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Slipping off bike pedals

bike-pedal

Q. My feet always slip off my bicycle pedals so I was wondering what gear I should buy?
— Slippery Jo, Pierce, Neb.

A. I hear you, Jo. Slipping off your pedals is a real downer, especially when your pedal swings around and slams into your shin. Ouch!

Well, without knowing exactly what kind of pedals you’re using now, let me say this: You should start with a sturdy BMX-style pedal, which is a wide flat pedal with lots of little studs for traction. Ride those with soft-soled shoes like a skate shoe and you should be good to go. You might also take a look at Power Grips. These are straps that attach diagonally across your pedals to hold your feet in place while pedaling. They give you the same sort of traction and added power as pedals with toe clips and clipless pedals (which use special shoes to attach your foot to the pedal). But Power Grips are cheaper and it’s easier to pull your foot off the pedal when you need to step down.


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8 Comments on Slipping off bike pedals

  1. I ride bikes a lot. // December 20, 2020 at 6:42 pm // Reply

    Geta set of good mountain bike pedals with an aluminum or composite body and metal pins. Crankbrothers Stamps are really nice. You can also go with clipless mountain bike pedals (SPD or crankbrothers), if you are an experienced cyclist.

  2. I’ve used the Powergrip straps. I have also used toe clips and half clips (strapless clips). All will mount to just about any pedal and are very easy to use. I like the strapless for commuting because they are easiest to get out of if you need to bail. Powergrips are the next easiest to get in and out of. All can be found online or at a good bike shop.

  3. Bike Repair Man // April 24, 2012 at 8:41 pm // Reply

    I have had the pedal swing around it is painful especially due to mine being heavy steel with edges that were grinded down from years of sharp turns.
    From the perspective of a Bike Repair Man I would say to get a sturdy pair of aluminum box style pedals with studs for traction and to wear a pair of tennis shoes with good gripping soles

  4. Glad I could help.

  5. i just used grip tape on pedals and shoos

  6. Cool!

  7. I have used the powergrip straps. They work well, adjust easily, will mount to nearly any pedal out there and don’t need special shoes. They were a little tricky to get into at first. I kept mine slightly loose until I got use to them.

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