I now use the Pedaling Innovations "Catalyst" pedals on my recumbent trike. These pedals are unique in that they are full-foot support pedals, which eliminates totally any foot discomfort or pain, such as hotspots. With the Catalyst pedals, I am no longer pedaling on my toes (the balls of my feet), which translates into significantly more power delivery potential with each pedal stroke because the issue of ankle instability is totally eliminated. I used SPD clipless pedals, starting in 2009, on my long distance recumbent trike tours. The clipless pedals typically cause riders to experience foot discomfort as the hours roll on, necessitating stopping the trike and walking around for a minute or two so that the feet can feel normal again. I endured this type of pedaling, which I was led to believe was the most efficient, up until July of 2022, at which point I saw that another triking friend was using the Catalyst pedals, so I decided to give them a try. Having used many different traditional pedals over the years, I can say without hesitation that the Catalyst pedals are superior. I can pedal as long as I want, as far as I want, and as hard as I want, without any foot discomfort or pain whatsoever. The Catalyst pedals are a platform pedal, the same width as any common platform pedal, but the thing that makes the day and night difference in foot comfort is that they are noticeably longer than all other platform pedals. This allows the rider to place the arch of the foot directly over the pedal axle (spindle) line, thereby using the full power of the legs without any ankle instability or distortion. When the ankle is a factor in pedaling, as is the case with most riders using the balls of their feet, power is lost in that instability. A full-foot support pedal eliminates this power loss, as well as hotspot issues. These pedals are professional grade aluminum with traction pins. When I first got them last year, I was a little worried about a foot slipping off while riding, but this has never occurred. The 18 traction pins on each side of each pedal keep my fee on the pedals, even at stops, or when an unexpected bump jars the foot slightly on the pedal. The key to this full-foot support pedal is foot placement on the pedal ... The arch must be directly over the pedal spindle to realize the benefits of the pedal (otherwise, it's no different from a standard platform pedal where riders are simply toe pedaling). steve
Every trike rider should watch this video. After using clipless pedals ( with foot pain) I tried the platform pedals with the pins . Up hill was fine but down hill with no pressure on the pedals and some bumps my right foot came off and under the frame it went at 22 MPH. Needless to say it was 8 weeks of rest and using a boot for the torn achilles tendon to heal and get back on the trike. I'm hoping more trike riders watch this video. Thank you for doing this.
Had dropped leg twice bounce off asphalt. Ouch! Worse by far is leg going under the trike frame. Use full-foot-support heel cup pedals here with all the nylon straps removed. No pedaling upward, but I don't do that anyway. Gary AKA: "Jason Stillwater" in the recumbent world.
@Steven Chanenson it was a cheap one from Amazon. I have, however, dispensed with these (velcro came apart) and have gone back to using the pedals quite happily with the installed pins . I use either a pair of hiking shoes or similar sandals - no issues .
I now use the Pedaling Innovations "Catalyst" pedals on my recumbent trike. These pedals are unique in that they are full-foot support pedals, which eliminates totally any foot discomfort or pain, such as hotspots. With the Catalyst pedals, I am no longer pedaling on my toes (the balls of my feet), which translates into significantly more power delivery potential with each pedal stroke because the issue of ankle instability is totally eliminated.
I used SPD clipless pedals, starting in 2009, on my long distance recumbent trike tours. The clipless pedals typically cause riders to experience foot discomfort as the hours roll on, necessitating stopping the trike and walking around for a minute or two so that the feet can feel normal again. I endured this type of pedaling, which I was led to believe was the most efficient, up until July of 2022, at which point I saw that another triking friend was using the Catalyst pedals, so I decided to give them a try.
Having used many different traditional pedals over the years, I can say without hesitation that the Catalyst pedals are superior. I can pedal as long as I want, as far as I want, and as hard as I want, without any foot discomfort or pain whatsoever. The Catalyst pedals are a platform pedal, the same width as any common platform pedal, but the thing that makes the day and night difference in foot comfort is that they are noticeably longer than all other platform pedals.
This allows the rider to place the arch of the foot directly over the pedal axle (spindle) line, thereby using the full power of the legs without any ankle instability or distortion. When the ankle is a factor in pedaling, as is the case with most riders using the balls of their feet, power is lost in that instability. A full-foot support pedal eliminates this power loss, as well as hotspot issues.
These pedals are professional grade aluminum with traction pins. When I first got them last year, I was a little worried about a foot slipping off while riding, but this has never occurred. The 18 traction pins on each side of each pedal keep my fee on the pedals, even at stops, or when an unexpected bump jars the foot slightly on the pedal. The key to this full-foot support pedal is foot placement on the pedal ... The arch must be directly over the pedal spindle to realize the benefits of the pedal (otherwise, it's no different from a standard platform pedal where riders are simply toe pedaling).
steve
I've been using Crankbrother Eggbeater 3's for over12 years on my Catrike Expedition. Good attachment & float.
I have gone to Kampway Pedals and love them. Don't use any straps and my feet stay put. Use them on my Catrike Dumont Trike.
Every trike rider should watch this video. After using clipless pedals ( with foot pain) I tried the platform pedals with the pins . Up hill was fine but down hill with no pressure on the pedals and some bumps my right foot came off and under the frame it went at 22 MPH. Needless to say it was 8 weeks of rest and using a boot for the torn achilles tendon to heal and get back on the trike. I'm hoping more trike riders watch this video. Thank you for doing this.
Thanks for sharing your story with us!!
Your videos are very informative.
Glad we could share the info
Great explanation thanks for showing.
You’re welcome
Had dropped leg twice bounce off asphalt. Ouch!
Worse by far is leg going under the trike frame.
Use full-foot-support heel cup pedals here with all the nylon straps removed.
No pedaling upward, but I don't do that anyway.
Gary
AKA: "Jason Stillwater" in the recumbent world.
A leg under the frame is very painful!! Thanks for sharing your experience and helpful information.
I've switched to the Pedaling Innovations Pedals with an aftermarket strap . Just couldn't get the hang of the clipless pedals .
Thanks for sharing what works best for you!
@Steven Chanenson it was a cheap one from Amazon. I have, however, dispensed with these (velcro came apart) and have gone back to using the pedals quite happily with the installed pins . I use either a pair of hiking shoes or similar sandals - no issues .
A Wall-E floaty chair.
😂
@@connecticutyankeepedalleri4188 Glad you agree with me.