Klein Designs Honeycomb Pedal - Interbike 2015
 |
Max Klein's prototype pedal and shoe system hasn't been designed to replace either platform or clipless pedals, but rather be a third alternative for riders who might benefit from a different approach. It's that interface that sets the Klein Designs pedal apart, with its wild looking honeycomb pattern that is said to create a connection that allows the rider to easily attach and detach, as well as be able to adjust their foot position on the fly. The novel layout came about after Klein, who has a motocross background, started to get into mountain biking and found that he didn't want to be locked into his pedals as securely as a clipless system holds, but that he did want a more secure connection than a standard platform pedal could provide.
Klein and a friend sat down to sketch out a number of ideas, including removable sections of shoe soles, but it was the honeycomb pedal shown here that they say made the most sense to them. ''With the design of the shoe sole and the pedal to fit like a puzzle,'' Klein explained, ''the rider can still pedal the bike while feeling for the grooves to fit in rather than searching for the small cleat of a clip-in shoe.'' That's some out of the box thinking from someone who was outside of the cycling industry if I've ever seen it.
The prototype pedal shown here is just that, a rough prototype that could change in shape before reaching production, and Klein also stressed that they will likely see some reliefs cut into the body for weight reduction.
The prototype pedal shown here is just that, a rough prototype that could change in shape before reaching production, and Klein also stressed that they will likely see some reliefs cut into the body for weight reduction.
The interlocking honeycomb design of the pedal body and shoe sole should provide more security than a regular platform pedal, but also more freedom than a clipless setup.
Klein has been trialling different sized pedals and honeycomb shapes, with three versions on the go right now.
He's spent a good amount of coin to patent his pedal and shoe design.
As interesting and novel as Klein's design is, even the most openminded of people are going to have a few questions, with one of the most pressing being shoe compatibility. The design means that pedal and shoe need to be used together as a system, something that will complicate matters on the production side of things, although Max did say he was speaking with a few different shoe companies about this. A company like Five Ten producing the shoe would be the best case scenario, and he'd like the pedals and shoes to be sold as a kit for around $275 USD, a reasonable price for both items together. A concern of mine would be how the pedal and shoe connection changes as the soles wear over time, and it might mean that Klein has to consider replaceable soles, a service that is actually already available for some shoes.
And what about float? A small amount of flex in the rubber shoe soles would provide a bit movement, but the interlocking nature of the pedal and shoe system would mean that there would essentially be no float in the traditional sense. Klein told me that he's looking to incorporate a float system into the pedal and bearing layout, likely using a patented design that's already on the market, which should address cranky knees and ankles. They're also still tweaking the shape of the lugs used on the sole, with the possibility of a cap-like shape being employed that could provide a bit more retention.
 |
 The prototype pedal is neither slim nor light, but expect the production version to be much sleeker and refined. |
The Klein Designs pedal and shoe system is still in its infancy - they have a Kickstarter campaign on the go right now - but they believe in the design enough to have gone to the trouble and expense of patenting the concept. It's not going to replace the status quo, and Klein isn't aiming to do that, but it could be an interesting third option for an openminded rider who's up for trying something different.
Must Read This Week
160 Comments
While this probably isn't for me its an interesting new idea that (although may need some refinement) could turn out to be a viable alternative to what's out there now. This is exactly the kind of thing I love reading about on pinkbike
I think if the shoe sole had a pattern like this the adjustability issue you speak of would be drastically improved:
s-media-cache-ak0.pinimg.com/236x/16/e6/98/16e69848d3f1f1069d55e9d44815c21f.jpg
Was thinking the same.
USA ain't any better.
I like the idea that it would be a slight step up from flats to clips but why would you spend even more money on a set of intermediate pedals? Either go clips or flats, simples
I already have trouble repositioning my foot if it gets a bit out of shape on the pedal. I have put shorter pins in some places on the pedal to counter this. Kinda makes this honeycomb design seem a bit redundant...
But you can't take away our American Exceptionalism with your logic!
I like the new ideas I see at Eurobike. And I like to laugh at the weird crap every where.
Maybe a softer compound rubber allowing some flexibility would work well to allow some movement within the pattern, although that would probably result in shoe soles wearing faster.
www.youtube.com/watch?v=7OsMGvupW_U#t=181
Simple licensing arrangement.
These holes need to be a lot smaller. It's a reasonable idea but this will not work... period. Cut those honey comb sizes in half... then MAYBE we're talking.
With what they have going you'd be better off just going with a clip pedal. You can actually get torque on the up pull.
Voila! All the advantages of this design, with none of the "my feet are locked in position and my knees hurt" woes.
Should do a kickstarter.
With these pedals you'll have the same idea as riding SPDs floatless: you can only keep your feet in one specific position, and nothing else. Sounds like the perfect recipe for other people to ruin their knees aswell. I've ben out for 4 months now do to ligaments healing so damn slowly...
Maybe my view of these pedals is not correct, but theoretically they sound like a bad idea to me.
Allthough I will give them props for thinking outside of the box, that is very important
P.S. pinkbike is doing a good job of honey"combing" through interbike this year
Neat idea - but curious if a smaller profile would help. Those pedals terrify my shins.
I like that he's thinking outside of the box, but I don't see it taking off.
www.youtube.com/watch?v=-AlknBFCV28
no, its not. stop.
www.bikerumor.com/2015/09/03/eb15-funn-may-put-some-float-in-you-flats-with-hover-pedal-concept
Not "wiggle room", per se, not in terms of being able to adjust where your foot sits, but it would be about equivalent to what you get from clipless.
www.postfoods.com/images/brands/honey-comb/splashing_honeycomb.png
Just one stone and the pedal won't fit anywhere near it D: