No More Clipless Pedals?

"TAKE IT EASY ... TAKE A TRIKE!" - trike hobo
Trike Hobo steve is experimenting with a significant change in his pedaling shoes and pedals. In this talk, he describes the reason behind this change after having ridden with clipless SPD shoes and pedals since 2010. For anyone experiencing foot health issues, this may shed some important new information on how to avoid problems. This all began recently after the realization that his "10 Wide" cycling shoes were so narrow that his feet were being severely cramped in the toe box region of the shoe. Join the talk!
Pedaling Innovations website LINK:
pedalinginnovations.com/
The Flat Pedal Revolution Manifesto, by James Wilson (70 pages):
www.pedalinginnovations.com/w...
Steve's recumbent trike is a 2021 HP Velotechnik Scorpion fs26 Enduro, outfitted with road tires.
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To learn more about recumbent trikes, please visit Trike Asylum:
trikeasylum.wordpress.com
To visit Steve's health, fitness, and longevity channel, visit Iron Vegan:
/ @oldmanmuscle
To browse Steve's books, visit his Amazon author's page:
amazon.com/author/stevegreene

[@tonyvokey7607]

I just switched my pedals out yesterday to the Pedaling Innovation Catalyst pedals and I could not believe how GREAT they are. I’m riding a regular E-bike not a trike but the increase in power and comfort is simply mind blowing, its hard to put it to words. I can’t see how anyone could try these pedals and not make the switch immediately they are just that good!!

[@EZSteve]

Great news Tony! I feel the exact same way, and yes, the realization is fairly immediate once underway. The power increase is very impressive, most noticed on hills that used to be daunting with clipless forefoot pedals, when the full power of the lower body comes directly into play in the pedal stroke. I love the comfort as you mention, and since they are so grippy, I had no issues with foot slippage during my first three hour ride. I hope to do a video soon on the reason for the increased power and stability compared to pedaling with the forefoot as we do with clipless pedals. Interestingly, it has not been until these past couple of weeks that I truly began understanding the actual physiological dynamics at play in our pedaling styles, and it was only last night that I came up with a way I could clearly demonstrate and explain this on video, thus my motivation to share the information! steve

[@BillSprague]

Well that was a revelation! Thanks, Steve.

[@EZSteve]

I never thought I'd give up clipless pedals. I was a die-hard advocate for them. These pedals really pleasantly surprised me, and with the advantages over clipless for me, it was the right choice. I've had so many different clipless pedals over the years, so this was a big change for me. I took a chance based on Matt Galat's endorsement, and I am glad I did. Going up hills now is SO much easier because the unstable ankle is out of the picture, allowing me to deliver all my power to the pedals. Anyway, yep, I'm a believer these days, and now 8 months of use have only served to cement the joy even more! Not having my feet crammed into super narrow clipless shoes is a wonderful feeling after all this time! steve

[@timmytom]

Having watched this video and read your reply. I bought a set . I noticed fairly quickly how much better and more comfortable I was riding my trike. I had these on for a month. Went back to the previous pedals to see if I was imagining the difference. They came off pretty quick and I've reverted to the Pedalling Innovations one. Thank you.

[@EZSteve]

You are welcome Timmy. I love these pedals, having used them exclusively since July 2022. I will never revert back to the clipless pedals I used for years. My feet always feel fresh and fine after even my longer rides with these pedals. There is no forefoot aching or pain, such as happens with clipless pedals on recumbent trikes. These are a joy to ride, and when it comes to hills, I have FAR more power going up the hill because I do not have a flexible and fluid ankle joint with which to contend on each pedal stroke. The difference is night and day when it comes to ease of effort pedaling up hills, something that really amazed me when I first got them. Yes, for sure, these pedals are super comfortable, regardless of how far I am riding! Glad you like your pair! steve

[@timmytom]

@Trike Hobo Cheers Steve. I'd definitely recommend these. Appreciate your steer.

[@DanielWilliams-vo7ni]

My foot drop off the pedal and my calf hit the cross bar that hurts a lot, but I was lucky that my leg didn't get suck under !

[@EZSteve]

Yes, I can imagine that it would be a very unpleasant experience to have one's lower leg struck by a trike frame's cross member. I have never had it occur because I have always use a pedal of some kind that had some sort of retention mechanism built into it, the first of which was the PowerGrips straps that I used in 2009 for a three week cross country trek. The PowerGrips were not a good choice for long distance triking, but they did serve the purpose of keeping my feet on the pedals the entire trip. On a recumbent trike, our feet are behind the pedals, instead of on top of the pedals like bicycle riders experience. With feet behind the pedals, gravity does not work to keep our feet on the pedals like on a bicycle, rather gravity works to pull our feet off the pedals, thus the very real need to have a pedal retention solution ... otherwise, the feet will come off, drop to the ground, and result in possible injury to the lower leg. Many flat pedals that come from the factory on recumbent trikes do not have sufficient retention designs, so new trikers can end up experiencing this unfortunate problem of the feet falling off due to gravity. It can be a hard lesson, but once learned, riders seek solutions to prevent its recurrence. For me, the Catalyst pedals use a functional and effective retention strategy with the 18 traction pins on each side of each pedal. I've not had a foot fall off the pedals yet. steve

[@paulahavens2764]

Hi I had a stuck pedal but I tried your idea and now I do not have a stuck pedal anymore. Thank you so much for your help. Happy trails a head and always have great weather.

[@EZSteve]

Glad to hear the good news Paula! Stuck pedals used to drive me crazy until I learned this method, and nowadays, it's a snap ... no more worries! steve

[@awvankats7550]

I have been dealing with similar problems. Size 13 double EE feet. Can't even find cycling shoes that big, much less get them on, and not just because I have flat wide feet either. I have sciatica, and arthritis in every joint below L3. I had to fit plates with heel and toe straps to my pedals to increase pedal area and keep my feet properly located on my pedals (the roads and trails in Victoria BC leave quite a bit to be desired as regards uniformity of surface, and my Catrike Villager has no suspension), but I'm also 6'2" and 250 lbs on a good day. I have discovered that one of the problems I'm facing is also the narrowness of my foot placement on the pedals, which aggravates everything from my hips down. I will be fitting 27 mm pedal extenders to see if that will ameliorate the hot spots, knee problems and foot numbness I've been dealing with since my early 30's. This will widen my pedal stance by 2.12" and increase clearance as well. There are also 21 mm pedal extenders, if you can find them, which will give an extra 1.65". Utah Trikes carry them at a good price if you're interested.

[@EZSteve]

Matt Galat uses pedal extenders. I have never tried them because so far, I have not felt a need to have my feet wider, but I can understand the interference from the crankarms because I have to make sure my foot is well placed with these Catalyst pedals (I am using wide shoes now, so it is necessary to get my feet just right. In a new follow-up video after my first ride today, I will address this point. steve

[@Dreamrider7]

On your recommendation I bought a set of Catalyst pedals and they worked reasonably well on paved trails but as soon as I rode a forest service road/trail my feet kept shifting around on the pedal and on a large bump my left foot was thrown completely off the pedal. These pedals are great for MTB bikes but not recumbent trikes. I went back to my clipless pedals and no longer worry about "Leg Suck" on my Fat Tad Trike.

[@EZSteve]

I had an ICE Full Fat for a while, but used clipless pedals on it, which was probably good because for someone who is riding a recumbent trike in rough off-road conditions, pedal attachment is important. I have had my fatrike in places where these MTB pedals would not have been sufficient to keep my feet securely in contact with the pedals. A good alternative pedal for fat tire recumbent trikes is the one that Utah Trikes sells, which is also a full-foot support pedal (proving more power), but it has a heel retention cup and a forefoot strap, which will totally eliminate any foot movement issues: www.utahtrikes.com/PROD-11620592.html steve

[@lazyrider9847]

I use a similar set of pedals I got from Amazon for $40, RockBros MTB pedals. Almost as long and wide as what you bought. I have ridden over 3000 miles with these pedals, including lots of bumpy dirt trails. Never a problem losing my footing. I wear Merrill Trail Glove shoes, which are the same ones I hike in.

[@EZSteve]

Glad to hear the Rock Bros pedals are working so well for you ... pedals make a big difference in power delivery and performance. Yes, keeping the feet on the pedals is important ... I have on occasion on a bicycle, had a foot get dislodged, and fortunately nothing bad happened as a result. steve

[@trikesquatch1217]

Okay Steve you convinced me. I have size 17 feet so have been using flat pedals and xl power grip straps for years in fear of leg suck. I’m tired of wrestling with the straps. I went to the website and saw the xl pedals and ordered them. We’ll try them out together, the larger width pedal sounds great on its own. You inspired me years ago to get a trike, now we’re doing pedals!

[@EZSteve]

Great! Yes, you and I will be doing our big pedal experiment. It will be interesting to see if we come up with the same conclusions! I took my first three hour ride yesterday with these pedals, and wow, what a huge positive difference they have made so far! I will be posting the results of my ride, and my impressions, in a video probably this evening sometime, so stay tuned! I think you will be very impressed with these pedals! steve

[@Red-ju4mi]

Holy size 17 your ankles must have hated ya when ya cycle

[@trikesquatch1217]

The ankles are big also, it’s all good just want a larger platform.

[@jamesmchugo9422]

Never heard of feet growing wider with age. But feel your pain. Only my problem is a very narrow width foot. Almost no one makes an A with shoe. In fact it’s harder to find extra narrow shoes than it is to find extra wide. The only problem I can see with your solution of the platform pedal is the potential risk of leg suck. It only has to happen once, unexpectedly drop your foot off the pedal during a ride and get you leg sucked under you when you make contact with the ground. New knees are expensive! If you could rig a strap to hold your foot on the pedal these would make for a better idea.

[@EZSteve]

Hi James, I have done several talks about this thing called "leg suck" in relation to these Catalyst pedals, so you can watch those if you wish to know my take on the subject. Here is one of those talks that addresses that phenomenon: kzbin.info/www/bejne/rom3nmuYlLKiq9E For the complete playlist of my subsequent talks about these platform pedals, click here: www.youtube.com/@TrikeHobo/featured and see the first playlist of nine videos, eight of which I did after this video you just watched here. Rigging a strap up to the Catalyst pedal is not a good idea in my opinion. For someone who has any leg issues with keeping the feet on the pedals, a much better choice than these would be one they sell at Utah Trikes, which has a heel cup and a strap included on the full-foot support pedal: www.utahtrikes.com/PROD-11620592.html It is ready to go, with full foot attachment, right out of the box, and will eliminate any issues for riders who experience challenges with keeping their feet on the pedals of recumbent trikes. I have ridden these Catalyst pedals now for more than a year, and my feet have never slipped off under any conditions, due to the 18 traction pins on each side of each pedal. They have occasionally been jarred slightly out of place on unexpected bumps or missed shifts, but have never left the pedal itself, almost as secure as SPD clipless. steve

[@jamesmchugo9422]

@@EZSteve the heel cup looks like a good solution. On a related note, just yesterday I took a Catrike E 559 out for a test ride. That Bosch motor increases the fun factor by a level of 10! But I did this with my street shoes on and I’m aware of the risks of leg suck, yet as I pulled up in front of the door, luckily I wasn’t going very fast, all but stopped, I instinctively put my right foot down as if I were on a regular bicycle. Was able to come a complete stop and lift my leg in time, but I started to get pulled under. It just made me more aware of the habit and possible risks. I already know I would need something that required me to make a conscious move to dismount.

