Anyone ride flatfooted? :)
#1
Senior Member
Thread Starter
Join Date: Oct 2014
Location: Near Lancaster
Posts: 548
Bikes: Carrera Virtuoso and friend
Mentioned: 2 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 129 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 47 Times
in
38 Posts
Anyone ride flatfooted? :)
For those who dare to ride without strapping in your feet, or cleats. There won't be many of you, I know, I know. But some will do those shopping trips, some will display proudly their capacious baskets to the admiring hordes one passes during such ventures..
I was never fan of pushing pedals with my instep, always using clips prevented me doing this, of course. But I'm now doin' it wi my heel too, for the warm up trip to the gym, or anywhere else where I don't use my sporty (!) road bike. Wearing running shoes or trainers gives your feet the rigidity to prevent strain, and it's surprisingly comfortable and effective in moving a bike at some speed.
I imagine it may attract the scorn of the cycling frternity here, but since I'm at a loose end right now . . . . . .
I was never fan of pushing pedals with my instep, always using clips prevented me doing this, of course. But I'm now doin' it wi my heel too, for the warm up trip to the gym, or anywhere else where I don't use my sporty (!) road bike. Wearing running shoes or trainers gives your feet the rigidity to prevent strain, and it's surprisingly comfortable and effective in moving a bike at some speed.
I imagine it may attract the scorn of the cycling frternity here, but since I'm at a loose end right now . . . . . .
#2
Senior Member
Join Date: Jan 2005
Location: Baltimore, MD
Posts: 5,380
Mentioned: 15 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 2488 Post(s)
Liked 2,957 Times
in
1,680 Posts
For the equivalent of walking and even moderate jogging effort levels, no problem. And there's at least one bike fitting specialist (forget his name; Australian guy, I think) who recommends moving your cleats as far back as the slots in the shoes permit, and even redrilling the shoes if necessary.
Still, given that your legs evolved to use the heel for shock absorption and the ball of the foot for applying force, it makes sense to me to place my feet on the pedals accordingly.
Still, given that your legs evolved to use the heel for shock absorption and the ball of the foot for applying force, it makes sense to me to place my feet on the pedals accordingly.
Likes For SW84:
#4
Been Around Awhile
Join Date: Oct 2004
Location: Burlington Iowa
Posts: 29,978
Bikes: Vaterland and Ragazzi
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 12 Post(s)
Liked 1,538 Times
in
1,047 Posts
For those who dare to ride without strapping in your feet, or cleats. There won't be many of you, I know, I know. But some will do those shopping trips, some will display proudly their capacious baskets to the admiring hordes one passes during such ventures..
I imagine it may attract the scorn of the cycling fraternity here, but since I'm at a loose end right now . . . . . .
I imagine it may attract the scorn of the cycling fraternity here, but since I'm at a loose end right now . . . . . .
Not to worry, not every bicyclist over 50 needs to be "training"or equipped for conjured competition with others or himself.
Likes For I-Like-To-Bike:
#5
I'm good to go!
Join Date: Jul 2017
Location: Mississippi
Posts: 14,992
Bikes: Tarmac Disc Comp Di2 - 2020
Mentioned: 51 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 6196 Post(s)
Liked 4,811 Times
in
3,319 Posts
Before this thread gets too far off kilter, I'm not sure why those that don't use cleats think those of us that do use cleats, clipless, clips and etc. despise or think badly of those that are happy with just plain and simple flat pedals.
If you are riding your bike and enjoying it, I don't really care how you do it. However if you describe an issue that seems like it might involve foot retention, then for sure I and others will recommend SPD, SPD-SL, toe straps/clips and all the other common methods to keep feet on pedals at high cadences. But that doesn't make us hater's toward you all just because we recommend them.
I rode bikes for almost 50 years before leaving simple flat pedals.
