Flat pedals on road bike w/ Ultegra
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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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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.
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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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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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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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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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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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
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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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.
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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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.
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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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
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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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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I just got these for my CX/commuter: https://rideissi.com/pedals/issi-flip
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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.
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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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).
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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#18
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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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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!!