Absolutely great info! All you have to do is experience 'leg suck'(rolling over your ankle) just once and you'll never use standard pedals again! I'm Team Clip-In all the way! One thing I look for in a pedal is the amount of 'float' - the ability to have your foot turn/move a little without clipping out. I need that because my knee replacements made my leg/foot alignment a touch wonky, but having a pedal with a decent amount of float really helps. Thanks for an important and helpful video!!
I have currently on "Dewey" My Catrike Dumont the pedal straps. It allows me to keep my feet secure especially on down hills, but when pedaling flats I can move my feet around for comfort. I may be swapping them soon to my platform pedals. One thing Mickey forgot to mention the platform pedal lets you use your most comfortable shoes. I also have pedal extenders that stopped my knee pain. Keep on Trikin'!!!
What most people don't realize is just how far the trike can move in just 1 second even at a slow speed. At 5 mph the trike will move forward just over 7 feet. OUCH!!!! I use Crank Brothers Double Shot 1, tried Candy but were to small and Mallet cost way more. I won't ride without clipping in, even on a test ride as the last time my foot slipped off the pedal was on a short ride in front of my house to verify that I had set my derailleur shifting correctly, result six stitches as the trike stopped immediately when it hit my leg and pitched me to the ground. Also won't ride without a helmet from the same incident.
Speedplay Frogshave been my favourite for almost thirty years. Loads of float for those old biker knees caused by nailed-on cleats and toe-clips and straps.
I have used Shimano clip-in pedals for over 20 years, first on two-wheel recumbents, now on my trike. The disadvantages that i found with these pedals were the hot spot on the ball of the foot because all the pedal force is on one spot and secondly, the shoes were hard to walk in because the clips felt like rocks underfoot. I recently test rode an Ice trike equipped with the Shimano Steps motor. The demo had standard pedals and as i was riding the trike with regular athletic shoes, my foot slipped off the pedal resulting in a fractured toe and a badly bruised calf muscle, sidelining me for 3 weeks. With my developing neuropathy i purchased platform pedals with toe strap and heel support. These should address the problems with the clip-ins. The ultimate lesson for me is never, never ride a recumbent without some form of foot restraint.
Thanks Ron for your input. It's important to have the right pedals and shoes that are adjusted properly. Glad the platform pedals are working for you. Keep cycling!
Check into Power Grips - not an affiliate but it's what I use. It keeps my feet on the pedals but is also easy to mount/dismount using whatever shoes you like to ride in. Not expensive, mine were like 40 bucks. It works because of the cross strap design - I haven't found any other retention/stability devices that I like better. I don't need a heel cup with it because the angle of the strap causes my foot to lock to the pedal when pulling back - it's only moderately tight while pedaling, when adjusted right I can let my left leg even hang if it needs to. It might work for you - I have spinal cord damage that I need 75%-100% dynamic left pedal assist to accommodate (also why I have to ride recumbents now). If you find the heel cup awkward (or in my case painful, esp on dismount - I need my heel/ankle free to self-regulate bc of the spinal injury) it's worth a try and with things like amazon drop boxes available in many places it's also easy to return if they don't work for you. My wife has trouble fitting zero drop/barefoot shoes for her foot shape so we use that service a *lot* ...
I had to return the platform pedals. I have size 13 shoes and the fit was impossible. Once jammed into the pedal at the maximum size position, I could not remove my foot from the pedal. Currently I am back to the Shimano clip-ins. Perhaps the power grips would work, but with my neuropathy, I really fear slipping out. I am also trying to find comfortable shoes for the clip-ins. Thanks for your suggestions.
@@Intarsia82 Way late to the discussion but I used to get hot spot problems after a lot of miles on my road bike. I found moving the cleat position resolved it.
After I once slipped off the pedal and have hurt me thank God only little, I changed to magnetic pedals. The Magpeds offer a little more freedom than the cleats. Thank you for the importent film.
I use platform pedals because I have neuropathy. Another great thing about platform pedals is that you can use any shoe you choose--light summer tennis shoes or heavy, insulated winter shoes.
I have an ICE Sprint X Tour and I currently use toe and heel straps on standard pedals... much akin to the platform pedals shown here, only the Velcro straps are fitted to standard flat pedals. I struggle to confidently 'spin' with these though, as I don't feel comfortable pulling back on the straps. I would like something like clip-in pedals, only I have a badly healed right ankle break... when I stand up, as straight as I can (without looking at my feet and adjusting), my right foot points out to the right at a roughly 45 degree angle. I've also got very prominent and misaligned ankle bones (the pointy-outy ones on the outside), meaning that anything low-topped will most likely cause an horrendous amount of chafing and bleeding over time, so I almost always opt for high-top shoes or boots... something lacking in the cycling shoe market, I've found. I have tried clip-ins before, but I didn't realise I could twist my foot in either direction to get out of them, so I struggled, and the ICE dealer, whose trike I was testing at the time, had to twist my foot to release it, which REALLY DAMN WELL HURT LIKE BALLS, BY THE WAY!!! Anyway, I may take my trike to a shop somewhere and see if clip-ins will work for me after all, all things considered, as I do desperately want to spin properly, and get all of my muscle groups working well!
