Platform pedals and Keen "street" sandals

I'm switching away from clipless to platform pedals so I can go anywhere in any kind of shoes. I'll be doing a lot of short weekend to 3-4 day tours this year as well so I want to wear comfy footwear. I'll be buying either Keen Arroyo or Keen Newport sandals (non-clipless). I'm looking at the Ergon pedals but I'm wondering how those do in the winter when you track a bunch of snow onto the platform. I know some folks really like these pedals and I like some of the features like that lip on the inside that immediately positions your foot, along with the low Q-factor. I'm also looking at a more traditional BMX type pedal with pins. What combos do other folks like?

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Permalink Reply by EssFresh on March 25, 2014 at 1:43am

I have BMX flats and staps on my fixed gear, they do fine in the winter. I have cages on my other bike, they annoy the crap out of me since I find the flats so damn comfy. Velo Orange makes a stainless flat stlye pedal that are not hard on they eyes like most plastic BMX pedals. Those Ergon look really well thought out, let us know how you like them if you end up using them.

Permalink Reply by Kevin Mulcky on March 25, 2014 at 1:58am

I really like my big, pinned Wellgo pedals. They're my favorite pedal I've ridden.  The Ergon pedal looks gimmicky.

Permalink Reply by Gecko on March 25, 2014 at 2:07am

For me, shoe traction & stability is most important, so I tend to go for a larger BMX platform with fairly robust pins.  The pins work on the same principle as studded tires, so you get good traction in all weather, plus the bigger platforms make the bike feel more solid and stable, especially while standing and hammering down.

Permalink Reply by Matt on March 25, 2014 at 2:23am

I can relate to this enough to make my first post!  I was in a similar situation last summer.  My commute is 12 miles each way, east/west through the city, so I really had no desire for clipless pedals.  Since it's a long commute, I ride in gym clothes and change at work, so rain doesn't really bother me except for the wet socks and shoes aspect, so I was looking at a few different options.

I ended up getting water shoes (Teva Churn over Salomon) because they're more lightweight than the "sandals" and they provide full foot/toe coverage as opposed to traditional sandals.  They have a zip style lacing system, which is awesome for getting them on/off quickly.  I'm also able to do some athletic stuff in them, like basketball and racquetball.  They're a great all-purpose shoe, and they even have a genius feature that should be on all shoes...  The heel is rubber, so they can transform to slippers instantly!

As for the pedals, I went with some inexpensive BMX-style alloy pedals with pins.  This is the first time I've ever used them, and I must say I love them.  They offer excellent grip from the pins, and so far they've held up fine.  I wish I could give you input on the winter aspect, but my bike has been in my apartment all winter (as much as I'd love to ride through the winter, the last mile or two of my commute would be a death trap).  I will say, though, that riding Divvy through the winter the one complaint I have is the pedal choice they used.  Big boots + snow + small plastic pedals = lots of slipping.  I can't imagine my pedals would be anything but great, grip-wise.

Permalink Reply by Anne Alt on March 25, 2014 at 3:05am

I also like this approach. Got these pedals on one bike and these on another.  Both have worked well for me, either with hiking boots in colder months or Keen sandals in warmer months.

Nick G said:

For me, shoe traction & stability is most important, so I tend to go for a larger BMX platform with fairly robust pins.  The pins work on the same principle as studded tires, so you get good traction in all weather, plus the bigger platforms make the bike feel more solid and stable, especially while standing and hammering down.

Permalink Reply by Ken on March 25, 2014 at 3:14am

I use MKS Touring Pedals (http://www.rivbike.com/product-p/pe3.htm) and ride with my Keen Newports in mild weather; I find that the sole is stiff & thick enough to work well as a bicycling shoe, but is still very comfortable; feet stay cool in warm weather, and I can walk comfortably in them. I typically ride 30 - 50 miles on my weekend rides, and like it enough to keep going with this combo. I am, of course, not approaching any speed records...just enjoying the ride!

Permalink Reply by David Pulsipher on March 25, 2014 at 3:15am

I have used my Chacos on our 4 day family bike tour. I was on a heavy xtracycle, and I'm a big guy, so, suffice it to say, that's a lot of pressure on the feet. My chacos were very comfortable, so I have have little doubt that the Keen's would be also comfortable. I have Keen cycling shoes and have found them roomy and comfortable.

With regards to pedals, I have the some standard BMX pedals you reference - and used them through the winter. I had no issues with snow build up, and found them more than capable with respects to comfort and grip. I also used these same pedals on my xtracycle. They also come in at a lower price point than many pedals, if that is a concern for you.

Permalink Reply by Apie (11) on March 25, 2014 at 3:23am

I ride with these, they have a little more surface area than the Touring ones.  They've survived the last 3 winters, and they spin like the bearings have just been cleaned and lubed.  I am a huge fan of the quality of MKS pedals.  

http://www.citygrounds.com/mks/mks-bm7-pedals-1876?cvsfa=3915&c...

Permalink Reply by Tricolor on March 25, 2014 at 4:25am

I agree with Ken, the 'shin busters' don't clog with snow, ice or mud and give good grip to boot.  I've ridden wearing everything from boots to barefoot running shoes and haven't had any problems.

Ken said:

I use MKS Touring Pedals (http://www.rivbike.com/product-p/pe3.htm) and ride with my Keen Newports in mild weather; I find that the sole is stiff & thick enough to work well as a bicycling shoe, but is still very comfortable; feet stay cool in warm weather, and I can walk comfortably in them. I typically ride 30 - 50 miles on my weekend rides, and like it enough to keep going with this combo. I am, of course, not approaching any speed records...just enjoying the ride!

Permalink Reply by Kevin Mulcky on March 25, 2014 at 4:32am

I used to ride the MKS touring pedal, specifically while on an extended tour using Keen sandals, but really prefer the extra space and GRIP that the Wellgo BMX-style pedals provide. The touring pedals slip a little in wet weather, but the pins on Wellgos dig into the sole for a positive connection. It feels almost as secure as a spd.

Permalink Reply by Tominator on March 25, 2014 at 4:54am

I can't ride not in clips. These sandals work pretty good.

Also, if you use Time Mt. pedals, you can ride unclipped in traffic.

http://www.amazon.com/Nashbar-Ragster-II-Cycling-Sandals/dp/B004UMDST4

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