Slipping off Catalyst Pedals?

LINKS - LINKS = LINKS:
Utah Trikes full-foot support pedals with heel cup and strap:
www.utahtrikes.com/PROD-11620...
DZR cycling shoes made for flat pedals (non-SPD):
dzrshoes.com/collections/mens...
(This shoe should work very well with Catalyst pedals!)
Can the feet slip off Catalyst pedals? No.
Can the feet be jarred on Catalyst pedals? Yes.
Can the feet be knocked off Catalyst pedals? Yes, just as they can on any non-SPD clipless pedal.
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"TAKE IT EASY ... TAKE A TRIKE!" - trike hobo
Steve's current recumbent trike is a 2021 HP Velotechnik Scorpion fs26 Enduro, outfitted with Schwalbe Marathon PLUS road tires instead of the stock knobby off-road tires. He has also owned a 2015 ICE Full Fat off-road trike, a 2014 Catrike 700 speed trike, and a 2007 ICE Qnt trike ... not to mention three bikes (Specialized Roll Elite - Motobecane Night Train fat tire - Easy Racers Gold Rush recumbent)
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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:
/ ironvegan
To browse Steve's books, visit his Amazon author's page:
amazon.com/author/stevegreene

[@Hansaman58]

Great rundown on the pedals. Appreciate it Steve. They are definitely worth a look.

[@EZSteve]

Glad I could be of help James! The take-away regarding pedals is the length for a recumbent triker. It doesn't matter which brand it is. The key is the pedal length, so that the entire foot is well supported for maximum power and comfort (heel, arch, forefoot). If you are still toe pedaling as nearly all bicyclists do, it would indeed be worth looking into for your long term foot health, not to mention the added power gain and foot comfort. We recumbent riders have our feet behind the pedals, not on top like bikers, and this is why our pedaling solutions must be vastly different. steve

[@gregmccaslin7400]

Thank you for your detailed insight , and sharing years of experience on recumbent cycles .👍✌️😎

[@EZSteve]

You are most welcome Greg. Thank you for visiting the channel here ... where one never knows what's coming next. steve

[@BR549-2]

I've had the catalyst pedals on my trike for 2 weeks and 140ish miles. I love them, no problem even on rough roads. Great video

[@EZSteve]

It's great to hear another triker who is reaching the same conclusions based on experience on the road and trails! Thanks for sharing! These pedals have been the single greatest improvement I have made on my trikes over the years, and my feet are now totally normal no matter how far, long, or hard I pedal (never the case with typical short pedals). steve

[@georgechase3275]

Hi Steve, I have been using Catalyst pedals on my recumbent trike for many years now. Never had the old "foot suck" issue . I agree when you hit a large bump you can get some bounce and the foot can come up off the pedal a bit. I have talked to many serious bikers about getting out of those fancy shoes that make them walk like a chiicken and get them to even try the Catalyst....no luck. They have bought into the old stroy line and think they must be able to "pull up" with their pedals as well as push down. So let's forget them as they will never take any advice or anyone elses opinion into consideration. They are lost. However, for those that want to consider and learn about new inovations that could be better for them you have laid things out well. If , when riding a recumbent trike , your feet come off the pedal during a normal ride I submit to you that the reason is probably that you have your seat too far back or your boom is set too long. End of story. Trike riders that have transitioned from a two wheeler tend to think that their legs must go to full extension on the down stroke and if you do that on a trike you are setting yourself up for your feet to come off the pedal becsuse of no pressure on the pedal with the foot at that point. So if your knee has a good bend when pedaling you will have no issues and your legs and feet will thank you.

[@EZSteve]

There are recent controlled lab cycling tests that confirm pulling up on the return leg reduces power, rather than the common belief that it increased power. The test was performed by a professional racing bicyclist, who performed better using a flat pedal over a clipless pedal (the flat pedal was short of course, as they all are). Even when the results of the testing were presented to him, he said he will continue to use clipless, despite the evidence that his pedaling was less efficient. Yes, there is a mystical aura about all this that no rider worth his salt would ever NOT use clipless. Of course, the big thing for recumbent trikes is that our feet are behind the pedals, not on top, so we end up having issues that even bicyclists do not have as a result. Transitioning from bike to trike, while using all the "old school" biking thinking, is not a sound idea for anyone seeking to maximize power, comfort, and foot health in particular. Thanks for the take on why a triker with normal healthy lower limb ability would come off the pedal in the first place. I never thought of that!. Yes, the boom could indeed be too long, based on how bicyclists seek the holy grail of straight leg at the bottom, whereas trikers need to think differently, keeping pressure on the pedals at all time (since we do not have our entire bodyweight on top of the pedals like bikers do). steve

[@georgechase3275]

@@EZSteve Great minds think alike !

