SAFEST Alternatives to Recumbent Trike Pedals

If you purchased a trike and DIDN'T change out the pedals, you could be facing a problem... Regular pedals on a bike are OK. But, on a trike, your standard, run-of-the-mill pedals won't cut it. Why you ask? On a recumbent trike, gravity works against your feet, which makes them prone to slipping, resulting in injury. The fact is, you need a safer option.
- Purchase Clip-in Pedals Here: laidbackcycles.com/products/s...
- Purchase Heel Straps Here: laidbackcycles.com/products/t...
- Purchase Platform Pedals Here: laidbackcycles.com/products/t...
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Chapters:
00:00 The Unsafe Option
00:46 The Safest Option
01:50 Another Safe Option
02:42 Clip-ins VS. Straps
03:41 Adaptive Platform Pedals
04:49 Another Option
05:29 Clip-in Demo
06:44 Strap Demo
07:23 Platform Demo
08:46 How to Avoid Injury

[@calolson9572]

Absolutely great info! All you have to do is experience 'leg suck'(rolling over your ankle) just once and you'll never use standard pedals again! I'm Team Clip-In all the way! One thing I look for in a pedal is the amount of 'float' - the ability to have your foot turn/move a little without clipping out. I need that because my knee replacements made my leg/foot alignment a touch wonky, but having a pedal with a decent amount of float really helps. Thanks for an important and helpful video!!

[@popsbents3542]

What most people don't realize is just how far the trike can move in just 1 second even at a slow speed. At 5 mph the trike will move forward just over 7 feet. OUCH!!!! I use Crank Brothers Double Shot 1, tried Candy but were to small and Mallet cost way more. I won't ride without clipping in, even on a test ride as the last time my foot slipped off the pedal was on a short ride in front of my house to verify that I had set my derailleur shifting correctly, result six stitches as the trike stopped immediately when it hit my leg and pitched me to the ground. Also won't ride without a helmet from the same incident.

[@taylordw]

@popsbents3542 my experience exactly 👍

[@FishNDoogie]

I have currently on "Dewey" My Catrike Dumont the pedal straps. It allows me to keep my feet secure especially on down hills, but when pedaling flats I can move my feet around for comfort. I may be swapping them soon to my platform pedals. One thing Mickey forgot to mention the platform pedal lets you use your most comfortable shoes. I also have pedal extenders that stopped my knee pain. Keep on Trikin'!!!

[@alexwilsonpottery3733]

Speedplay Frogshave been my favourite for almost thirty years. Loads of float for those old biker knees caused by nailed-on cleats and toe-clips and straps.

[@Intarsia82]

I have used Shimano clip-in pedals for over 20 years, first on two-wheel recumbents, now on my trike. The disadvantages that i found with these pedals were the hot spot on the ball of the foot because all the pedal force is on one spot and secondly, the shoes were hard to walk in because the clips felt like rocks underfoot. I recently test rode an Ice trike equipped with the Shimano Steps motor. The demo had standard pedals and as i was riding the trike with regular athletic shoes, my foot slipped off the pedal resulting in a fractured toe and a badly bruised calf muscle, sidelining me for 3 weeks. With my developing neuropathy i purchased platform pedals with toe strap and heel support. These should address the problems with the clip-ins. The ultimate lesson for me is never, never ride a recumbent without some form of foot restraint.

[@LaidBackCycles]

Thanks Ron for your input. It's important to have the right pedals and shoes that are adjusted properly. Glad the platform pedals are working for you. Keep cycling!