[@EZSteve]

@@jamesmchugo9422 I am sure that having a foot slip off a pedal, and subsequently get struck by the moving cross member, is a painful experience! I have never had it happen, and I hope I never do! steve

[@AMorgan57]

I have the narrow foot problem, too. I just wanted to let you know you're not alone.

[@trikesalot771]

Hey Steve! This is a topic I have struggled with for a long time, foot comfort is essential when riding, especially on longer distances. That being said, and I totally understand the issues with hot spots, sore toes/arches, and squished feet in general. I have always used clip less road shoes (Shimano/Serfas) over the years, and I can honestly say those shoes were very uncomfortable, but sacrificed comfort for the security of shoe to pedal attachment, especially since moving on from a standard diamond frame bike to a recumbent trike. Call me paranoid, however once I heard of the term "leg suck", and I did experience it one time (riding with just tennis shoes on), and I was able to see it coming, and luckily performed evasive actions before my leg was completely under the trike, ended up with just a sore calf and ankle fortunately. Trust me that was a mind altering experience! So I did a ton of research on clip less shoes, looking for alternatives that would provide comfort, and also the security of attachment to the pedals. To my amazement I came upon a shoe made by "Pearl Izumi" its the "X-Alp Summit" which incorporates a much larger toe box over normal road shoes. It is comparable to a good quality hiking boot, and is compatible with clip less SH 56 cleats. I have had these shoes for 2 years now, and my feet are much happier, they really feel good, offer good support and most importantly provide that shoe to pedal security! Now they may not look the sexiest (like most road shoes) however I'll take the comfort over looks any day of the week! Just wanted to offer my 2 cents! Happy Triking Allen

[@EZSteve]

Those shoes sound good from your description Allen! I have spent so much money over time on shoes and pedals, trying many combinations to achieve foot health, that I doubt I'll be trying anything else now that I have found the Catalyst pedals, which are working superbly for me, No matter how far, how long, or how hard I pedal, my feet still feel fine, something that I could NEVER say all those years I was a dedicated die-hard clipless rider! I have a total of nine videos now on this concept of full-foot support pedaling and the Catalyst pedal, which, if you have not seen them, can be found in the top playlist at this link: www.youtube.com/@TrikeHobo/featured steve

[@EZSteve]

Hey everybody, I am contemplating trying another set of midfoot pedals that don't have all these pins (they gouged up my left shin recently - see my recent video). These are sold by Utah Trikes, and look like they would provide all the great power available from a midfoot position just like these Catalyst pedals (which, by the way, were designed specifically for mountain bikes, not recumbent trikes). Here is a link to the product I am checking out - let me know if you have a set of these yourself, and what you think of them: www.utahtrikes.com/PROD-11620592.html steve

[@33India6]

My experience/take on this is different. I have about ten years on the Hobo, am 6’3” and wear a seize 12 /W shoe, ride a Catrike 559, and between bike and trike have put 35,000+ miles on my Strava during the past 7 years. I didn’t use clips on my bike and wouldn’t go without them on my trike. I have had ‘leg suck’ on my trike at first when I didn’t clip in, and it ain’t fun. I have put peddle extenders on my trike and wear sandals with clips (I live in Florida). I have experienced no foot/ leg discomfort or pain on my trike clipped in.

[@EZSteve]

Glad to hear! I think the degree of foot discomfort, or lack thereof, may depend in large part on the circumstances of the ride. On most of my prior long trips, I have used clipless, and my second trip was the one that really scared me. I used the Shimano PD-M520 for that nearly 1,000 mile ride (3 weeks) and it took my feet a few weeks to feel normal again, the nerves had been compressed so bad. Fortunately, it did not turn out to be a permanent condition (which was possible). After that, I got some SIDI hard sole cycling shoes (expensive, but worth it), and with the non-bendable sole, my next trips were far more pleasant, with no lingering forefoot issues at the end. I think a larger platform SPD pedal with the SIDI shoes is a very workable solution for forefoot hotspots. I was a die-hard clipless rider for years on my trikes, but finally switched to large platforms and non clipless shoes because I could not find a cycling shoe wide enough for my feet that allowed my feet to actually be naturally spread laterally, as they are in my street shoes. I prefer clipless still, but even Lake and SIDI, two rare companies that produce what they term extra wide cycling shoes, do not make a truly extra wide shoe (I've had both of their extra wide shoes, and they were considerably narrower than my street shoes, cramping my feet laterally, which is one of the reasons why they are not as comfortable on long haul journeys). This is exacerbated by pedaling over mountain ranges and up steep long passes with fully loaded panniers. When I rode my Catrike 700 regionally, unencumbered by heavy pannier loads, the SPD issues were far less of a problem, very tolerable in fact. Of course, that 700 was just a smidgen under 30 pounds, which helped a lot! 😃 steve

[@33India6]

@@EZSteve well, your distances and experience is so way beyond mine that I really shouldn’t comment. For one thing, we all certainly have different physiology. I do feel that the average rider should really be careful riding not clipped in In my case for example, my heels will strike the ground if I go over bumps with a foot l/pedal in the he down position, this can cause my foot, if not clipped in, to bounce off the pedal, hit the ground, and result in a ‘leg suck.’ But I am aware that several gonzo long distance trike riders don’t clip in, so obviously, it depends!. I really appreciate your site and your videos, a million thanks! Chris

[@EZSteve]

@@33India6 Thanks Chris! I've had my foot jarred on these flats, to where the foot actually moves from its position on the pedal, but so far, I have not had a foot leave the pedal and hit the ground, which can result in the tibia being struck by the cross member of the mainframe (ouch). If that does happen to me, you can bet I won't be a happy triker! There are some flat platform non-SPD pedals that support the entire foot, which have heel and strap supports that actually prevent the foot from leaving the pedal even if severely jarred by the road, and they seem to answer both aspects of this pedal discussion (but since I have already lightened my wallet by $150 for my current pedals, I'll wait to see if I think a switch would be in order. Thanks for your commentary and experience! steve

[@33India6]

@@EZSteve Hey Steve, many thanks for the good info. Same here, for the time being I have a good clip release adjustment and am happy with the way things are. Have a good Thanksgiving! Chris

[@EZSteve]

@@33India6 Happy Thanksgiving Chris! 😀

[@debrairwin8791]

I am thrilled to have found your channel and getting all this education. I am an avid road cyclist. Had a bicycle accident and broke my tibia and fibula at my knee. I’m 70 year old female and was riding 4500 miles a year. I was hoping to ride into my 90s 😊 I was wondering about the best Trike to invest in

[@EZSteve]

Hi Debra, I'm happy to have you here, and hope you find useful information for your cycling. Riding 4500 miles each year certainly qualifies you as an avid road cyclist ... wow! I am sorry to hear about the bicycle accident, and I hope you are still fully, or at least mostly, mobile and functional. If you are looking at recumbent trikes as a potential substitution for bicycles, I think you would be impressed with the functionality and capabilities of these three wheeled vehicles. I began riding bicycles as a kid in the 1950s, and in 2008, I decided I no longer wanted to own and drive a car, so I wanted to discover an automobile replacement vehicle (ARV - my fun little acronym), and eventually chose the recumbent trike. In 2009, after selling my final car, I began using my recumbent trike for long distance travel out of state, which amazed my mom, sister, and friends that I would do such a thing. So I do understand the satisfaction that comes from road mileage. Now at 72, I love my latest recumbent trike more than my first one. I have had four, with the current one being my "keeper" trike because I finally invested in the best available (in my humble opinion of course), based on more than 13 years in the recumbent trike industry, interaction with hundreds of riders, and my own personal experience. I had an exhibitor's booth at the first two Recumbent Cycle-Con shows, so I met many of the industry manufacturers, while studying and riding their trikes at the conventions. I have been able to compare many brands and makes of trikes over these years. April of this year, I did a 23 minute talk where I compared four brands of trikes, ones that I have actually owned, so I was able to draw on personal experience. Even though I have experience with other brands, I limited the talk to just the four companies. Of the four trikes I have owned, one was an off-road fat tired trike, so that would not be a consideration for you if you are wanting a great road trike to continue your riding. Yes, you should be able to continue riding into your 90s and beyond if you remain physically fit and functionally healthy because recumbent trikes are extremely stable, and if ridden sensibly, falling from one like on a bicycle is unlikely. I fell off of a bicycle many years ago, lost consciousness, and woke up in a hospital with stitches in my upper lip where my teeth had cut through ... fortunately, I was lucky. Here is the link to that video I just described: kzbin.info/www/bejne/mGaTmayka8x8fK8 As a road rider, my assumption is that you would desire a very lightweight and fast recumbent trike. Two that immediately come to my mind are the Catrike 700 and the ICE VTX, both outstanding choices for riders who enjoy packing on the miles at a good clip without being weighted down. Both trikes are speed trikes, weighing in at just a hair under 30 pounds. They are well designed and engineered road trikes. Both trikes are unsuspended, or rigid, which is likely the way your road bike was. I have owned a Catrike 700 and I loved it, with no complaints whatsoever. It was a total joy to ride, and ride fast at that, being able to keep up with or even pass some bike roadies out there. I sold it because the Inspired Cycle Engineering company in England had just introduced a new off-road trike, and I really wanted one, and since it was very costly, I had no choice but to sell the Catrike 700 in order to finance the new trike. Here is the link to the Catrike 700, which is made in Florida, USA: www.catrike.com/700 Here is the link to the ICE VTX, which is made in Cornwall, England: www.icetrikes.co/products/vtx-recumbent-trike You cannot go wrong with either recumbent speed trike, both outstanding road trikes! The American trike is less costly than the British trike, but both trikes are essentially equals when it comes to solid engineering, design, and road functionality. They are equally fast, if that is important to you, and if the same rider rode both for comparison (which I have), that rider would realize the same potential out of each machine. As far as the "best" trike to invest in, as you ask, I believe, in my mind at least, that I have invested currently in the best trike, the HP Velotechnik Scorpion fully suspended trike. It is made in Germany, and it edges out both Catrike and ICE in many aspects, which is why I invested just over seven thousand dollars in it in 2021. I wanted a trike that would be everything I needed and would last for my lifetime. I wanted to be able to tour, as I have done before, so I wanted a strong and very comfortable trike for hours in the seat. It weighs more than the two speed trikes I mentioned above, more than 15 pounds above those two, but for my needs, it is perfect, and the quality of build and design is unsurpassed. The company makes a road speed version of this trike, which you can check out at this link: www.hpvelotechnik.com/en/recumbent-trikes-bikes/scorpion-adults-recumbent-trikes/ Finding a perfect trike to fit your individual needs is a fun and exciting adventure of discovery! If you choose to enter the wild wonderful world of recumbent trike fun, I think you will be very pleasantly surprised at how enjoyable these vehicles are. Good luck with your search! steve

[@debrairwin8791]

@@EZSteve Thank you so much for this awesome information. And I look forward to following you. Hoping to one day soon own a nice trike.

[@EZSteve]

@@debrairwin8791 You are most welcome Debra!