[@EZSteve]

@@georgechase3275 I can't argue with that - I will happily accept that I have a great mind (even if it's pretty dog-gone normal, haha).

[@markowsley4954]

I totally agree that many times the boom is extended further than it needs to be for efficient pedaling. I don't own a trike but every time I've gone to a shop and test road one the salesman wants me to extend my leg out way to far. I think this carries over from upright bikes where most people have their saddle heights to high which causes many issues for a bike fit. With flat pedals especially catalyst since foot position is further back than when clipped in your are effectively increasing saddle height, so shortening up with boom makes sense otherwise you are really reaching at the bottom of the pedal stroke.

[@georgechase3275]

You are correct. There is no good reason to have your leg fully extended on a bike and still have your butt sky hi. Same goes for a trike no need for the leg to straight to set the boon length. That alone causes the foot to want to slip off the pedal. @@markowsley4954

[@SFCRambo60]

I have the Kampway pedals and love them, I have moved most of the straps but kept the rear, it makes so easy to get in and out of my Dumont.

[@EZSteve]

Great to hear the Kamways are working well for you! Once riders try full-foot support pedaling on their recumbent trikes, they have a high chance of realizing how superior they are to traditional toe pedaling, as with SPD clipless and flat pedals. steve

[@FirstLast-ml7yf]

I was using Powergrips on a flat pedal, with Velcro OneWrap for heel retainer. That was good. I have changed to a larger flat pedal, with the pins removed and one leather toe-clip strap for my foot and one thin leather toe-clip strap for my heel going through the pedals. Definitely my best setup so far. The toe clip straps have built in adjustability clips, and the setup works very well with any shoe like Keens or Tevas, as well as normal shoes.

[@EZSteve]

On my first cross country recumbent trike trip in 2009, I had standard flat pedals, with a pair of Power Grips for foot retention. I only used those Power Grips that one trip (nearly 1000 miles) because my forefeet felt compressed by the straps, which rely on tension to hold the foot. This, combined with the fact that I was pedaling using standard flat pedals, which meant I was toe pedaling, led to uncomfortable forefeet, which necessitated stopping and walking around every so often until my feet regained full feeling. I have never used a heel strap, but quite a number of trikers swear by them. I think that regular forefoot straps, which don't require tension for use, would be better than the Power Grips (which require the foot to be slid in from the side, and then when straightened for pedaling, push against the foot to retain it). Power Grips were designed for upright diamond frame bicycles, which are much different than our recumbent trikes, where our feet are behind the pedal rather than on top of the pedal, as is the case with bicycles. The fact that traditional pedals are designed exclusively for bicycles leads tricyclists into many issues because the pedaling dynamic is totally different for a trike than for a bike. Nearly all recumbent trikers use short pedals designed for bicycles, which require toe pedaling, resulting in a tremendous loss of power on a tricycle, and also resulting in feet damaged from Nerve Compression Syndrome (hotspots). A long pedal that supports the entire foot is the key to triking comfort and power gains, and with options available that include forefoot straps and heel cups, there is a pedal to suit any need. steve

[@FirstLast-ml7yf]

@@EZSteve Thanks. We seek the ideal

[@FirstLast-ml7yf]

@@EZSteve ha ha..I do have a little neuropathy of the toes after 25000 miles on those powergrips alas..but the new setup feels awesome. Greetz from vancouver island..

[@EZSteve]

@@FirstLast-ml7yf Thanks for watching my stuff here on the channel! Have you ever met Glen Aldridge, a triker up there close to you? He rode with me once in 2011.

[@FirstLast-ml7yf]

@@EZSteve Yes indeed..did a trike campout with him a few years ago here in Victoria..he is in Nanaimo I think. Look me up if you need a warm showers in Vic! I seem to do similar stuff in the trike camping vein..26000 miles on my electric actionbent since 2008

[@R0dan]

I LOVE my Catalyst pedals on my Terra Trike❤️

[@EZSteve]

That's great to hear! I swear by mine also! The benefits are incredible, and after more than 14 years riding recumbent trikes, I have never had such a favorable riding experience. I only wish I had been using these pedals on my earlier long distance triking adventures, where my feet really suffered. Oh well, at least my feet fully recovered, and I am using a great pedal now. steve

[@lyndagibson9699]

Hello, I’m new to trikes . I tried a pair of those huge boxy heavy paddles with all the Velcro and heel guard, and got so sick of trying to get in my trike without breaking my neck tripping over them. Bought a pair of catalyst pedals and had them put on today. I went out for my ride. I am convinced from my experience that these pedals are totally safe. my foot never budged. I could take my leg and put it straight out on the pedal and try to pull it straight down and off and could not do it. It’s as if they were glued onto the pedals. I’m so happy to get rid of those huge ugly monstrosities. They were very expensive.Now they are going into the trash . I’m so glad there is another choice for safety .

[@EZSteve]

Hi Lynda, I am happy to hear you have found what works best for your riding situation! I agree that these Catalyst pedals are the best choice for a rider who wants a lightweight solution that looks great, and keeps feet securely on the pedals. My feet have never slipped off, and I've been riding Catalyst since mid summer 2022. Some riders who have physical disabilities however have a need to actually be attached physically to the pedal, and in that instance, the big pedals with heel pads and foot straps are needed. I am happy you are enjoying this triking world! Keep on pedaling! steve

[@lyndagibson9699]

Thanks for your reply to my comment. I have a gratefully that everyone has to find out what works for them but if anyone that has no problems with the feet are looking for a solution to leg suck even though I’m new to trikes I can tell you, my feet will never come off these petals. There is a video one user put up that I took his advice on a way to arrange the pins for even more success. He said by staggering the pin placement on the top row of the pedal and on the bottom row of the pedal. Place long pins on To place long pins on 1 ,3 and 5 on the top row and bottom row. This creates a kind of unevenness even grabs more of your foot. I don’t know why it works but it does. These petals are awesome I can’t say enough about them. Thanks.

[@EZSteve]

@@lyndagibson9699 I have never tried varying the pin elevations, but what you say sounds credible to me. I have never slipped off these things because just the weight of my legs holds the shoe soles firmly on the traction pins. steve

[@Mark-jd1fr]

Agree that foot slip is rare. However, I very much like the fact that I can completely relax my leg and let them hang from a pedal that supports the heel with either a strap,cup or clip in.

[@EZSteve]

I completely understand Mark! I have always loved that my leg can remain relaxed at a stop with no fear of falling off the pedal. So far, after a year and a half with these pedals, my feet have remained in place even at prolonged stops or rests, just like all those years when I was physically attached to the pedals with Shimano SPD bindings. A person who has lower body strength or movement issues could have a different experience however, which is why I recommend the type of pedal to them that Utah Trikes sells, a full-foot support pedal that keeps the feet on no matter what: www.utahtrikes.com/PROD-11620592.html steve

[@RoninDosho]

Hey Thanks Steve. I'm one of those who posed the question, primarily because my original catrike pedals have a clipless side and a smooth side. I have seen the term "leg suck" and like you really didn't like it. Let's promote the term "Leg Drop" which is far more appropriate. I'll be ordering my set of catalyst pedals soon!

[@EZSteve]

I have always detested the "leg suck" terminology, but for some reason, its popularity has caught on among recumbent triker. The leg is not sucked anywhere, and being a stickler for proper English dialect and meaning, it has always rubbed me the wrong way. Even the smooth side of your original Catrike pedals is the short standard length for flat pedals, and they are designed for toe pedaling. Anyone who attempts to use them for full-foot support will end up deforming their foot over the front and rear of the pedal due to the pedal length (not good at all for foot health). "Leg drop" is certainly a vast improvement in the terminology to describe this phenomenon. Another might be "foot fall", which technically describes the initiating occurrence that riders fear. Or how about "tibia terminator" for those who break their lower leg bone in the process (kind of scary sounding, but it got me laughing - hopefully that one won't get popular, haha). Thanks for the comment. steve

[@The-GreenHornet]

Good video demonstration for recumbent trike riders. Those bicycle SPD clipless pedals are doing slow damage to recumbent trike riders nerve running the length of the foot through the ball of the foot. We all walk with our entire foot, why not use the entire surface of our feet when pedaling? Hot foot and the numbness that goes along with the Hot foot syndrome is that nerve in the foot becoming inflamed 🔥. Not good. Steve, you know what I designed and custom built for my trike. A little different from what you are using, but same principle. No more Hot foot pain nor nerve damage and much more ease of pedaling, especially up hills and long distances. 👍

[@EZSteve]

Yes Firefly, your pedals are excellent examples of full-foot support pedals with heel cups and straps. I suspect they may be better than what Utah Trikes offers in this regard, and you could make a fortune if you began mass production ... of course, for a financially challenged fellow like me, any income from such an endeavor would be considered a fortune (I am broke because I have spent every penny I have earned since 2009 on recumbent trikes and related accessories - I am hopelessly caught up in always finding a better solution for my triking life, and it's always fun to get the next new pannier setup via FedEx, haha). Yeah, that Nerve Compression Syndrome is nothing to fool around with! It can become permanent if someone keeps doing pedaling for years that causes it. I was lucky, and mine did not reach that state, but for a while, after a long trike trip, I was starting to get worried that I had crossed the line into a lifetime of foot agony. steve

[@The-GreenHornet]

@@EZSteve I did for a while start selling my Cool Ease Platforms - C.E.P'S through FB back in 2019, and I sold about ten or eleven C.E.P'S to recumbent trike riders. Most of them loved them and told me what a difference they made. However being that they were so different from the normal clipless pedals that people have been conditioned to using. I think 3 or 4 out of the eleven people ended up discarding them and for whatever reason went back to some form of a traditional pedal. SMH! Also, as I was selling them and trying painfully to convince people the benefits of them. I had a awful lot of armchair know-it-alls telling me how my product was inferior or just plain no good. Yet they NEVER used them, but they were the expert and a legend in their own minds. It wasn't just a few idiots, but quite a lot of people who were bashing my proven idea. I even had the customers who already bought them and liked them come to my defense to the nay sayers. I went to the fb recumbent trike forums to sell them. I honestly think those people were either just jealous and wanted to trash my idea, or just flat out wanted to argue so they could be right. I don't know why, and it was quite unbelievable how much resistance I received regarding my C.E.P'S. And as you know I'm not one who is politically correct and or has a salesman personality. I'm going to speak my mind, especially when others come at me for no real reason. It became too much of a irritating hassle. So I scrapped the whole marketing idea of selling them. There's about a dozen people who have my C.E.P'S on their recumbent trikes: me, my dad, his friend, and a handful maybe of other trike riders. They are all fortunate to have a One-Off pedal platform that completely eliminates the Hot foot syndrome and gives so much more power and comfort in each pedal stroke on their trikes. I didn't need to sell them, I truly wanted to help recumbent trike riders eliminate their numbness and Hot foot pain. But...most people are stuck in their ways and closed off to something new. Just look at the Wright Brothers. People criticized them for trying to create a airplane. So I said to all the critics..."Fine, go ahead and continue to suffer from Hot foot pain syndrome, having to get off your trike every 15 minutes or so, because of the pain, I'm out!" Their loss not mine.

[@EZSteve]

@@The-GreenHornet A fellow once said to me that he was willing to endure SPD clipless foot pain for the short periods he would ride his trike, but I bet that if he had ever gone on a three week journey, in the seat pedaling every day for 6-8 hours, he would likely whistle a different tune. I literally was having to stop continually all day long (using the Shimano PD-M520 mini clipless pedals) in order to restore normal feeling in my feet, and as each day ground on, the relief from stopping for a few minutes and walking around lasted shorter and shorter times, because the accumulated pressure just kept compounding with each passing hour. Up until I tried these Catalyst pedals, I was one of those mindless riders who kept buying into the bicycling clipless mindset, and only by trying something new did I discover how misguided my thoughts had been (I originally began using SPD pedals in 2010 because "everybody" who knew anything about cycling was telling me it was the way to go, so I wanted to be part of the "in" crowd, and then I suffered for years as a result. I suppose if I only was a rider who rode my trike around town for short rides now and then, it would have been no big deal, but on long demanding cross country rides, the deficiencies of clipless pedals on a recumbent trike really stand out like a sore thumb! I understand your disillusionment regarding critics. There have been times I just about deleted my KZbin channels when some less-than-polite people have left scathing comments. Your pedals are outstanding!

[@SolarizeYourLife]

Heel strap is still a valid backup assurance...

[@EZSteve]

For riders who prefer the added peace of mind of a heel strap, I recommend the pedals from Utah Trikes, at this link: www.utahtrikes.com/PROD-11620592.html I believe the Utah Trikes options are a better choice for anyone who is apprehensive about being able to keep their feet on the pedals. steve

[@SolarizeYourLife]

@@EZSteve there is a guy that came up with using a tarp strap w/ball attached to pedal... genius...

[@williamhoward5541]

Looks like a great peddle. I am curious about which bag you have attached on the side, below the truck bag? I have been trying to figure out a good tool bag and that one might just fit my needs. Thanks

[@EZSteve]

You're in luck William because I did a video just about those bags you are seeing on the sides under my top trunk. I have one on each side, and they are PERFECT for smaller things and quick access! Check out this video here: kzbin.info/www/bejne/hGbckKV3lJmaf9U These are bicycle handlebar bags, but for me, they fit very nicely on the sides of my rear rack (just enough space above the side panniers). steve

[@FirstLast-ml7yf]

Outlier pocket pouch

[@bouncingBrain]

My foot might not slip off, but I might lift it off accidently. I have a phobia off my having the pedal hitting my shin. There are 2 slots each in the pedals. We could always run Velcro straps through the front slots to hold down the front of the shoes.

[@EZSteve]

I have heard of a couple riders doing that strap idea. It's worth a try I guess if you think it is necessary. After a year on these pedals, with my feet never bouncing off, I'm not worried anymore. My feet can shift slightly at times, but never have they left the pedals and fallen to the ground. steve

[@EZSteve]

One thing that came to mind about the strap idea is that those slots in the pedals end up being more mid foot when the shoe is properly placed with the arch of the foot over the pedal spindle (axle line), so a strap would have to be quite long, and come from the middle of the foot area forward to go over the top of the foot (not in the toe area however). An option you may wish to consider if you prefer additional foot/pedal retention is what Utah Trikes sells, which also allows full-foot support, but includes a strap designed into the pedal from the start, along with a heel cup that keeps the foot from sliding off the pedal. Here is the link to that pedal: www.utahtrikes.com/PROD-11620592.html To see what I am describing here regarding placing a strap in the Catalyst pedals, watch this video: kzbin.info/www/bejne/qpiafqCohK2gZrs steve

[@ianlindridge5378]

I've often wondered about "leg s%#k" and how it could happen. Perhaps if one has shortish legs? I'm far from tall and I've had my feet come off my flat side of double sided pedals on all 4 of my trikes with no more than hold the foot up a second or so and place back on the pedal. Some bumps were unanticipated but still never even close to dragging my foot under the trike. I like SPDs but don't always use them for short coffee shop rides.

[@EZSteve]

Hi Ian, I was a die-hard SPD clipless user for years, never wildly anticipating ever using anything else, but this pedal has been a real game-changer for me, both in power output to the pedals (no ankle instability as found in toe pedaling with SPD or flat pedals), and the big surprise was how much easier it is now to climb hills! Leg length is not an issue because boom length can be shortened to accommodate the rider's X-Seam length, and shorter crank arms can also be used. With the proper setup, it doesn't matter if a rider has long or short legs when it comes to the question of a foot leaving the pedal. The reason your foot has come off your standard flat pedal results from two things: 1) The pedal does not have all these traction pins 2) The pedal only supports a small portion of the foot, generally the forefoot, which is commonly used on typical flat pedals due to their short length. Flats are not full-foot support pedals, being used just like clipless pedals for toe pedaling (forefeet). You may like SPD pedals, as I certainly did for a very long time, but they are not foot-healthy over the long run, and have the potential to result in long term NCS (nerve compression syndrome), which comes about from the nerves in the forefeet taking the brunt of the pedal stroke power. I did a video a while back about how much power goes into a pedal stroke to highlight the dangers of not using a full-foot support pedal: kzbin.info/www/bejne/gX6QqIJjgdp-haM The flat side of a double sided pedal typically only has undulating metal to assist the feet remaining on the pedals. Keep in mind however that all pedals are designed for upright bicycles, where the body and feet are on top of the pedal, but with our trikes, the feet are behind the pedals, so things are much different in several ways. steve

