Pedals - do you use the stock or did you upgrade?

[Operator7]

Noobish ST1 Platinum owner here, back in action after not riding for a year due to busy schedule with work and school. I started riding again, and the stock pedals sometimes seem a little smallish. I don't know the first thing about pedals, and so I've just started researching. I definitely don't want any pedals you have to clip into. What are your opinions on pedals for the Stromer?

 

[Trail Cruiser]

I love my Shimano A530 SPD Pedals.
https://www.competitivecyclist.com/...MI1uXphYOt1QIVi42zCh0fEwHtEAQYAyABEgIQYPD_BwE

 

[rich c]

I like the Crank Bros 5050. Big platform, lots of adjustable grip.

 

[emco5]

....I definitely don't want any pedals you have to clip into.

If you find lift worthwhile but don't like the restraint of clip pedals or straps, try "half clips". The Zefal Cristophe are nice and durable (Link Removed - No Longer Exists) , and they work great with a moderately priced alloy pedal like a Wellgo (Link Removed - No Longer Exists) .

 

[Operator7]

I love my Shimano A530 SPD Pedals.
https://www.competitivecyclist.com/...MI1uXphYOt1QIVi42zCh0fEwHtEAQYAyABEgIQYPD_BwE

Mark, what are the things these pedals do that make them better than the stock pedals? I'm a noob with pedals, so can't figure out why some pedals might be better than others. thx

 

[Trail Cruiser]

Mark, what are the things these pedals do that make them better than the stock pedals? I'm a noob with pedals, so can't figure out why some pedals might be better than others. thx

The SHIMANO A530 SPD PEDALS have 2 sides. One as a platform and the other side as clipless pedal. When I use clipless cycling shoes, it keeps my feet centered, prevent my feet from slipping, and prevent my shoes from rubbing the pedal cranks (one cause of inefficiency). When I unclip my shoes, the pedal has the natural tendency to rotate and expose the platform surface so I can easily continue pedaling on it (very helpful when coming to a stop). I can also ride it even when not using my cycling shoes since it has the platform side.

I use MTB shoes over road cycling shoes since I can still walk comfortably with it as opposed to difficult-to-walk road cycling shoes.

I fell once at a stop when I unclipped my shoes but one shoe accidentally clipped again. Ouch! I learned from that painful experience and it never happened again.

 

[J.R.]

Xpedo Spry, all mountain/downhill platform pedal. Would work great on a hybrid like Stromer, if you're looking for a larger platform with more grip.



Extremely lightweight magnesium pedals, but doesn't really matter with an ebike. Low-low profile, great grip and durable. Xpedo only makes pedals and has been doing so for more than 30 years.

Long term torture test review by Bike Rumor magazine: https://bikerumor.com/2014/02/18/lo...ght-and-affordable-xpedo-spry-platform-pedal/

There are a lot of other reviews, some by road and hybrid bike users. The Spry made a big splash when they hit the market, offering a pedal that compared with others costing 3 to 4 times as much.

Another good choice for platforms are Crank Brothers Large Stamp. It was my runner-up, I'm riding the Spry.

Taking the grip one step further, add a pair of 5.10 shoes.

 

[Operator7]

Xpedo Spry, all mountain/downhill platform pedal. Would work great on a hybrid like Stromer, if you're looking for a larger platform with more grip.

Hi JR!

Long time no talk - hope you are well!!

Comparing these to the stock pedals, what would be your opinion on why your pedals are better?

When I use the stock Stromer pedals, I experience my foot slipping off every now and then, but it's not a major issue. As a noob, it seems to me that a larger platform might make it a lot easier for me to get my feet to the pedals and to get more pedaling power...

I was looking at Ergon PC2, but some people seem to think they look nerdy/clunky. Half of me thinks that they would fit the bigger frame/profile of a Stromer ebike, but maybe not. I DO care about looks. I guess the biggest issue I have is when I'm at a stop or my feet are off the pedal, and I go back to start pedaling... it seems as these pedals are smallish.

One note though - I wear boots (Caterpillar work boots).

 

[Trail Cruiser]

The SHIMANO A530 SPD PEDALS have 2 sides. One as a platform and the other side as clipless pedal. When I use clipless cycling shoes, it keeps my feet centered, prevent my feet from slipping, and prevent my shoes from rubbing the pedal cranks (one cause of inefficiency). When I unclip my shoes, the pedal has the natural tendency to rotate and expose the platform surface so I can easily continue pedaling on it (very helpful when coming to a stop). I can also ride it even when not using my cycling shoes since it has the platform side.
View attachment 17758
I use MTB shoes over road cycling shoes since I can still walk comfortably with it as opposed to difficult-to-walk road cycling shoes.
View attachment 17760
I fell once at a stop when I unclipped my shoes but one shoe accidentally clipped again. Ouch! I learned from that painful experience and it never happened again.

