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Back to flats.
I finally gave in & purchased some shimano shoes & pedals. I have been very happy with my flats for as long as I can remember, but I thought I'd experiment.
I have tried for about a month now, & my left knee does not like it at all. I've attempted to change cleat positioning, but no improvement. The biggest issue is unclipping. It twists my knee in just the wrong angle. Even on the loosest setting.
I rode mostly on my road bike with MTB shimano shoes / pedals, & only twice on my mountain bike with a set of XT's. (cheap shimano pedals on road bike / XT on MTB) My first ride back on flats felt SO much better.
My question is: is there a pedal out there with a slightly smaller footprint? The real advantage to the shimano pedals was the size. Less pedal strikes.
I have no issue at all with my feet coming off the pedals. I've ordered a set of DMR V8 magnesium, but I'm still looking for a 2nd set. Any suggestions?
(a set of XT pedals & shimano M087 size 46 for sale)
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Think there are some cleats that allow 'bi-directional' unclipping. You may find these easier on the knees. I have similar problem and its far less painful to unclip turning heel in for me.
pedal as well as DH - I highly rate my DHs and would assume the AM type are just as good.
I've been back on flats for a couple of years and am very happy. They allow a more natural foot movement than clip less IMO.
During my last ride around Awaba, I paid close attention to the positioning of my feet on flats. I noticed that I moved them around a fair bit. Into tight sections, climbing, switchbacks, I seemed to always have my feet on a slightly different angle.
My legs overall didn't feel so fatigued. Maybe the load is spread out over more muscle groups? My knee doesn't feel sore. Most importantly, when I lose traction, I can immediately dab my inside foot. No thinking, just reflex.
I'm not keen to return to any form of cleat. I really believe that (for me) it is much healthier to have foot freedom. But the shimano system did have more clearance!
Maybe this one? http://www.tiogausa.com/mt-zero-pedal.html
FWIW I have tried several models of these super-thin "freeride" pedals from Kona, Answer, Superstars and one other I cannot remember.
My primary objective was to avoid pedal strikes as much as possible and they all do that to some degree. They also stand you a tiny bit lower so theoretically improving your centre of gravity for corners and etc - not that it would be noticeable at my skill level.
But without exception your shoes' soles rub across axles and/or hubs which are fixed to the crank (not floating on the axle) which makes really annoying rubbery squeaks and creaky sounds when you are pedalling. I really hate those sounds - so much that I went back to regular flats.
Currently I'm riding Wellgo Magnesiums
Ive been thru a few flat pedals and clipless pedals, and found the perfect solution for me..
Wellgo WAM-D10 Clipless/Platform Pedals w 5/10 greg minnars...
Up tricky techy sections i really find being clipped in helps, the rest of the time flats feel better ..for me that is.
ChrisChris
Not sure how long you have been riding but take it from one who knows - if you find that your knees are getting continually sore from using clipless pedals (especially after experimenting with the cleat alignment) it is a definite sign that your personal biomechanics are not meant for using these types of pedals....don't get me wrong tho - clipless pedals are fantastic for mtb but the reality is some people just can't use them because the way their hip/knee/feet align (or don't align!!)....sell all the clipless pedals you own and use the pedals that your knees/feet feel most comfortable with or you WILL trash your knees to a point where you can no longer ride..
I bought some nukeproof proton magnesium flats for around $200 and they weigh 275grams (which is comparable to many clipless pedal weights)...FYI...they've taken a belting over many years too. Blackspire make some lightweight flats also - all depends on your budget and if you're a weight weeny or not!Buy some Five Ten shoes also and you'll be as good as clipped in!
To my knowledge, there are no small footprint platform/flat pedals on the market - as the name suggests, platform means getting as much surface area of the pedal covered with your foot to give maximum grip and power to each pedal stroke... so therefore the pedal size is much larger...does that make sense?
Happy pain free riding dude
Thanks for the extra advice. I have to agree with you. It looks like I may have already sold my shoes, just 2 sets of pedals to sell. (XT & bottom of the range shimano)
I have invested in a set of DMR V8 magnesium pedals. They should arrive soon, so I'll see how they go. They don't weigh much more than the ones you suggested.
I've been using trail running shoes (salomon etc) for ages, and they work fine. But when they do die, I'll try Five-Ten next. All the road guys I ride with occasionally still laugh at my flat pedals... But I LOVE the bike-run transition at the sprint triathlons I do. I ride up, & run off. The others guys are 30 seconds behind changing shoes. Too funny.