[@russellzauner]

Check into Power Grips - not an affiliate but it's what I use. It keeps my feet on the pedals but is also easy to mount/dismount using whatever shoes you like to ride in. Not expensive, mine were like 40 bucks. It works because of the cross strap design - I haven't found any other retention/stability devices that I like better. I don't need a heel cup with it because the angle of the strap causes my foot to lock to the pedal when pulling back - it's only moderately tight while pedaling, when adjusted right I can let my left leg even hang if it needs to. It might work for you - I have spinal cord damage that I need 75%-100% dynamic left pedal assist to accommodate (also why I have to ride recumbents now). If you find the heel cup awkward (or in my case painful, esp on dismount - I need my heel/ankle free to self-regulate bc of the spinal injury) it's worth a try and with things like amazon drop boxes available in many places it's also easy to return if they don't work for you. My wife has trouble fitting zero drop/barefoot shoes for her foot shape so we use that service a *lot* ...

[@Intarsia82]

I had to return the platform pedals. I have size 13 shoes and the fit was impossible. Once jammed into the pedal at the maximum size position, I could not remove my foot from the pedal. Currently I am back to the Shimano clip-ins. Perhaps the power grips would work, but with my neuropathy, I really fear slipping out. I am also trying to find comfortable shoes for the clip-ins. Thanks for your suggestions.

[@berndlange6924]

After I once slipped off the pedal and have hurt me thank God only little, I changed to magnetic pedals. The Magpeds offer a little more freedom than the cleats. Thank you for the importent film.

[@LaidBackCycles]

Magnetic is nice. I also really like Shimano Click'r technology for easy in with comfort float.

[@daytriker]

One consideration rarely mentioned is where your crankset & pedals are located in relation to your seat. On some trike models, your seat height is higher than your crankset & pedals placing your feet & legs closer to a vertical plane with gravity helping to keep your feet on your pedals. Terratrike Rovers, Several Trident models like the Spike & Titan would be good examples. On other models, your crankset & pedals are substantially higher than your seat placing your feet & legs in a more horizontal or higher plane. Steintrikes, Catrike Speed & 700's would be good examples of that format. It is believed that the higher elevation of your feet helps with blood flow to your heart but it obviously creates the need for a more secure foot retention. Also, if your trike does not have suspension, a bump or pothole that might be absorbed by your suspension is transmitted right through to your frame & seat which can launch your foot off of your pedal.

[@paulbouldin6677]

This is the first video I have ever seen fully describing how each pedal system work. Thank You!! Knowledge will set you free!!

[@LaidBackCycles]

Glad it was helpful!

[@EZSteve]

Hi Mickey, The two most popular pedals you mentioned are still requiring pedaling with the rider's toes, or the forefoot, which is not only inefficient as far as delivering all the power to the pedal stroke, but leads to (as you alluded) nerve problems in the forefeet, commonly referred to as hotspots. The large platform pedal with the strap and heel cup actually allows for full-foot support, with the arch of the foot over the pedal axle line (spindle), but those pedals are bulky, and if you do roll the trike, you are stuck to it, which could result in ankle or leg damage in severe cases. Toe pedaling may be popular, but my experience shows it to have multiple negative issues over time, especially on longer rides, harder rides, or tours. Pedaling on the balls of the feet, even with the clip slid all the way rearward, is not maximizing the power potential of the lower body, even when that old idea of pulling back with the return leg to assist in power (that assistance is needed because of the inefficiency of toe pedaling. Pedaling on the forefeet would be like walking in normal life on one's toes - It can be done, but it is awkward, inefficient compared to normal full foot walking, and requires constant micro-adjustments in the ankle to stabilize the gait. All that being considered, a year ago I began using the full-foot support Catalyst MTB pedal, and wow, what a noticeable improvement in all areas mentioned above. No foot pain under any circumstances whatsoever, no foot slippage off the pedal (for riders with full lower body nerve and muscle control), and a huge positive benefit in power, most especially noticeable when pedaling up hills, where toe pedaling really makes things hard. With these extra long pedals (same width as standard platform pedals, just longer), my power gain in hill climbing is absolutely amazing, something I never had anticipated prior to using them. Anyway Mickey, you may wish to give the Catalyst pedals a try ... They are pricey, being a professional grade aluminum MTB race pedal with 18 traction pins per side (($149.95), but most definitely worth every single penny! Having been a die-hard SPD clipless rider for years, I took a big chance, but I have learned that much of what we are taught about pedaling is based on racing bike cyclists' experiences, and does not apply to recumbent trike riding. It is not possible to grasp all this just by what I write here, and it will likely not be believed by many trikers because of our entrenched preconceptions about forefoot pedaling; it has to be personally experienced to fully realize the day and night differences between what is "popular" and what works best according to the laws of physics. I'll never go back! steve

[@garryfavor7614]

Do you use Straps on the Catalyst Pedal? If so then what kind are they?

