Hi all,
I've had a tailor's bunion much of my life, and it's really gotten
painful the last week or so. On closer attention, it seems the
Bontrager shoes I wear are one of the main culprits in aggravating
it (a pair of sandals is another). I've ordered a ball and ring
shoe stretcher to alleviate the pressure on the affected area.
In looking for solutions, I also came across something caled
Catalyst Pedals. They are platforms that are larger than most and
also have pins to aid grip between shoe and pedal. The main
benefit is ability to wear optimal athletic shoes. Here's more...
https://naturalfootgear.com/blogs/shoe-footgear-reviews/catalyst-pedals-review
Has anyone ever used these and have experience they could share?
I've ridden on clipless for 30 years, so I'm not sure if I could
get used to platforms (though I do have Campy Super Leggeri pedals
with toe straps on my fixed gear bike).
On 4/23/2025 7:57 PM, Ted Heise wrote:
Hi all,
I've had a tailor's bunion much of my life, and it's
really gotten
painful the last week or so. On closer attention, it
seems the
Bontrager shoes I wear are one of the main culprits in
aggravating
it (a pair of sandals is another). I've ordered a ball
and ring
shoe stretcher to alleviate the pressure on the affected
area.
In looking for solutions, I also came across something caled
Catalyst Pedals. They are platforms that are larger than
most and
also have pins to aid grip between shoe and pedal. The main
benefit is ability to wear optimal athletic shoes. Here's
more...
https://naturalfootgear.com/blogs/shoe-footgear-reviews/
catalyst-pedals-review
Has anyone ever used these and have experience they could
share?
I've ridden on clipless for 30 years, so I'm not sure if I
could
get used to platforms (though I do have Campy Super
Leggeri pedals
with toe straps on my fixed gear bike).
I've not used that brand of pedals, but I've long been a fan
of more conventional platform pedals. Some bikes have had
Lyotard Model 23s for decades: https://classicrendezvous.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/04/
Lyo_berL.jpg
A couple now have modern copies by MKS: https://mkspedal.com/?q=en/product/node/76
Those are not equivalent to your proposed pedals because the
force of the foot is still applied through the ball of the
foot, not the arch and certainly not the heel. But for me,
at least, those are comfortable for riding with ordinary
footwear. They make a stiff shoe sole much less important.
But I'm a bit skeptical of what seem to be claims that it's
more natural to push with the entire foot. (I'll confess to
not watching the video all the way through.) ISTM that
pushing with the entire foot is not normally done in
situations where we want extra power.
What are those situations in non-bicycling life? The first
is climbing stairs. Another might be walking up a fairly
steep hill. In those cases, I certainly push off with the
ball of my foot, bringing my calf muscles into action. I
just tried climbing stairs using my entire foot on the
stair, and it felt clumsy, literally "flat footed."
I do agree with the website regarding pulling up on the
backstroke. It's been pretty conclusively shown that
cyclists exert upward force on the rear pedal only rarely.
It does help climbing and low cadence acceleration to _try_
to pull up in the rear, because it lessens the unproductive
backward torque on the crank.
So sorry, no direct experience, but some skepticism about
benefits of those pedals for ordinary use. And I don't know
about your physical ailment, so I don't have an opinion
about how they might or might not help you.
On 4/23/2025 7:48 PM, Frank Krygowski wrote:
On 4/23/2025 7:57 PM, Ted Heise wrote:
Hi all,
I've had a tailor's bunion much of my life, and it's
really gotten
painful the last week or so. On closer attention, it
seems the
Bontrager shoes I wear are one of the main culprits in
aggravating
it (a pair of sandals is another). I've ordered a ball
and ring
shoe stretcher to alleviate the pressure on the affected
area.
In looking for solutions, I also came across something caled
Catalyst Pedals. They are platforms that are larger than
most and
also have pins to aid grip between shoe and pedal. The main
benefit is ability to wear optimal athletic shoes.
Here's more...
https://naturalfootgear.com/blogs/shoe-footgear-reviews/
catalyst-pedals-review
Has anyone ever used these and have experience they could
share?
I've ridden on clipless for 30 years, so I'm not sure if
I could
get used to platforms (though I do have Campy Super
Leggeri pedals
with toe straps on my fixed gear bike).
