Platform Survey

[project_d]

While there are many factors that should be considered in making your decision, there are two major points, IMO.

The first, 5.10 shoes. They are the grippiest shoes out on the market, and if you use them, this will make a MUCH bigger difference than what type of pedal you use. They grip the pedal so well, that you can't move your foot while on the pedal, you have to lift your foot off the pedal, then place your foot pack on the pedal in a different position. These things are God's gift to flat pedal riders.

The main factor in choosing your flats (although there are many factors) is getting set screws instead of pins. If your pedals have set screws (such as Kona Jacksh!ts, Wellgo, Specialized Mags), they dig into, and grip your shoes a whole lot better. If you get pins, they just rest against your shoe. Don't get me wrong; some pedals that use pins (like Truvativ) are good to great pedals. It's just that set screws are better.

My $0.02.

[RacinJason]

The Syncros mental Mag or aluminum are way way lighter.
They are all great though I have not had a foot slip yet.
I hear a lot about the A frames but that is the pedal I had on my f4 when my foot slipped off and I had to bail out onto my shoulder. I was used to my syncros.
The syncros mental pedals all models will chew up your leg and spit it out. I had a bloody mess with them when i broke a chain and spun them into the back of my leg. OUCH!

Originally Posted by Marshall Willanholly

I've got a pair of those too. Incredible traction, but they weigh almost 2lbs for the pair. Perfect for a freeride bike, like an Uzzi, for example.

[speckledtrout]

i would love a pair of 5.10's but they don't come small enough for me. i'm a size 5 1/2 in boys/mens so they never have them in my size. i doubt they even make them that small. dammit.

[RacinJason]

I picked up 2 set for me to test out and set for my friend Mark who worked his but off at the dirt demo at interbike.

I can not find anything I don't like.
Maybe they don't look so cool on my bike because they are green.

This bike has a bunch of crazy products.
That is what testing is all about though.

Those wheels are the strongest wheels I have ever tested. They are as heavy as a DH wheel set but will last forever. DT Swiss 440 hubs.

I might pick up some more in black the first sets where green and say Interbike 07 on them.

Originally Posted by MuddyEdgar

when are those pedals available?
I know you have juice I want them pedals.

[BrewMaster]

Another vote for the MG1s. They stand up well to the abuse I could dish out.

[TucknRoll]

Originally Posted by Gabriel Zink

The best platforms I have ever had are Wellgo MG1's. They are very tough, reasonably priced, and super light. 376g a set.

These are what I use and they KICK ASS! Lightest weight platforms of this type that I was able to find and the screws hold down my boots like nothing else!

This is where I got mine from. They sell them in ALL different colors!
http://cgi.ebay.com/Wellgo-MG-1-MG1-...QQcmdZViewItem

[Sharky]

Originally Posted by speckledtrout

i would love a pair of 5.10's but they don't come small enough for me. i'm a size 5 1/2 in boys/mens so they never have them in my size. i doubt they even make them that small. dammit.

Try GarageWorks in Irvine. They carry only Fivetens and was the only place I found that carried a size small enough for myself.
Hope that helps I love mine!

[cru jones]

I run the Tioga MX Pro platforms and they are light and have a good feel to them. Five tens are key though.

[RED5]

I throw in a 3rd, 4th, 5th vote for 5.10 shoes, solid performers and a must have for any flats user.

Also gotta give my thumbs up to the Crank Brothers 5050xx pedals. Solid and easy to maintain. Another great pedal that doesn't get much love, but is awesome none the less, Truvativ Holzfellers.

[Evil Chocula]

Originally Posted by PacMan

That may be, but there is no arguing the fact that some pedals work substantially better than others.

Your right; clipless pedals are made better than platforms . Just kidding, I'm buying some platforms tomorrow, good thread.