[@ianlindridge5378]

@@EZSteve I agree so I'll go to those kind of pedals soon enough. I have similar on my Soma San Marco light tourer and my Trek 520, used them for years but I'm functionally blind and can't ride upright bikes safely. Can't sell them due to the back stories; no one can take care of them like me........Keep the videos coming......love the coyote songs (reason for that?)

[@EZSteve]

@@ianlindridge5378 Hey there Ian, Now and then, there are coyotes in the woods surrounding my house, and at night they will start howling, not every night, but you never know when it will happen. Sometimes they are quite close, like in the woods just behind the back fence, and other times they are perhaps a quarter mile or so away, more distant, but sill loud enough to hear. Thanks for the comment! steve

[@Ulster2]

Can you tell me the specs for the grub screws that fit these. Considering using these pedals as part of a health rehab. Thanks.

[@EZSteve]

The screws on the pedals I have (the original Catalyst style) screw in from the top, unlike most pedals with pins. There are 18 pins on each side of each pedal you see in my video here. The pins are threaded, with an open end, which makes them dig into the shoe sole and really hold firm. James Wilson, the inventor of these pedals, has just introduced a new version, which is slightly lighter in weight because it has 10 pins per pedal per side, instead of the original 18 like on mine. The pins on the new version (just introduced) are typical pins like most pinned pedals use: They screw in from the back side, and are smooth on their sides and tops. The original version, as seen in my video here (Catalyst 1), runs $149 with free shipping, and the new version (Catalyst Evo) with 10 pins runs $199 plus shipping additional. I have not tried the new ones, and probably never will, but I am totally happy with the original design pins because it seems they would be more "grippy". My feet have never slipped off these pedals. I am just speculating, but I tend to think the new 10-pin style with smooth pins would not be quite so "grippy" because of the smoothness of the pins. I do not know any specific specifications for the pins, but I can direct you to James Wilson's website pages for more information (he responds well to emails if you should choose to contact him): bikejames.clickfunnels.com/choose-your-pedals1706906454031 (shows both the Catalyst 1 like I have, and the new Catalyst Evo with only 10 pins) images.clickfunnels.com/2c/3902f1bba211e8b93c55d9d20b354b/IMG_8014.jpg (the Catalyst 1 like I have, with 18 pins) images.clickfunnels.com/67/bcb0bf936f432b9df779312e2c1eb0/PXL_20231204_200837690_2.jpg (the new Catalyst Evo, with 10 pins) Hope this helps! All the best to you! steve

[@Ulster2]

Thanks so much for the detailed reply. I’m bidding on a set of the new ( evo) model on eBay they are used but in good condition. I’ve also found a U.K. stockist who has some of the originals in stock.

[@Ulster2]

@@EZSteve . See a slightly larger than standard pedal ( 119mm in length) MKS Gamma. These seem to of excellent quality ( Made in Japan) but are about an inch shorter than the Catalyst. Have you any experience of these. Thanks.

[@EZSteve]

@@Ulster2That's interesting that a set of the Catalyst Evo would be available on eBay already, because I just got the email from James about a week or so ago introducing them to his existing customers ... must be an early adopter who was not impressed with the new version. In any event, these pedals, when used properly with the center of the foot arch directly over the axle spindle, make a huge difference in foot comfort and power delivered to the pedals (especially on hills). I have seen riders use these Catalyst pedals like they were originally taught with normal pedals, with the balls of the feet over the axle spindle, and those folks are not realizing any of the benefits of the Catalyst design by doing that (might as well have a standard pedal and save their money). steve

[@Ulster2]

@@EZSteve . It took the seller to point out they were EVO as I asked why they didn’t have 18;or 14 pins ( I think the Evo ha 10 ??) Any feedback back on the EVO.