[@chrisjensen8369]

Those Pedaling Innovations look like copies of one of Crank Bros. models. I've been using Crank Bros. Egg Beaters since 2010 on my Catrike Expedition. I'm 75 & like the solid foot connection & pedal float of the Egg Beaters for my knees. Before that I used SPD's on my mtn & road bikes through the 90's then on my Rans Tailwind until 2010. The spuds had no float & my knees started complaining. I can't imagine riding anything but my trike anymore & I'll stick with being "clicked in". 😊😊😊

[@EZSteve]

Hi Chris, Until summer 2022, I was a die-hard clipless pedal user myself, and just knew I would never leave the "clicked-in" method of pedaling. I decided to give these super sized pedals a try (largest on the market), and now I have no desire to return to clipless. These pedals totally eliminate all negative foot issues, and I can wear any shoes I want. I've been riding them for about eight months so far, and in addition to keeping my feet happy, going up hills in the mountains is so much easier because I can push with the entire foot instead of pushing on my toes, essentially what I was doing with my forefeet in clipless (no more instability in the ankle joints). steve

[@Ram-pc9ts]

I have viewed all your videos on these pedals, and on your advice and others on KZbin, I purchased these pedals. I tried riding with very similar shoes to your Merrils, but occasionally when I would hit a bump one of my feet would slip nearly off. On that basis, I felt the risk of my foot slipping off was too great. Even if it happened once, that could be the end of my riding. My solution was to find a clippless shoe where the cleat was as far back toward the heal as possible and one that had a wide foot area. After ordering several off of Amazon and others directly from the brands, I chose a Shimano CT series. This shoe and the Funn pedals, which you showed on one of your videos, seem to be a good combo. I agree it would be nice to have ultimate foot movement freedom on the pedal and be able to wear the most comfortable shoes, but the anxiety of my foot falling off the pedal was too much.

[@EZSteve]

I am glad you have found an acceptable solution for your pedaling needs! It has taken me several years to figure it out for myself, lots of trial and error, not to mention lots of money spent, haha. steve

[@EZSteve]

Something I neglected to mention in my first reply is about the shoes. The Merrill Moab Ventilator hiking shoes I wear are not the best choice for these pedals because they have a lugged hiking sole (I wear them because I sometimes hike). For your situation, a superior shoe match-up for the Catalyst pedals is the Five-Ten brand because they have soft soles that allow the traction pins in the pedals to embed very well into the bottom of the shoe, which minimizes or eliminates foot slippage if you hit a really bad pothole or severe bump. Check out this link to see these shoes: www.competitivecyclist.com/five-ten-freerider-cycling-shoe-mens-fvtz11m This shoe is called the Freerider, and it would allow you to still get all the benefits of the Catalyst pedal, while removing the fear of a foot leaving the pedal. The two really significant benefits of the Catalyst (or any full-foot support pedal), are: 1) a HUGE power output benefit that is not possible with toe pedaling (clipless pedals), and 2) no nerve damage occurs in the feet as does with toe pealing in clipless pedals. When I used my FUNN clipless platform pedals, I also ran my cleats all the way rearward, which I have always done, but it still did not allow for the greatly increased power output that a full foot support pedal does. Even with the cleats fully rearward in the adjustment, Nerve Compression Syndrome (hotspots) sill occur if pedaling hard or long distances. I was very lucky that after years of clipless use on my trikes that my nerves eventually fully healed, and my feet are now once again normal and pain-free. steve

[@Ram-pc9ts]

Thanks for the additional info.

[@davidsteinberg2805]

Good video. Thinking about switching to these pedals. I am wondering about the reflectors on the back of your trike. Are they commercially available or did you make this? If you made it, can you post a closeup picture to show how you did it? Thanks.

[@EZSteve]

Regarding the Catalyst pedals David, check out my recent video about one drawback to these pedals, namely what I call "pedal bite" when your leg accidentally contacts the 18 pins. I still love the pedals however, and will continue to use them (I have a lightweight pair of soccer shin guards in my Amazon cart that I plan on trying so that next time I make a clumsy mistake, I won't get bit, haha. Regarding the reflectors, they were very simple. I had two of those lawn or driveway reflectors that you can pick up at any hardware store, the kind with the really long plastic pole that you stick in the ground. They were just laying around in the garage, unused, so I contemplated how I could use them to enhance my rearward visibility to motorists on the trike. I already had installed a flat piece of aluminum to hold my dual tail lights, and figured I could modify the reflectors somehow to fit there. The big round red reflectors just slide on to the long plastic mounting pole, so I pulled the pole out of one reflector altogether, and I cut the pole on the other reflector to the length that matched my tail light aluminum mounting strip (taking into account the inch or so that the cut pole would insert into the other reflector). Then, I just zip tied the plastic pole to the aluminum, and used some silicone glue/seal to keep it from rotating. The nice thing about reflectors for car drivers is that when the light hits them just right, they are far brighter than any fancy tail light, especially on really sunny days. I have seen them when the light hits, and I swear it looks like a super brilliant halogen bulb. At first, I was feeling like they looked a little silly on my trike, but now I really like them because they add a visual width to my trike for motorists, but they are actually not as wide as my mirrors and front fenders, or my panniers, but they let motorists know that my vehicle has more width than a bicycle. steve

[@EZSteve]

Also David, if you have not already seen it, watch this video I made back in June of this year that may show my setup a little better regarding the reflectors: kzbin.info/www/bejne/hKHPpaaIZ76afrM

[@stephennickles7389]

Thanks for the tip Mr Hobo, I'm wondering if this will help with my plantar's faciitis. Was going to change my Catrike's factory pedals to a pedal with cable stirrups to prevent slipping off, but these PI type look pretty good.

[@EZSteve]

Hi Stephen, These are not the only extra long pedal that allows for full-foot support pedaling, but this pedal is the lightest weight of them, and most aesthetic from a traditional cycling viewpoint. I have done other videos on these pedals, and some of the others in two or three other video presentations I've made, the most recent being my ten month review a couple weeks ago. Check out the Utah Trikes website because they make four similar options, but with heel cups and straps for those riders who want them www.utahtrikes.com/SEARCH-0:999999:0:0:platform_pedals.search I think the Utah Trikes options are likely a better choice than the cable stirrups types, but that's just my opinion, nothing more. A company called Kamway also makes some long platform pedals:kamway.com/collections/pedals-1 Regarding your plantar's faciitis, I cannot answer that question. I have had no experience with it personally, and know very little about it academically. The best advice I can offer regarding if these pedals will help with your medical condition is to experiment. It can be costly, but only by trying pedals personally can a rider really know which will work and which will not. I just gave away three brand new clipless pedals pairs that I purchased prior to these Catalyst pedals when I realized through personal experimentation on the road that the Catalyst were by far the best choice for me. No one but yourself can answer your question (they can only speculate if they try). With these Catalyst pedals by Pedaling Innovations, slipping off the pedal is not likely to ever occur unless a rider has some medical issue with the legs, feet, or ankle that results in loss of control of the lower body. The 18 pins per side of each pedal are like glue, and my experience so far is that they are as secure as all my former clipless pedals. I keep my feet on the pedals at stoplights with no problem whatsoever. I talk about this fear of feet slipping off the pedals, which is quite prevalent with a number of trikers, in my recent ten month evaluation talk: kzbin.info/www/bejne/fp_ZXnSsast4rMk Is it possible? Yes, but extremely unlikely based on my riding with them so far (it has not happened to me at all). I loved clipless pedals because I never had to think about keeping my feet on the pedals, and with these pedals, it's the same! No worries. I love these pedals, and foot pain, including hotspots, is a thing of the past! Best decision I've ever made (but I don't have plantar's faciitis, so I cannot say your experience would be the same). steve

[@stephennickles7389]

Hi Steve, I am 73 so you'll never be as old as me. I can see your point about the wide, long pedal utilizing the full power of the downstroke, I wish the PI pedals were less expensive, my "Villager" was already a hefty investment, but I guess it's a less expensive choice than knee and ankle surgery. I think our sales person should have made a bigger point of the danger of conventional shoes/pedals on a "bent" as they are called in PA. I do love touring at the low level of my ride, you see things you don't see when walking or driving

[@EZSteve]

@@stephennickles7389 Well, I already have caught you on the age thing because I am also 73, born at the midpoint of the twentieth century (things have sure changed during the ensuing years!). These pedals are no wider than standard platform pedals, just longer, and depending on your foot size, there is an XL version also available. The way I see things is that the feet are critical for being able to enjoy recumbent cycling. The feet provide the push and power to the pedals, which in turn move the chain that rotates the tires, so the feet are the key element in moving us down the road. Because of this, I have spent a lot of money over the years searching for a pedal that allows me to pedal as long as I want, as far as I want, and as hard as I want, without experiencing any pain or foot discomfort. It has taken me a long time, but I finally have what I consider the ideal pedal. My feet never hurt anymore! I used to get hotspots, which is the street name for Nerve Compression Syndrome, a condition that can become permanent if not addressed. It was so miserable on trike trips that I had to stop and walk around every so often to get my feet to feel normal again. I am fortunate that the NCS never reached a point of permanency with me, and now with extra long platform pedals, it never will. Don't worry about money ... your body health is far more important! Regardless of which full foot support pedal you choose, foot issues will be less than typical platform or clipless pedals. steve

[@davidransom4476]

I'd want a heel strap rigged on the pedal. I had my feet slip off occasionally but that was my 2 wheel recumbents (Stratus, Cycle Genius). Didn't put many miles on my trike because I discovered after the test ride that longer rides weren't comfy with their lumbar bulge on the seat (Trident Stowaway). I got a pair of the Pedaling Innovations long pedals and put them on a Day6 Dream 24 (crank forward). I changed to pedaling with the center of the pedal under my arch. Super comfy.

[@EZSteve]

Thanks for sharing David. I find these Catalyst pedals to be very comfortable also, with no foot issues at all ... a great way to be a pedal pusher! For those riders who desire additional connection to the pedal beyond just these 18 traction pins, I tend to recommend the Utah Trikes options, which have heel cups and foot straps: Webpage: www.utahtrikes.com/PROD-11620592.html Video: kzbin.info/www/bejne/iZOXhqGfl5uYbas Enjoy the ride on your recumbents David. steve

[@brauljo]

8:40 While you can use any shoe, flat pedals are optimized when paired with dedicated flat pedal cycling shoes, these have a flat sole with a grippy rubber compound.

[@EZSteve]

Yes, that is true! I looked into the Five-Ten flat sole cycling shoes when I got these pedals, but from what I could tell online there is no information about width, which is an important point as my feet are wider (the reason why standard clipless shoes really jam my feet). I have ridden with my Asics running shoes, with a large flat rubbery sole, and they actually work really well on these pedals, probably better than my Merrell Moab Ventilator hiking shoes with the Vibram soles, because the soft sole of the Asics molds around each traction pin, really holding my feet firmly in place, even on bumps and irregularities. steve

[@brucefarrar7359]

First...leg suck is not mythical. It happened to me when I was shopping for my first trike. Fortunately, I was not going fast so the damage was minimal. But is convinced me to use pedals that secure my shoes. Like you though, I have wide feet, I could not find wide cycling shoes plus, I do not like to lock my foot in with a cleat. However, no need to worry about any of that with the heel strap pedals that came standard on my TerraTrike. I don't know why they aren't more widely used. I can wear any shoe (I have 5E New Balance runners) and I have flexibility in shoe position.