I've not used that brand of pedals, but I've long been a
fan of more conventional platform pedals. Some bikes have
had Lyotard Model 23s for decades:
https://classicrendezvous.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/04/
Lyo_berL.jpg
A couple now have modern copies by MKS:
https://mkspedal.com/?q=en/product/node/76
Those are not equivalent to your proposed pedals because
the force of the foot is still applied through the ball of
the foot, not the arch and certainly not the heel. But for
me, at least, those are comfortable for riding with
ordinary footwear. They make a stiff shoe sole much less
important.
But I'm a bit skeptical of what seem to be claims that
it's more natural to push with the entire foot. (I'll
confess to not watching the video all the way through.)
ISTM that pushing with the entire foot is not normally
done in situations where we want extra power.
What are those situations in non-bicycling life? The first
is climbing stairs. Another might be walking up a fairly
steep hill. In those cases, I certainly push off with the
ball of my foot, bringing my calf muscles into action. I
just tried climbing stairs using my entire foot on the
stair, and it felt clumsy, literally "flat footed."
I do agree with the website regarding pulling up on the
backstroke. It's been pretty conclusively shown that
cyclists exert upward force on the rear pedal only rarely.
It does help climbing and low cadence acceleration to
_try_ to pull up in the rear, because it lessens the
unproductive backward torque on the crank.
So sorry, no direct experience, but some skepticism about
benefits of those pedals for ordinary use. And I don't
know about your physical ailment, so I don't have an
opinion about how they might or might not help you.
I rode Lyotard 45 for years; about 8 to 10 years each before
they were worn beyond repair as the top rivets just erode.
I changed to Lyotard 460D about twenty years ago. Same idea
as you and Mr Heise but more durable.
https://www.velobase.com/ViewComponent.aspx?ID=D720305C- DA6A-4FEA-9AF0-6D13506F9B88
(I also ride with toeclips in regular leather sole
Florsheims or Allen Edmunds)
On Wed, 23 Apr 2025 19:59:22 -0500, AMuzi <am@yellowjersey.org> wrote:
(...) >>https://www.velobase.com/ViewComponent.aspx?ID=D720305C-DA6A-4FEA-9AF0-6D13506F9B88
(I also ride with toeclips in regular leather sole
Florsheims or Allen Edmunds)
Tried to view your reference and get error "detected an issue and did
not continue to www.velobase.com."
Hi all,
I've had a tailor's bunion much of my life, and it's really gotten
painful the last week or so. On closer attention, it seems the
Bontrager shoes I wear are one of the main culprits in aggravating
it (a pair of sandals is another). I've ordered a ball and ring
shoe stretcher to alleviate the pressure on the affected area.
In looking for solutions, I also came across something caled
Catalyst Pedals. They are platforms that are larger than most and
also have pins to aid grip between shoe and pedal. The main
benefit is ability to wear optimal athletic shoes. Here's more...
https://naturalfootgear.com/blogs/shoe-footgear-reviews/catalyst-pedals-review
Has anyone ever used these and have experience they could share?
I've ridden on clipless for 30 years, so I'm not sure if I could
get used to platforms (though I do have Campy Super Leggeri pedals
with toe straps on my fixed gear bike).
Hi all,
I've had a tailor's bunion much of my life, and it's really gotten
painful the last week or so. On closer attention, it seems the
Bontrager shoes I wear are one of the main culprits in aggravating
it (a pair of sandals is another). I've ordered a ball and ring
shoe stretcher to alleviate the pressure on the affected area.
In looking for solutions, I also came across something caled
Catalyst Pedals. They are platforms that are larger than most and
also have pins to aid grip between shoe and pedal. The main
benefit is ability to wear optimal athletic shoes. Here's more...
https://naturalfootgear.com/blogs/shoe-footgear-reviews/catalyst-pedals-review
Has anyone ever used these and have experience they could share?
I've ridden on clipless for 30 years, so I'm not sure if I could
get used to platforms (though I do have Campy Super Leggeri pedals
with toe straps on my fixed gear bike).
