Grips, saddle and pedals are the interfaces between man and bike. Their design and position in relation to each other determine the level of comfort and the efficiency of pedalling on tour. However, while renowned manufacturers have been developing comfort grips, new handlebar shapes and multi-faceted seat pads for many years, classic pedals have not played a major role in the ergonomics sector to date. That could change.
3 ergonomic bike pedals in comparison
After Ergons paddle-like "PC2" and after the "521" pedal, which SQlab with different axle lengths, recently also introduced Ergotec an ergonomically shaped flat pedal. Reason enough for our editorial team to take a look downwards rather than forwards for a change. We scrutinised the three pedals with the help of an orthopaedic shoemaker and professional bike fitter. The question for Thorsten Kitsche from Dachau was: What do the ergonomic pedals do - and what don't they do?
His first positive assessment: "Ergonomic pedals are following the trend towards ever greater customisation on the bike." In addition to grips and saddles, pedals can now also be fitted to better suit the rider's preferences and needs. But how does the customer recognise which pedal suits their needs? The search inevitably draws attention to the principles of the connection between foot and pedal, which is often neglected by recreational riders.
Firmer grip than on conventional bicycle pedals
Cyclists know this: The firmer the connection between shoe and pedal, the more efficient and energy-saving the pedalling. The pedals from Ergon and Ergotec attempt to fulfil this requirement with grippy surfaces and the special shape of their contact surfaces. Our test rides showed that they do indeed hold the foot a little tighter than conventional pedals with every revolution, but do not hold it as firmly as clipless pedals. In addition, both models have noticeably large treads. "A good idea," says Thorsten Kitsche, "If the pressure is distributed over a large area, the punctual load is reduced." Cyclists who suffer from splayfoot pain, for example, could benefit from this. The large pedals also provide a pleasant feeling of safety when riding, which even sporty everyday cyclists will appreciate.
The ideal position of the foot in relation to the pedal is found when the forefoot is above the pedal axle - and not the midfoot. Firstly, in this position the ankle can move to the side and allow the knee to move more easily when pedalling, and secondly, the power transfer directly from the ball of the foot to the pedal is particularly impulsive.
Thanks to their special fit, the pedals from Ergon and Ergotec guide the sole of the shoe and therefore the forefoot into a position in relation to the axle that is right for cyclists with average-shaped feet. However, those who prefer a different position on the pedals are left behind. "Furthermore, the desired effect is only achieved if the saddle has been brought into the correct position in relation to the pedals beforehand," warns Thorsten Kitsche. A well-adjusted bike is the prerequisite for safe and efficient pedalling. If the saddle is set too high, pedalling is usually done with the toes; if it is too low, the midfoot or heel is placed on the pedal.
Experts such as Thorsten Kitsche recommend placing the feet on the pedals at hip bone distance or as close as possible to the crank. This achieves the best power transmission with less strain on the feet and knees. Only in exceptional cases, e.g. when the feet are turned strongly outwards during normal walking, can a widening be appropriate. This is where the three different axle lengths of the 521 pedal from SQlab come into play: Its L version is suitable for people with very large feet and gives cyclists with outwardly turned feet room to pedal without bumping into the cranks or frame.
Compensating for misalignments
According to Thorsten Kitsche, the most common positional error on the pedal is a heel that is turned inwards, i.e. towards the wheel. "When pedalling in this footballer's position, most of the force is transferred internally and the knee is loaded on one side," he explains. If you still want to pedal in this way, you should try the Ergon ergonomic pedal: With a moderate elevation on the inside, it facilitates the outward tendency when pedalling.
Many people put the outer edge of the sole of the foot on first when walking. The wedge of the Ergon pedal supports precisely this varus position. However, orthopaedic shoemaker Thorsten Kitsche finds it illogical that there is currently no solution for the rest of cyclists, who would ride better with an elevation on the outside: "A pedal with the opposite wedge would be the perfect addition."
Insoles are a good and simple way of correcting the position of the foot on the pedal. You can have them customised by an orthopaedic shoemaker - or buy ready-made models from specialist retailers. The company Specialized, for example, has developed a concept that allows cyclists to individually adjust their alignment in the shoe using insoles and wedges.
Test summary of the ergonomic pedals
Every ergonomic pedal has its own character, and no two models are the same for every type of cyclist. Anyone who is free of discomfort when pedalling but wants more comfort and safety when pedalling could experience a real eye-opener with the inconspicuous model from Ergotec. However, for cyclists with pre-existing injuries or physical limitations, replacing the pedals is not a panacea. In these cases, suitable solutions should be found in consultation with a sports physician or experienced orthopaedist.
The full-length article from issue 1/2015 is available as a free PDF download.