If you are riding your bike and enjoying it, I don't really care how you do it. However if you describe an issue that seems like it might involve foot retention, then for sure I and others will recommend SPD, SPD-SL, toe straps/clips and all the other common methods to keep feet on pedals at high cadences. But that doesn't make us hater's toward you all just because we recommend them.
I rode bikes for almost 50 years before leaving simple flat pedals.
Last edited by Iride01; 10-25-23 at 11:11 AM.
#6
Senior Member
Join Date: Mar 2012
Location: Tallahassee, FL
Posts: 4,811
Mentioned: 5 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 1591 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 1,020 Times
in
572 Posts
People seem to want to feel beleaguered these days.
Likes For jon c.:
#7
Senior Member
Join Date: Oct 2012
Location: Berkeley CA
Posts: 2,539
Bikes: 1981 Ron Cooper, 1974 Cinelli Speciale Corsa, 2000 Gary Fisher Sugar 1, 1986 Miyata 710, 1982 Raleigh "International"
Mentioned: 97 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 932 Post(s)
Liked 1,309 Times
in
491 Posts
I'm so confused. I have some bikes with toe clips and straps, some with spd cleats, and some with flat pedals. I'm not sure whether to feel beleaguered, hateful or indifferent. I'm also not sure if I'm cycling for pleasure, to be in a conjured competition, or whether I'm in training. Help me out here!
#8
climber has-been
Join Date: Dec 2004
Location: Palo Alto, CA
Posts: 7,111
Bikes: Scott Addict R1, Felt Z1
Mentioned: 10 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 3432 Post(s)
Liked 3,567 Times
in
1,793 Posts
Likes For terrymorse:
#10
Been Around Awhile
Join Date: Oct 2004
Location: Burlington Iowa
Posts: 29,978
Bikes: Vaterland and Ragazzi
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 12 Post(s)
Liked 1,538 Times
in
1,047 Posts
If you are riding your bike and enjoying it, I don't really care how you do it. However if you describe an issue that seems like it might involve foot retention, then for sure I and others will recommend SPD, SPD-SL, toe straps/clips and all the other common methods to keep feet on pedals at high cadences. But that doesn't make us hater's toward you all just because we recommend them.
#11
Senior Member
Join Date: Sep 2005
Location: In the foothills of Los Angeles County
Posts: 25,302
Mentioned: 8 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 8287 Post(s)
Liked 9,062 Times
in
4,483 Posts
Likes For big john:
#12
Senior Member
Join Date: Sep 2005
Location: In the foothills of Los Angeles County
Posts: 25,302
Mentioned: 8 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 8287 Post(s)
Liked 9,062 Times
in
4,483 Posts
I'm so confused. I have some bikes with toe clips and straps, some with spd cleats, and some with flat pedals. I'm not sure whether to feel beleaguered, hateful or indifferent. I'm also not sure if I'm cycling for pleasure, to be in a conjured competition, or whether I'm in training. Help me out here!
Likes For big john:
#13
feros ferio
Join Date: Jul 2000
Location: www.ci.encinitas.ca.us
Posts: 21,799
Bikes: 1959 Capo Modell Campagnolo; 1960 Capo Sieger (2); 1962 Carlton Franco Suisse; 1970 Peugeot UO-8; 1982 Bianchi Campione d'Italia; 1988 Schwinn Project KOM-10;
Mentioned: 44 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 1393 Post(s)
Liked 1,329 Times
in
837 Posts
I tried toeclips in 1968 and never looked back. I keep them just loose enough to let me quickly pull a foot off of the pedals. My preferred cycling shoes for grocery runs, transportation, and general recreation are rubber-soled Gyro Rumbles.