Very good essential info and presentation. Dropped foot will happen and is painful. With lumbar stenosis and leg mobility lost I chose the full heel support pedals but I don't use the straps, mostly to avoid the long reach up to secure them. They're in my pack in back if I ever change my mind. The one disadvantage of using this pedal is it robs lots of space for backing in to sit down. They're always in the way, swinging, and I'm continually adjusting pedal position to prevent losing my balance backing in. With space lost and balance help needed I wiretied a short length of plastic water pipe to my left seat bar, and keep 2 walking sticks in it to be available to help me balance to a sit down position. They're also good help for getting up and out. Don't make the pipe too long, just long enough to keep the sticks secure and a couple wire ties through drilled holes supporting a close fitting rubber ball or golf ball at the bottom. Thanks
SPD Clip-in! I had the heel straps for the first 800 miles or so and then experienced wheel-suck going downhill at about 25mph. My leg was under the trike, and I lifted the right front tire off the road. Incredibly lucky I wasn't damaged.
My Catrike came with an OK Shimano compatible pedal. But it took about 20 minutes to decide to change those out for Shimano SPD pedals like I’ve used on my mountain bike for years. I think the main reason, they’re just easier to get in and out of with the Bontrager cycling shoes I wear. The lugs on the soles of the shoes would get hung up on the stock pedals, it’s not a problem with the SPD pedals.
I think one reason some people have less trouble with feet leaving the pedals is that they are putting more pressure on the pedals. This can be a habit from long time lack of any kind of foot restraint, even old style toe clips. But that extra pressure on the pedal is wasted effort. Not only does it mean keeping pressure on the foot that's moving toward the body, the other (main driving) leg has to put out extra effort to balance -- a double waste.. A big reason for snap-ins (upright or recumbent) is to save on this effort and to be able to concentrate on pedaling in circles instead of push/push.
I completely agree. Having spent a lot of time learning to spin the cranks at high RPM during my upright racing and endurance riding days, I've not developed hotspots then or now on my trikes riding with my forever pedal/cleat setup. I also have very flat feet and ride using a good Bontraeger mountain shoe with good internal foot support. I'll be 70 in a couple of weeks and don't plan any change in my pedal/cleat set up anytime soon!
I had a stroke three years ago and I have a Terra trike All terrain with a Bosch motor. I'm using the strap pedal and the counter weight pedal. I have strap for the left foot and counter weight pedal for the right foot,it works for me very well.❤️
Thank you for this video! My husband and I just bought new recumbents. He is familiar with riding recumbents, I am new. He bought me cleats and new shoes. I wanted to use them, but wasn't able to clip in properly? Since we were picking our new recumbents up at the store, we found out that problem while we were there and they swapped out my pedals for the platform kind with a strap. I feel kind of dorky and restricted, but that is such a better solution to prevent 'leg suck'! I just had knee replacement surgery last year and this adaption is allowing me to be able to ride at all! We are looking for new adventures, good exercise and experiences in our future! :)
I have the Terratrike straps on my Terratrike Rover and ICE Adventure. I am relatively new to the recumbent trike scene, so I went with the product to help ensure my feet won’t slip off. Perhaps in the future I’ll move up to clip ins.
I like and use the clip on pedal which the pedal is weighted and lines up with your shoe clip. The other side of the pedal is flat if you are wearing a regular sneaker. After having my shoes slip off the regular pedals while riding I started using clips for safety.
I use clip-in pedals with modified shoes placing the clips in the arch of the foot to avoid hotfoot. I just acquired a second used trike and I have put platform pedals on them so I can allow others to ride who may not have shoes with clips. I haven't ridden with the platform pedals much but I feel like they will be a good option.
I love my Eggbeater snap-ins. As well as looking cool, they have four-way access -- never have to worry about turning the pedal to get to the snap-in position. I've seen people try to use regular pedals with toe clips, because they've always used them on their uprights. Those are the worst for getting into because the weight distribution means they are ALWAYS in the wrong orientation.
Spd Shimano are the way to go for me. I just bought my first trike sprint x tour. I also bought the Lake Enduro shoe thats super sturdy and comfortable
I like the platform pedals. I test drove a CatTrike before buying my TerraTrike. Those platform petals felt really comfortable and safe, but my TerraTrike does not have them.
One consideration rarely mentioned is where your crankset & pedals are located in relation to your seat. On some trike models, your seat height is higher than your crankset & pedals placing your feet & legs closer to a vertical plane with gravity helping to keep your feet on your pedals. Terratrike Rovers, Several Trident models like the Spike & Titan would be good examples. On other models, your crankset & pedals are substantially higher than your seat placing your feet & legs in a more horizontal or higher plane. Steintrikes, Catrike Speed & 700's would be good examples of that format. It is believed that the higher elevation of your feet helps with blood flow to your heart but it obviously creates the need for a more secure foot retention. Also, if your trike does not have suspension, a bump or pothole that might be absorbed by your suspension is transmitted right through to your frame & seat which can launch your foot off of your pedal.
