So I've been looking for a road bike (not very actively) for a while. They were so expensive! And I didn't even know if I'd really use it much or even what to look for. Just recently I made the decision to just look on craigslist for a nice old used one. Had a friend that was giving me some advice on what to look for. Then just a few days ago I blew a tire on my mountain bike. After many many craigslists ads I finally found something that was decent, close by, inexpensive, and wasnt already sold. I went out and it seemed to fit me well enough so I forked over $80 for an '88 Schwinn LeTour. All original right down to the 25 yr old tires. And best I can tell everything is super tight and works great. Had it out today for its third voyage, and farthest I've been on a bike in recent years... about 16 miles.
Actually I was going to put up a brief review on the pedals, but was waiting until I got a decent bike to try them on. Well I still don't know how to review a pedal, not being bike-savvy or anything like that. So I'll just post some pics and say what I do know about em.
Ergon PC-2
Well first off, they are pricey. I think I spent about 50 or $60 on amazon for the pair. I probably wouldnt have if I realized there was other barefoot pedal options at the time, it was kind of an impulse buy. But I am not disappointed!
Here they are well used on my mountain bike.
Note they have a nice sandpaper-like texture that helps keep the foot from slipping. Works pretty well, though I havent hit any huge bumps or holes. In that case I'm sure there is still a good chance my feet my fly off the pedal. There is also a raised side on the insides of them, to help keep your foot from slipping inward into the crank or gears. Its not all that big, the picture makes it seem bigger than it really is. But at least you can feel when your up against it for good positioning.
I got the large size, and would definitely recommend large for anyone... my feet arent all that large (mens us size 9ish) and they fell the pedal just about perfect...
I'm no pro cyclist so I don't know where it is optimal to place ones feet but I just place my forefoot over the sandpaper area like so, I can feel the front edge of the pedals a little under my first two toes usually.
Compared to the original pedals on my mountain bike.
And today I put them on my new old '88 LeTour. Did about 15-16mi after a 9mi run and they did great. They look way out of place on the 'vintage' bike, but oh well the fashion police can ticket me I guess I don't care.
< bigger pic of the new bike. I don't know why I am so excited about an $80 bike but I just love it so far!
Now, at least a duathalon seems in the realm of possibility