One thing I can do with clipless pedals (which I rarely do on the ebike) is the ability to power while pulling up my feet (upstroke). This is one of my routine on my stationary bike using a lower cadence rate but achieving 50% higher overall power output.

 

[J.R.]

I'm well, thanks. Glad to see you back in the saddle.

Ergon makes quality products, I own their great grips. The grip on those pedals would likely be minimal and in the rain possibly non existent. The size looks good and they look potentially comfortable. I wouldn't worry too much how they look, like a helmet you can't see them while your using them

Why I chose the Spry? Grip (power), comfort and ground clearence. I've ridden many style and price range of pedal, the lesser pedal can be painful riding more than an hour or so and they rarely offer good grip. The ones like the Spry can be unforgiving, should the rider make a mistake and their shin comes in contact with the studs. Toe clip pedals are probably the most forgiving for road riding. Not too many using toe clips these days with the variety of clipless pedals around. Clipless has it's own challenges, it can be a painful learning curve. Just a couple of weeks ago a guy I was riding a trail with, when we got off at a trailhead, he could not detach and he went down on the pavement. This was a very experienced clipless rider. I had to dismount and help him out of his bike. Scratched up bike and dented pride. You do get a full rotation power stroke with clips or clipless, you don't with other pedals and that's why some riders use them.

I've ridden platform and 5.10 shoes for about 3 to 4 years. The shoes are designed to lock onto the studs. With practice and concentration, a rider can achieve about 60% rotation power stroke. With pedals like the Ergon and normal sneakers, you might achieve 40% or so. Another reason to choose a pedal like the Spry is the option to change the studs or pins to double tips or actual pointed spikes. Not something I want coming in contact with my legs, but some competition riders need that for real mountain biking.

Given your last comment about the boots. That could be the issue. The weight and lug sole could be the reason for lack of grip and slipping. I use waterproof hikers in winter, when the weather warrants. They are really lightweight though. Most times I get away with silicone treated 5.10 high tops with merino wool socks. Before spending anything, I'd try some different shoes. Something lightweight that grips the pedals you have. See if that resolves the issue.

Lastly, in my opinion, the 3 areas bike manufactures supply modest parts are: saddles, grips and pedals. They assume riders are going to tweak those to their personal preference. Those are also the most difficult to give another rider recommendations. Where your body comes in contact with the bike, it's personal and there's no right or wrong.

Good luck and welcome back!

 

[Operator7]

Thanks for explaining all of that!!!

I definitely get it now.

I think I'm going to try the Crank 50/50, merely because REI has them, and I'd like to get some before tomorrow when I ride again. I also have a $10 credit with REI

It would take a lot for me to go without my boots. I grew-up in some rough urban areas, and boots allow me to defend myself better. I might be stuck in the past, but with this $5K bike, I feel like I want to be in a good position to handle myself in case anyone attempts to attack me and steal my bike.

I'm thinking the pedal being much larger will probably help a lot. Looking at the stock pedals, they seem pretty small in size.

Another thing that I think is throwing me off is the seat position. I was having trouble in the past with securing my seat. I wanted it slanted downward slightly, as it makes things MUCH more comfortable, but no matter how much I tightened the seat clamp, when it was tilted down it would come loose. I moved the seat to a straight horizontal position so that the seat clamp would not come loose, but that position makes riding somewhat painful. I played with it a few days ago and made some new adjustments, and am going to try again with the seat in a slightly downward angle. I think before I may not have had the seat balanced in the middle of the seat clamp. Sometimes I'm not the brightest with simple mechanics.

If the seat stays in the new position ok, and the pedals help, I'll be a really happy camper.

Thanks again and to everyone on this thread! This community has helped me so much, and I'm very appreciative.

 

[Operator7]

I like the Crank Bros 5050. Big platform, lots of adjustable grip.

I just ordered these (tried to buy at REI, but they didn't have them in the store). I read some reviews where some people had trouble installing them. I'm a complete noob with some of this stuff, so please forgive me if this is an idiotic question, but will I have any trouble attaching these? Is it as simple as using an allen wrench to tighten them in (after deciding which is the left/right pedal)?

 

[J.R.]

I just ordered these (tried to buy at REI, but they didn't have them in the store). I read some reviews where some people had trouble installing them. I'm a complete noob with some of this stuff, so please forgive me if this is an idiotic question, but will I have any trouble attaching these? Is it as simple as using an allen wrench to tighten them in (after deciding which is the left/right pedal)?

The 5050 is a good pedal, I've got a couple friends that have and like them very much. Piece of cake installing. This should help, the video should be about a minute and a half long, but.....the.....guy.....talks.....very.....slow. He's right on though.

 

[Operator7]

Thanks JR! And I NEED someone talking slow :-D

As soon as I get and try these, I will report back. I'm excited to try them.

 

[KidWok]

I use BMX flat pedals with pins for grip. Anything without pins feels too slippery in wet conditions depending on the sole design. I would prefer not to be clipped in on an e bike.

Tai