Ted Heise <theise@panix.com> wrote:
Hi all,
I've had a tailor's bunion much of my life, and it's really gotten
painful the last week or so. On closer attention, it seems the
Bontrager shoes I wear are one of the main culprits in aggravating
it (a pair of sandals is another). I've ordered a ball and ring
shoe stretcher to alleviate the pressure on the affected area.
In looking for solutions, I also came across something caled
Catalyst Pedals. They are platforms that are larger than most and
also have pins to aid grip between shoe and pedal. The main
benefit is ability to wear optimal athletic shoes. Here's more...
https://naturalfootgear.com/blogs/shoe-footgear-reviews/catalyst-pedals-review
Has anyone ever used these and have experience they could share?
I've ridden on clipless for 30 years, so I'm not sure if I could
get used to platforms (though I do have Campy Super Leggeri pedals
with toe straps on my fixed gear bike).
I’d be very cynical that any of their claims could be backed up by evidence!
It’s narrower pedal than mine if longer I use DMR V12/11 pedals which are wider plus have a concave shape so one’s shoes are kept in place.
<https://dmrbikes.com/products/dmr-v11-pedal>
Might be worth exploring the shoes ie shoes that are less tight yourself or see if any of their claims could bike shops offer bike fits as shoe fits is definitely the sort of thing they do.
Ie don’t change everything at once!
Ie sorta did the reverse as I’m an old MTBer at heart so eventually ditched SPD pedals and went back to flats which I’m much happier with.
Roger Merriman
On Wed, 23 Apr 2025 19:59:22 -0500, AMuzi <am@yellowjersey.org> wrote:
On 4/23/2025 7:48 PM, Frank Krygowski wrote:
On 4/23/2025 7:57 PM, Ted Heise wrote:
Hi all,
I've had a tailor's bunion much of my life, and it's
really gotten
painful the last week or so. On closer attention, it
seems the
Bontrager shoes I wear are one of the main culprits in
aggravating
it (a pair of sandals is another). I've ordered a ball
and ring
shoe stretcher to alleviate the pressure on the affected
area.
In looking for solutions, I also came across something caled
Catalyst Pedals. They are platforms that are larger than
most and
also have pins to aid grip between shoe and pedal. The main
benefit is ability to wear optimal athletic shoes. Here's
more...
https://naturalfootgear.com/blogs/shoe-footgear-reviews/
catalyst-pedals-review
Has anyone ever used these and have experience they could
share?
I've ridden on clipless for 30 years, so I'm not sure if I
could
get used to platforms (though I do have Campy Super
Leggeri pedals
with toe straps on my fixed gear bike).
I've not used that brand of pedals, but I've long been a fan
of more conventional platform pedals. Some bikes have had
Lyotard Model 23s for decades:
https://classicrendezvous.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/04/
Lyo_berL.jpg
A couple now have modern copies by MKS:
https://mkspedal.com/?q=en/product/node/76
Those are not equivalent to your proposed pedals because the
force of the foot is still applied through the ball of the
foot, not the arch and certainly not the heel. But for me,
at least, those are comfortable for riding with ordinary
footwear. They make a stiff shoe sole much less important.
But I'm a bit skeptical of what seem to be claims that it's
more natural to push with the entire foot. (I'll confess to
not watching the video all the way through.) ISTM that
pushing with the entire foot is not normally done in
situations where we want extra power.
What are those situations in non-bicycling life? The first
is climbing stairs. Another might be walking up a fairly
steep hill. In those cases, I certainly push off with the
ball of my foot, bringing my calf muscles into action. I
just tried climbing stairs using my entire foot on the
stair, and it felt clumsy, literally "flat footed."
I do agree with the website regarding pulling up on the
backstroke. It's been pretty conclusively shown that
cyclists exert upward force on the rear pedal only rarely.
It does help climbing and low cadence acceleration to _try_
to pull up in the rear, because it lessens the unproductive
backward torque on the crank.
So sorry, no direct experience, but some skepticism about
benefits of those pedals for ordinary use. And I don't know
about your physical ailment, so I don't have an opinion
about how they might or might not help you.
I rode Lyotard 45 for years; about 8 to 10 years each before
they were worn beyond repair as the top rivets just erode.