[@EZSteve]

@@garryfavor7614 No, I do not use straps on these pedals. I doubt a strap would work well on them, but for me, straps are not necessary because my feet remain firmly on the pedals at all times, even while stopped. steve

[@calvinwhite8426]

8:31

[@EZSteve]

The Catalyst pedals are outstanding for riders who have no physical issues that would allow for their feet falling off the pedals. There are 18 traction pins on each side of each pedal. My feet have never fallen off these pedals, even with unexpected bumps or shifting irregularities. The "hot foot" situation is nothing to fool around with. I used to get those on my cross country trike rides, and had to stop and walk around every once in a while to get proper circulation back in my feet. Nerve Compression Syndrome (hotspots) can become permanent if the situation continues unabated. With the Catalyst pedals, I my feet remain on the pedals even at stop lights, without any conscious thinking about it, just like when I used to ride SPD clipless pedals. But these pedals may not be for everyone of course. I frequently recommend another full foot support pedal for riders with lower body physical issues, which can result in their feet falling off the pedals. Utah Trikes makes several, which have heel cups and straps built into them from the start. You still get the pedaling benefits from their pedals, but with the added mental security of knowing the feet cannot separate from the pedals. Here is a link to one of the Utah Trikes pedals, and a movie of their pedal offerings also appears on this page: www.utahtrikes.com/PROD-11620592.html I would not recommend adding straps to the Catalyst pedals. I am sure it could be done, but you may be better off with a strapped full foot support pedal in the first place. If you visit my channel, I have a playlist there with nine videos I have done about the Catalyst pedals over the past year, addressing your concerns. steve

[@paleolith99]

I think one reason some people have less trouble with feet leaving the pedals is that they are putting more pressure on the pedals. This can be a habit from long time lack of any kind of foot restraint, even old style toe clips. But that extra pressure on the pedal is wasted effort. Not only does it mean keeping pressure on the foot that's moving toward the body, the other (main driving) leg has to put out extra effort to balance -- a double waste.. A big reason for snap-ins (upright or recumbent) is to save on this effort and to be able to concentrate on pedaling in circles instead of push/push.

[@PhyllisBoone-sn8oi]

I completely agree. Having spent a lot of time learning to spin the cranks at high RPM during my upright racing and endurance riding days, I've not developed hotspots then or now on my trikes riding with my forever pedal/cleat setup. I also have very flat feet and ride using a good Bontraeger mountain shoe with good internal foot support. I'll be 70 in a couple of weeks and don't plan any change in my pedal/cleat set up anytime soon!

[@philipfiliatrault2720]

Very good essential info and presentation. Dropped foot will happen and is painful. With lumbar stenosis and leg mobility lost I chose the full heel support pedals but I don't use the straps, mostly to avoid the long reach up to secure them. They're in my pack in back if I ever change my mind. The one disadvantage of using this pedal is it robs lots of space for backing in to sit down. They're always in the way, swinging, and I'm continually adjusting pedal position to prevent losing my balance backing in. With space lost and balance help needed I wiretied a short length of plastic water pipe to my left seat bar, and keep 2 walking sticks in it to be available to help me balance to a sit down position. They're also good help for getting up and out. Don't make the pipe too long, just long enough to keep the sticks secure and a couple wire ties through drilled holes supporting a close fitting rubber ball or golf ball at the bottom. Thanks

[@jimrhouck]

SPD Clip-in! I had the heel straps for the first 800 miles or so and then experienced wheel-suck going downhill at about 25mph. My leg was under the trike, and I lifted the right front tire off the road. Incredibly lucky I wasn't damaged.