@@marta150 Obviously, without a helmet & not having your trike set up properly accidents can happen. I agree with Mickey that Clip Ins are the safest option but many trikers find the restrictive nature of clip ins on longer rides can cause Hot Foot. One option he never mentioned which has become very popular is to use high pin Gripper type pedals with a retaining foot strap. These seem to be a good compromise between foot retention & being able to wear comfortable hiker shoes that allow you to change your foot position on the pedals.
@@marta150 It is actually very easy. The straps have 2 narrow straps that you feed through your pedal frame & the foot retaining part forms a loop to go over your shoe. These have a velcro top layer that you can adjust for a snug fit on your foot. If you are riding off road with lots of bounce from pot holes & rocks etc. I would still be careful of your foot bouncing off the pedal but they seem to work well with the Gripper Pedals.
@@daytriker I wouldn't use them on the mountain bike because you need to be able to get off the pedal fast. I am thinking of a friend with a trike who has never used toe clips of any kind.
I use metal platforms on my pedals with the toe strap and the heel strap. I don't use the ankle strap. Mine aren't built quite like the ones you showed as they don't have the same device for the ankle and heel straps. I also added pedal spindle extenders to get them 1.25 inches further out on each side because I was having problems with heel strikes on the boom. I'm tall (6'2"), heavy (250 lbs), have arthritis and a wide stance, with neuropathy and having to twist my toes together in order to pedal was all sorts of 'nope' for hips, knees, ankles and feet, and I have yet to find any kind of shoe in 13 EEE that will serve without breaking my wallet and my feet, as with my current arrangement I am able to pedal with my entire foot instead of just the ball, which is very uncomfortable when you have no arches. I have this setup on both my Catrike Villager and my Terra Trike Rover Tandem now. It has allowed me to go from giving up from pain after 30 minutes to being able to cycle 3+ hours without leg, knee, or foot discomfort on some pretty gnarly surfaces for unsuspended trikes. I tried heel straps before, and kept the ones I removed, but they tended to either bunch up, slip on bumps, or cause pressure and pain against my achilles tendon. In certain situations they would also catch against brush or debris on the trails, which led to rather disturbing consequences at times. I can also use my everyday shoes, which are very broken in and comfortable now.
Mickey always does the best videos! I use Shimano spd double sided clip ins. My shoes allow me to adjust the cleat forwards and backwards, I've found I prefer it a bit further back. I was also finding it really difficult to get my shoes in and out of the pedals. My stuffed knee couldn't really handle it. There is an adjusting bolt on the pedals, and spent ages going through the range of foot disengaging too easy, to can't disengage at all. I found at the lighter settings there was also a little bit of side to side wobble without my shoe falling out. Turns out, that was great for my knee pain, that isn't quite straight, so it could rest in its normal alignment. Hope that makes sense.
Thank you for this tutorial. I like my SPD pedals, but have been having a hard time dialing them in. The issue is neuropathy from the knee down. (Had GBS 17 yrs ago.) So i have been working with using pedal extenders, which has helped with my big feet, by moving my feet out some. I only know I am clipped in by the sound and my foot stays put. I will see how it goes this Summer, but like the option of the platform with straps.
Had heel straps originally. Went over a tree root (under asphalt), foot went up, came down, and almost ran over my leg. Luckily I was not going that fast. Since then I went with SPD cleats, not a problem since. After a while I found that Specialized Rime (v1.0) are more for wide feet, so went with an equivalent of a 14W. As for the pedals, have been using Origin8 Fiend! which turn slowly, not loose like a standard pedal. I prefer a platform type of pedal for better foot support. Rime has an embedded cleat and feel great on and off the trike. And these pedals offer tension adjustment and can rotate left and right. Some day I would like to get a similar pedal system that allows an extension between the crank and pedal, with enough room to tighten the extension down, and the pedal. Have not tried extensions, yet heard of others raving about them. Problem is finding decent made extensions.
Thanks for the insight James. We want to make sure people are as safe as possible. Also, everyone is a little different on what works best for them. I like clip-ins' since I have some nephropathy and like my feet to be secure on the pedals.
You didn't mention Power Grip straps. I've used these on both my trikes. You slide your foot in on an angle and twist just like a clip and your foot won't slip out. No special shoes needed! IMHO best idea to lock into the pedal with your normal athletic ware.
Pay attention to this video. I am recovering from a left distal fibular fracture from a pedal drop. I wish I had changed my pedal out. I have my 4 month post-op appointment with the orthepedic surgeon tomorrow. I am hoping that he clears me for cycling. It been a long rehab. I am going to go with pedal type with the heel and toe straps. I've watch some if my GoPro videos and zi detect a it if angular movement of left foot when I pedal. As a result. I am leary of going with the clip in pedal. Most likely I'll go with either the UTCust9m Heel Support Pedals or tge TerraTrike Support Pedals w/Heel straps. Probably the latter.
I've been using Power Grips, which you didn't cover. I like them because not only are they a hybrid stabilizer/retention device which does a lot of both functions, it also is easy to mount/dismount and you naturally escape the pedals when you roll over (I have a Fat Tad CSX full suspension which I take to the streets/curbs as well as off road, skate park, and the BMX track lol I'm old and crippled but I ain't dead). They're also pretty inexpensive but that wasn't my main consideration only a happy bonus.