I changed to Lyotard 460D about twenty years ago. Same idea
as you and Mr Heise but more durable.
https://www.velobase.com/ViewComponent.aspx?ID=D720305C-DA6A-4FEA-9AF0-6D13506F9B88
(I also ride with toeclips in regular leather sole
Florsheims or Allen Edmunds)
Tried to view your reference and get error "detected an issue and did
not continue to www.velobase.com."
On 4/23/2025 9:20 PM, John B. wrote:
On Wed, 23 Apr 2025 19:59:22 -0500, AMuzi <am@yellowjersey.org> wrote:
On 4/23/2025 7:48 PM, Frank Krygowski wrote:
On 4/23/2025 7:57 PM, Ted Heise wrote:
https://naturalfootgear.com/blogs/shoe-footgear-reviews/
catalyst-pedals-review
Has anyone ever used these and have experience they could
share? I've ridden on clipless for 30 years, so I'm not
sure if I could get used to platforms (though I do have
Campy Super Leggeri pedals with toe straps on my fixed gear
bike).
I've not used that brand of pedals, but I've long been a fan
of more conventional platform pedals. Some bikes have had
Lyotard Model 23s for decades:
https://classicrendezvous.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/04/
Lyo_berL.jpg
A couple now have modern copies by MKS:
https://mkspedal.com/?q=en/product/node/76
Those are not equivalent to your proposed pedals because the
force of the foot is still applied through the ball of the
foot, not the arch and certainly not the heel. But for me,
at least, those are comfortable for riding with ordinary
footwear. They make a stiff shoe sole much less important.
But I'm a bit skeptical of what seem to be claims that it's
more natural to push with the entire foot. (I'll confess to
not watching the video all the way through.) ISTM that
pushing with the entire foot is not normally done in
situations where we want extra power.
What are those situations in non-bicycling life? The first
is climbing stairs. Another might be walking up a fairly
steep hill. In those cases, I certainly push off with the
ball of my foot, bringing my calf muscles into action. I
just tried climbing stairs using my entire foot on the
stair, and it felt clumsy, literally "flat footed."
I do agree with the website regarding pulling up on the
backstroke. It's been pretty conclusively shown that
cyclists exert upward force on the rear pedal only rarely.
It does help climbing and low cadence acceleration to _try_
to pull up in the rear, because it lessens the unproductive
backward torque on the crank.
I rode Lyotard 45 for years; about 8 to 10 years each before
they were worn beyond repair as the top rivets just erode.
I changed to Lyotard 460D about twenty years ago. Same idea
as you and Mr Heise but more durable.
(I also ride with toeclips in regular leather sole Florsheims
or Allen Edmunds)
Tried to view your reference and get error "detected an issue
and did not continue to www.velobase.com."
Try this:
https://www.classiclightweights.co.uk/european_influence/lyotard-a-short-history-of-one-of-the-most-widely-used-pedals-in-cycling/
On Wed, 23 Apr 2025 23:57:52 -0000 (UTC), Ted Heise
<theise@panix.com> wrote:
I've had a tailor's bunion much of my life, and it's really
gotten painful the last week or so. On closer attention, it
seems the Bontrager shoes I wear are one of the main culprits
In looking for solutions, I also came across something caled
Catalyst Pedals. They are platforms that are larger than most
and also have pins to aid grip between shoe and pedal...
https://naturalfootgear.com/blogs/shoe-footgear-reviews/catalyst-pedals-revi$
I used clipless pedals for years. Several years ago, I began
having lots of pain in my feet as I rode and then I had pain
just walking in regular shoes...
Foot doctor said I had corns on several of my toes.
This is what I bought for when I had the corns on my toes.
https://store.bicycleman.com/products/plastic-adaptive-pedal-with-weights
I removed the weights that kept the pedal facing upwards
because I ride a recumbent. I also removed all the straps.
...I thought, at first, that I needed something to keep my
feet from sliding forward on the pedal, but I turns out I
don't.
I bought oversize sneakers to wear with them. Note that the
axle of the pedal is under my arch rather than under the ball
of my foot as it was with clipless pedals. It did change my
pedal stroke quite a bit. It put different muscles into play.
