Platform Pedals Question (from someone who overanalyzes everything)
#1
Newbie
Thread Starter
Platform Pedals Question (from someone who overanalyzes everything)
I'm training for a sprint triathlon the first week of June. Just bought a 2021 Jamis Ventura A2. I believe the pedal it has currently is a Shimano PD-RS500 SPD-SL. But I've never tried cycling with my shoe attached to the pedal, so I'm planning to race with platform pedals/my running shoes in order to keep things simple. I'm stressing myself out trying to decide what pedals to purchase. I don't want to spend much (incase I decide to go to clipless in the future?).
So there's $10-25 nylon options and $40+ aluminum options (that all have the traction pins on them). I don't know if the cheap nylon pedals are good enough (they are all highly rated), or if it's worth getting aluminum for more durability (such as "Rockbros 4 Bearing Mountain Bike Pedals Aluminum Alloy 9/16").
Also, I've only ever used more classic flat pedals (like from 1990's), so I'm unsure how the traction or durability are on these modern design pedals. They are so much thinner/less surface area than I'm used to.
I'm prone to overanalyzing everything, especially things I'm not familiar with, so I'd really appreciate some input
So there's $10-25 nylon options and $40+ aluminum options (that all have the traction pins on them). I don't know if the cheap nylon pedals are good enough (they are all highly rated), or if it's worth getting aluminum for more durability (such as "Rockbros 4 Bearing Mountain Bike Pedals Aluminum Alloy 9/16").
Also, I've only ever used more classic flat pedals (like from 1990's), so I'm unsure how the traction or durability are on these modern design pedals. They are so much thinner/less surface area than I'm used to.
I'm prone to overanalyzing everything, especially things I'm not familiar with, so I'd really appreciate some input
#2
Senior Member
Join Date: May 2022
Location: USA - Southwest PA
Posts: 3,094
Bikes: Cannondale - Gary Fisher - Giant - Litespeed - Schwinn Paramount - Schwinn (lugged steel) - Trek OCLV
Mentioned: 6 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 1399 Post(s)
Liked 1,880 Times
in
1,082 Posts
a plastic / composite pedal with molded studs (as opposed to metal pins) might be one of your best options
there are many pedals in this category - including two below :
Race Face Ride pedal - weigh 320g approx and cost around $30-35
Black Ops / VP 538 pedal - weigh 260g approx and cost around $20-30 (this pedal available from different sources with different names)
links below
and good luck !
Race Face Ride pedal
https://www.raceface.com/products/ri...31913987276882
VP 538 pedal ( Cool Planet Bikes VT )
https://coolplanetbikes.co/shop-bike...lastic-bmx-mtb
.
there are many pedals in this category - including two below :
Race Face Ride pedal - weigh 320g approx and cost around $30-35
Black Ops / VP 538 pedal - weigh 260g approx and cost around $20-30 (this pedal available from different sources with different names)
links below
and good luck !
Race Face Ride pedal
https://www.raceface.com/products/ri...31913987276882
VP 538 pedal ( Cool Planet Bikes VT )
https://coolplanetbikes.co/shop-bike...lastic-bmx-mtb
.
Last edited by t2p; 03-27-23 at 10:08 AM.
#3
Galveston County Texas
Join Date: Nov 2007
Location: In The Wind
Posts: 33,222
Bikes: 02 GTO, 2011 Magnum
Mentioned: 19 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 1350 Post(s)
Liked 1,245 Times
in
623 Posts
These Work Fine.
Amazon.com : Zefal "Cristophe" Mountain Bicycle Half Toe Clip : Mini Toe Clips : Sports & Outdoors
Amazon.com : Zefal "Cristophe" Mountain Bicycle Half Toe Clip : Mini Toe Clips : Sports & Outdoors
__________________
Fred "The Real Fred"
Fred "The Real Fred"
#4
Senior Member
Join Date: Oct 2015
Location: San Diego, California
Posts: 4,077
Bikes: Velo Orange Piolet
Mentioned: 28 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 2228 Post(s)
Liked 2,011 Times
in
972 Posts
I'm training for a sprint triathlon the first week of June. Just bought a 2021 Jamis Ventura A2. I believe the pedal it has currently is a Shimano PD-RS500 SPD-SL. But I've never tried cycling with my shoe attached to the pedal, so I'm planning to race with platform pedals/my running shoes in order to keep things simple. I'm stressing myself out trying to decide what pedals to purchase. I don't want to spend much (incase I decide to go to clipless in the future?).
