A Homemade Hack Puts Pins on the Shoes Instead of the Pedals - Thoughts?

Dec 12, 2018
by TheUselessTrials  

I've had this idea in the back of my mind for a long time: If you had the pins on your shoes and rubber on your pedals, it would minimize the threat the pedals pose to your shins.

But would it actually be practical?

There was only one way to find out...

photo

Experiment! I modified two worn out riding shoes with screws similar to the ones you would find on flat pedals, and I attached rubber to some plastic pedals. Since the proper rubber I intended to use wasn't available anymore, I opted for the cheapest to get instead – an old car tyre. Not exactly ideal, but it works for the experiment.

photo

The result of the experiment was that the system works like normal pedals and shoes, just in reverse. And being hit by the pedals did hurt considerably less. So, my conclusion is that, for some types of riding, a well-engineered version of this could be an alternative with many benefits.

Author Info:
TheUselessTrials avatar

Member since Oct 17, 2017
6 articles

227 Comments
  • 201 7
 Anyone who has ever tried to walk on track spikes knows how annoying this would be.
  • 43 3
 and how much of a pain in the ass it is to remove them from the shoe after you've beaten the metal down.
  • 46 8
 can't wait to walk up an entire trail just on the heels
  • 40 4
 @shr3d: You could pedal up the trail instead Wink . I like the idea but these would be so sketchy on a steep rock face. I hate to say this but the cons may outweigh the pros.
  • 32 0
 Old school golf spikes meet bathroom linoleum floor
  • 109 2
 Anyone who ever tried to push a bike in 5.10s on the mud/snow knows how cool this would be.
  • 37 4
 @Boardlife69: clearly anyone who say that spikes on rock would be sketchy never ever used alpinism crampons in their lives. I did my fair share of Alpinism and I can tell you that most of the time metal spikes bite much more on rock than rubber, especially when the rock is wet. It is a weird feeling as the grip is very much total, no slipage. And if you move around the grip goes off without warning but you learn to place your feet and keep them static and from then on it's pretty amazing actually.

The wear out would be important as soon as you start wlaking on hard pack surfaces but if spikes replacement are easy and cheap that wouldn't be much of an issue.
  • 4 3
 @lkubica: Just buy some crampons?
  • 10 16
flag Mattin (Dec 12, 2018 at 5:34) (Below Threshold)
 This must be terrible to ride in muddy conditions.

Or when you get off your bike and go into a bar / friends house, etc, you ruin their floor.


Slipping off your pedal is due to bad technique. I rode freestyle mtb (street, park, dirt) for over 12 years + after that another 5 years on flat pedals for XC, gravel and the occasional downhill. The first 2-3 years of freestyle my feet slipped my pedals a bit more often, but after that it was not even once per year. As long as your feet is placed well on the pedal and your shoe and pedal combination is well, slipping off your pedal won't be an issue.
  • 5 10
flag Mattin (Dec 12, 2018 at 5:36) (Below Threshold)
 @lkubica: These shoes sound really "cool" indeed in snow. So cool it literally freezes your toes off Wink
  • 11 0
 Agreed!!

BUT...... anyone that’s ever stepped on a wet or snowy rock in FiveTens and thought they were going to die is saying HMMMMMMM......
  • 2 1
 This!!!
  • 6 2
 @Balgaroth: 8 to 12 points for mountaineering crampons, including 2 front points strategically located throughout your foot with proper footwear to match. Hardly the same application.

Anyone that has walked down a steep slab with mountaineering crampons know this would suck. Pins on the shoes would be concentrated around the ball of the foot therefore reducing the effectiveness of having a “point” to bite in the terrain.

A solution to a problem that doesn’t exist... And when there is a problem with grip on your shoes, definitely not the solution.