I debated about going back to clipless now that the corns are
gone, but wearing bike shoes for clipless pedals is probably
how I got the corns, so I haven't changed back. Now I can ride
wearing any old shoe. I've ridden in sandals a couple of times.
I live in Florida, sandals are my usual footwear.
I rode barefoot up and down the street in front of my home just
to see if I could do it. No problem.
Ted Heise <theise@panix.com> wrote:
I've had a tailor's bunion much of my life, and it's really
gotten painful the last week or so. On closer attention, it
seems the Bontrager shoes I wear are one of the main culprits
in aggravating it (a pair of sandals is another). I've
ordered a ball and ring shoe stretcher to alleviate the
pressure on the affected area.
In looking for solutions, I also came across something caled
Catalyst Pedals. They are platforms that are larger than most
and also have pins to aid grip between shoe and pedal. The
main benefit is ability to wear optimal athletic shoes.
Here's more...
https://naturalfootgear.com/blogs/shoe-footgear-reviews/catalyst-pedals-review
I’d be very cynical that any of their claims could be backed up
by evidence!
It’s narrower pedal than mine if longer I use DMR V12/11 pedals
which are wider plus have a concave shape so one’s shoes are
kept in place.
<https://dmrbikes.com/products/dmr-v11-pedal>
Might be worth exploring the shoes ie shoes that are less tight
yourself or see if any of their claims could bike shops offer
bike fits as shoe fits is definitely the sort of thing they do.
Ie don’t change everything at once!
Ie sorta did the reverse as I’m an old MTBer at heart so
eventually ditched SPD pedals and went back to flats which I’m
much happier with.
On 24 Apr 2025 10:53:23 GMT,
Roger Merriman <roger@sarlet.com> wrote:
Ted Heise <theise@panix.com> wrote:
I've had a tailor's bunion much of my life, and it's really
gotten painful the last week or so. On closer attention, it
seems the Bontrager shoes I wear are one of the main culprits
in aggravating it (a pair of sandals is another). I've
ordered a ball and ring shoe stretcher to alleviate the
pressure on the affected area.
In looking for solutions, I also came across something caled
Catalyst Pedals. They are platforms that are larger than most
and also have pins to aid grip between shoe and pedal. The
main benefit is ability to wear optimal athletic shoes.
Here's more...
https://naturalfootgear.com/blogs/shoe-footgear-reviews/catalyst-pedals-review
I’d be very cynical that any of their claims could be backed up
by evidence!
It’s narrower pedal than mine if longer I use DMR V12/11 pedals
which are wider plus have a concave shape so one’s shoes are
kept in place.
<https://dmrbikes.com/products/dmr-v11-pedal>
Might be worth exploring the shoes ie shoes that are less tight
yourself or see if any of their claims could bike shops offer
bike fits as shoe fits is definitely the sort of thing they do.
Ie don’t change everything at once!
Ie sorta did the reverse as I’m an old MTBer at heart so
eventually ditched SPD pedals and went back to flats which I’m
much happier with.
Thanks, Roger. I'll try the stretcher, and see if that helps.
As I said elsethread, I've been thinking of going to something
more walkable. SPDs are the main option I'm aware of, but
platforms seem like a viable alternative. Will let you know how
it goes (one step at a time, heh).
Hi all,
I've had a tailor's bunion much of my life, and it's really gotten
painful the last week or so. On closer attention, it seems the
Bontrager shoes I wear are one of the main culprits in aggravating
it (a pair of sandals is another). I've ordered a ball and ring
shoe stretcher to alleviate the pressure on the affected area.
In looking for solutions, I also came across something caled
Catalyst Pedals. They are platforms that are larger than most and
also have pins to aid grip between shoe and pedal. The main
benefit is ability to wear optimal athletic shoes. Here's more...
https://naturalfootgear.com/blogs/shoe-footgear-reviews/catalyst-pedals-review
Has anyone ever used these and have experience they could share?
I've ridden on clipless for 30 years, so I'm not sure if I could
get used to platforms (though I do have Campy Super Leggeri pedals
with toe straps on my fixed gear bike).