[@EZSteve]

Hi Bruce ... Yes, I have learned that there really are some trikers who have had their foot fall off the pedal while riding. I think you are the third person so far who has corrected me on this as a result of my statements in this video. The good new is that a foot falling off the pedal is a rare occurrence for most riders if they are using pinned flats or clipless. I've heard it talked about over the years, but never had heard about a specific example until now. I would think that if it happens with a new rider that the take-away leads to it not happening again, a readily solved issue with knowledge, pedals, and shoes. Thanks for sharing your experience. Regarding the use of TerraTrike heel strap pedals, and why they are not more widely used, I can think of a couple of reasons off the top of my head. The most likely is that TerraTrike is but one brand of trike out there, and so it would be mostly just TerraTrike riders who would even be aware of them. I have only been learning about them in pedal comments here this past week. If more riders had knowledge of the TerraTrike pedals, they might get a pair even if they don't ride the TerraTrike brand. I just searched these pedals on the TerraTrike website, and found them at this link for $119.95 per pair: www.terratrike.com/product/pedal-platform-w-straps-pair/ I notice that they say: "Bolts directly to our standard pedals after removing the reflectors", so based on that, I am not sure if anyone can use them on other trike brands. TerraTrike does not make any statement about use on other brands on that website page. I notice that their platform pedal with straps actually connects the rider to the trike very securely, and I have heard from some riders that they prefer not to be connect to pedals (personal preference of course). With those strap pedals, the forefoot is still the main contact area behind the power stroke of the leg, as it is with clipless pedals. These strap pedals will provide a similar feel as clipless pedals in that the ankle hinge is still not supported, as I discussed in my more recent pedaling pressure, stability, and power video. The large foot platform on the TerraTrike strap pedal serves the same purpose as a very rigid clipless shoe does for clipless riders, attempting to make up for the lack of full foot/arch stability (because the pedal axle still remains under the forefoot, as opposed to the middle of the arch of the foot). If TerraTrike were to redesign the attachment so it was centered under the arch, a rider would realize greater power transfer because the flexible ankle joint would not result in a lessening of power transfer. The second reason, albeit perhaps minor, that more riders are not using these is because there are many cyclists out there who view such large pedals as not "cool" or popular with the perceived cycling vision. I originally went to clipless early-on because that's what all the riders who were seen as "in the know" were using, and not large platform pedals with straps. This is all just an image dynamic, but many riders want to be perceived as having the latest, greatest, and most "in" cycling gear, and those riders will shy away from any solution that does not meet the image. The shoe width is what got me to stop using clipless in July. Cycling shoes are not made for riders with truly wide feet. It would be nice if at least one shoe company offered such a solution, but now that I realize the added power gain from not pulling back with the return leg, along with the complete lack of forefoot pressure that leads to Nerve Compression Syndrome (hotspots), even if a clipless company did offer a 4E width, I doubt very much I would take advantage of it. Thanks for sharing your commentary Bruce! steve

[@brucefarrar7359]

@@EZSteve FYI...My foot is centered on the pedal with arch over the pedal axle. This is possible because the heel strap is adjustable. I can position my foot anywhere on the pedal. Also, to my knowledge all pedal sets use the same axle size and thread pitch for universal usage in crank arms.

[@EZSteve]

@@brucefarrar7359 Oh, okay ... perhaps that link I listed is for a different TerraTrike product then, because the photo of the rider's foot shows the pedal axle under the forefoot. That's good that you can have the axle centered under your arch, for greater stability and control. Yes, as far as I know, you are correct about pedals being able to screw into crankarms universally. The photo I saw on the TerraTrike website on that link shows the platform portion, and says it attaches to the TerraTrike pedal (the pedal platform with straps accessory is not a pedal itself, but attaches to a pedal, which confused me). Looks like you have found a great solution!

[@cyclingfreeman]

Looks very cool! How did it go? Their homepage doesn't seem to work anymore... 😥 Is it not possible to order those anymore? Greets from Sweden 🇸🇪

[@EZSteve]

Hi Henrik, I just visited their homepage, and it's currently still functioning. Try this link: pedalinginnovations.com/ steve

[@cyclingfreeman]

@@EZSteve Thank you so much for taking the time to reply! 😊 👍 I'll try again, maybe the site was just temporarily down!

[@EZSteve]

@@cyclingfreeman Give it a try Henrik!

[@timmytom]

I wonder how you've got on with the larger pedals since you posted your video.

[@EZSteve]

Hey there Timmy, I have learned a LOT about pedaling efficiency by taking a chance on these pedals. Actually, any extra large and long platform pedal will do, as long as it supports the entire foot. This particular brand is not necessary to achieve the benefits of full foot support. I just happened to learn about these from Matt Galat earlier this year, and since he liked them, I decided to pop for $150 and get a pair for myself. Being a fully dedicated clipless pedal rider since 2010, I never thought I would change my pedaling paradigm, but wow, this has been a real game changer for me! I figured if it didn't work out, at least I learned, but it did work out beyond my expectations! There are two HUGE benefits I have realized by using a large full foot support flat pedal: 1) I never have any foot discomfort or pain at all now, no matter how far and long I ride. This is because I am no longer just pushing all my effort through the small forefoot area, essentially pedaling with the ball of my foot, as I had been doing with clipless all these years. The entire foot is supported, so the pressure is distributed throughout the foot structure. Of course, this is assuming that the pedal spindle (axle) is under the middle of the foot arch, not the forefoot. 2) I have a LOT more power now, and pedaling up hills is no longer any big deal ... no pain, no hotspots, no unnatural foot pressure as is found with traditional forefoot pedals that do not support the arch and entire foot. Going up hills and mountains is still work of course, but it is just noticeably easier with the entire foot pushing on the pedal and crankarms. There is no way to really understand this totally without actually using full foot support flat pedals for a while, but then it becomes quite clear. In fact, one of the first things I noticed early-on was this newfound ability to climb hills in a more relaxed easier manner. Like I say, these Pedaling Innovations Catalyst pedals are not the only solution that will achieve these two main benefits. There are a number of other options out there, several of which can be seen at the Utah Trikes KZbin channel. Their options do not use these 18 traction pins, so I will link you to that video so you can see them for yourself: kzbin.info/www/bejne/iZOXhqGfl5uYbas (these four options are not full support, but I think they will provide the benefits because the spindle is under the mid-foot - but I have not tried them, so I cannot say for sure) Most flat pedals out there are too small to realize full support of the feet, and you end up still using the forefeet to push, so you end up with the same issues as clipless. Unless you put your midfoot at the arch over the pedal spindle (axle) line, but then, the pedal is too short for good support. A long flat is the optimal way to go in my opinion based on what I've learned these past months. The Pedaling Innovations Catalyst pedals have a lot of positive feedback, which is viewable here on KZbin, and I agree that they are pretty ideal (but just watch out that those 18 pins don't come in contact with your leg, because they "bite", and draw blood (I did a video on my own experience with those pins ... bummer). But it only happens once, and then your brain remembers 😁 steve

[@timmytom]

@@EZSteve Hello Steve thank you very much for your highly informative reply which is greatly appreciated. I've looked at various options and keep coming back to the one from Pedalling Innovations . Its now a case of finding the USD$250 for a set (about $100 more here). Many thanks

[@The-GreenHornet]

Steve, you've seen my recumbent trike. I have custom made which I designed what I call "Cool Ease Platforms" - C.E.P's I am not able to post a picture here, You Tube doesn't allow it. My C.E.P's support the entire foot; thus taking away all numbness and hot foot syndrome. They allow me to wear any shoe I want. They are fabricated using 7071 aircraft grade aluminum. I incorporated the FAT STRAP that I have fine-tuned to secure my feet, but not so tight that my feet are locked in, so to speak.

[@EZSteve]

Maybe you could shoot a video of the setup for trikers to see on your channel. I would like to see it up close myself. Any solution is a good one that does not cause pain in the feet! steve

[@davidcroxton8306]

Interested video. I have quite wide feet, possibly because I didn't wear covered shoes till I was about 11yo by choice. I have been using clipless shoes since the mid 80s. I think that the arch of the foot is meant to act as a spring to raise the efficiency of walking and running. The springy nature of the arch is disabled by moving the foot forward on the pedal. I think the front of the foot has "traction control" so any slippage between the foot and shoe has a depowering effect. Years ago I made molded rigid shoes out of composite, fibre glass, carbon, Kevlar and resin with the toes raised slightly in relation to the plane of the foot. The tips of the toes need clearance. The result, a shoe that the acronym HABIT suits. Human and bike interface technology, LOL. They seem to allow more torque and a wider rev range, particularly on upright bikes. I used to ride a recumbent bike lots, highest speed, about 130kph faired and peddling a 53-11 top gear very briefly. Unfaired it would do 85 to 90 kph down hill easily. To sum up, do whatever it takes to make your shoes work properly!

[@EZSteve]

Thanks for your commentary and sharing David. That is sure interesting about your custom made rigid shoes. My maximum speed ever on a trike is probably about 55 miles per hour, or about 88 kilometers per hour. Those speeds are reached going down steep mountain passes. I can only guess because I do not use any speed measuring devices on my trikes, but I know that when I was keeping up with auto traffic once that I was impressed, haha. There are two significant results I have noticed from using these Catalyst platform pedals (after years of clipless): 1) I no longer have any Nerve Compression Syndrome, what riders commonly refer to as hotspots, in my forefeet, which is wonderful, and 2) I have significantly more power at my disposal when climbing hills because the power generated through my lower leg bones is more in line with the pedal axle than when I used to pedal with my forefeet. For me, these things are working great! NCS can lead to a permanent condition, what some refer to as Neuropathy, a damaging of the nerves. I am glad that my case never became permanent, and now with a midfoot pedaling alignment, it seems I am in the clear to ride as much and far as I wish. It is nice not to get hotspots pedaling hard up a long steep mountain pass! I never thought I'd leave clipless pedaling, but now as of this summer, I am happy that I did. Pedals are such a personal preference among riders, and what works well for one may not work well for another. steve

[@mikldude9376]

Speaking of holding your foot/feet on the pedals , a while ago i was thinking about how to hold the foot onto the pedal of my trike magnum XL without using clips or straps , and it occurred to me if i mounted some good strong magnets into the pedals and somehow secured a bit of flat steel plate to to the shoes , that might be not a bad way to go ..... maybe :) , i dunno , i dont get much time myself due to family commitments so , it has remained just an idea so far , down the track i may have a go at putting something together . it was just a thought i would mention anyway . Cheers .

[@EZSteve]

Believe it or not, I have actually heard that some company is now making a magnetic attachment system for cyclists! Here is a link to their website: www.magped.us/ steve

[@brucefarrar300]

I have given up looking for wide cycling shoes. I use regular shoes (wide) and pedals with heel straps.

[@EZSteve]

Hi Bruce, Yes, as have I, and I was quite diligent about locating wide cycling shoes. I have had two pairs of "extra wide" or "mega" cycling shoes, by two companies that claim to make extra wide shoes (SIDI and Lake), but they were laughably narrow, and I finally (I'm kinda' slow, haha) realized that was part of my foot discomfort problem, my feet being squished laterally. I really do not understand this idea that cycling shoes must be narrow! One would think that upper level cyclists with wide feet, and who are involved with shoe companies, would say something, but ... oh well, it is as it is. I'm done with clipless, not only because of the shoe width issue, but also because I have discovered in the past six months that I have FAR more power pedaling up hills than I ever could muster with forefoot pedaling (even with the "pulling back" theory of increasing pedal stroke power). It's like doing a squat exercise on my toes versus on my flat feet ... I've been weightlifting since 1968, and in the gym I've always squatted with feet flat on the floor for maximum power and stability, and have never done this heavy exercise on my forefeet only, which would be counterproductive and dangerous. steve

[@paul6894]

I have ridden my TerraTrike everyday for years. On my pedals I have heel support straps I bought from TerraTrike $45. These are a must have. I also put a simple black velcro strap around my foot. Twenty of these straps cost $9.95 on Amazon. This set up is easy and works great. The velcro straps works very well! For me, bike shoes are a pain and expensive.