So there's $10-25 nylon options and $40+ aluminum options (that all have the traction pins on them). I don't know if the cheap nylon pedals are good enough (they are all highly rated), or if it's worth getting aluminum for more durability (such as "Rockbros 4 Bearing Mountain Bike Pedals Aluminum Alloy 9/16").
Also, I've only ever used more classic flat pedals (like from 1990's), so I'm unsure how the traction or durability are on these modern design pedals. They are so much thinner/less surface area than I'm used to.
I'm prone to overanalyzing everything, especially things I'm not familiar with, so I'd really appreciate some input
So there's $10-25 nylon options and $40+ aluminum options (that all have the traction pins on them). I don't know if the cheap nylon pedals are good enough (they are all highly rated), or if it's worth getting aluminum for more durability (such as "Rockbros 4 Bearing Mountain Bike Pedals Aluminum Alloy 9/16").
Also, I've only ever used more classic flat pedals (like from 1990's), so I'm unsure how the traction or durability are on these modern design pedals. They are so much thinner/less surface area than I'm used to.
I'm prone to overanalyzing everything, especially things I'm not familiar with, so I'd really appreciate some input
Search for "rock bros extra large pedals"
Last edited by tyrion; 03-27-23 at 10:34 AM. Reason: typo
Likes For tyrion:
#5
cowboy, steel horse, etc
Join Date: Sep 2008
Location: The hot spot.
Posts: 44,845
Bikes: everywhere
Mentioned: 71 Post(s)
Tagged: 1 Thread(s)
Quoted: 12776 Post(s)
Liked 7,693 Times
in
4,082 Posts
My favorite cheap plastic pedals are Cult Daks. Great grip, comfortable shape. Out of the ordinary in that they take a 17mm wrench to install/remove.
https://www.universalcycles.com/shop...s.php?id=88762
https://www.universalcycles.com/shop...s.php?id=88762
Likes For LesterOfPuppets:
#6
Senior Member
Join Date: Oct 2010
Posts: 8,515
Mentioned: 69 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 3241 Post(s)
Liked 2,512 Times
in
1,510 Posts
What are the plans after the tri? Are you interested in trying clipless in the future? Here's what I did. I bought the cheapest set of flat one side/SPD the other pedals I could find. Used will work for the shorter term. Search your local CL, Ebay whatever. You can use the flat side for the tri. Find the cheapest SPD shoes you can to try out clpiless. I went to REI and found a used/damaged pair. I only used them for a couple of weeks while I was giving clipless a try. Go out with one foot clipped in and the other on the flat side. Ride and rotate. Ride some more. Clip both feet in, or not. You'll find out if clipless are for you/not and still avoid most of the crashes. If you like them, then you can invest some more money. Contact your local tri club. Tell them what you're doing. Someone in the club might have some used shoes/pedals you can use for the process. Good luck.
#7
Senior Member
Join Date: Aug 2009
Posts: 2,394
Mentioned: 14 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 1562 Post(s)
Liked 1,734 Times
in
974 Posts
If you don't want to use clipless pedals, I would say the next best thing would be platform pedals with traditional toe clips. It allows you to push the pedal forward at 12 o'clock.
#8
Senior Member
Join Date: Oct 2013
Location: Mich
Posts: 7,391
Bikes: RSO E-tire dropper fixie brifter
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 6 Post(s)
Liked 2,974 Times
in
1,919 Posts
the axle design of it makes for how "good" or "bad" it'll holdup.
__________________
-Oh Hey!
-Oh Hey!
Likes For Troul:
#9
Senior Member
Join Date: Jan 2005
Location: Baltimore, MD
Posts: 5,374
Mentioned: 15 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 2483 Post(s)
Liked 2,955 Times
in
1,678 Posts
Whatever you buy, give yourself a few weeks before the first triathlon to ride with the shoe/pedal combination. I wouldn't be able to ride very far in running shoes before I'd be whining about feeling the pedal through the sole. Cycling shoes have hard soles for a reason.
Likes For Trakhak:
#10
Senior Member
I've done several triathlons now. I have given up on the clipless pedals myself. I tried them, didn't like them, won't bother again. Just a personal choice.
Having said that, I highly recommend the Venzo flats offered on Amazon. They have some that have a platform on one side and and SPD compatible on the other side. Best of both worlds. Also, unlike so many MTB platforms, the platform on the Venzo pedals is plenty big enough to fit your foot, but noticeably smaller than your average MTB pedal. They also have small, metal studs for grip. I can wear a conventional running shoe and have no problems with my feet moving around on the pedals.. Plus, they're under $50. I have them on my Roubiax now and will put a similar set on my newly purchased Ridley when it shows up.