On 4/23/2025 7:57 PM, Ted Heise wrote:
Hi all,
I've had a tailor's bunion much of my life, and it's
really gotten
painful the last week or so. On closer attention, it
seems the
Bontrager shoes I wear are one of the main culprits in
aggravating
it (a pair of sandals is another). I've ordered a ball
and ring
shoe stretcher to alleviate the pressure on the affected
area.
In looking for solutions, I also came across something caled
Catalyst Pedals. They are platforms that are larger than
most and
also have pins to aid grip between shoe and pedal. The main
benefit is ability to wear optimal athletic shoes. Here's
more...
https://naturalfootgear.com/blogs/shoe-footgear-reviews/
catalyst-pedals-review
Has anyone ever used these and have experience they could
share?
I've ridden on clipless for 30 years, so I'm not sure if I
could
get used to platforms (though I do have Campy Super
Leggeri pedals
with toe straps on my fixed gear bike).
There is a large selection of platform pedals available on
the market today. Most of them would suit your needs, I
suspect the point of the larger version you linked above is
that it gives a larger target for riding off road. If you're
only going to ride on the road, most any platform with some
type of 'trap' for shoe traction will do.
If you're quite used to clipless, you can get nearly as
efficient by changing your pedal stroke. The term is
sometimes called "ankling", where you follow through the
stroke with your toe pointed down (aka "6 o'clock") such
that you maintain grip and can actually pull slightly at the
beginning of the upstroke, while the top leg will have your
toe pointed up such that you can generate power earlier in
the down stroke. Another way to look at is is that you're
trying to keep the pedal as close to parallel to the crank
arm as possible, for as long as possible.
There has also been a lot of contention regarding the
efficiency of clipless vs platforms over the past few years,
with some studies showing that platforms are more efficient,
especially on climbs, and others showing no benefit. A lot
of mountain bikers prefer platforms. There are times when
clipless are absolutely the better choice (sprinting,
maximal seated effort, IOW, racing). What it really comes
down to is what you're used to, and what works best
biomechanically - probably no real "right" answer.
The good thing is that you don't have to spend a lot of
money trying to figure this out. The catalyst pedal MSRP for
the base model is $149. You can get a good, wide set of
platform pedals from Wellgo for under $20 to experiment
with. If you like it, spring for a better set. Maybe not the
Catalyst, Maybe a Crank Brothers, Spank, or Answer in a
color that matches your bike - all have aesthetically
pleasing options well under $100 with decent quality (Andrew
can probably comment on that with some authority)
On 4/24/2025 1:36 PM, Zen Cycle wrote:
On 4/23/2025 7:57 PM, Ted Heise wrote:
In looking for solutions, I also came across something caled
Catalyst Pedals. They are platforms that are larger than
most and also have pins to aid grip between shoe and pedal.
The main benefit is ability to wear optimal athletic shoes.
There is a large selection of platform pedals available on the
market today. Most of them would suit your needs, I suspect
the point of the larger version you linked above is that it
gives a larger target for riding off road. If you're only
going to ride on the road, most any platform with some type of
'trap' for shoe traction will do.
If you're quite used to clipless, you can get nearly as
efficient by changing your pedal stroke. The term is sometimes
called "ankling", where you follow through the stroke with
your toe pointed down (aka "6 o'clock") such that you maintain
grip and can actually pull slightly at the beginning of the
upstroke, while the top leg will have your toe pointed up such
that you can generate power earlier in the down stroke.
Another way to look at is is that you're trying to keep the
pedal as close to parallel to the crank arm as possible, for
as long as possible.
There has also been a lot of contention regarding the
efficiency of clipless vs platforms over the past few years,
with some studies showing that platforms are more efficient,
especially on climbs, and others showing no benefit. A lot of
mountain bikers prefer platforms. There are times when
clipless are absolutely the better choice (sprinting, maximal
seated effort, IOW, racing). What it really comes down to is
what you're used to, and what works best biomechanically -
probably no real "right" answer.
The good thing is that you don't have to spend a lot of money
trying to figure this out. The catalyst pedal MSRP for the
base model is $149. You can get a good, wide set of platform
pedals from Wellgo for under $20 to experiment with. If you
like it, spring for a better set. Maybe not the Catalyst,
Maybe a Crank Brothers, Spank, or Answer in a color that
matches your bike - all have aesthetically pleasing options
well under $100 with decent quality (Andrew can probably
comment on that with some authority)
+1 good overview and I agree.