I have clipped in on a Rans Vivo that I once owned. Not fun tipping over. I currently have power grips mounted. Not exactly toe fit friendly for some shoes. Thanks.
The heal straps are great BUT your feet can still pop out when going over bumps so be careful! Happens to my wife at least once every ride but she recovers easily, just takes a minute to stop and get her foot back in
I’’m about to transfer to a trike. For health reasons I cannot use a road bike anymore. Ive been using Speedplay for several years. Are there issues mounting Speedplay on a trike? Thank you.
The reason I don't use clip ins is not because I'm afraid/unfamiliar with them. I started riding with them in the 80s when they were a brand-new thing. The reason I don't use them is that I have hip arthritis. Being locked into position makes it inevitable that I will grind the portion of my hip that lacks cartilage at a point in the rotation. Using a heel strap allows for freedom of movement which avoids the problem. I suspect that a lot of people who switch to recumbents have developed overuse injuries like mine. Clip-ins are a problem for people like me. They are great, but I wouldn't push them so hard because for many of us they are the worst choice.
Clip ins are not for everyone. I always say, use what works best for you and never be satisfied with just ok. We're always looking for new and better options. I just found a new cleat option from the UK which will help many people. I look forward to showing it soon after I try it out for myself. Cheers :)
We have a few solutions, the platform pedals to keep your foot in position so that it does not hit the crank. Or a pedal extender to get your foot away from the crank.
What are good sources for checking out Keen and Sidi wider click in bike shoes that Mickey refers to in this video? I have and currently use a pair of Shimanu click ins but they don't come in wider sizes. Also, are the click in devices embedded in the shoe standard among all these brands?
Hi Steve, try checking out the Sidi Trace 2 Mega MTB Shoes. Also, each clip-in pedal manufacturer will use a Shimano compatible cleat or uses there own cleat that will work with most cycling shoes.
As solid as the advice to use clip-in pedals on trikes is, there are at least a couple of 'evangelists' out there with UA-cam channels who present themselves as wise, experienced, and against the use of clip-ins. To me, they seem more like 'old cranks', but I fear that a lot of inexperienced folks will watch those videos and end up with serious injuries.
I just use large platform pedals with really grippy pins. I have ridden thousands of miles without issue. I'm left to wonder if the "leg suck" concern depends on the operator? If you are physically fit and have no issues with captain's chair hanging leg raises, is this concern overblown?
That's a great question... Is leg suck overblown? It's the same question people ask about should they wear a helmet. And my answer is, you hope you never have to use it, but we only have one head. I've had people say they don't need the extra support of a pedal strap or clip in, and then come in with a cast. Better safe than sorry.
On my first ride within a quarter of a mile, my foot slid right off. I didn't hurt myself but I learned. I could probably have gone many miles without incident, but things happen. Also it's nice to get the extra pull you get with clippies.
OK, you're speaking for yourself, obviously in good shape and likely don't have mobility issues. Some of us do, and don't have the strengths some do. Not wanting to just stay home and wither, recumbent trikes are a great way to get out and enjoy life. Without high strength or strong from adequate PT, you get on the trike, ride a trail that's sometimes flat and sometimes goes uphill. No matter what, an uphill climb just about always comes down. Human as we are, we then relax just a bit with the coast. Oops, now a lazy foot drops from the standard pedal, and what happens then is why this presentation is such an important issue.
I inherit road bikes with those cheap platform pedals all the time and believe me when I tell you that they do not come off easily. They’re either made of just bad metal, no lube before installation or the mechanic that installed them was a body builder. I panic every time I see these pedals.
Absolutely great info! All you have to do is experience 'leg suck'(rolling over your ankle) just once and you'll never use standard pedals again! I'm Team Clip-In all the way! One thing I look for in a pedal is the amount of 'float' - the ability to have your foot turn/move a little without clipping out. I need that because my knee replacements made my leg/foot alignment a touch wonky, but having a pedal with a decent amount of float really helps. Thanks for an important and helpful video!!
I have currently on "Dewey" My Catrike Dumont the pedal straps. It allows me to keep my feet secure especially on down hills, but when pedaling flats I can move my feet around for comfort. I may be swapping them soon to my platform pedals. One thing Mickey forgot to mention the platform pedal lets you use your most comfortable shoes. I also have pedal extenders that stopped my knee pain. Keep on Trikin'!!!
What most people don't realize is just how far the trike can move in just 1 second even at a slow speed. At 5 mph the trike will move forward just over 7 feet. OUCH!!!! I use Crank Brothers Double Shot 1, tried Candy but were to small and Mallet cost way more. I won't ride without clipping in, even on a test ride as the last time my foot slipped off the pedal was on a short ride in front of my house to verify that I had set my derailleur shifting correctly, result six stitches as the trike stopped immediately when it hit my leg and pitched me to the ground. Also won't ride without a helmet from the same incident.
@popsbents3542
my experience exactly 👍
Speedplay Frogshave been my favourite for almost thirty years. Loads of float for those old biker knees caused by nailed-on cleats and toe-clips and straps.
This is the first video I have ever seen fully describing how each pedal system work. Thank You!! Knowledge will set you free!!
