Re: Catalyst Pedals?

On Thu, 24 Apr 2025 04:00:12 -0400,
  Catrike Ryder <Soloman@old.bikers.org> wrote:

 On Wed, 23 Apr 2025 23:57:52 -0000 (UTC), Ted Heise
 <theise@panix.com> wrote:

I've had a tailor's bunion much of my life, and it's really gotten painful the last week or so.  On closer attention, it seems the Bontrager shoes I wear are one of the main culprits

In looking for solutions, I also came across something caled Catalyst Pedals.  They are platforms that are larger than most and also have pins to aid grip between shoe and pedal...

 https://naturalfootgear.com/blogs/shoe-footgear-reviews/catalyst-pedals-revi$

 I used clipless pedals for years. Several years ago, I began  having lots of pain in my feet as I rode and then I had pain  just walking in regular shoes...
>
 Foot doctor said I had corns on several of my toes.
>
 This is what I bought for when I had the corns on my toes.
>
 https://store.bicycleman.com/products/plastic-adaptive-pedal-with-weights
>
 I removed the weights that kept the pedal facing upwards  because I ride a recumbent. I also removed all the straps.

Appropos of nothing, I've gotten reasonably good at using my toe on the right foot just after starting to flip my one sided Campy pedals so that the toe clip is up and I can get my foot in.  From time to time it takes me a couple of tries, but not that often.  I suppose weights might be a marginal benefit, but not a great one.

     ...I thought, at first, that I needed something to keep my  feet from sliding forward on the pedal, but I turns out I  don't.

Good to know.  And maybe not entirely different from the toe clip approach.  The clips help, but don't always feel like they are indispensible.

 I bought oversize sneakers to wear with them. Note that the  axle of the pedal is under my arch rather than under the ball  of my foot as it was with clipless pedals. It did change my  pedal stroke quite a bit. It put different muscles into play.

Very helpful, thanks.  The notion of going away from stiff road shoes has a lot of appeal.  It would be nice to have more walkable shoes too.  And your input on the mechanics seems to support at least that aspect of what was being said on the Catalyst site.

 I debated about going back to clipless now that the corns are  gone, but wearing bike shoes for clipless pedals is probably  how I got the corns, so I haven't changed back. Now I can ride  wearing any old shoe. I've ridden in sandals a couple of times.  I live in Florida, sandals are my usual footwear.
>
 I rode barefoot up and down the street in front of my home just  to see if I could do it. No problem.

Good to know as well, thank you.
--
Ted Heise      <theise@panix.com>       West Lafayette, IN, USA