Upgrade of Pedals ? Plus Strava

[si_c]

I've got a pair of boardman MTB flats which I sometimes swap out for the clipless ones when I'm just pootling about with Mrs C. (http://www.halfords.com/cycling/bike-parts/pedals-pegs/boardman-performance-flat-pedal). I got them for the MTB, and my feet don't slip off them at all even in the muddiest wettest conditions I've ridden in.

If you are not looking to use clipless or toe straps, then these would certainly be something I would recommend trying.

 

[smutchin]

Better in what sense?

As per previous post, the bit you didn't respond to.

I rarely use flat pedals but even in my limited experience I find some better than others. Grip being the main difference.

 

[S-Express]

The OP has not mentioned any particular issues with his current flat pedals in any case, so we might assume that the current plastic OEM pedals grip fine. Adequate grip is all you probably need on the road, unless you're making a stunt video or something.

As I said earlier though, pedal 'grip' only works well when the pedals have something soft to grip onto. We don't know what footwear is being used.

 

[smutchin]

I've got a pair of boardman MTB flats

They look like just the kind of thing that I was imagining as being better than the cheap shoot plastic pedals that are generally supplied with a new bike.

The OP has not mentioned any particular issues with his current flat pedals in any case, so we might assume that the current plastic OEM pedals grip fine.

Ah, now I see where you're coming from. I assumed he wanted to upgrade because he wasn't happy with his current pedals.

Maybe it would be easiest if we asked him rather than making assumptions.

Adequate grip is all you probably need on the road

Agreed, but in my experience such pedals provide inadequate grip.

As I said earlier though,

Did you?

We don't know what footwear is being used.

Again, could ask. Pointless and tiresome being obtuse about it.

 

[S-Express]

Maybe it would be easiest if we just asked him why he wants to upgrade.

Hmm, good luck with that. Those kind of questions usually encourage direct action from the provisional wing of the 'freedom to purchase whatever he wants' movement.

Did you?

Might have implied it without actually saying it

 

[smutchin]

Questions like that usually encourage direct action from the provisional wing of the 'freedom to purchase whatever he wants' movement.

I meant in the sense of asking him to clarify his reasons for upgrading. Once he tells us that we might be in a position to say with authority that an upgrade wouldn't help.

A supplementary question about his footwear would then help to establish if he might be better off just changing his shoes.

It really doesn't need to be so difficult.

Might have implied it without actually saying it

No, I don't think so.

 

[S-Express]

No, I don't think so.

ok - well I'm saying it now.

It really doesn't need to be so difficult.

Agreed.

 

[shouldbeinbed]

So there are no other decent pedals apart from the plastic ones that come with the bike ?

Plastic pedals are not great at all really, flexy material so power to pedal ratio is not the best, the grip pegs don't tend to be too robust, they're not brilliant at keeping hold of your feet in the wet & a spinning pedal on the shin or calf hurts. Plastic pedals also tend to be the very budget end of the market so would usually have cheaper inner workings too.

Your only real option for better flat pedals is metal ones that have grip pattern most suited to the shoes you cycle in.

Personally I really like the feel on my feet of old 70s & 80s touring type pedals. My only bike without them is my folder with folding pedals.

These were built well and cost a couple of quid at cycle jumbles.

Clipless (the cleated type) are the common upgrade but not all of us feel the need or benefit of them, I've done the Clipless thing and gone back to flats because it's easier to just get on and ride in whatever I'm wearing.

If you're into the lycra look & / or racking up big miles and not stop starting in traffic every few yards them don't discount them just yet, a consistent planted foot position, guaranteed no slippage in bad weather, pull up as well as push down pedalling, makes you wear shoes that are designed for cycling and not squishy or flexy while riding...

You can get going on Clipless for about £40 for a cheap set of pedals (shimano m520 are a good starter option) and Aldi or Decathlon level SPD compatible shoes and see how you go, not lost much if you don't get on and it may be a revelation to you.