Glad it was helpful!
I have used Shimano clip-in pedals for over 20 years, first on two-wheel recumbents, now on my trike. The disadvantages that i found with these pedals were the hot spot on the ball of the foot because all the pedal force is on one spot and secondly, the shoes were hard to walk in because the clips felt like rocks underfoot.
I recently test rode an Ice trike equipped with the Shimano Steps motor. The demo had standard pedals and as i was riding the trike with regular athletic shoes, my foot slipped off the pedal resulting in a fractured toe and a badly bruised calf muscle, sidelining me for 3 weeks. With my developing neuropathy i purchased platform pedals with toe strap and heel support. These should address the problems with the clip-ins. The ultimate lesson for me is never, never ride a recumbent without some form of foot restraint.
Thanks Ron for your input. It's important to have the right pedals and shoes that are adjusted properly. Glad the platform pedals are working for you. Keep cycling!
Check into Power Grips - not an affiliate but it's what I use. It keeps my feet on the pedals but is also easy to mount/dismount using whatever shoes you like to ride in. Not expensive, mine were like 40 bucks. It works because of the cross strap design - I haven't found any other retention/stability devices that I like better. I don't need a heel cup with it because the angle of the strap causes my foot to lock to the pedal when pulling back - it's only moderately tight while pedaling, when adjusted right I can let my left leg even hang if it needs to. It might work for you - I have spinal cord damage that I need 75%-100% dynamic left pedal assist to accommodate (also why I have to ride recumbents now). If you find the heel cup awkward (or in my case painful, esp on dismount - I need my heel/ankle free to self-regulate bc of the spinal injury) it's worth a try and with things like amazon drop boxes available in many places it's also easy to return if they don't work for you. My wife has trouble fitting zero drop/barefoot shoes for her foot shape so we use that service a *lot* ...
I had to return the platform pedals. I have size 13 shoes and the fit was impossible. Once jammed into the pedal at the maximum size position, I could not remove my foot from the pedal. Currently I am back to the Shimano clip-ins. Perhaps the power grips would work, but with my neuropathy, I really fear slipping out. I am also trying to find comfortable shoes for the clip-ins. Thanks for your suggestions.
@@Intarsia82 Way late to the discussion but I used to get hot spot problems after a lot of miles on my road bike. I found moving the cleat position resolved it.
After I once slipped off the pedal and have hurt me thank God only little, I changed to magnetic pedals. The Magpeds offer a little more freedom than the cleats.
Thank you for the importent film.
Magnetic is nice. I also really like Shimano Click'r technology for easy in with comfort float.
I use platform pedals because I have neuropathy. Another great thing about platform pedals is that you can use any shoe you choose--light summer tennis shoes or heavy, insulated winter shoes.
I have an ICE Sprint X Tour and I currently use toe and heel straps on standard pedals... much akin to the platform pedals shown here, only the Velcro straps are fitted to standard flat pedals. I struggle to confidently 'spin' with these though, as I don't feel comfortable pulling back on the straps. I would like something like clip-in pedals, only I have a badly healed right ankle break... when I stand up, as straight as I can (without looking at my feet and adjusting), my right foot points out to the right at a roughly 45 degree angle. I've also got very prominent and misaligned ankle bones (the pointy-outy ones on the outside), meaning that anything low-topped will most likely cause an horrendous amount of chafing and bleeding over time, so I almost always opt for high-top shoes or boots... something lacking in the cycling shoe market, I've found.
I have tried clip-ins before, but I didn't realise I could twist my foot in either direction to get out of them, so I struggled, and the ICE dealer, whose trike I was testing at the time, had to twist my foot to release it, which REALLY DAMN WELL HURT LIKE BALLS, BY THE WAY!!!
Anyway, I may take my trike to a shop somewhere and see if clip-ins will work for me after all, all things considered, as I do desperately want to spin properly, and get all of my muscle groups working well!
Very good essential info and presentation. Dropped foot will happen and is painful. With lumbar stenosis and leg mobility lost
I chose the full heel support pedals but I don't use the straps, mostly to avoid the long reach up to secure them. They're in my pack in back if I ever change my mind.
The one disadvantage of using this pedal is it robs lots of space for backing in to sit down. They're always in the way, swinging, and I'm continually adjusting pedal position to prevent losing my balance backing in. With space lost and balance help needed I wiretied a short length of plastic water pipe to my left seat bar, and keep 2 walking sticks in it to be available to help me balance to a sit down position. They're also good help for getting up and out. Don't make the pipe too long, just long enough to keep the sticks secure and a couple wire ties through drilled holes supporting a close fitting rubber ball or golf ball at the bottom.
Thanks
SPD Clip-in! I had the heel straps for the first 800 miles or so and then experienced wheel-suck going downhill at about 25mph. My leg was under the trike, and I lifted the right front tire off the road. Incredibly lucky I wasn't damaged.
My Catrike came with an OK Shimano compatible pedal. But it took about 20 minutes to decide to change those out for Shimano SPD pedals like I’ve used on my mountain bike for years. I think the main reason, they’re just easier to get in and out of with the Bontrager cycling shoes I wear. The lugs on the soles of the shoes would get hung up on the stock pedals, it’s not a problem with the SPD pedals.