[@davidchrusciels8756]

I like and use the clip on pedal which the pedal is weighted and lines up with your shoe clip. The other side of the pedal is flat if you are wearing a regular sneaker. After having my shoes slip off the regular pedals while riding I started using clips for safety.

[@paleolith99]

I love my Eggbeater snap-ins. As well as looking cool, they have four-way access -- never have to worry about turning the pedal to get to the snap-in position. I've seen people try to use regular pedals with toe clips, because they've always used them on their uprights. Those are the worst for getting into because the weight distribution means they are ALWAYS in the wrong orientation.

[@ericd.6368]

Great videos!

[@user-fed-yum]

Mickey always does the best videos! I use Shimano spd double sided clip ins. My shoes allow me to adjust the cleat forwards and backwards, I've found I prefer it a bit further back. I was also finding it really difficult to get my shoes in and out of the pedals. My stuffed knee couldn't really handle it. There is an adjusting bolt on the pedals, and spent ages going through the range of foot disengaging too easy, to can't disengage at all. I found at the lighter settings there was also a little bit of side to side wobble without my shoe falling out. Turns out, that was great for my knee pain, that isn't quite straight, so it could rest in its normal alignment. Hope that makes sense.

[@LaidBackCycles]

Thanks for sharing Eron. I love how our community is here to help one another :)

[@jamesdaniels3699]

I had a stroke three years ago and I have a Terra trike All terrain with a Bosch motor. I'm using the strap pedal and the counter weight pedal. I have strap for the left foot and counter weight pedal for the right foot,it works for me very well.❤️

[@LaidBackCycles]

Finding the right pedals really helps 👏

[@debbieschwartz3132]

Spd Shimano are the way to go for me. I just bought my first trike sprint x tour. I also bought the Lake Enduro shoe thats super sturdy and comfortable

[@lindawalker8500]

Thank you for this video! My husband and I just bought new recumbents. He is familiar with riding recumbents, I am new. He bought me cleats and new shoes. I wanted to use them, but wasn't able to clip in properly? Since we were picking our new recumbents up at the store, we found out that problem while we were there and they swapped out my pedals for the platform kind with a strap. I feel kind of dorky and restricted, but that is such a better solution to prevent 'leg suck'! I just had knee replacement surgery last year and this adaption is allowing me to be able to ride at all! We are looking for new adventures, good exercise and experiences in our future! :)

[@LaidBackCycles]

Glad it helped Linda. Let us know if you would like any other videos that would help.

[@user-cs4jo3be5x]

I have the Terratrike straps on my Terratrike Rover and ICE Adventure. I am relatively new to the recumbent trike scene, so I went with the product to help ensure my feet won’t slip off. Perhaps in the future I’ll move up to clip ins.

[@LaidBackCycles]

Welcome to the trike world Bill. Keep riding!

[@Kefoo_]

-- *_Thank you, Laid Back Cycles!_* Lake bicycle shoes (worn for years) are too narrow for this cyclist.

[@kokopelli314]

I've had my leg go under the seat exactly once! The velcro strap would work best for as I work outside and hike a lot.

[@tanyasmith5883]

I like the platform pedals. I test drove a CatTrike before buying my TerraTrike. Those platform petals felt really comfortable and safe, but my TerraTrike does not have them.

[@pearlsnollie]

It's pretty easy to swap out pedals.

[@dronepilotflyby9481]

You didn't mention Power Grip straps. I've used these on both my trikes. You slide your foot in on an angle and twist just like a clip and your foot won't slip out. No special shoes needed! IMHO best idea to lock into the pedal with your normal athletic ware.

