Are road pedals faster than flat pedals?". There was a 30 second difference during the 3 km hill climb they did, with the clipless being faster. Though the to me the difference was attributable to 10rpm more with the clipless.
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Old 08-07-20, 09:16 AM
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You don't mention which clipless standard you're using. If you're using 'road' pedals, it's possible that you're using SPD-SL cleats like these.

Three bolt SPD-SL cleats

There are a few choices for blocks that clip into the pedal and act like a platform, though I'd expect them to hurt after a while because they're still narrow. I personally find double sided pedals annoying because you need to make sure you're using the right side to clip in .

If you're using the two bolt cleats, you could purchase 'mountain' bike shoes which usually keep the cleat recessed in the sole, enhancing walkability. That's the solution I use for my commuting and touring, rather than tearing my road shoes up or using platform adapters, which tend to hang upside down when used. To sweeten the deal, a member here has some old store inventory in many sizes he's selling for around half off. That thread is here.
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Old 08-07-20, 09:22 AM
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Any 9/16” threaded platform pedal will work.

Important part is they have right hand (drive side) and left hand (non-drive side) threading. You will never get the non-drive side off of you use righty-tighty-lefty-loosey.

Also grease the threads before you install them and make sure they go on straight.

John
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Old 08-07-20, 10:52 AM
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Originally Posted by zacster
I found the old style toe clips best for in city riding. I would leave them loose enough that I could get out easily but tight enough that they provided at least some upstroke value. They let you press hard on the downstroke without fear of slipping off. And if they aren't too tall you can ride the flat side without them. Mine will scrape the ground slightly so I don't do that much.
Great minds. I pretty much do the same, although I don't even bother with the straps. I find that the clip alone is enough to provide some holding force without any fuss. And yes, in a pinch you can pedal a bit with the clip side down, maybe just leaning slightly in the opposite direction on the downstroke if you really don't want to scrape the pavement (which isn't really a bother to me).
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Old 08-07-20, 11:16 AM
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I just got these for my CX/commuter: https://rideissi.com/pedals/issi-flip
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Old 08-07-20, 12:02 PM
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https://pedal-plate.cc/

iv been getting on great with these. When I’m riding stop start to the gym being on flats is much more convenient. but then come the weekend or lovely summer evening ride I’m back in clipless.

sure you can ride short distances with casual shoes ontop of spd-sl pedals but it’s not ideal and will wear the pedals in an odd way. The pedal plates also act to protect in my case very expensive pedals.
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Old 08-08-20, 01:32 AM
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I still prefer platform pedals for my hybrids and occasionally switch a road bike to platforms if I plan to do a lot of urban group rides. I don't like foot retention in stop and go traffic, especially in casual group rides with some rookies.

I've had a pair of iSSi Thumps for a year on one bike and like 'em. A little large but great ergonomically with pretty much any shoe. After a year and a couple thousand miles the right pedal feels like something needs to be tightened a bit, spindle or bearings, not sure. It uses sealed cartridge bearings. So far, so good, worth the $40. I'd already worn out a set of lightweight aluminum Wellgo platforms and Stolen Brand Thermolites (which are great for only $15 and should last a year or so, a few thousand miles).
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Old 08-08-20, 09:35 PM
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Some great options here.
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Old 08-09-20, 08:55 PM
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I have dual sided Funn mambas. I have big feet and often wear work boots. I love them there perfect for me.
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Old 08-14-20, 07:42 PM
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I have these, Shimano PD-T421 Pedal, and they're great, had them on three different bikes so far and very pleased, a big plus is they also look great!!
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