I think one reason some people have less trouble with feet leaving the pedals is that they are putting more pressure on the pedals. This can be a habit from long time lack of any kind of foot restraint, even old style toe clips. But that extra pressure on the pedal is wasted effort. Not only does it mean keeping pressure on the foot that's moving toward the body, the other (main driving) leg has to put out extra effort to balance -- a double waste.. A big reason for snap-ins (upright or recumbent) is to save on this effort and to be able to concentrate on pedaling in circles instead of push/push.
I completely agree. Having spent a lot of time learning to spin the cranks at high RPM during my upright racing and endurance riding days, I've not developed hotspots then or now on my trikes riding with my forever pedal/cleat setup. I also have very flat feet and ride using a good Bontraeger mountain shoe with good internal foot support. I'll be 70 in a couple of weeks and don't plan any change in my pedal/cleat set up anytime soon!
I had a stroke three years ago and I have a Terra trike All terrain with a Bosch motor. I'm using the strap pedal and the counter weight pedal. I have strap for the left foot and counter weight pedal for the right foot,it works for me very well.❤️
Finding the right pedals really helps 👏
Thank you for this video! My husband and I just bought new recumbents. He is familiar with riding recumbents, I am new. He bought me cleats and new shoes. I wanted to use them, but wasn't able to clip in properly? Since we were picking our new recumbents up at the store, we found out that problem while we were there and they swapped out my pedals for the platform kind with a strap. I feel kind of dorky and restricted, but that is such a better solution to prevent 'leg suck'! I just had knee replacement surgery last year and this adaption is allowing me to be able to ride at all! We are looking for new adventures, good exercise and experiences in our future! :)
Glad it helped Linda. Let us know if you would like any other videos that would help.
I have the Terratrike straps on my Terratrike Rover and ICE Adventure. I am relatively new to the recumbent trike scene, so I went with the product to help ensure my feet won’t slip off. Perhaps in the future I’ll move up to clip ins.
Welcome to the trike world Bill. Keep riding!
I like and use the clip on pedal which the pedal is weighted and lines up with your shoe clip. The other side of the pedal is flat if you are wearing a regular sneaker. After having my shoes slip off the regular pedals while riding I started using clips for safety.
I use clip-in pedals with modified shoes placing the clips in the arch of the foot to avoid hotfoot. I just acquired a second used trike and I have put platform pedals on them so I can allow others to ride who may not have shoes with clips. I haven't ridden with the platform pedals much but I feel like they will be a good option.
That's awesome that you are spreading the love by having a second trike for friends ♥
I love my Eggbeater snap-ins. As well as looking cool, they have four-way access -- never have to worry about turning the pedal to get to the snap-in position.
I've seen people try to use regular pedals with toe clips, because they've always used them on their uprights. Those are the worst for getting into because the weight distribution means they are ALWAYS in the wrong orientation.
Spd Shimano are the way to go for me. I just bought my first trike sprint x tour. I also bought the Lake Enduro shoe thats super sturdy and comfortable
I like the platform pedals. I test drove a CatTrike before buying my TerraTrike. Those platform petals felt really comfortable and safe, but my TerraTrike does not have them.
It's pretty easy to swap out pedals.
One consideration rarely mentioned is where your crankset & pedals are located in relation to your seat. On some trike models, your seat height is higher than your crankset & pedals placing your feet & legs closer to a vertical plane with gravity helping to keep your feet on your pedals. Terratrike Rovers, Several Trident models like the Spike & Titan would be good examples. On other models, your crankset & pedals are substantially higher than your seat placing your feet & legs in a more horizontal or higher plane. Steintrikes, Catrike Speed & 700's would be good examples of that format. It is believed that the higher elevation of your feet helps with blood flow to your heart but it obviously creates the need for a more secure foot retention. Also, if your trike does not have suspension, a bump or pothole that might be absorbed by your suspension is transmitted right through to your frame & seat which can launch your foot off of your pedal.
Even though Rover's have a higher seat, I had a friend go head over heels due to leg suck on a Rover. Hit his head on the pavement hard.
@@marta150 Obviously, without a helmet & not having your trike set up properly accidents can happen. I agree with Mickey that Clip Ins are the safest option but many trikers find the restrictive nature of clip ins on longer rides can cause Hot Foot. One option he never mentioned which has become very popular is to use high pin Gripper type pedals with a retaining foot strap. These seem to be a good compromise between foot retention & being able to wear comfortable hiker shoes that allow you to change your foot position on the pedals.
@@daytriker I no longer ride clip ins on my mountain bike because the pins work so well. How do you attach a retaining strap to pin pedals?
@@marta150 It is actually very easy. The straps have 2 narrow straps that you feed through your pedal frame & the foot retaining part forms a loop to go over your shoe. These have a velcro top layer that you can adjust for a snug fit on your foot. If you are riding off road with lots of bounce from pot holes & rocks etc. I would still be careful of your foot bouncing off the pedal but they seem to work well with the Gripper Pedals.
@@daytriker I wouldn't use them on the mountain bike because you need to be able to get off the pedal fast. I am thinking of a friend with a trike who has never used toe clips of any kind.