[@rogermcewen7378]

I use clip-in pedals with modified shoes placing the clips in the arch of the foot to avoid hotfoot. I just acquired a second used trike and I have put platform pedals on them so I can allow others to ride who may not have shoes with clips. I haven't ridden with the platform pedals much but I feel like they will be a good option.

[@LaidBackCycles]

That's awesome that you are spreading the love by having a second trike for friends ♥

[@MrGlenLane]

I have an ICE Sprint X Tour and I currently use toe and heel straps on standard pedals... much akin to the platform pedals shown here, only the Velcro straps are fitted to standard flat pedals. I struggle to confidently 'spin' with these though, as I don't feel comfortable pulling back on the straps. I would like something like clip-in pedals, only I have a badly healed right ankle break... when I stand up, as straight as I can (without looking at my feet and adjusting), my right foot points out to the right at a roughly 45 degree angle. I've also got very prominent and misaligned ankle bones (the pointy-outy ones on the outside), meaning that anything low-topped will most likely cause an horrendous amount of chafing and bleeding over time, so I almost always opt for high-top shoes or boots... something lacking in the cycling shoe market, I've found. I have tried clip-ins before, but I didn't realise I could twist my foot in either direction to get out of them, so I struggled, and the ICE dealer, whose trike I was testing at the time, had to twist my foot to release it, which REALLY DAMN WELL HURT LIKE BALLS, BY THE WAY!!! Anyway, I may take my trike to a shop somewhere and see if clip-ins will work for me after all, all things considered, as I do desperately want to spin properly, and get all of my muscle groups working well!

[@whitepawrolls]

Personally I prefer heal straps so I can use any shoe I want. Not just an expensive shoe for clip in.

[@awvankats7550]

I use metal platforms on my pedals with the toe strap and the heel strap. I don't use the ankle strap. Mine aren't built quite like the ones you showed as they don't have the same device for the ankle and heel straps. I also added pedal spindle extenders to get them 1.25 inches further out on each side because I was having problems with heel strikes on the boom. I'm tall (6'2"), heavy (250 lbs), have arthritis and a wide stance, with neuropathy and having to twist my toes together in order to pedal was all sorts of 'nope' for hips, knees, ankles and feet, and I have yet to find any kind of shoe in 13 EEE that will serve without breaking my wallet and my feet, as with my current arrangement I am able to pedal with my entire foot instead of just the ball, which is very uncomfortable when you have no arches. I have this setup on both my Catrike Villager and my Terra Trike Rover Tandem now. It has allowed me to go from giving up from pain after 30 minutes to being able to cycle 3+ hours without leg, knee, or foot discomfort on some pretty gnarly surfaces for unsuspended trikes. I tried heel straps before, and kept the ones I removed, but they tended to either bunch up, slip on bumps, or cause pressure and pain against my achilles tendon. In certain situations they would also catch against brush or debris on the trails, which led to rather disturbing consequences at times. I can also use my everyday shoes, which are very broken in and comfortable now.

[@danrude5418]

Thank you for this tutorial. I like my SPD pedals, but have been having a hard time dialing them in. The issue is neuropathy from the knee down. (Had GBS 17 yrs ago.) So i have been working with using pedal extenders, which has helped with my big feet, by moving my feet out some. I only know I am clipped in by the sound and my foot stays put. I will see how it goes this Summer, but like the option of the platform with straps.

[@LaidBackCycles]

Pedal extenders are great for wide feet, we use them all the time. Thanks Dan!

[@JamesMiller_ShadowWalker]

Had heel straps originally. Went over a tree root (under asphalt), foot went up, came down, and almost ran over my leg. Luckily I was not going that fast. Since then I went with SPD cleats, not a problem since. After a while I found that Specialized Rime (v1.0) are more for wide feet, so went with an equivalent of a 14W. As for the pedals, have been using Origin8 Fiend! which turn slowly, not loose like a standard pedal. I prefer a platform type of pedal for better foot support. Rime has an embedded cleat and feel great on and off the trike. And these pedals offer tension adjustment and can rotate left and right. Some day I would like to get a similar pedal system that allows an extension between the crank and pedal, with enough room to tighten the extension down, and the pedal. Have not tried extensions, yet heard of others raving about them. Problem is finding decent made extensions.

