[93M500]

The last time I used what they're calling a flat or platform pedal was on my Huffy back in the early 80's. Then in 1992 my Cannondale M500 had state of the art clipped pedals, then in 2012 I upgraded to "clipless", real high tech futuristic, I thought. When did we go back to the 70's/80's style pedal, and why, what happened?

Anyway, my new mmmbop is being delivered this week, and I want to try these flat pedals, can someone recommend a halfway decent brand not too expensive just to see if I like them? If I do, i'll upgrade later...

 

[LaXCarp]

Get some OneUp Composites.

 

[OLDFATUGLY]

The last time I used what they're calling a flat or platform pedal was on my Huffy back in the early 80's. Then in 1992 my Cannondale M500 had state of the art clipped pedals, then in 2012 I upgraded to "clipless", real high tech futuristic, I thought. When did we go back to the 70's/80's style pedal, and why, what happened?

Anyway, my new mmmbop is being delivered this week, and I want to try these flat pedals, can someone recommend a halfway decent brand not too expensive just to see if I like them? If I do, i'll upgrade later...

View attachment 1960256 View attachment 1960257 View attachment 1960258

I would suggest grabbing some Shimano XT flats, or something in the same price categories (PB buy/sale forum?). I am a big fan of Chromag pedals. I would never suggest any composite pedals (I have seen too many “plastic pedals” explode on trail). “Friends don’t let friends ride plastic pedals!”

 

[LaXCarp]

I would suggest grabbing some Shimano XT flats, or something in the same price categories (PB buy/sale forum?). I am a big fan of Chromag pedals. I would never suggest any composite pedals (I have seen too many “plastic pedals” explode on trail). “Friends don’t let friends ride plastic pedals!”

This statement is not founded in reality. Maybe your friends had some wally world style flat pedals. The OneUp's use the same axle system as their non-composite pedals, and the pedal body itself is not made of a type of plastic that just "explodes". Most that's going to happen is a gouge into the pedal surface.

 

[Harold]

When did we go back to the 70's/80's style pedal, and why, what happened?

First off, I wouldn't say that modern mtb platforms are the old 70s/80s style of pedal, either. There are some substantial differences now.

It happened slowly. And that transition had already begun in 2012, actually.

Why did it happen? Well, most riders don't race. Clipless pedals work great for racing, so they're really not going away anytime soon. They also have a pretty steep learning curve, and new riders don't necessarily want to mess with that.

I think what really changed to make platform pedals work well for more riders was a footwear thing, not really a pedal thing. Nobody wants their feet slipping off the pedals, of course. But to prevent that on a mountain bike requires a really grippy interface between shoe and pedal. And with good, soft, sticky rubber soles on your shoes, that can actually happen when you have some pointy pins on the pedals that can sink into that rubber.

There are a lot of respectable platform pedals on the market right now. The formula to make them really isn't hard to follow and it's not a patented thing. There are several composite body pedals with metal pins that are great values right now. OneUp, RaceFace, etc.

 

[Steel-Onions]

Race Face Chesters are worth a look

 

[walkerwalker]

Raceface Chesters are affordable composite flats with metal pins. There are cheaper knock-offs out there too, if you're just experimenting.

As Harold said, you'll need the correct shoes as well, and that's a whole bit of research all by itself. The main feature is that the sole is flat, not arched. And they are stiffer than most shoes, so they don't flex as much. There are a few companies that make dedicated shoes for platform pedals. Five Ten Freeride being extremely popular (and on sale right now). The cheaper way is to get some skate boarding shoes, like vans, DC, or etnies. But they won't last as long.

 

[noapathy]

The OneUp/Chester/Deity Deftrap composites are plenty good - really no need to "upgrade".

 

[LVLBTY]

+1 on the Race Face Chesters. Only took me 2 years to destroy a set.

 

[Taroroot]

Ive heard mostly good things about modern “plastic” composite pedals. These are a far cry from the disposable $5 tester pedals or the flip-flops of the pedal world you pictured. They have real pins for real grip. Also real shin biting. Way back in the day, BMXers were the ones running decent flat pedals. I have a pair of nice GTs with incredibly evil looking beartrao cages that look and do cause grievous injury if you shin yourself.

 

[C619V]

If you don’t care to much about weight on flats… XT pedals are awesome.

If you want to save a half pound and care about said weight, the 1Up composites are really nice too.

Even Crank Brothers and their Stamp line are good.

$40-$120

I’m a heavier rider and I use both the Stamp 1L and 1Ups and no issues.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

 

[fly4130]

Chesters are pretty tough. I stole a pair from a older bike and have had then on my DJ for a year now. Fat me has not broken anything yet, not even axel play. I have DMR vaults on the trail bike and will likely get a pair of the composite version of those, the V11, to try out sometime soon.

 

[GlazedHam]

Get some OneUp Composites.

Totally agree ...I've tried a bunch of pedals and these are the best for me. Plenty of grip. Not expensive. Big platform. Can take a beating. Bearings last longer than most.