I use metal platforms on my pedals with the toe strap and the heel strap. I don't use the ankle strap. Mine aren't built quite like the ones you showed as they don't have the same device for the ankle and heel straps. I also added pedal spindle extenders to get them 1.25 inches further out on each side because I was having problems with heel strikes on the boom. I'm tall (6'2"), heavy (250 lbs), have arthritis and a wide stance, with neuropathy and having to twist my toes together in order to pedal was all sorts of 'nope' for hips, knees, ankles and feet, and I have yet to find any kind of shoe in 13 EEE that will serve without breaking my wallet and my feet, as with my current arrangement I am able to pedal with my entire foot instead of just the ball, which is very uncomfortable when you have no arches. I have this setup on both my Catrike Villager and my Terra Trike Rover Tandem now. It has allowed me to go from giving up from pain after 30 minutes to being able to cycle 3+ hours without leg, knee, or foot discomfort on some pretty gnarly surfaces for unsuspended trikes. I tried heel straps before, and kept the ones I removed, but they tended to either bunch up, slip on bumps, or cause pressure and pain against my achilles tendon. In certain situations they would also catch against brush or debris on the trails, which led to rather disturbing consequences at times. I can also use my everyday shoes, which are very broken in and comfortable now.
Mickey always does the best videos! I use Shimano spd double sided clip ins. My shoes allow me to adjust the cleat forwards and backwards, I've found I prefer it a bit further back. I was also finding it really difficult to get my shoes in and out of the pedals. My stuffed knee couldn't really handle it. There is an adjusting bolt on the pedals, and spent ages going through the range of foot disengaging too easy, to can't disengage at all. I found at the lighter settings there was also a little bit of side to side wobble without my shoe falling out. Turns out, that was great for my knee pain, that isn't quite straight, so it could rest in its normal alignment. Hope that makes sense.
Thanks for sharing Eron. I love how our community is here to help one another :)
I've had my leg go under the seat exactly once! The velcro strap would work best for as I work outside and hike a lot.
Thank you for this tutorial. I like my SPD pedals, but have been having a hard time dialing them in. The issue is neuropathy from the knee down. (Had GBS 17 yrs ago.) So i have been working with using pedal extenders, which has helped with my big feet, by moving my feet out some. I only know I am clipped in by the sound and my foot stays put. I will see how it goes this Summer, but like the option of the platform with straps.
Pedal extenders are great for wide feet, we use them all the time. Thanks Dan!
Had heel straps originally. Went over a tree root (under asphalt), foot went up, came down, and almost ran over my leg. Luckily I was not going that fast. Since then I went with SPD cleats, not a problem since. After a while I found that Specialized Rime (v1.0) are more for wide feet, so went with an equivalent of a 14W.
As for the pedals, have been using Origin8 Fiend! which turn slowly, not loose like a standard pedal. I prefer a platform type of pedal for better foot support. Rime has an embedded cleat and feel great on and off the trike. And these pedals offer tension adjustment and can rotate left and right.
Some day I would like to get a similar pedal system that allows an extension between the crank and pedal, with enough room to tighten the extension down, and the pedal. Have not tried extensions, yet heard of others raving about them. Problem is finding decent made extensions.
Thanks for the insight James. We want to make sure people are as safe as possible. Also, everyone is a little different on what works best for them. I like clip-ins' since I have some nephropathy and like my feet to be secure on the pedals.
You didn't mention Power Grip straps. I've used these on both my trikes. You slide your foot in on an angle and twist just like a clip and your foot won't slip out. No special shoes needed! IMHO best idea to lock into the pedal with your normal athletic ware.
Pay attention to this video. I am recovering from a left distal fibular fracture from a pedal drop. I wish I had changed my pedal out.
I have my 4 month post-op appointment with the orthepedic surgeon tomorrow. I am hoping that he clears me for cycling. It been a long rehab. I am going to go with pedal type with the heel and toe straps. I've watch some if my GoPro videos and zi detect a it if angular movement of left foot when I pedal. As a result. I am leary of going with the clip in pedal. Most likely I'll go with either the UTCust9m Heel Support Pedals or tge TerraTrike Support Pedals w/Heel straps. Probably the latter.
-- *_Thank you, Laid Back Cycles!_*
Lake bicycle shoes (worn for years) are too narrow for this cyclist.
You are looking really healthy. Good for you! Are you still riding about 20 miles every day?
Thanks Tanya! I'm riding as much as possible. We just did a 18 mile community ride and had about 30 trikers show up. Super fun!
I've been using Power Grips, which you didn't cover. I like them because not only are they a hybrid stabilizer/retention device which does a lot of both functions, it also is easy to mount/dismount and you naturally escape the pedals when you roll over (I have a Fat Tad CSX full suspension which I take to the streets/curbs as well as off road, skate park, and the BMX track lol I'm old and crippled but I ain't dead). They're also pretty inexpensive but that wasn't my main consideration only a happy bonus.
We carried them at one time, just found out that most people prefer the clip-ins or heel straps.
I use standard toe clips with straps
I have clipped in on a Rans Vivo that I once owned. Not fun tipping over. I currently have power grips mounted. Not exactly toe fit friendly for some shoes. Thanks.