[@LaidBackCycles]

Thanks for the insight James. We want to make sure people are as safe as possible. Also, everyone is a little different on what works best for them. I like clip-ins' since I have some nephropathy and like my feet to be secure on the pedals.

[@joew717]

The heal straps are great BUT your feet can still pop out when going over bumps so be careful! Happens to my wife at least once every ride but she recovers easily, just takes a minute to stop and get her foot back in

[@LaidBackCycles]

Clip-ins are the safest option. We recommend the heel straps at minimum!

[@Mark-oq9fl]

The reason I don't use clip ins is not because I'm afraid/unfamiliar with them. I started riding with them in the 80s when they were a brand-new thing. The reason I don't use them is that I have hip arthritis. Being locked into position makes it inevitable that I will grind the portion of my hip that lacks cartilage at a point in the rotation. Using a heel strap allows for freedom of movement which avoids the problem. I suspect that a lot of people who switch to recumbents have developed overuse injuries like mine. Clip-ins are a problem for people like me. They are great, but I wouldn't push them so hard because for many of us they are the worst choice.

[@LaidBackCycles]

Clip ins are not for everyone. I always say, use what works best for you and never be satisfied with just ok. We're always looking for new and better options. I just found a new cleat option from the UK which will help many people. I look forward to showing it soon after I try it out for myself. Cheers :)

[@Numar87by3wheels]

I have clipped in on a Rans Vivo that I once owned. Not fun tipping over. I currently have power grips mounted. Not exactly toe fit friendly for some shoes. Thanks.

[@russellzauner]

I've been using Power Grips, which you didn't cover. I like them because not only are they a hybrid stabilizer/retention device which does a lot of both functions, it also is easy to mount/dismount and you naturally escape the pedals when you roll over (I have a Fat Tad CSX full suspension which I take to the streets/curbs as well as off road, skate park, and the BMX track lol I'm old and crippled but I ain't dead). They're also pretty inexpensive but that wasn't my main consideration only a happy bonus.

[@LaidBackCycles]

We carried them at one time, just found out that most people prefer the clip-ins or heel straps.

[@EZSteve]

PowerGrips are fine for day rides and around town, but they cause negative issues with the feet on long tours because they reduce the blood flow in the forefeet, leading to a more advanced case of hotspots, very uncomfortable sensations in the feet that necessitate stopping frequently to get feeling back into the feet. Hotspots, actually Nerve Compression Syndrome, can become permanent if not taken seriously. I used PowerGrips on a three week recumbent trike tour in 2009, and sold them once the trip had concluded. They were fine for local day rides, but beyond that, blood flow restriction to the forefeet becomes a big issue. steve

[@danfrakes5871]

I find the Power Grips Pedals by Mountain Racing Products Inc. They are easy in and easy out one strap across the top of the foot.😊😊😊

[@LaidBackCycles]

The Power Grips help with power transfer, but won't fully stop the foot slipping down.

[@tanyasmith5883]

You are looking really healthy. Good for you! Are you still riding about 20 miles every day?

[@LaidBackCycles]

Thanks Tanya! I'm riding as much as possible. We just did a 18 mile community ride and had about 30 trikers show up. Super fun!

[@johnd9031]

I use standard toe clips with straps

[@rickpowell7668]

I’’m about to transfer to a trike. For health reasons I cannot use a road bike anymore. Ive been using Speedplay for several years. Are there issues mounting Speedplay on a trike? Thank you.

[@JeepWrangler1957]

What model Keen are you showing? I need a 13W

[@stevecolby6177]

What are good sources for checking out Keen and Sidi wider click in bike shoes that Mickey refers to in this video? I have and currently use a pair of Shimanu click ins but they don't come in wider sizes. Also, are the click in devices embedded in the shoe standard among all these brands?

