Anyone use MTB flat pedal w/retention?

[jojobos]

Hi All, I am thinking of switching from SPD to MTB flat pedal for my cx commuting bike. I think I want some kind of foot retention. Are there any? The reason I am wanting MTB flats is that I remember riding(long time ago) with sylvan track pedal&toe clip was kind of slippery in wet weather and also not accommodating for larger shoes.

[Jaybee]

A MTB flat with pins is surprisingly sticky with the right shoe. Think Race Face Chester instead of MKS Sylvan. I would ride that with any shoe short of a full leather sole dress shoe.

[KidWok]

I use mtb flats with pins for commuting. No retention. Works great. I could see wanting some retention for bunny hopping stuff, but rarely happens.

Tai

[Mark McM]

What do you mean by "foot retention" on a flat pedal?

There are some pedals which are big flat platforms, with a clipless retention system in the middle, which allows you to either clip in, or simply stand on the pedal.

Crank Brothers Doubleshot pedal:




In a similar vain, there are pedals have a large flat surface on one side, and clipless retention system on the other side, so you can either chose to be clipped in or not clipped depending on which side you pedal on.

Genetic Chimera pedals:




Other flat pedals can have traditional toe clips and straps fitted to one side:

[andeww]

never used something like this, but looks comfy

[Ken Robb]

I agree that if you try the pedals without a retention device you may very well find that you don't need anything but pinned pedals.

[jojobos]

Thanks all for your inputs. I am looking for something that doesn't require a cleat and a clpless shoes for it. I think I will try MTB flats with pins first and I can add straps later if needed. When I made a switch to clipless system I was afraid of locked in to the bike. Now years later I am afraid of not clipped in..

[austex]

PowerGrips, but not sure if they'll attached to modern flat pedals:

http://www.powergrips.com/

[CMiller]

For any city commuting I wouldnt use straps at all unless you have a fixed gear, just not worth the danger of sudden stops. Sneakers + pinned pedals for me.

[Dino Suegiù]

I have used those Speedplay "Platformer" things, which are convenient because they snap onto X or Zeros, but they are plastic, not incredibly strong, and can get kind of slick sometimes.

Has anyone here used Drilliums or Brass Knuckles?

Originally Posted by CMiller

For any city commuting I wouldnt use straps at all unless you have a fixed gear, just not worth the danger of sudden stops. Sneakers + pinned pedals for me.

Yes, good point.

[d_douglas]

Originally Posted by jojobos

Hi All, I am thinking of switching from SPD to MTB flat pedal for my cx commuting bike. I think I want some kind of foot retention. Are there any? The reason I am wanting MTB flats is that I remember riding(long time ago) with sylvan track pedal&toe clip was kind of slippery in wet weather and also not accommodating for larger shoes.

Yeah, just find some $25-50 flats with pins and you are good - I have some Crank Bros 5050 pedals and have used hiking shoes, jogging shoes, Blundstones, flipflops and they work remarkably well.

[sevencyclist]

I loved my days with PowerGrips.

http://www.powergrips.com/

[Dekonick]

Time Link is another option.

[p nut]

Pins and sticky shoes for.....commuting? I just use plastic pedals for stuff like that. Nice, wide pedals that you can SHIFT the position of your foot easily.

[bicycletricycle]

I use MKS sylvan touring or Shimano Saint platforms (with pins) with rubber soled shoes. The MKS get a little slippery feeling sometimes especially after a year or two when the aluminum cages get worn smoother. The platforms with pins always feel secure and grippy.

That being said, your foot will always move around more than a clipless set up and you just have to get used to that IMHO