Having said that, I highly recommend the Venzo flats offered on Amazon. They have some that have a platform on one side and and SPD compatible on the other side. Best of both worlds. Also, unlike so many MTB platforms, the platform on the Venzo pedals is plenty big enough to fit your foot, but noticeably smaller than your average MTB pedal. They also have small, metal studs for grip. I can wear a conventional running shoe and have no problems with my feet moving around on the pedals.. Plus, they're under $50. I have them on my Roubiax now and will put a similar set on my newly purchased Ridley when it shows up.
Likes For VegasJen:
#11
Senior Member
Join Date: Jul 2002
Location: Sacramento, California, USA
Posts: 40,865
Bikes: Specialized Tarmac, Canyon Exceed, Specialized Transition, Ellsworth Roots, Ridley Excalibur
Mentioned: 68 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 2952 Post(s)
Liked 3,106 Times
in
1,417 Posts
I have some Race Face Chesters on one of my bikes and they’re a great deal for the money. For a sprint tri, I’d probably use them anyway just to eliminate a shoe change.
#12
Senior Member
Per my post above, look up "Venzo dual function platform" on Amazon.
And make sure to post over in the triathlon section as well. We need to get that section moving!
And make sure to post over in the triathlon section as well. We need to get that section moving!
Likes For VegasJen:
#13
Clark W. Griswold
Join Date: Mar 2014
Location: ,location, location
Posts: 13,523
Bikes: Foundry Chilkoot Ti W/Ultegra Di2, Salsa Timberjack Ti, Cinelli Mash Work RandoCross Fun Time Machine, 1x9 XT Parts Hybrid, Co-Motion Cascadia, Specialized Langster, Phil Wood Apple VeloXS Frame (w/DA 7400), R+M Supercharger2 Rohloff, Habanero Ti 26
Mentioned: 54 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 4357 Post(s)
Liked 3,994 Times
in
2,665 Posts
I wouldn't recommend any cheap pedals or Jeff Bezos knockoffs. I would recommend Crank Bros Stamp Pedals. They all have decent bearings and bushings the 1s give you a thermoplastic pedal and the 7s which I run are a nice metal body and everything is repairable and of really excellent quality.
I would highly recommend going for a clipless pedal for long rides especially racing I want a good stiff shoe so I can get good efficient power transfer and more comfort while riding. Riding and running are two very different pursuits and having good stiff cycling shoes will help on the long ride. It is quite easy to learn how to use clipless pedals and if you take some time to try them out before you do the Triathalon which you would do anyway you will learn them and figure it out. The nice thing with a Tri you aren't going to be unclipped more than once as it is generally a single portion on the bike and since you are racing you won't need to stop.
I would highly recommend going for a clipless pedal for long rides especially racing I want a good stiff shoe so I can get good efficient power transfer and more comfort while riding. Riding and running are two very different pursuits and having good stiff cycling shoes will help on the long ride. It is quite easy to learn how to use clipless pedals and if you take some time to try them out before you do the Triathalon which you would do anyway you will learn them and figure it out. The nice thing with a Tri you aren't going to be unclipped more than once as it is generally a single portion on the bike and since you are racing you won't need to stop.
#14
Senior Member
Join Date: Dec 2019
Location: South Shore of Long Island
Posts: 2,799
Bikes: 2010 Carrera Volans, 2015 C-Dale Trail 2sl, 2017 Raleigh Rush Hour, 2017 Blue Proseccio, 1992 Giant Perigee, 80s Gitane Rallye Tandem
Mentioned: 12 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 1088 Post(s)
Liked 1,025 Times
in
723 Posts
I've got a set of the Rockbros, they're just cheap knockoffs of the Crankbrothers stamp pedals and not good knockoffs. Get the stamp if you want platforms. Some of the people talking about stiff soles on clipless shoes are missing the level of support a platform pedal provides. GCN has done a couple of shows comparing how much of the pedal stroke riders use and one on the speed difference between flats and clipped in. Clipless basically didn't use much more of the pedal spin than platforms, and the difference might be even less with pinned pedals, and the time difference was there but not significant over a short difference. It reinforced the view I had when I was younger and doing sprint tri; the ability to move easily through the transition areas with sneakers was more of a time saver than clipless shoes for the short distance you have to ride, people just took too long getting into and out or road shoes and couldn't move quickly to the start areas at the end of the transitions.