[@EZSteve]

If you have a KZbin channel where you show your pedal and shoe setup, post a link here in the comments so we can go check it out. If your solution keeps your feet pain free and healthy, then it is a good one! steve

[@lawrencelile]

10-1/2 EEE here. I feel ya. Those bike shoes are always too skinny for me. In fact all commercial shoes, except Keens and Propet don't fit. This is why so many people have bunions and other foot problems. I just ride without clips or straps or whatever, just old school flat pedals. Works ok on my trike, but not all trikes.

[@EZSteve]

Having finally ditched narrow bike shoes and attachment cleats, I am happy as a lark. No more foot aches or issues at all ... completely gone, as if by magic! After eleven+ years using clipless, I am now a big fan of flat pedals, with the extra long flat pedals being the best for pedaling power up hills due to using the entire foot structure rather than just the forefoot, as with standard flat pedals. As it all turned out, my feet are healthy and fine, and trike riding has taken on a whole new excitement, knowing that my feet will never again be stressed and injured as they were for years. steve

[@MishaDaBear]

I'd like to add something a friend of mine said about clipless shoes, agreed too narrow but his favorite shoe was Sears mens dress shoes, they sell around $50/pr. They come wide and/or long without a special order They had a wider deck, with little flex, he does use strapless toe clips though that prevents slipping pedals. Personally I would not invest in those pedals as they don't even permit even the strapless clips which are my minimum! I wish I could get my old Nike high cut cycling shoes again, they had gross colours (pink and orange) but were 1000% comfy wide, wider than my feet were. They were designed for clips, but were excellent on platform pedals. I have never riden my trike without clipless, but I have slipped pedals on D bikes, I have the Hutch High Performance "Bear Claw" scar from their pointy teeth to remind me. I have also snapped chains, pedals, and cranks on D bikes seated so I am inclined to accept trike suck claims as possible!

[@EZSteve]

Hi MIsha, On my former diamond frame bikes, I always used standard platform flat pedals, never cliipless, because I did not want to slip off (happens on diamond frame bikes as you mention) and tear up my lower leg. I know some people see battle scars as a macho sign of being a real biker, but not me, and obviously not you either. With these Catalyst pedals and good riding shoes with some tread, I would be hard pressed to see how the feet could slip off, unless the trike hit something like a massive pothole that upset its entire positioning on the road or trail. I used clipless Shimano PD-M520 pedals on my Easy Racers Gold Rush recumbent bike, but unlike a diamond frame bike, if a foot did slip off, there is no leg shin damage. If I ever do slip off these new pedals, I'll report it, and the exact circumstances surrounding the incident, but I sure don't anticipate that it would happen with normal controlled riding. I still have never heard of a real-life "leg suck" incident, but I suppose that it is possible. steve

[@lawrose4]

I'm looking forward to further reports about experiences with this pedal. I just started riding a recumbent trike in February 2022, and almost immediately bought clipless shoes to go with the combo pedals the trike came with. My experience with that - clipless pedals/shoes - is that they are a minor hassle and do not allow for the easiest possible use of feet for things like backing up, or anything that calls for using your feet anywhere besides clipped to the pedals. On the plus side, my feet do not slip off the pedals and I feel secure in pumping as hard as I like secure in the knowledge that my feet will be on the pedals and nowhere else. So on balance, I like clipless and plan to continue with them. However, I am certainly curious to learn about how these wide pedals work for you and others. Thanks for the video about that and the channel.

[@cdp6896]

I have 5 10’s shoes (special rubber sole) both flat and clipless and pedals dual sided with spikes. Very comfortable so far.

[@EZSteve]

I took my first ride with these Catalyst pedals yesterday, and one thing I can report with confidence is that there is no way my feet could slip off these pedals with 18 pins. I have a follow-up video coming out soon about these pedals, where I talk about the point you mention. I never thought I would move away from clipless pedals, but man, what a positive difference these new pedals have made for me so far! Check out my video after the first ride, which I will post tonight sometime. steve

[@EZSteve]

@@cdp6896 I checked into the 5.10s because they are the shoes that James Wilson races his mountain bike in, and he says they are the best for his needs. I was not able to find a 5.10 that would be sufficiently wide for my feet, and since I have two pairs of trail type hiking shoes that are very comfortable, I think I will stick with them for the time being. steve

[@phyllisboone8957]

To easily exit your SPD pedal, swing your heel laterally to the inside or outside of the pedal. Like the ski bindings they are mideled after, they are designed to release that way.

[@stoutdog56]

So how are those petals working out? I'm ordering my trike tomorrow.

[@EZSteve]

I recently did a ten month review, which you can watch at this link, telling my current thoughts: kzbin.info/www/bejne/fp_ZXnSsast4rMk Bottom line? I would never return to clipless or standard flats. steve

[@daveyJ213]

Hey, Steve. Great to see you my friend. Yes, my feet have definitely changed; they are longer. Depending what shoe I am purchasing I have to buy up to 11.5 from 10. Those peddles look like the ticket. I've already experimented with riding without clipless peddles, so I'm going to try out those peddles. By the way, love your new trike. Are you back to taking long distance rides? I've still have the bug ever since my first ride with you. So, let me know. Take care, brother.

[@EZSteve]

Howdy David, nice to hear from you my old friend. I love these pedals! I will never return to clipless, now that I understand the biomechanics of pedaling, something that I never really gave much thought to until now, because I always believed the common thought that clipless was the best pedaling solution. Once I began applying my 55 years of resistance training knowledge to the subject, I was amazed I had not figured this out earlier. I am MUCH more powerful going up hills now, and as a result, hills are much easier, and I am no longer dreading them. PLUS, I never now have any hotspots, foot numbness, or pain in the toes ... all things of the past, happily! Keeping the pedal axle axis mid-foot, between the forefoot and heel, is the key to happy pedaling! I have not yet done any touring on this trike, a result of not wishing to have any potential covid interactions in stores along the way. I do have a set of Ortlieb 70 liter panniers, brand new and unused, but I will be switching them out for a set of Arkel T-42 panniers, because having now tried the Ortlieb bags, I realize that I much prefer the simplicity of the zippered and pocketed Arkel bags like I have long used on my trips. Well, if you still have the bug, and are willing, I would certainly be quite excited for us to give it another go one of these days, which may be easier since we are both in the northwest now. I cannot say when currently, but I will definitely keep it in mind if and when things return to a normal state, because I love having these adventures, and I much prefer doing them with someone who is like minded than solo. You just amped-up my desire! steve

[@daveyJ213]

@@EZSteve Hey Steve. Those pedals sound like the way to go. Hot spots and pressure points are still ongoing for me; and you are correct about being able to apply more power with the arch of your foot. I have been experimenting with using the flat side of the lipless pedals and I can feel the difference. Those Arkel T-42 panniers you mentioned seem very well made. I like the design and style of them. I still have my original Arkels from out first trip; they have held up really well. Yes, as time allows let's do another trike riding adventure. Even if it's not as long as our last try, it would still be fun. I'm going to try a round trip 150 miler just here locally to see if I still have the chops. I tow a trailer for gear. I have an injured knee, so the e-assist on my AZUB Ti-Fly X helps keep undue stress off the joint. I'm retired now, so time is not problem. Good to. hear from you. Glad you are still out riding. Take care; keep me posted.

[@EZSteve]

@@daveyJ213 Hi David ... I just happened to check in to my channel and see that you just posted, so how fortuitous is that, haha? I definitely get significantly more power from using the whole foot as opposed to just the forefoot area that I used for years with my clipless pedals. Hills are now much easier, and I don't even mind them anymore because there is no concentrated pressure on my forefeet ... I love it! I've not had any hotspots or foot pain at all ever since I began riding with these pedals. There is a drawback however, and that is those 18 pins. I was getting off the trike the other day and hit the front of my lower left shin (I just did a new video about it). Even though I had a double layer of jeans, along with a neoprene chain guard, covering my lower leg, the pins still gouged me (but the cloth of the neoprene was not damaged). These Catalyst pedals are made specifically for mountain bike riders and racers, and recumbent trikes were not considered in their design at Pedaling Innovations. I got these primarily based on Matt Galat's enthusiasm for them, but I wonder if a trike specific mid-foot pedal would be a better, less hazardous, option. Here is a product I am looking at that Utah Trikes sells, which may be a better recumbent pedal option: www.utahtrikes.com/PROD-11620592.html I have seen the light regarding forefoot versus midfoot pedaling, so wish to stick to what makes my pedaling life easier and more productive. There is nothing like first-hand experience with pedals to figure these things out, but of course, I now have four sets of nearly new pedals in my garage, and if I get the Utah Trikes pedals to try them out, that will be set number five! Gads! But how else is a rider to really know without test riding for a while? I definitely like that hills are no longer something that I dread (hills always put a ton of pressure on the forefeet, further worsening hotspot pain). I had a set of the Arkel RT-60 like you have, a black pair, that I used on my ICE Full Fat, but I sold them with the trike. I was contemplating another set of GT-54s like I used to have on my ICE Q, but I want to excel at a more minimalist level, so I am choosing the T-42s. That would give me a total approximate luggage volume of 75 liters, which is reasonable if well thought. On my Catrike 700 tour on the Oregon Coast several years ago, I had a total luggage volume of roughly 65 liters, which was very minimal, but with ample resupply on the coast 101 route, it was not a problem. I figure another ten liters with my new setup should be a sweet spot (I hope anyway, but only time will tell). Arkel says they should be able to make the bags for me this fall sometime. They don't make yellow anymore in their bags (just moss, black, and red), so i have requested a custom yellow set, which they said they would be happy to make for me. Had I ordered the moss color, which I do like, I could have had the bags a few weeks ago, but I want bright yellow for road visibility and safety! By the way David, if you take your local trip to test out everything, shoot some photos and video to post on your KZbin channel. I'd love to see it! See ya' ... steve

[@daveyJ213]

@@EZSteve Will do. I 'll keep you posted.

[@frankgladics644]

So this video is now 8 months old. Are you still using the new pedals? Are you still happy with them?

[@EZSteve]

Hi Frank, Yep, I'm still using them, and I love them. I will never return to clipless pedals after experiencing the joy of happy feet, regardless of how hard I pedal, how far I pedal, or how long I pedal, including going up hills! One thing that pleasantly surprised me is that pedaling up hills is so much easier than any of my clipless pedal setups over the years! The full foot support distributes the pressure over the entire foot evenly, and there is no fluid and unstable ankle movement, as found with all clipless setups, so all of my hip and leg power is delivered efficiently to the pedal stroke, so I expend less effort in the climb. Climbs are still a challenge of course, but NOT like they have been for all the prior years I've been triking. These pedals were the best pedal investment I have ever made (and I've had a number of different pedal setups over the years and spent a LOT of money along the way). Another great thing about them is that my feet remain securely planted even at stops because of the 18 traction pins that embed themselves into my shoe soles. The big caveat however is that these pedals, being the largest out there, take some getting used to when exiting the trike, in order to keep your shins from being gouged (but one time is a lesson learned, haha ... I did a video on my bloody encounter with these pedals if you are interested). kzbin.info/www/bejne/fnPWd5uVaKd3rJY And one on my technique to exit the trike: kzbin.info/www/bejne/iIabp5mOgdCYiJo steve

[@frankgladics644]

Thanks for the update and links.