[Flat Broke]

I'm gonna be in the minority and not give a thumbs up for 510s. Not because I've used em and didn't like em, but just because I've never had a reason to buy a bike specific shoe. I use the same Vans for riding that I'll wear somewhere I can't wear my Reefs. I think the key to success with Vans is choosing a model with the O.G. diamond/waffle sole. Take my input with a grain of salt though, because I'm putting a lot more downforce on the pedals than most folks

As far as pedals, I've definitely noticed more grip with threaded studs vs. non-threaded studs on the same pedal.

I've had good luck with:
.243 platforms - heavy but tough and grippy

Wellgo B25s -lighter than the .243s, about the same amount of grip, and my feet tend to always start in the right spot on these, where on the .243s, sometimes I'd have to readjust.

Pedals I didn't like:
Ringle Zuzus - Just didn't feel right and didn't grip as well.
Snafu platforms - They were very similar to the Zuzus and had even less grip.

I'd say that if you don't already have platforms and dedicated riding shoes, but wear Vans or similar shoes for your casual wear; buy the pedals first and try em with your street shoes. Worst case scenario is that you need more grip and move on to buying the 510s based upon the many postive reviews posted.

Chris

[nappyt]

I have a set of A-Frames you can demo. I have used them a few times but since I don't do to much (read ANY) DH or DJ stuff. I use my clip-less most of the time. Let me know I don't want to sell them but you can use them for a few weeks to see if you like platforms and/or A-frames.

[bobzrag]

i'd also recommend the 5.10's - it's like glue on the pedals - I went down last weekend to garage works in Irvine and talked to Steve there and picked up a pair and a set of flats (xpedo) - sounds like you should probably buy pedals with the replaceable/adjustable pins

(Also thinking about going down on a saturday and doing the suspension setup with these guys!)

[DISCO]

ATOMLAB TRAILKING

CNC from extrusion, 14mm spindle, DU bushings can never fail. Not to mention a lifetime waranty on both the body and spindle, service parts readily available, and a shape that you never have to look down on to get your footing. I wear a size 15 shoe and these are simply the ones. I have two pair, one is almost 5 years old and still going strong.

www.atomlab.com

[2w4s]

I'm running atomlab aircorps on the DH bike because they're super thin and have amazing traction and the pins mount thru the underside of the body instead of set screw style. I used to run Azonics (2 pair in 2 seasons) and had to constantly replace pins before they would finally break. Still run a pair of azonics on the DJ bike, perfect for that. Another vote for 5.10's, too.

[2wheel_lee]

Originally Posted by 2w4s

I'm running atomlab aircorps on the DH bike because they're super thin and have amazing traction and the pins mount thru the underside of the body instead of set screw style. I used to run Azonics (2 pair in 2 seasons) and had to constantly replace pins before they would finally break. Still run a pair of azonics on the DJ bike, perfect for that. Another vote for 5.10's, too.

Because of the thru holes on those aircorps, it looks like there are a lot fewer pins than most pedals.

[2w4s]

8 per side, in places that actually contact the shoe, unlike the Azonic where I used the inside portion as extra pins to place where I needed them when they came out. Too bad that picture isn't side view so you can see the pins better. Also, because of the thinness they are so much grippier than thicker pedals.

edit:

take a look at this to see a better view.


http://atomlab.com/pedals.html

[TrailJesus]

I know there was a thread earlier about platform pedals but I couldn't find it. Well anyways I went into the Path today and asked Tani where his platform pedals where. He got up and said "this is the pedal for you" and handed me the new Kona Pedals. I had no choice but to buy em' I only rode around the block and to test the traction and they definitely have "bite" to them. I'll let you guys know how they feel on the trail.

Anyone else ride these pedals? What kind of shoes are you peeps wearing? I plan on using any of my assortment of skating shoes which should be soft enough to grip.

Thanks Path.. you guys ROCK! Special thanks to Sauce for dealing with me every time I go in there

[mazer75]

Where do the cleats click into????

[guero]

right on jesse. i ride crank bros, how come you didnt go clipless?