[@garyseckel295]

Have had one leg drop under tadpole frame and two each foot bounces in the past. Hard foot bounce (ANY recumbent) hurts entire leg very painfully (likely exaggerated by arthritis)! Handicapped for well over a decade now. Cannot even snap-in/snap-out of clipless pedals. Been there, done that distant past. Pedals shown have multiple disadvantages for my diabetic feet/legs. Those studs actually terribly limit my handicapped movement. Been there, done that. ($75 plus shipping. Still new, if someone wants them!) Heel cup pedals allow full support from heel to balls of feet. Also, a pedal can be platform shimmed for unequal leg lengths, even for those who wear equal normal shoes. Heel cup pedals HUGELY allow feet AND legs to ROTATE/PIVOT, left or right of supported heel. HUGELY relevant, and variable because of arthritic joint pain! Less pain when my feet are typically splayed wider than the heel cups. This.., WITH usage of 1-inch extenders. Cannot even come close to hands reaching my feet, so nylon straps removed. (Most do not peddle upward.) Also, I can only flop my feet onto pedals that are already upright! My delta planform trikes cannot 'run over' the rider's legs. Least thoughts about legs/feet when using heel cup pedals. Direct experience over the years. Gary AKA: "Jason Stillwater" in the recumbent world.

[@EZSteve]

Lots of great information here Gary. I am sure that having the foot hit the ground and being struck by the moving cross frame member is painful. When that has happened to you, were you using typical bicycle pedals, pedaling with the forefeet? If so, that would perhaps explain why your foot so easily left the pedal, because only about a third of your foot was in contact with the pedal. And if your boom was on the long side, that would mean even less leg weight pressure on the pedal. I never thought about being able to move your feet on a full-foot support pedal, but now that you mentioned it, it makes sense, similar to what we call "float" when using SPD clipless pedals, the ability of the foot be able to adjust laterally to what works best for the rider. To have "float" in a full-foot support pedal, the pedal could not have the traction pins like these Catalyst pedals have. They would have to be smooth, with heel cups to retain the foot on the pedal, which would allow for easy lateral movement of the feet. Yes, delta trikes do not present the potential of having the leg struck by a frame cross member. Good point. But of course, the foot can still leave the pedal depending on how it is secured on the pedal. Thanks for your commentary! steve

[@garyseckel295]

@@EZSteve Thank you, Steve for your understanding of a viewpoint with such huge variations. YES, my feet have twice struck the ground, bouncing entire leg upward higher than 24-inches! OUCH! Can (did) happen so fast and hard, I could not even have responded!!!!! When my leg went under tadpole frame, decades ago, I luckily locked the brakes immediately! Was still painful for the day. Yes, regular bicycle pedals were being used. Don't use regular bicycle pedals!!! This happened decades before ever being handicapped. It is hard to fathom the upward force of an upward leg bounce. It can stop one's riding for the day and be painful for weeks! Once handicapped, heel cup pedals are every bit support for legs, as much as, or even more so, than they are pedals for power. E-assist and Rohloff hub are everything to me now on Lepus with their highest seat offering!

[@EZSteve]

@@garyseckel295 So is this the trike you ride nowadays Gary: alphabent.com/sites/abold/files/product/imagelead/lepus-comfort_totale.jpg I actually thought about getting one of these back in early 2009, before I got my ICE Qnt tadpole trike.

[@garyseckel295]

@@EZSteve "Access Denied" to your reference. Not very computer literate here.

[@EZSteve]

@@garyseckel295 Hi Gary, Yes, that website is very restrictive for some odd reason (doesn't do their business any good). Anyway, try this link to a photograph: bike-on.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/06/26060-1024x438.jpg

[@tomprentice6935]

⚔️💪😎🏴󠁧󠁢󠁳󠁣󠁴󠁿👍(stroke) They are not for me!

[@EZSteve]

Fortunately Tom, there are many full-foot support pedal options available other than these Catalyst pedals, one of which I have linked to in the description section of this video. The key take-away with recumbent trike pedals is to pedal with the entire foot (forefoot/arch/heel) instead of pedaling on one's toes, as SPD clipless pedals and flat pedals require the rider to do. Check out the Utah Trikes options, which also allow for full-foot support while securely keeping the feet on the pedals without any traction pins whatsoever: www.utahtrikes.com/PROD-11620592.html steve

[@garyseckel295]

@@EZSteve Great pedals!