spokesNspin

Foot problems can be a common ailment when bicycling.  This is especially true when using clipless pedal systems.  About a year ago, I developed a numbness and tingling sensation in the bottom of my foot.  It appeared that I was possibly developing a bone spur in the ball of my right foot.  My self diagnosis was that the problem was my clipless pedals.

The clipless pedals put constant pressure on one small part of the foot.  I was using a mountain bike type clipless pedal.   A road type system doesn’t concentrate the power quite as much on one spot but it still does to a certain extent.

After discussing it with my doctor, I decided to try a different pedal.  I put power grip pedals on my bike.

Yep these are real old school baby!  But they did the trick.  I really liked them also.  My foot improved so I went back to my clipless pedals.  I rode for about a week and decided that I liked the old school pedals better so I switched back.

 I have them on my day to day/commuting bike.  They are great for that.  It also makes it much easier if one wants to just jump on the bike to run an errand or go to the gym.

It is unlikely that you will find these stocked in your LBS.  This is just too retro.   It’s too bad because I think many people would find that they also like them.  They  are much easier to get out of than either toe clip/cages or clipless pedals. 

Another thing I have found is that it is easier to keep my feet warm in the winter with this type of system.

If you want some you will probably have to order from the Internet.

So if you have the self confidence, give them a try.

Tags: , clipless pedals, power grip

This entry was posted on Monday, July 14th, 2008 at 3:11 pm and is filed under Bicycling. You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0 feed. You can leave a response, or trackback from your own site.