__________________
"Far and away the best prize that life offers is the chance to work hard at work worth doing." --Theodore Roosevelt
Capo: 1959 Modell Campagnolo, S/N 40324; 1960 Sieger (2), S/N 42624, 42597
Carlton: 1962 Franco Suisse, S/N K7911
Peugeot: 1970 UO-8, S/N 0010468
Bianchi: 1982 Campione d'Italia, S/N 1.M9914
Schwinn: 1988 Project KOM-10, S/N F804069
"Far and away the best prize that life offers is the chance to work hard at work worth doing." --Theodore Roosevelt
Capo: 1959 Modell Campagnolo, S/N 40324; 1960 Sieger (2), S/N 42624, 42597
Carlton: 1962 Franco Suisse, S/N K7911
Peugeot: 1970 UO-8, S/N 0010468
Bianchi: 1982 Campione d'Italia, S/N 1.M9914
Schwinn: 1988 Project KOM-10, S/N F804069
#14
Seat Sniffer
Join Date: Sep 2007
Location: SoCal
Posts: 5,630
Bikes: Serotta Legend Ti; 2006 Schwinn Fastback Pro and 1996 Colnago Decor Super C96; 2003 Univega Alpina 700; 2000 Schwinn Super Sport
Mentioned: 18 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 945 Post(s)
Liked 1,990 Times
in
569 Posts
I use MTB SPDs on my road bikes. Feel a bit naked without them.
But I have flats on the beach cruiser.
But I have flats on the beach cruiser.
__________________
Proud parent of a happy inner child ...
Proud parent of a happy inner child ...
#15
Banned
Join Date: Feb 2008
Location: Mississauga/Toronto, Ontario canada
Posts: 8,721
Bikes: I have 3 singlespeed/fixed gear bikes
Mentioned: 30 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 4227 Post(s)
Liked 2,488 Times
in
1,286 Posts
People who use platform pedals outnumber those who use clipless systems and foot retention. I am one of those who prefers platform pedals and have no plans of changing how I ride.
Likes For wolfchild:
#16
Senior Member
Thread Starter
Join Date: Oct 2014
Location: Near Lancaster
Posts: 548
Bikes: Carrera Virtuoso and friend
Mentioned: 2 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 129 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 47 Times
in
38 Posts
My posting was concerned with the positioning of the foot when it's not restricted or fixed by a securing device. It's only fairly recently that I've had such bikes.
The ball of the foot is the obvious place, but your seat would have to be a definitive height, a little more than I'm happy with, to achieve that properly.. So my foot's gravitated to the central position or even the heel to propel the bike, and trike too.
It seems to work for me now, without the issues I thought I might encounter. So I wondered what folk here thought of this; damage to the instep is a worrying thought and I've had previous problems unrelated to cycling. .
The ball of the foot is the obvious place, but your seat would have to be a definitive height, a little more than I'm happy with, to achieve that properly.. So my foot's gravitated to the central position or even the heel to propel the bike, and trike too.
It seems to work for me now, without the issues I thought I might encounter. So I wondered what folk here thought of this; damage to the instep is a worrying thought and I've had previous problems unrelated to cycling. .
#17
Senior Member
Join Date: Sep 2005
Location: In the foothills of Los Angeles County
Posts: 25,302
Mentioned: 8 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 8287 Post(s)
Liked 9,062 Times
in
4,483 Posts
My posting was concerned with the positioning of the foot when it's not restricted or fixed by a securing device. It's only fairly recently that I've had such bikes.
The ball of the foot is the obvious place, but your seat would have to be a definitive height, a little more than I'm happy with, to achieve that properly.. So my foot's gravitated to the central position or even the heel to propel the bike, and trike too.
It seems to work for me now, without the issues I thought I might encounter. So I wondered what folk here thought of this; damage to the instep is a worrying thought and I've had previous problems unrelated to cycling. .
The ball of the foot is the obvious place, but your seat would have to be a definitive height, a little more than I'm happy with, to achieve that properly.. So my foot's gravitated to the central position or even the heel to propel the bike, and trike too.
It seems to work for me now, without the issues I thought I might encounter. So I wondered what folk here thought of this; damage to the instep is a worrying thought and I've had previous problems unrelated to cycling. .
Also, if you're just cruising around and not hammering for hours you might not have to be concerned.
