New flat pedals- axles quite stiff. Do they need breaking in? - Bike Forum

Re: New flat pedals- axles quite stiff. Do they need breaking in?

traildog — Thu, 27 Jun 2013 11:30:38 +0000

I got a cheap pair of flat pedals (that were still ok-ish), rode in my trainers. Found it difficult and didn't like it - which told me I needed to practice more.
Eventually got some good shoes. Learned to love flat pedals
Then got some good pedals.

You are really overthinking something which is very simple.

I wouldn't worry about the pedal being a bit stiff sapping your energy. Can you rotate them by hand? Now imagine how much more power your feet generate.

Re: New flat pedals- axles quite stiff. Do they need breaking in?

tinsy — Thu, 27 Jun 2013 11:11:19 +0000

I was not trying to start a debate just pointing out that trying them is not hard to do.

FWIW I only tried them as I had a knee opp & still had stitches in, I thought it would save me twisting to get my foot unclipped, it was not a fair test really, but I just did not like the not being attached feeling.

Each to their own.

Re: New flat pedals- axles quite stiff. Do they need breaking in?

Northwind — Thu, 27 Jun 2013 10:51:28 +0000

tinsy - Member

Went for a ride.
Didn’t like it.

If you really didn't give it a chance or put in the time to adapt, why even bother? It's like the damn fools that fall off once because of their SPDs and decide it's not for them, as if it doesn't get better.

Re: New flat pedals- axles quite stiff. Do they need breaking in?

mikewsmith — Thu, 27 Jun 2013 10:48:57 +0000

My process went like this:-

Bought Flat Pedals
Fittes Flats
Put shimano flat shoes on
Went for a ride

Did't like it

Persevered

Now never going back to spd's.

If it ain't broke don't fix it, there is nothing being clipped is stopping me doing.

Re: New flat pedals- axles quite stiff. Do they need breaking in?

xherbivorex — Thu, 27 Jun 2013 10:45:45 +0000

hora, my superstar nanos were noticeably less freely spinning than the DMR V8s they replaced. a few months in, they move a little easier but not loads. it's not a problem, tbh i prefer them to be like this than spinning all over the place.

Re: New flat pedals- axles quite stiff. Do they need breaking in?

cbmotorsport — Thu, 27 Jun 2013 10:31:29 +0000

My process went like this:-

Bought Flat Pedals
Fittes Flats
Put shimano flat shoes on
Went for a ride

Did't like it

Persevered

Now never going back to spd's.

Re: New flat pedals- axles quite stiff. Do they need breaking in?

tinsy — Thu, 27 Jun 2013 10:23:17 +0000

Been quite a mission this swapping to flats hasn’t it... When I tried them it went like this:-

Bought flat pedals.
Fitted flat pedals.
Put skate shoes with waffle sole on.
Went for a ride.

Didn’t like it.

Put trusty 520's back on.

Re: New flat pedals- axles quite stiff. Do they need breaking in?

zbonty — Thu, 27 Jun 2013 10:21:33 +0000

Just re-read the your op. Some big landings to flat will shake them loose.

FS: DX flats. One frustrated owner!

Re: New flat pedals- axles quite stiff. Do they need breaking in?

hora — Thu, 27 Jun 2013 10:13:26 +0000

I meant the Shimano DX spds

Re: New flat pedals- axles quite stiff. Do they need breaking in?

zbonty — Thu, 27 Jun 2013 10:00:04 +0000

I couldn't get on with the bearings in the DXs. A pain to adjust ime

The pins are almost impossible to remove, even from new and the short ones offer no grip when it's wet.
Heavy and fat (tall). I could go on.

My least favourite Shimano product ever, sorry.