| Ride Stats |
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Distance:
10.03 miles
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Route:
Kin-Mor-Way Trails
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Time: 01:32:33
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Avg Speed:
6.50 mph
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Max Speed:
18.60 mph
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Avg HR: 0 bpm
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Max HR: 0 bpm
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Calories Burned: 0
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Weight:
198
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Altitude Gain:
0 ft
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Terrain: Off: XC
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Bike: Salsa Mukluk Fat
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| Club: Secular Cycleism |
| Weather Conditions: Sunny. Windy. 42°. |
| Ride Description: Testing the new Gates Pedal and Strap setup. |
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It seems flat pedals are the most popular pedal in the Fat-Bike scene. Mostly because you can wear your warmest Winter boots and they also make it easy to put your foot down at a moments notice.
However, I love clipless pedals, mostly because it is much more efficient, and secondly because of the (as of 12/26/11, undiagnosed) muscle disease that is shutting down the muscles in my legs. Pedaling while attached to your bike, makes it a lot easier.
One downside to SPD type (Shimano, Egg Beaters, etc...) pedals and shoes is the metal cleat and pedal which will transfer cold to your feet. And they are susceptible to clogging with ice, sand, and mud, making escape and sometimes entry difficult.
I've had some success with my Gaerne Eskimo shoes and SPD pedals, but even after trying countless combinations of socks and different sole inserts, I can usually only ride for 1 hour to 1.5 hours in temperatures in the low 20's F before my feet are cold. So, I'm ready to give flat pedals a try.
Here are two options for flat pedal systems with straps.
The Power Grip from Mountain Racing Products.
www.mountainracingproducts.com/power-grips/
And the Gates Pedal and Strap from Fyxation.
www.fyxation.com/shop/product.php?id_product=87
The Power Grip pedal system has been around a long time. In fact, the model I'm testing is one I've had since before I switched to Shimano SPD in the mid 90's. I'm using the $44.50 Sport Pedal Kit. There is also a High Performance Pedal Kit for $76.95 (+$14.30 for XL straps if you need them) If you need the longer straps, be sure to order them with the Kit, otherwise the XL Straps will cost you $39.95.
The Power Grip is very simple and works very well. It is designed so you put your foot in at an angle, then turn your foot to its natural pedaling position to tighten the strap.
For use with my Keen Summit Country boots, I had to order the Extra Long strap kit.
Inserting your shoe into the Power Strap is easy, and with a little practice, you can get strapped in while barely losing a pedal stoke. However, the smoother the tread is on your shoe/boot the easier it is to get in. Boots/shoes with big knobby tread will not be as easy or fast.
The Fyxation Gates Pedal Strap Kit... This is the first time I've ever tried a big BMX style platform pedal, and I must say I am very impressed with the solid feel a large pedal provides. After strapping the Velcro straps tight, this pedal setup felt almost as solid as my SPD setup.
This system may not be the best for technical riding where you're more likely to dab a few times. But you can always use the flat "bottom side" of the pedal until you get to a place where it's easier to tighten the straps back up. If you want supreme comfort for long non-technical rides, this is the hot setup.
The Final Scoop... Both of these pedal/strap combos are worthy of your beloved Fat-Bike. Here are the differences...
The Power Grip would be a better choice for more technical riding because of their easy in and out design. Though may not be quite as comfortable on long rides.
The Gates Pedal Strap Kit has a solid, big platform that is very comfortable. The straps secure you tight, and you become one with the bike. Easy to exit, but not quite as easy as the Power Grips. And the pedals are available in 7 colors and Black or White straps.
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