#15
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
Otto
#16
Banned
Join Date: Feb 2014
Posts: 678
Mentioned: 11 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 790 Post(s)
Liked 348 Times
in
195 Posts
I agree with the Stamp-1 pedals, they are quality, light and very reasonably priced. More and more there is a lot of info and research out there showing that clipless pedals are a waste of time and money. If I was doing the local triathlon which is very short, 13-mile biking, 10k run and only a third-mile of swimming, I would absolutely just run some plain flat pedals.
Likes For beng1:
#17
Newbie
I don't do triathlons, but I've put the Race Face Ride on all my bikes, and I am very impressed with them. Just regular shoes, they give good grip to your shoes, much better than say the old Wellgo metal framed pedals from 80s/90s.
The platforms with metal pins are better if you will be riding in rain or mud. Just don't slip and whack your shins on them as it hurts.
I've ridden SPD pedals in the past, and I don't know that I'd argue they give you more stroke, but they certainly do keep your foot in place right over the pedal spindle consistently. I would not recommend the dual platform style that have SPD on one side and regular shoe on the other except for casual riding. Those tend to be hard to use as whatever side you want will be on the other side and so you'll have to fumble a bit getting your foot back on the pedal, which I think would be annoying for a race.
The platforms with metal pins are better if you will be riding in rain or mud. Just don't slip and whack your shins on them as it hurts.
I've ridden SPD pedals in the past, and I don't know that I'd argue they give you more stroke, but they certainly do keep your foot in place right over the pedal spindle consistently. I would not recommend the dual platform style that have SPD on one side and regular shoe on the other except for casual riding. Those tend to be hard to use as whatever side you want will be on the other side and so you'll have to fumble a bit getting your foot back on the pedal, which I think would be annoying for a race.
Likes For MinnesotaSteve:
#18
Senior Member
Join Date: Jan 2005
Location: Baltimore, MD
Posts: 5,374
Mentioned: 15 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 2483 Post(s)
Liked 2,955 Times
in
1,678 Posts
Big clipless fan, but the people posting here have made flats like the Stamp pedals sound like they're a good idea.
Again, just be sure to do some rides using your running shoes to make sure that works for you. Could be that taller/heavier/stronger riders are more likely to feel discomfort with running shoes/flat pedals.
Again, just be sure to do some rides using your running shoes to make sure that works for you. Could be that taller/heavier/stronger riders are more likely to feel discomfort with running shoes/flat pedals.
Likes For Trakhak:
#19
Senior Member
Join Date: Dec 2009
Location: Denver area (Ken Caryl Valley)
Posts: 1,803
Bikes: 2022 Moots RCS, 2014 BMC SLR01 DA Mech, 2020 Santa Cruz Stigmata, Ibis Ripmo, Trek Top Fuel, Specialized Levo SL, Norco Bigfoot VLT
Mentioned: 8 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 464 Post(s)
Liked 182 Times
in
118 Posts
I have tried a lot but keep coming back to alloy pedals with pins. I find they have better grip and help me pull up a little more. They are also wider in general. I only use them for fat biking in the snow but I have used them with different types of shoes- mainly hiking, running, and flat-pedal-specific shoes that have a stiffer sole and tend to have more predictable grip.
#20
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: 6195 Post(s)
Liked 4,810 Times
in
3,318 Posts
When your cadence gets somewhere over 80 maybe 90 rpm you'll probably have difficulty keeping your feet on the pedals unless you just happen to be able to put a very smooth and even power all throughout the pedal stroke.
When that happens, I'd recommend SPD type pedals and shoes. I feel that they are the easiest and more forgiving clipless pedal. More commonly referred to as mountain bike shoes/pedals, but many road bikers use them as they typically are easier to walk in and have float that doesn't lock your foot into a fixed position. So IMO, they'd be good to learn with at least. Then as you get confidence with them then you might choose to try a SPD-SL type pedal and shoes, commonly called a road bike pedal or shoe. I've not tried them yet. I don't feel there are enough pro's to make it worth changing what I already have since I do no serious competition. Their only minor con might be that from what I've read, shimming to get your foot in the correct position is sometimes necessary for some people.
Some people like toe clips or straps. I'm not one of them.
When that happens, I'd recommend SPD type pedals and shoes. I feel that they are the easiest and more forgiving clipless pedal. More commonly referred to as mountain bike shoes/pedals, but many road bikers use them as they typically are easier to walk in and have float that doesn't lock your foot into a fixed position. So IMO, they'd be good to learn with at least. Then as you get confidence with them then you might choose to try a SPD-SL type pedal and shoes, commonly called a road bike pedal or shoe. I've not tried them yet. I don't feel there are enough pro's to make it worth changing what I already have since I do no serious competition. Their only minor con might be that from what I've read, shimming to get your foot in the correct position is sometimes necessary for some people.