I linked the Hafny $50 model popular here, which doesn't work
any better than $20 models but has the light weight and spare
aesthetic of the pricier Catalyst.
On Thu, 24 Apr 2025 13:58:18 -0500,
AMuzi <am@yellowjersey.org> wrote:
On 4/24/2025 1:36 PM, Zen Cycle wrote:
On 4/23/2025 7:57 PM, Ted Heise wrote:
In looking for solutions, I also came across something caled
Catalyst Pedals. They are platforms that are larger than
most and also have pins to aid grip between shoe and pedal.
The main benefit is ability to wear optimal athletic shoes.
There is a large selection of platform pedals available on the
market today. Most of them would suit your needs, I suspect
the point of the larger version you linked above is that it
gives a larger target for riding off road. If you're only
going to ride on the road, most any platform with some type of
'trap' for shoe traction will do.
If you're quite used to clipless, you can get nearly as
efficient by changing your pedal stroke. The term is sometimes
called "ankling", where you follow through the stroke with
your toe pointed down (aka "6 o'clock") such that you maintain
grip and can actually pull slightly at the beginning of the
upstroke, while the top leg will have your toe pointed up such
that you can generate power earlier in the down stroke.
Another way to look at is is that you're trying to keep the
pedal as close to parallel to the crank arm as possible, for
as long as possible.
There has also been a lot of contention regarding the
efficiency of clipless vs platforms over the past few years,
with some studies showing that platforms are more efficient,
especially on climbs, and others showing no benefit. A lot of
mountain bikers prefer platforms. There are times when
clipless are absolutely the better choice (sprinting, maximal
seated effort, IOW, racing). What it really comes down to is
what you're used to, and what works best biomechanically -
probably no real "right" answer.
The good thing is that you don't have to spend a lot of money
trying to figure this out. The catalyst pedal MSRP for the
base model is $149. You can get a good, wide set of platform
pedals from Wellgo for under $20 to experiment with. If you
like it, spring for a better set. Maybe not the Catalyst,
Maybe a Crank Brothers, Spank, or Answer in a color that
matches your bike - all have aesthetically pleasing options
well under $100 with decent quality (Andrew can probably
comment on that with some authority)
+1 good overview and I agree.
I linked the Hafny $50 model popular here, which doesn't work
any better than $20 models but has the light weight and spare
aesthetic of the pricier Catalyst.
Thanks, both. Shoe stretcher arrives tomorrow. I wedged a
carriage bolt in there last night with the big round head pressing
against the tight spot. It felt better riding today, so I have
reasonable hope that the stretched shoe(s) will alleviate the
problem. If not, I'll definitely try some low budget platforms.
That said, are they much different from the old Campy Leggeris?
On Thu, 24 Apr 2025 13:58:18 -0500,
AMuzi <am@yellowjersey.org> wrote:
On 4/24/2025 1:36 PM, Zen Cycle wrote:
On 4/23/2025 7:57 PM, Ted Heise wrote:
In looking for solutions, I also came across something caled
Catalyst Pedals. They are platforms that are larger than
most and also have pins to aid grip between shoe and pedal.
The main benefit is ability to wear optimal athletic shoes.
There is a large selection of platform pedals available on the
market today. Most of them would suit your needs, I suspect
the point of the larger version you linked above is that it
gives a larger target for riding off road. If you're only
going to ride on the road, most any platform with some type of
'trap' for shoe traction will do.
If you're quite used to clipless, you can get nearly as
efficient by changing your pedal stroke. The term is sometimes
called "ankling", where you follow through the stroke with
your toe pointed down (aka "6 o'clock") such that you maintain
grip and can actually pull slightly at the beginning of the
upstroke, while the top leg will have your toe pointed up such
that you can generate power earlier in the down stroke.
Another way to look at is is that you're trying to keep the
pedal as close to parallel to the crank arm as possible, for
as long as possible.