#18
Made it to 84 WHOOPIE
And someone disagrees:
https://www.bikejames.com/strength/d...hen-you-pedal/
https://www.bikejames.com/strength/d...hen-you-pedal/
#19
Cheerfully low end
Join Date: Jun 2020
Posts: 1,978
Mentioned: 5 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 646 Post(s)
Liked 1,044 Times
in
667 Posts
I’ve gone in the other direction. I think I rode only clipped in for 40 years before switching to flat pedals about 7 years ago. I’ve ridden the last 25K miles on flat pedals. I haven’t had a single issue with my feet in that time.
Otto
Otto
Likes For ofajen:
#20
The Wheezing Geezer
Join Date: Oct 2021
Location: Española, NM
Posts: 1,060
Bikes: 1976 Fredo Speciale, Jamis Citizen 1, Ellis-Briggs FAVORI, Rivendell Clem Smith Jr.
Mentioned: 1 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 414 Post(s)
Liked 922 Times
in
447 Posts
Photographic evidence proves that I do not ride flat-footed with either SPDs or toe-clips. OTOH, I suspect I may ride relatively flat-footed on the my brother's Clem Smith Jr. (with platform pedals), as he seems to. So it may well depend on the pedal, for me.
#21
Cheerfully low end
Join Date: Jun 2020
Posts: 1,978
Mentioned: 5 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 646 Post(s)
Liked 1,044 Times
in
667 Posts
It’s possible there is some variation in my foot position since I’m not clipped in, but I’m definitely more on the balls of my feet when riding out of the saddle.
Riding on the middle of the foot seems much more awkward, less balanced and less functional for that type of work. I ride single speed so there’s a lot of out of the saddle work.
I also think I would have a harder time pedaling smoothly at those times when I need to spin fast if I weren’t towards the balls of my feet on the pedals.
Otto
Riding on the middle of the foot seems much more awkward, less balanced and less functional for that type of work. I ride single speed so there’s a lot of out of the saddle work.
I also think I would have a harder time pedaling smoothly at those times when I need to spin fast if I weren’t towards the balls of my feet on the pedals.
Otto
#22
Senior Member
Join Date: Aug 2009
Location: Minneapolis
Posts: 5,752
Bikes: 2022 Salsa Beargrease Carbon Deore 11, 2020 Salsa Warbird GRX 600, 2020 Canyon Ultimate CF SLX disc 9.0 Di2, 2020 Catrike Eola, 2016 Masi cxgr, 2011, Felt F3 Ltd, 2010 Trek 2.1, 2009 KHS Flite 220
Mentioned: 20 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 4393 Post(s)
Liked 3,016 Times
in
1,865 Posts
My posting was concerned with the positioning of the foot when it's not restricted or fixed by a securing device. It's only fairly recently that I've had such bikes.
The ball of the foot is the obvious place, but your seat would have to be a definitive height, a little more than I'm happy with, to achieve that properly.. So my foot's gravitated to the central position or even the heel to propel the bike, and trike too.
It seems to work for me now, without the issues I thought I might encounter. So I wondered what folk here thought of this; damage to the instep is a worrying thought and I've had previous problems unrelated to cycling. .
The ball of the foot is the obvious place, but your seat would have to be a definitive height, a little more than I'm happy with, to achieve that properly.. So my foot's gravitated to the central position or even the heel to propel the bike, and trike too.
It seems to work for me now, without the issues I thought I might encounter. So I wondered what folk here thought of this; damage to the instep is a worrying thought and I've had previous problems unrelated to cycling. .
But my commuter/errand bike has flat pedals. And it has very big side (Pannier-style) steel baskets. If I place my foot on the pedal the same way I would with my cleated shoes, i'll rub my achilles tendon against the front of those baskets. No thanks. So I ride that bike with my foot forward, pedal underneath my midfoot It's different, but it works. It sounds like the OP has the same situation.
