Re: Catalyst Pedals?

Ted Heise <theise@panix.com> wrote:

On 24 Apr 2025 10:53:23 GMT,
  Roger Merriman <roger@sarlet.com> wrote:

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 aggravating it (a pair of sandals is another).  I've
ordered a ball and ring shoe stretcher to alleviate the
pressure on the affected area.
 
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.  The
main benefit is ability to wear optimal athletic shoes. 
Here's more...
 
https://naturalfootgear.com/blogs/shoe-footgear-reviews/catalyst-pedals-review

 

I’d be very cynical that any of their claims could be backed up
by evidence!
 
It’s narrower pedal than mine if longer I use DMR V12/11 pedals
which are wider plus have a concave shape so one’s shoes are
kept in place.
 
<https://dmrbikes.com/products/dmr-v11-pedal>
 
Might be worth exploring the shoes ie shoes that are less tight
yourself or see if any of their claims could bike shops offer
bike fits as shoe fits is definitely the sort of thing they do.
 
Ie don’t change everything at once!
 
Ie sorta did the reverse as I’m an old MTBer at heart so
eventually ditched SPD pedals and went back to flats which I’m
much happier with.

 
Thanks, Roger.  I'll try the stretcher, and see if that helps. 
As I said elsethread, I've been thinking of going to something
more walkable.  SPDs are the main option I'm aware of, but
platforms seem like a viable alternative.  Will let you know how
it goes (one step at a time, heh).
 

Flat pedal shoes are by their nature quite walkable, some are certainly
designed with that in mind, ie for Hike A Bike sections the more basic flat
pedals shoes which are more like skate shoes are certainly easy on/off the
bike, ie use some Shimano ones for the commute/at work.

They don’t pedal as well in more demanding environments, as they have more
flexible soles vs the Five Ten Impacts which I use on the MTB/Gravel bike
but they are more comfortable to be walking around in at work, and well
would be overkill for the commute!

Roger Merriman