There has also been a lot of contention regarding the
efficiency of clipless vs platforms over the past few years,
with some studies showing that platforms are more efficient,
especially on climbs, and others showing no benefit. A lot of
mountain bikers prefer platforms. There are times when
clipless are absolutely the better choice (sprinting, maximal
seated effort, IOW, racing). What it really comes down to is
what you're used to, and what works best biomechanically -
probably no real "right" answer.
The good thing is that you don't have to spend a lot of money
trying to figure this out. The catalyst pedal MSRP for the
base model is $149. You can get a good, wide set of platform
pedals from Wellgo for under $20 to experiment with. If you
like it, spring for a better set. Maybe not the Catalyst,
Maybe a Crank Brothers, Spank, or Answer in a color that
matches your bike - all have aesthetically pleasing options
well under $100 with decent quality (Andrew can probably
comment on that with some authority)
+1 good overview and I agree.
I linked the Hafny $50 model popular here, which doesn't work
any better than $20 models but has the light weight and spare
aesthetic of the pricier Catalyst.
Thanks, both. Shoe stretcher arrives tomorrow. I wedged a
carriage bolt in there last night with the big round head pressing
against the tight spot. It felt better riding today, so I have
reasonable hope that the stretched shoe(s) will alleviate the
problem. If not, I'll definitely try some low budget platforms.
That said, are they much different from the old Campy Leggeris?
Hi all,
I've had a tailor's bunion much of my life, and it's really gotten
painful the last week or so. On closer attention, it seems the
Bontrager shoes I wear are one of the main culprits in aggravating
it (a pair of sandals is another). I've ordered a ball and ring
shoe stretcher to alleviate the pressure on the affected area.
In looking for solutions, I also came across something caled
Catalyst Pedals. They are platforms that are larger than most and
also have pins to aid grip between shoe and pedal. The main
benefit is ability to wear optimal athletic shoes. Here's more...
https://naturalfootgear.com/blogs/shoe-footgear-reviews/catalyst-pedals-review
Has anyone ever used these and have experience they could share?
I've ridden on clipless for 30 years, so I'm not sure if I could
get used to platforms (though I do have Campy Super Leggeri pedals
with toe straps on my fixed gear bike).
On 4/24/2025 6:49 PM, Ted Heise wrote:
On Thu, 24 Apr 2025 13:58:18 -0500,
AMuzi <am@yellowjersey.org> wrote:
I linked the Hafny $50 model popular here, which doesn't
work any better than $20 models but has the light weight
and spare aesthetic of the pricier Catalyst.
Thanks, both. Shoe stretcher arrives tomorrow. I wedged a
carriage bolt in there last night with the big round head
pressing against the tight spot. It felt better riding today,
so I have reasonable hope that the stretched shoe(s) will
alleviate the problem. If not, I'll definitely try some low
budget platforms. That said, are they much different from the
old Campy Leggeris?
1037 and 1037a have a small tab sticking up at the outside
edge. Guys with wide feet file that off.
http://www.yellowjersey.org/CA1037A1.JPG
Ted Heise <theise@panix.com> wrote:
On Thu, 24 Apr 2025 13:58:18 -0500,
AMuzi <am@yellowjersey.org> wrote:
I linked the Hafny $50 model popular here, which doesn't work
any better than $20 models but has the light weight and spare
aesthetic of the pricier Catalyst.
Thanks, both. Shoe stretcher arrives tomorrow. I wedged a
carriage bolt in there last night with the big round head
pressing against the tight spot. It felt better riding today,
so I have reasonable hope that the stretched shoe(s) will
alleviate the problem. If not, I'll definitely try some low
budget platforms. That said, are they much different from the
old Campy Leggeris?
The MTB derived ones will be larger platform and some low pins
at the very least so would offer better grip and less sort of
skating on top of them feeling.
On Wed Apr 23 23:57:52 2025 Ted Heise wrote:
I've had a tailor's bunion much of my life, and it's really
gotten painful the last week or so. On closer attention, it
seems the Bontrager shoes I wear are one of the main culprits
in aggravating it (a pair of sandals is another). I've
ordered a ball and ring shoe stretcher to alleviate the
pressure on the affected area.
Stretching the shoes may work, but in my case I have to use
wider shoes. Giro and Lake Wide both work well though the Giro
are better quality.
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