I also tend to ride quite slowly on my commute or when I'm headed to the market. 10 mph or even less. 12 max. It's just not the time I'm interested in putting out effort or getting sweaty. Most other commuters pass me. I just let ém.
As to the other side-topic here, there are a bunch of you who have some issues, feeling judged by the sport-oriented types. As I've posted here many times before, those of us who are sport-oriented are not judging you. Ride whatever pleases you and works for you. I think I speak for all of the performance-oriented cyclists in the 50+ forum: We're glad that you are out there on a bike. That's all.
#23
just another gosling
Join Date: Feb 2007
Location: Everett, WA
Posts: 19,538
Bikes: CoMo Speedster 2003, Trek 5200, CAAD 9, Fred 2004
Mentioned: 115 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 3890 Post(s)
Liked 1,939 Times
in
1,384 Posts
When we walk and run, we push off with our toes. Go ahead, get up now and walk around for a bit. See? Try to walk flat-footed, very uncomfortable, right? Same on a bike
I got my first bike at 7, a baby blue girl's bike. My parents had no sense of style at all. I rode it back and forth to school. When I got big enough for a 26" bike, my normal day in summer when I didn't have chores was to get on my bike and go for an all-day ride, PB & jelly and a canteen in the saddle bag, usually 20-60 miles, the latter after I got my JC Higgens 3-speed. That stopped about when I got interested in girls.
I didn't get rat traps and toe clips until my late teens. But I had always pedaled with the ball of my feet over the pedal axle, always wore tennies. With the rat traps, the pedals wore grooves in the tennies' soles so I got a real grip on the pedals when I tightened the straps. Never had an issue with my insteps, maybe because I always did a lot of walking and started running a daily mile at 12. I had a walking paper route, 100+ customers, delivered papers just fine at -60F. I've always been like that, don't know why. Maybe growing up on a homestead had something to do with it. This geezer says, too bad about kids nowadays. Glad I don't have any.
I got my first bike at 7, a baby blue girl's bike. My parents had no sense of style at all. I rode it back and forth to school. When I got big enough for a 26" bike, my normal day in summer when I didn't have chores was to get on my bike and go for an all-day ride, PB & jelly and a canteen in the saddle bag, usually 20-60 miles, the latter after I got my JC Higgens 3-speed. That stopped about when I got interested in girls.
I didn't get rat traps and toe clips until my late teens. But I had always pedaled with the ball of my feet over the pedal axle, always wore tennies. With the rat traps, the pedals wore grooves in the tennies' soles so I got a real grip on the pedals when I tightened the straps. Never had an issue with my insteps, maybe because I always did a lot of walking and started running a daily mile at 12. I had a walking paper route, 100+ customers, delivered papers just fine at -60F. I've always been like that, don't know why. Maybe growing up on a homestead had something to do with it. This geezer says, too bad about kids nowadays. Glad I don't have any.
__________________
Results matter
Results matter
#24
Senior Member
I experienced hot spots on my longer rides, and looked for alternative pedal choices. The Catalyst from Pedaling Innovations is designed to support both the heel and ball of the foot, and the pedal spindle is centered under my instep. The straps you see are not required (and they are sold separately from the pedals), but they work well for me on my trike.
Likes For DeadGrandpa:
#25
Senior Member
Join Date: Feb 2015
Location: Mission Viejo
Posts: 5,807
Bikes: 1986 Cannondale SR400 (Flat bar commuter), 1988 Cannondale Criterium XTR, 1992 Serotta T-Max, 1995 Trek 970
Mentioned: 20 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 1944 Post(s)
Liked 2,164 Times
in
1,323 Posts
I rode toe clips/straps with cleats for many years. Then I went to a Specialized touring shoe (semi rigid rubber sole) and stopped using cleats. Just slide in and out. About 3 months ago I installed some KKT pedals with MKS wire clips and no straps. I was surprised at how well they work.
On my mountain bikes I run MG-1 platforms and use hiking boots.
John
On my mountain bikes I run MG-1 platforms and use hiking boots.
John