[@LaidBackCycles]

Hi Steve, try checking out the Sidi Trace 2 Mega MTB Shoes. Also, each clip-in pedal manufacturer will use a Shimano compatible cleat or uses there own cleat that will work with most cycling shoes.

[@cortkalita97]

I use cook Brothers candy's pedals . I really like them 🚴‍♂️

[@LaidBackCycles]

Yep, I rode those back in my Mtn. Bike days. Good pedal.

[@toaderdeac1798]

Does anyone know a solution, for a bicycle with three wheels, one on the back, where the steering should be? The solution for rear wheel steering.

[@davidsteinberg2805]

My feet point out, maybe 20 degrees or so. You mention the adaptive pedals as a solution. How would they help me?

[@LaidBackCycles]

We have a few solutions, the platform pedals to keep your foot in position so that it does not hit the crank. Or a pedal extender to get your foot away from the crank.

[@youtuuba]

As solid as the advice to use clip-in pedals on trikes is, there are at least a couple of 'evangelists' out there with KZbin channels who present themselves as wise, experienced, and against the use of clip-ins. To me, they seem more like 'old cranks', but I fear that a lot of inexperienced folks will watch those videos and end up with serious injuries.

[@LaidBackCycles]

Hopefully our videos help bring an awareness to potential injuries and how to avoid them. Thanks for watching :)

[@user-zu4nl7bm9e]

is there any video about recumbent bike?

[@LaidBackCycles]

Just trikes here!

[@GPBraaten]

I need mid-sole clip-on shoes. Any leads on this?

[@LaidBackCycles]

Check out these mid-foot-cycling.com/collections/our-adapters/products/spin2-for-shimano-spd

[@mikeq7096]

crank bro eggbeater 3s for myself

[@gregorygorbach8350]

Your feet can bounce off with heel straps and get sucked under. Personal experience. I now use SPD.

[@ablebanner3222]

Hey Mickey what about pin pedals?

[@LaidBackCycles]

The challenge with pin pedals is when your leg gets tires and still slips off. It's better to have some type of clip in or heel support.

[@ablebanner3222]

Pedaling Innovations Catalyst Evo Pedals

[@wilsgrant]

I just use large platform pedals with really grippy pins. I have ridden thousands of miles without issue. I'm left to wonder if the "leg suck" concern depends on the operator? If you are physically fit and have no issues with captain's chair hanging leg raises, is this concern overblown?

[@LaidBackCycles]

That's a great question... Is leg suck overblown? It's the same question people ask about should they wear a helmet. And my answer is, you hope you never have to use it, but we only have one head. I've had people say they don't need the extra support of a pedal strap or clip in, and then come in with a cast. Better safe than sorry.

[@wilsgrant]

@@LaidBackCycles Fair enough, thanks for your perspective.

[@pearlsnollie]

On my first ride within a quarter of a mile, my foot slid right off. I didn't hurt myself but I learned. I could probably have gone many miles without incident, but things happen. Also it's nice to get the extra pull you get with clippies.

[@philipfiliatrault2720]

OK, you're speaking for yourself, obviously in good shape and likely don't have mobility issues. Some of us do, and don't have the strengths some do. Not wanting to just stay home and wither, recumbent trikes are a great way to get out and enjoy life. Without high strength or strong from adequate PT, you get on the trike, ride a trail that's sometimes flat and sometimes goes uphill. No matter what, an uphill climb just about always comes down. Human as we are, we then relax just a bit with the coast. Oops, now a lazy foot drops from the standard pedal, and what happens then is why this presentation is such an important issue.

[@thomasconboy4636]

Clip in only way to go

[@madrabbit64]

I inherit road bikes with those cheap platform pedals all the time and believe me when I tell you that they do not come off easily. They’re either made of just bad metal, no lube before installation or the mechanic that installed them was a body builder. I panic every time I see these pedals.

[@LaidBackCycles]

Haha I know the pain