[@danloulin]

You may want to add adjustable Velcro heal straps.

[@EZSteve]

I think some riders have done just that, however, for anyone who prefers to be attached to the trike, there is a better pedal solution available from Utah Trikes, which has a heel cup and a Velcro foot strap included as part of the pedals. Here is a link: www.utahtrikes.com/PROD-11620592.html Also, if you are interested in more information on these Catalyst pedals, which I have been using now for over a year, be sure to view my eight other videos about the pedals, in my channel playlist titled: "Catalyst full-foot support pedals". This video here was the first of a series that I did about these great pedals. By the way, my feet have never fallen off these pedals, due to the 18 traction pins per side per pedal. Even unexpected bumps or missed shifts just result in a slight shifting of my foot sometimes, but my feet always remain on the pedals. Even at a stop light, my feet remain on the pedals with no effort on my part. These pedals are not the best choice however for anyone with any lower body physical impairment that compromises their ability to keep their feet on the pedals, which is why I often recommend the pedals from Utah Trikes. Thanks for your comment! steve

[@HermannKerr]

As I tour I wear a touring shoe. I had to buy a longer shoe just to get the width and then I had to get inserts. Not my favourite shoe which were real leather cycling shoes by Keen. They don;t make them anymore. I am 75 by the by. As I have full on Osteoarthritis in my right knee I find SPDs which I have been using since 1988 are invaluable. My first trike I purchased was in September 2010. Get some heal loops so that you don't come off the pedals and hit the ground and run over yourself. I know someone who did that. I have PD-T8000 (really off the deep en but they came with the trike which is also off the deep end, a Azub Ti Fly 20") which are passable on the non-SPD side if I am not going far like a 100 feet.

[@EZSteve]

I have done a total of nine talks on these pedals, and how they compare to my years using SPD clipless pedals. The talks can be seen as a playlist on this channel called "Catalyst full-foot support pedals". Having used these pedals now for over a year, I would never return to clipless toe pedaling, which is not nearly as powerful or efficient as using the full foot, where much more power is delivered to the pedal. For anyone who is concerned about their feet falling off their pedals, and the subsequent tibia strike by the cross-frame, I highly recommend the Utah Trikes pedal, which has both a heel cup and a retention strap: www.utahtrikes.com/PROD-11620592.html I have never had a foot come off a pedal, but for the newer riders who do experience this happening, I am sure it is a painful lesson to learn! steve

[@HermannKerr]

I have full on osteoarthritis, plus I spin at 90+ rpm, I could never go back. Before that I pedalled with toe clips from about 1974.through to 1988 when I switch to SPDs. An MVA put me on a trike.

[@EZSteve]

Wow, 90+ RPM is really moving! How fast we each spin those pedals is quite diverse. I have found over time that my typical pedal revolution rate hovers around 60 RPM. It's very personal, and depends on what feels the most comfortable for a rider. All my best wishes to you Hermann! steve

[@garyseckel295]

Agree with video finds. See also "TerraTrike" heel cup pedals ($145.45). Most can remove included nylon straps. Other heel cup pedals out there. Clipless pedals not for most!

[@garyseckel295]

Have dealer allow you to take a test ride before purchase of pedals.

[@EZSteve]

Yes, I have recently seen those pedal devices, courtesy of another viewer who brought them to my attention. At this point, I believe that any pedaling solution that allows the entire foot to push evenly, forefoot to heel, is the healthiest way to pedal, avoiding typical issues that clipless pedal users experience. Up until this summer, I never thought I would be saying that, but at least I learned (slow learning is better than no learning, haha) 😄 steve

[@garyseckel295]

@@EZSteve "Solution that allows the entire foot to push evenly, forefoot to heel, is the healthiest way to pedal" Keep up your excellent work, Steve!

[@garryfavor7614]

Do u worry about ur shoe sliding off the pedal and getting Leg Suck? I experienced that. It’s painful and no fun.

[@EZSteve]

Hi Garry, I have been using these pedals since this past summer of 2022, and my feet have never slipped off, even with jarring bumps. This is because there are 18 traction pins on each side of each pedal, so even though my feet may move a tiny bit, they never come off the pedals. From a practical standpoint, I do not even miss my former clipless pedals at all ... my feet feel just as secure with the pedal as before, and even at stop lights, my feet stay firmly on the pedals due to the 18 traction pins. At first when I bought these and started using them, I wondered if I would regret not being physically attached to the pedal like I was with clipless pedals, but now after about six months of pedaling with these, it is apparent that feet slipping off these pedals is not an issue at all. The only drawback I have experienced is if your leg shin actually strikes the pedal pins when exiting the trike, which draws blood and does not feel good. I did a video about this drawback, and I learned my lesson well 😪 There are also other pedal choices that offer great foot support that are made to keep the foot on the pedal no matter what. They are large smooth pedals with heel supports and a forefoot strap, which you may wish to check out. Here is a link to the Utah Trikes website where they talk about four options if you are worried about foot slippage: kzbin.info/www/bejne/iZOXhqGfl5uYbas It just comes down to which pedal you would personally prefer. I really like these Catalyst pedals personally, and am happy I spent $150 for them. steve

[@BikesAndBanjos]

I've been riding recumbents with different pedals and shoes for a while now and I've found that for most riding I also prefer to use flat pedals. However unlike your video, I've found better success using flats with soft souled shoes like running shoes or Vans. They tend to plant and secure themselves on spiked pedals MUCH easier than a hard souled hiking shoe with lots of deep grooves. The one exception to riding with flats for me is if I'm riding a hilly course where I can frequently pickup speeds in excess of 25 mph. I've noticed that regardless of the type of flat pedal and shoe combination, my feet will bounce off the pedals occasionally which can get a little unnerving. So I'll still use clipless in these situations.

[@EZSteve]

Hey there Tony, Thanks for your thoughts! I have heard the 5.10 flat shoes recommended by a number of riders, and I did look into them because folks were saying that they remained planted on the pedals and pins better than many other shoes. As far as I could tell, the 5.10s do not offer an extra wide shoe, or at least it is not obvious in their online content. On this ride in the video, I wore hiking shoes, and for my type of mostly road riding, they were super grippy, and I never had any issues with coming off the pedals. Since I am not a mountain bike racer on off-road terrain, the shoe type is not as critical for me as it is for you and MTB racers like James Wilson (the inventor of these pedals. I also have a pair of New Balance 510 trail runner shoes, which have a softer sole than the Merrill shoes, so I will try them too. My riding is pretty tame these days, but I used to race motorcycles in the desert off-road, so I understand the need for good footwear based on one's activities. I appreciate your comments. steve

[@BikesAndBanjos]

@@EZSteve It's definitely whatever you're comfortable with. I'll be curious to see how you feel after tryin out the New Balance shoes. I wouldn't say my shoes are critical to me, but I do like to be comfortable and stay on the pedals. I was using an old pair of Vans that were working out pretty well but I recently bought a new super comfy pair of Adidas running shoes with a pretty flat/soft bottom and they've been wonderful

[@EZSteve]

@@BikesAndBanjos Yes, having comfortable feet while doing any activity is really important, and it always takes me a long time and lots of experimentation to find the best solutions, whether it be hiking, biking, triking, or even walking. For walking/running I have used New Balance and Asics, both great shoes, and I have found that the Asics actually serve me well when hiking in the mountains on day hikes. The Merrills are stiffer, and not as comfortable for day hikes interestingly, but I wanted to try them with these pedals for triking to see if the stiffer sole would work, which it appears to do, but I am also interested in the New Balance trail runners to see how they compare. By the way, I saw your recent video riding 17.5 miles per hour, and noticed that Ellen was riding an Easy Racers Gold Rush - nice bike! I had a black Gold Rush prior to my current HP Velotechnik trike, and that bike was super comfortable, perhaps more so than the trike. On the Gold Rush, I used Shimano PD-M520 clipless pedals because of the close proximity of the front wheel and fender to the pedals and foot when making slow sharp turns. I notice that Uncle Fester has an uncanny resemblance to you 😊

[@BikesAndBanjos]

@@EZSteve Ha! I am Uncle Fester on recumbent! My wife really likes the Gold Rush. I've got a couple of these old LWB recumbents that I've been trying to entice my friends with when we do trail rides. My wife's been doing okay with running shoes, but it will be interesting to see if we ever do some road rides with hills where she could really take advantage of some clipless pedals and see how that will play out. I also like the Shimano "egg beaters" for certain rides on my Cruzbike. I'm sure we'll stick them on the Gold Rush at some point

[@stephendufort4154]

My feet started out already wide, and in Europe shoe stores they do not really specialize or measure width with the same degree and importance as is found in the States....its a little inconvenient . My VTX , I think wade 31 or so k. maybe 32k I do not use the racing tires though ,I have a light thread, so I suppose It cost some minor slower speed(?) the racing tires I worried about to many plates with the swab however , IN 5 OTR 6 , OR 7 Year old trike ,I forget when exactly I bought it, but I never had a flat.

[@EZSteve]

I have always used Schwalbe Marathon PLUS tires on my road trikes because of their superior ability to resist flats. I have never had a flat with the Marathon PLUS tires, even though I have run over shards of glass, nails, and other sharp road debris on my cross-country trips. The tiny bit that such a superior tire would slow down one's top speed is insignificant for about 99% of all riders ... it is only if a rider's goal is to go faster than everyone else in every circumstance that a speed tire is necessary. I can go plenty fast with my Schwalbe Marathon PLUS tires! They are slightly heavier in weight, but I don't care because I don't get flats EVER, and that is fine with me! I want to ride, not worry about fixing flat tires. steve

[@DanielWilliams-vo7ni]

I was riding before work on a bear pal pedal and my foot slip off and my calf hit the cross bar ! Now if my back of foot on the pedal ? Unkhown But there is a strap thar holds the heel to the pedal

[@EZSteve]

Pedals can make a difference for sure. I have used the plastic pedals at times on bicycles, and have had a foot slip off, but I have always used clipless pedals on trikes until this summer. My feet do not slip off these Catalyst pedals due to the excellent traction of the 18 pins, but the other day, when I was getting up out of the trike, the lower inside portion of my left shin, just above the ankle, caught the left pedal, and really tore up the skin for about two inches! Not pleasant at all! I am now healing, and have learned a lesson to be super extra careful when around these pedals! Those same 18 pins that keep my feet on the pedals are like teeth, and if you scrape against them, they will hurt and draw blood, like happened to me this past week. From a safety standpoint, some of those pedals with heel cups and straps might be a good solution. I am sure the Bear Paw pedals can also hurt, but at least they have far fewer pins than the Catalyst pedals. steve

[@DanielWilliams-vo7ni]

I believe Joe as I call him, uses the same pedal you are talking about. He got a trike from Czech Republic made of titanium and painted yellow full suspension, Ti Fiy X, I am using the pedals that came with my catrike, they are larger than my old pedals. But I don't have a reason to change pedal types! I brought a carbon cycling shoe 46 wide I have no problems.