Some people like toe clips or straps. I'm not one of them.
#21
Tragically Ignorant
Join Date: Jun 2018
Location: New England
Posts: 15,613
Bikes: Serotta Atlanta; 1994 Specialized Allez Pro; Giant OCR A1; SOMA Double Cross Disc; 2022 Allez Elite mit der SRAM
Mentioned: 62 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 8186 Post(s)
Liked 9,098 Times
in
5,054 Posts
When your cadence gets somewhere over 80 maybe 90 rpm you'll probably have difficulty keeping your feet on the pedals unless you just happen to be able to put a very smooth and even power all throughout the pedal stroke.
When that happens, I'd recommend SPD type pedals and shoes. I feel that they are the easiest and more forgiving clipless pedal. More commonly referred to as mountain bike shoes/pedals, but many road bikers use them as they typically are easier to walk in and have float that doesn't lock your foot into a fixed position. So IMO, they'd be good to learn with at least. Then as you get confidence with them then you might choose to try a SPD-SL type pedal and shoes, commonly called a road bike pedal or shoe. I've not tried them yet. I don't feel there are enough pro's to make it worth changing what I already have since I do no serious competition. Their only minor con might be that from what I've read, shimming to get your foot in the correct position is sometimes necessary for some people.
Some people like toe clips or straps. I'm not one of them.
When that happens, I'd recommend SPD type pedals and shoes. I feel that they are the easiest and more forgiving clipless pedal. More commonly referred to as mountain bike shoes/pedals, but many road bikers use them as they typically are easier to walk in and have float that doesn't lock your foot into a fixed position. So IMO, they'd be good to learn with at least. Then as you get confidence with them then you might choose to try a SPD-SL type pedal and shoes, commonly called a road bike pedal or shoe. I've not tried them yet. I don't feel there are enough pro's to make it worth changing what I already have since I do no serious competition. Their only minor con might be that from what I've read, shimming to get your foot in the correct position is sometimes necessary for some people.
Some people like toe clips or straps. I'm not one of them.
Keep in mind that clipless requires a change of shoes when doing a triathalon as the OP is doing.
Likes For livedarklions:
#22
Newbie
Thread Starter
a plastic / composite pedal with molded studs (as opposed to metal pins) might be one of your best options
there are many pedals in this category - including two below :
Race Face Ride pedal - weigh 320g approx and cost around $30-35
Black Ops / VP 538 pedal - weigh 260g approx and cost around $20-30 (this pedal available from different sources with different names)
links below
and good luck !
.
there are many pedals in this category - including two below :
Race Face Ride pedal - weigh 320g approx and cost around $30-35
Black Ops / VP 538 pedal - weigh 260g approx and cost around $20-30 (this pedal available from different sources with different names)
links below
and good luck !
.
#23
Newbie
Thread Starter
I have some rock bros extra large pedals (nylon composite, $25) and I like them. I don't think they have ball bearings, so they're not going to last forever, but they still spin freely. The traction screw-pins are shorter than similar Race Face pedals. I prefer composite pedals because they're a little less jarring than metal pedals when they scrape the ground or a hit rock.
Search for "rock bros extra large pedals"
Search for "rock bros extra large pedals"
#24
Newbie
Thread Starter
I've got a set of the Rockbros, they're just cheap knockoffs of the Crankbrothers stamp pedals and not good knockoffs. Get the stamp if you want platforms. Some of the people talking about stiff soles on clipless shoes are missing the level of support a platform pedal provides. GCN has done a couple of shows comparing how much of the pedal stroke riders use and one on the speed difference between flats and clipped in. Clipless basically didn't use much more of the pedal spin than platforms, and the difference might be even less with pinned pedals, and the time difference was there but not significant over a short difference. It reinforced the view I had when I was younger and doing sprint tri; the ability to move easily through the transition areas with sneakers was more of a time saver than clipless shoes for the short distance you have to ride, people just took too long getting into and out or road shoes and couldn't move quickly to the start areas at the end of the transitions.
#25
Newbie
Thread Starter
Whatever you buy, give yourself a few weeks before the first triathlon to ride with the shoe/pedal combination. I wouldn't be able to ride very far in running shoes before I'd be whining about feeling the pedal through the sole. Cycling shoes have hard soles for a reason.