- My search for Keen clipless bicycling shoes revealed no results. Please advise.
also with clip on and strap in pedals you are pushing and pulling while pedaling
I find the Power Grips Pedals by Mountain Racing Products Inc. They are easy in and easy out one strap across the top of the foot.😊😊😊
The Power Grips help with power transfer, but won't fully stop the foot slipping down.
Personally I prefer heal straps so I can use any shoe I want. Not just an expensive shoe for clip in.
is there any video about recumbent bike?
Just trikes here!
What model Keen are you showing? I need a 13W
The heal straps are great BUT your feet can still pop out when going over bumps so be careful! Happens to my wife at least once every ride but she recovers easily, just takes a minute to stop and get her foot back in
Clip-ins are the safest option. We recommend the heel straps at minimum!
I’’m about to transfer to a trike. For health reasons I cannot use a road bike anymore. Ive been using Speedplay for several years. Are there issues mounting Speedplay on a trike?
Thank you.
Great videos!
Does anyone know a solution, for a bicycle with three wheels, one on the back, where the steering should be? The solution for rear wheel steering.
I need mid-sole clip-on shoes. Any leads on this?
Check out these mid-foot-cycling.com/collections/our-adapters/products/spin2-for-shimano-spd
The reason I don't use clip ins is not because I'm afraid/unfamiliar with them. I started riding with them in the 80s when they were a brand-new thing. The reason I don't use them is that I have hip arthritis. Being locked into position makes it inevitable that I will grind the portion of my hip that lacks cartilage at a point in the rotation. Using a heel strap allows for freedom of movement which avoids the problem. I suspect that a lot of people who switch to recumbents have developed overuse injuries like mine. Clip-ins are a problem for people like me. They are great, but I wouldn't push them so hard because for many of us they are the worst choice.
Clip ins are not for everyone. I always say, use what works best for you and never be satisfied with just ok. We're always looking for new and better options. I just found a new cleat option from the UK which will help many people. I look forward to showing it soon after I try it out for myself. Cheers :)
Hey Mickey what about pin pedals?
The challenge with pin pedals is when your leg gets tires and still slips off. It's better to have some type of clip in or heel support.
Pedaling Innovations Catalyst Evo Pedals
My feet point out, maybe 20 degrees or so. You mention the adaptive pedals as a solution. How would they help me?
We have a few solutions, the platform pedals to keep your foot in position so that it does not hit the crank. Or a pedal extender to get your foot away from the crank.
What are good sources for checking out Keen and Sidi wider click in bike shoes that Mickey refers to in this video? I have and currently use a pair of Shimanu click ins but they don't come in wider sizes. Also, are the click in devices embedded in the shoe standard among all these brands?
Hi Steve, try checking out the Sidi Trace 2 Mega MTB Shoes. Also, each clip-in pedal manufacturer will use a Shimano compatible cleat or uses there own cleat that will work with most cycling shoes.
Your feet can bounce off with heel straps and get sucked under. Personal experience. I now use SPD.
I use cook Brothers candy's pedals .
I really like them 🚴♂️
Yep, I rode those back in my Mtn. Bike days. Good pedal.
crank bro eggbeater 3s for myself
Clip in only way to go
As solid as the advice to use clip-in pedals on trikes is, there are at least a couple of 'evangelists' out there with UA-cam channels who present themselves as wise, experienced, and against the use of clip-ins. To me, they seem more like 'old cranks', but I fear that a lot of inexperienced folks will watch those videos and end up with serious injuries.
Hopefully our videos help bring an awareness to potential injuries and how to avoid them. Thanks for watching :)
I just use large platform pedals with really grippy pins. I have ridden thousands of miles without issue. I'm left to wonder if the "leg suck" concern depends on the operator? If you are physically fit and have no issues with captain's chair hanging leg raises, is this concern overblown?
That's a great question... Is leg suck overblown? It's the same question people ask about should they wear a helmet. And my answer is, you hope you never have to use it, but we only have one head. I've had people say they don't need the extra support of a pedal strap or clip in, and then come in with a cast. Better safe than sorry.
@@LaidBackCycles Fair enough, thanks for your perspective.
On my first ride within a quarter of a mile, my foot slid right off. I didn't hurt myself but I learned. I could probably have gone many miles without incident, but things happen. Also it's nice to get the extra pull you get with clippies.
OK, you're speaking for yourself, obviously in good shape and likely don't have mobility issues.
Some of us do, and don't have the strengths some do. Not wanting to just stay home and wither, recumbent trikes are a great way to get out and enjoy life. Without high strength or strong from adequate PT, you get on the trike, ride a trail that's sometimes flat and sometimes goes uphill. No matter what, an uphill climb just about always comes down. Human as we are, we then relax just a bit with the coast. Oops, now a lazy foot drops from the standard pedal, and what happens then is why this presentation is such an important issue.
I inherit road bikes with those cheap platform pedals all the time and believe me when I tell you that they do not come off easily. They’re either made of just bad metal, no lube before installation or the mechanic that installed them was a body builder. I panic every time I see these pedals.
Haha I know the pain