[@jorgheyen5301]

Well I use PD-421 from Shimano to push and pull in the same moment ;)

[@EZSteve]

I used to use the push/pull technique for all the years I rode and toured with SPD clipless pedals. This is a necessary pedaling strategy for riders using clipless pedals in order to attain the most power and efficiency on each pedal stroke. However, this method of pedaling is quite inefficient when compared to full-foot support pedaling, where the rider's foot arch is directly over the pedal axle (to understand this concept, please watch my video here: kzbin.info/www/bejne/d328doV5haaIhKc) The ankle is the weak link when toe pedaling, which is what riders do who use clipless pedals. Not only is toe pedaling very inefficient compared to using the entirely supported foot to pedal, it causes damage to the feet (Nerve Compression Syndrome, aka: hotspots) that can become permanent, and it makes ascending hills and mountains much more difficult. I have done a total of nine talks about the differences between forefoot (toe) pedaling and pedaling with the full power of the foot. You can view them on my channel playlist called: "Catalyst full-foot support pedals" I swore by SPD clipless pedals for many years! It was not until I actually tried pedaling with my entire foot well supported on long flat pedals that I realized the old "push/pull" technique existed only because of the extreme inefficiency of clipless pedals. I would not have believed it myself had I not actually tried another method of pedaling, and I am VERY happy to have done so! My feet never hurt on 50 mile days in steep mountains anymore, and getting up the passes is SO much easier! If someone had told me this back when I was still convinced that SPD clipless pedals were the best way to pedal, I would not have believed them ... goes to show that nothing is better than first-hand experience! steve

[@EZSteve]

You are certainly correct about cycling shoes being for people with really small feet! They are all so narrow, which is one of the reasons I am happy to now be using regular shoes with these long platform pedals. My feet never hurt anymore, no matter how far or long I ride, which is wonderful (and I have so much more power now going up hills than I did with SPD clipless pedals). steve

[@The-GreenHornet]

​@@EZSteve Steve, as the Ol' saying goes..."You can lead a horse to water but you cannot force it to drink." You have done a excellent job in showing the benefits and differences between clipless pedals and shoes, compared to the long and wide Pedal Innovations pedals; allowing for full foot powerful pedaling. We are creatures of habit, and sometimes we just aren't willing to try new things. Hopefully those that are hell bent on sticking with their clipless pedals, will experience enough Compression foot syndrome "Hot foot" that it will cause them to be open to trying these Pedal Innovations pedals, as you did. As you know, I being a certified welder fabricated my own full foot pedals - Cool Ease Platforms: C.E.P'S Which have completely eliminated all Hot foot syndrome and given me much more power in my Pedal strokes. Thanks for sharing.

[@EZSteve]

Your custom pedal design is a good example of full foot support pedaling, and allows for full utilization of the powerful leg and hip musculature. Nothing beats actual "on the road" experience when it comes to pedal choice, although I bet there are those who choose to stick with toe pedaling simply because it is what they were taught, or is the cool racer thing to do. Clearly, there is no real-world practical benefit to be gained with pedaling on one's toes for riders on recumbent tricycles. steve

[@LaidBackPedalPusher]

Good idea about those longer pedals, but don't you lose the ability to use power on the back of the spin? I use Power Grips so I can wear any shoes and move my foot around, and I'm not into the power so much, but I can still also add the 'back spin.' I use them mostly to prevent incident. You could add them to the front of those longer pedals and eliminate the risk of 'leg suck.' Maybe I just haven't been triking long enough, but I never see people using them and wonder why. Maybe there is some down-side to them, but you wouldn't know it by me. I love those straps.

[@brauljo]

Modern testing has concluded that pulling on the pedals is less efficient.

[@EZSteve]

Hi Mary Mary, I have spoken in great detail about all the points you mention in your comment, and the videos can be found mostly in my "Catalyst full-foot support pedals" playlist, which can be accessed on this channel's home page here: www.youtube.com/@TrikeHobo/featured If you want the details of my thoughts, watch those videos, but I will go ahead and address briefly here some of your points to give you some thoughts: 1) Yes, most definitely there is no ability at all to pull back with the return leg using these pedals. Keep in mind however, that pulling back being necessary to realize maximum power is simply a cycling myth, nothing more, a common misconception perpetuated by riders who are not aware of the physics of pedaling when comparing clipless forefoot pedaling to pedals like these. The reason clipless pedal riders pull back with the return leg is because clipless pedaling (what I call toe pedaling) is inefficient compared to full foot pedaling on platform pedals like the Catalyst (not standard platforms, but long platforms that actually support the entire foot, because most platform pedals are just forefoot pedaling). 2) I used PowerGrips on my first cross country adventure in 2009, pedaling with them for hundreds of miles over the course of several weeks. After that trip with them, I sold them, and never returned to using them. To achieve the contact security to the pedal with PowerGrips necessitates pressure applied to the forefeet by the PowerGrips straps, once the foot is rotated forward to pedal. This pressure, over hours and days of riding, is not good for the forefeet because it restricts blood flow, and good blood flow to the forefeet is essential for foot health because pedaling with one's forefeet leads to Nerve Compression Syndrome (NCS), what is commonly referred to as "hotspots", a very unpleasant ache and pain in the forefeet, which then necessitates stopping and walking around every once in a while to revive full feeling in the feet. This is usually not an issue for those who ride locally for short periods of time. 3) I would not recommend adding PowerGrips to these Catalyst pedals. I doubt they would even be adaptable, but beyond that, the feet do not slip off these pedals due to the 18 traction pins on each side of each pedal. The foot can be jarred and move slightly on a large road irregularity like a pothole you don't see coming, but in more than a year of riding, my feet have never slipped off the pedals. I did a video about this slipping question, having been asked it many times so far, and that talk is also included in the Catalyst pedal playlist I referred you to earlier. 4) The Catalyst full-foot support pedals are made by a professional mountain bike racer, with that sport in mind. They are high-end pro pedals for dedicated MTB riders, but as with anything that is new and bucks the system of entrenched beliefs, uptake by the general cycling community is slow. You can search "pedaling innovations catalyst pedals" online and watch tons of videos by many riders about these pedals (mostly bike riders). To my knowledge, I was only the second recumbent trike rider to begin using these, having learned about them from Matt Galat, a famous recumbent triker who rides his trike around the world. He has used them exclusively for quite a while now, and swears by them. Matt knows what he is doing, having ridden far more miles on extended adventures than I have. He was absolutely correct with his choice of these pedals! 5) I see no downside to these pedals at all, having ridden them now since summer 2022. I have significantly MORE power on each pedal stroke than I ever did when riding with clipless pedals for all those years, and definitely more power than when riding with PowerGrips and pedaling with only my forefeet (toe pedaling). My feet never have any discomfort, no matter how far I ride, how long I ride, or how hard I ride. I never get hotspots even after hours of pedaling in tough mountainous terrain. I can wear any shoe I want, as you do with your PowerGrips, but I have my entire foot supported for maximum long-term foot health, whereas you are using your forefeet to pedal, which is inefficient from a power standpoint, and can lead to negative foot issues over time. NOTE: Well, there is one downside to the Catalyst pedals, and that is if you are careless getting into or out of the trike, and strike your shin on the pedals, they can really gouge the skin ... I also did a video about this injury I suffered from my carelessness and the traction pins, also accessible in the Catalyst playlist I linked to early in this reply. But the lesson was learned a year ago, and there has been no repeat fortunately. Other than this, I would say there is no downside, unless you enjoy struggling when pedaling up steep hills (the Catalyst pedals make uphill riding a TON easier than when pedaling with the toes!). steve

[@LaidBackPedalPusher]

@@EZSteve Well, that explains it! I don't ride very long distances, so I think that is why the pressure isn't noticeable to me. Thanks for taking the time to answer my question!

[@LaidBackPedalPusher]

@@EZSteve I guess I'm becoming a strong enough rider to feel what you are talking about with the Power Grips. Usually I'm towing my pups around the main part of town, stopping frequently to inspect the events, so I had not noticed. But my pups don't want to ride more than 3 or 4 miles, so I started leaving them at home. I was amazed at how much further I can ride without that extra 50 pounds behind me! I went 12 miles, and boy did I feel that numbness and pain in my feet! And I figured out one additional reason that I never noticed it before. I usually wear Keens, which have a solid sole. But that time I wore soft soled shoes that bend and encourage toe pedaling. For the next two days I did the same 12 miles, but instead I was wearing my keens, and that totally prevented the pain and 'hot spots.' So, when my Keens wear out, lol, I guess I'll be switching to your recommended pedal. Thanks for all of the great information!

[@EZSteve]

@@LaidBackPedalPusher Another potential pedal option is made by Utah Trikes, which offers the same pain-free riding experience for the feet. Here is the link: www.utahtrikes.com/PROD-11620592.html

[@williamcotton8746]

Why do you call pedals with clips on them clipless? I'm confused.

[@EZSteve]

HI William, That's the biggest question everyone has because of the poor naming choices made long ago (hindsight is always perfect, haha). Before there were ever pedal binding attachment systems, what is now called "clipless", you could get straps and different devices to attach to pedals that would hold your feet on the pedal (this all evolved around bicycle pedals, not trikes). One was a toe strap that your forefoot slipped into so that you could pedal the bicycle without your foot slipping forward off the pedal. These devices came to be know back then as clips, methods of keeping the feet more securely on the bicycle pedals. Then, someone came up with the idea at some point to use a system like skiers use, a binding system where the feet actually attached via a mechanical binding setup to the pedal. The idea took off like wildfire, and since it did not involve what they were referring to as "clips" (toe straps and such), the name "clipless" was brought into existence, because riders weren't using clips anymore ... they were riding "clipless" instead. Well of course, as we all know, that naming is counterintuitive nowadays, because we all refer to "clipping in" to the pedals when we use pedal binding mechanisms. But, this is VERY confusing to anyone who is not familiar with how things evolved over the years and decades. It's all in the naming, which is kind of worthless really. To avoid this confusion, I try most of the time to refer to clipless pedals as pedal binding mechanisms, but it's easier to just say clipless, even though it runs counter to logical thinking. This confusion will likely exist for eternity, haha. By the way, these full foot support flat pedals are awesome beyond my wildest dreams, having used them for six months so far. I never thought I would leave my "clipless" systems that I used for years, but having taken the chance this past summer of 2022, I am a believer in pedaling with the entire foot instead of just the balls of the feet. There is so much more power, especially on hard uphills, where it is REALLY noticeable! I have a new video coming out on this Friday (Dec 23), where I pedal up an insanely steep grade, testing these pedals for the first time at such an extreme angle, and I was blown away with the difference, which I discuss at the end of the video. steve

[@eternaloptimist2840]

Used to be we had leather straps to hold our shoes in place, these were supported by toe clips, the shoes had a cleat with a slot in it to positively locate on the back-plate of the pedal. The new locking pedals didn't have these toe clips, so were described as clipless. With straps and cleated shoes we used to clip in and clip out, with clipless pedals we clip in and clip out - plus ça change, plus c'est la même chose.

[@thisandthatandotherthings]

Sidi are wider than Lake in my size BUT you have to get the Sidi MEGA version

[@EZSteve]

The SIDI shoes I used to ride were indeed the MEGA version, but even those were no wider than the Lake MX-165 that I still have. I liked the SIDIs a lot, took one cross country journey with them, but especially now I need a really wide shoe for my foot health. steve

[@thisandthatandotherthings]

@@EZSteve Interesting. My Sidi shoes are my only piece of Italian kit - they are well made and when I look at the soles, a great match to the shape of my feet. I often see bike fit recommendations to replace the Lake inner soles with G8 soles for more / customisable arch support but I have found the Sidi good for me. Good cycling shoes are indeed the foundation for good cycling

[@mikldude9376]

Your not alone mate , although i am a fairly big dude , i used to wear 10/11 size in my younger days , i at nearly retirement age am a size 14 4e ..... going on 15 , standard bike pedals have been too small and painful for me for ages , now i use mountain bike down hill pedals which are nice and wide with studs in them ( i have never used clips) , i dont like them . Edit : i like your big pedals by the way .

[@EZSteve]

Having ridden with these pedals now for about a year and a half, I am still loving them, along with the additional power I get while using my full foot to pedal rather than just my forefoot (what I term toe pedaling). My feet never hurt anymore, due in part to being able to wear normal shoes that actually fit my wider feet. These pedals are standard width for platform pedals, but they are extra long, which is the key to involving the entire foot, heel to toe. steve

[@neilgreen7613]

Is foot slip possible with these?

[@EZSteve]

Hi Neil, I recently did an entire talk discussing your very question, so I shall refer you to it in this link: kzbin.info/www/bejne/rom3nmuYlLKiq9E steve

[@darylkanofski9327]

But what about the ppl who use the front part of the foot as that's where you get more power from

[@EZSteve]

I pedaled with the front part of my feet for 13 years, however, controlled tests reveal that it is not as efficient as using the entire foot. I have a follow-up to this video coming out today, where I will address this very point. I am considerably more powerful with these Catalyst pedals ... hills are actually fun now!! steve

[@stephendufort4154]

I am 73 and be 74 the 29 OF jAN

[@EZSteve]

The seventies are an exciting transition from youth! Keep on triking! steve

[@SolarizeYourLife]

Ah.... $150 is mighty pricey...

[@EZSteve]

Pricey is right! And I took a chance in spending that money to get a pair based on another triker's recommendation. But they have turned out to be worth every penny for me, as my feet always feel great now, regardless of how long I ride, how far I ride, or how hard I ride. Using the full foot is such a huge step forward for foot health (no pain or discomfort from hotspots), not to mention the noticeable power increase going up hills, which blew me away. For me, the money is not as important as my foot health and riding enjoyment, and I'm now done with using SPD clipless and standard (short) flat pedals ... but it took me actually riding these pedals to learn the amazing benefits. There are other full-foot support pedals that do not cost as much, and will deliver the same benefits of foot health and power increase (which I have linked to in some of my other talks about these pedals). Check out this option: www.utahtrikes.com/PROD-11620592.html steve

[@DavidRidesaTrike]

Hi Steve! I also have wide feet but I've found that the Shimano shoes are very wide. They're the only ones that have ever comfortably fit me. That said, these pedals look like a very good alternative. Unlike you though, I have very flat feet so I'm not sure how they'd work for me.

[@EZSteve]

Howdy David, My Lake SPD clipless shoes are actually very comfortable, which is probably the reason I have never looked at them with an eye that they may have been part of foot issues over the years. The impetus for my initial foray into this pedal change thing was Matt Galat, when he was sharing that he was so happy to leave clipless and go to super long flat pedals. That resulted in me taking a tape measure to the Lakes, my regular shoes, and also to my own feet, all of which resulted in the shocking revelation that my foot was wider than the Lake shoe! That was when I realized that this was just plain weird ... to have a foot wider than the shoe that contains it, haha! Even the clipless SIDI MEGA size MTB shoes I used to wear felt comfy once in them, but they certainly were not a "mega" width for someone with wide feet. My search online for super wide clipless shoes revealed three brands: Lake, SIDI, and Shimano. I looked at the Shimano shoes online, but was not able to find any reference to the actual width in inches, and they did not appear wider than typical cycling shoes, and the sizing charts did not specify a wide version. I wanted to remain clipless, thus the reason for spending time searching for a truly wide clipless shoe. This is when I followed Matt's advice and decided to give long flat pedals a chance to see what I thought. The bottom line for all of us trikers is that we wear shoes and use a pedaling strategy that is pain-free under all riding circumstances. In other words, our feet should never hurt in any way no matter if we are pedaling up insanely steep hills or just leisurely cruising on flat ground for a few hours. Wearing my Merrill Moab Ventilator hiking shoes on this ride with these pedals felt like my feet were fully supported and flat against the pushing surface, due to the extreme stability, even though I could drive a car under my arches 😂 steve

[@EZSteve]

I think these long pedals would work for any feet actually. Full foot support eliminates the inherent instability of pushing with the forefoot because the leg is actually pushing into the heel of the foot, a very stable power base. I was doing a little test this afternoon thinking about this, and how I could demonstrate to folks this stability comparison, and came up with this (which I may show in a video): 1) Stand with feet should width apart, squat down no more than half way, and then push up powerfully to fully upright. Do this a few times in rapid form, feeling the stability of both feet planted firmly on the ground ... solid as a rock. 2) Now, raise the heels slightly off the floor, so you are balanced on the forefeet, and try the same movement, with the same power and rapid speed. When I tried this today, I was not stable during the second portion of the test. The reason was that my leg driving the power was essentially pushing into air space, and my ankle and foot were attempting to stabilize my lower body structure. This is why the big reason clipless cycling shoes have super stiff soles, in an attempt to bring a state of stability when basically standing on the forefeet, or pushing off from the forefeet during pedaling. The leg is biomechanically in a state of instability because nothing is grounding the heel, which is directly underneath the power source. Interestingly, I never even considered this until I began this bizarre journey of seeking solutions a few weeks ago. I always assumed stiff soles were to eliminate hotspots (which they do), but I can now see from my own odd thinking on the matter that it is more to stabilize the power grid from the hips to the feet. I was always told and taught to pedal the typical way nearly everyone does because it was the most powerful way to do it, but I no longer believe this based on my own experiences in recent days. Of course, few will have any desire to ditch clipless and try flats, but that's okay because we all have our own paths to travel, and if pedaling the "normal" way is pain-free for someone, then more power to them! It turns out it isn't anymore for me, so I broke ranks and sought new solutions, which is working very well. But back to your original thought about flat feet: It's not really so much about supporting the arch, and people like me with high arches need that extra support, but rather much more about the added power gains and ease of pedaling up hills, along with the much greater leg stability, all of which are beneficial regardless of arch configuration. As much as I really love clipless, I value my foot health more, and in my own case, it looks like I am now going to be an "ex-clipless" rider. 🥲 See ya' buddy! Keep up motivating all us out here in tricycle town! We all love you and are in your corner! steve

[@DavidRidesaTrike]

@@EZSteve That is truly amazing about your feet being wider than the shoes. That must have really been astounding when you first measured! I think the two keys here are 1, that your feet are pain free and 2, that you get the best transfer of power from your foot to the trike. When I first entered the clipless pedal world ack in the very early 90s I couldn't find a shoe that was wide enough. I happened to try on a pair of Shimano shoes and while they weren't specified as being wide or extra wide, they fit me well. I've stuck with them ever since. When I first started riding a trike I had an issue with foot pain but after seeing a Graham Williams video.He recommended stopping every 10 or so miles and while remaining seated, unclipping your feet and letting them rest on the ground for a couple minutes with your feet flat on the ground. It did the trick for me and I've done that ever since. All of that said, to me it's always made more sense, simply as a matter of physics, to have the arch area of the foot as being the contact point on the pedal. So, I think these long pedals might be a better route both for comfort and mechanics. I'm not saying I'm going to make the switch or try it right now, but it's certainly an idea worth considering.

[@DavidRidesaTrike]

@@EZSteve This goes to what I was saying about how I felt about the physics of pedaling. I never really bought the idea that pushing with the forefoot was the way to go but because everything I read and was told said to do it, I figured they were all right and I must be wrong. Now I'm not so sure!

[@EZSteve]

@@DavidRidesaTrike Hey there David, On my long distance multi-week trike journeys, I have used the solution you mention about stopping the trike and unclipping every few miles. On the trips, I tend to want to keep moving down the road for daily progress, so it is not uncommon for me to go more miles than I should without unclipping. If I go too many miles in my own unjustified exuberance, which I tend to do more often than not, I need to actually stand up and walk around for a few moments at the side of the road (remaining on the seat is not sufficient in that case because it takes longer for the feet to recover). But if I stop regularly like you suggest, then remaining on the seat with my legs stretched out works just fine. The thing with pedals is that no one can intellectualize their way into knowing how it will work. I had to actually get a pair of these, put them on the trike, and give them a good try. This was tough for me mentally because I love clipless pedals, so going to something so different was not something I was inclined to do ... not at all. I was always one of these guys who just knew I'd never give up clipless pedals and shoes. But then the recent hot spots in my day rides jarred me into wanting to do a deeper dive into stopping it, and for whatever reason, I put several pairs of my normal footwear sole to sole with my wide Lake SPD shoes, and was so completely shocked by the massive difference in width that I realized it was time to do something. My first line of action was attempting to find some clipless shoes that really were wide, not by cycling standards, but by real life width standards. The three brands that kept coming up were Lake, Shimano, and SIDI, two of which I had already owned and extensively ridden their "wide" versions. This left Shimano, but after studying multiple Shimano shoes online, there was no mention about actual width in inches, not to mention they looked rather narrow in the photos, just like my "wide" Lakes. So, I decided to give Matt Galat's solution a look, going to a flat pedal that was longer for entire foot support, and no pressure on the forefeet. So far, my new experiment is looking pretty dog gone good, and my feet are feeling perfect, even after three hours of riding. Relief from Nerve Compression Syndrome has been solved (happily), so I met my goal there, but the thing that really surprised me was the added power realized from pedaling with the entire foot supported. I was not expecting that, nor was I expecting being able to ascend hills easier ... two great benefits, both of which I like! Time will tell this tale, but so far, it's looking pretty good.

[@bentcrazy39]

Yup the older you get the wider the feet yet

[@EZSteve]

Hey there Shawn, Well, perhaps that's a good thing so that all us old folks have more area to keep us upright, haha! steve

[@technodrone313]

bmx pedals are better. those metal pins hurt lol. five ten shoes are nice for flats.

[@EZSteve]

I looked into the Five-Ten shoes, as they are the ones that James Wilson uses and highly recommends as the best for flats, but 5.10s don't make a wide version that I can find, and likely not an extra wide that I would need. Since I don't race MTBs, the 5.10 shoes are not so critical for me. steve

[@technodrone313]

@@EZSteve I don't race too. i ride in cargo shorts lol but i want an efficient and comfortable ride. a stiff sole is a must.

[@EZSteve]

@@technodrone313 The shoe I took my first ride on these Catalyst pedals wearing is a stiff soled Merrill Moab Ventilator hiking shoe/boot, and it worked really well yesterday on these pedals. I have a follow-up video coming out this evening where I talk about some more aspects of the ride.

[@technodrone313]

@@EZSteveahh cool. The 5 tens are kind of like low cut boots anyhow