But great way to think outside the box and start the creative ball rolling.
  • 3 2
 you aint walking while trying to learn new tricks on dirtjumps . It's pretty clear that learning tricks would be the only only call for this type of set up. No one serious would ever consider riding trails with these lol.
  • 4 0
 they would be great pushing up steep muddy trails
  • 1 0
 @Balgaroth:
I completely agree with you, but the carbide spikes are not cheap at all... Shame... Frown
However I would bet on this concept and especially my wife with her beautiful legs would be happy with that solution. Congratulations Mr. TheUselessTrials!!!
  • 2 0
 I was discussing this very idea with someone a couple years ago. I don't think it makes sense for the trail market. But in the winter adventure market, many people use a common yaktrak type product while hiking so as to not slip. If a decent rubber pedal could be used with that set up it would make sense.
  • 3 0
 @Tinga: I used my spiked running shoes (old ones) for winter riding with great success.
  • 4 0
 Ahhh I remember finishing the 400m, feeling like absolute death, walking off the track and slipping on the concrete. Fun times.
  • 8 1
 I bought my wife some crampons last night. Thought that was a strange request to get from the market.
  • 1 0
 @shr3d: lol f*ckin classic images come into my mind
  • 1 0
 @gotohe11carolina: Oddly-specific comment. I bought my house from a golfer and have this exact problem!
  • 2 2
 Anyone who has stood in dogshit in Vans would know the flattish soles of their 5-10s are much easier to clean.
Adding studs to them isn't on my TODO list....
- More weight added to the pedals (your RC bearings will wear quicker)
- Another component interface: the rubber platform to pedal join, what is that? Zip ties? Why not zip tie your shoes to the pedal and leave your laces loose.
- More fiddly bits to attract dogshit
- Car tyres usually contain a metal ply, a scuff from that is akin a wire brush abrasion, mmmm

More problems than solutions
  • 1 0
 @rocky-mtn-gman: Apparently you've never worn spikes in any sport before... It's really not that hard.
  • 3 2
 Are there no fly fishers here? Metal studs on rubber soled boots make all the difference when wading through mossy, rocky riverbeds and scrambling up slippery rocks. I use these studs for moto tires instead of the over-priced "fly fishing specific" stud options: www.amazon.com/Kold-Kutter-Snowmobile-Traction-Screws/dp/B008N6AQXO

Screw them right into the boot in the designated spots. They bite really well, and you can always get a flat head in there to remove them. IMO this is all you would need at the bottom of your shoe, not some big spikes.
  • 1 0
 @onemanarmy: ouch man, yer hurtin my feelings
  • 1 0
 @rocky-mtn-gman: LOL! Na... I'm just old. I remember screwing in football, baseball, golf spikes, etc. Even when they get beat to hell they're easy to swap out.
  • 1 1
 @bentplate: I clicked on your name expecting to see Montana under your name. Fly Fisher in California... you must not have many friends. LOL! Seriously though... I'd love to get into it myself but I can't add another reason to be out of my house. My wife wouldn't appreciate it.
  • 1 0
 @Mattin: dutch have always been bad at taking their shoes off at the door.....
  • 2 0
 Roadies solved this a while ago; you carry little covers. Sounds like a pain but the first time you don't blow up a $30 pair of cleats they suddenly seem worth it. Same goes for the first time you smash your shin and don't have huge gashes from the pins. This whole things needs a little refinement but could definitely work for some folks.
  • 2 0
 @shr3d: seems like it would be easier than walking up in clipless shoes.
  • 1 0
 @nevertoofast: you could use them to play golf, or run track though
  • 1 0
 @shr3d: Otherwise known as the roadie shuffle.
  • 1 0
 "Anyone who has ever tried to walk on track spikes knows how annoying this would be" while lolligagging at the bar or bike shop)

in a forest youdget great grip on dirt and wood!
  • 1 0
 Guessing you would use different shoes for a track walk and you would be riding the bike down and not walking. If you happen to crash or have a mishap forcing you to walk down the track or trail, you would probably have bigger issues than your metal cleats getting worn down.
  • 1 0
 totally. I've nearly gotten a mouthful of asphalt before during an xc (running) race when the track crossed a road
  • 1 0
 @SacAssassin: do u mean tampons
  • 1 0
 @Balgaroth: I've spent my fair share of times in crampons, as well. Seems to me there's an obvious difference between alpine crampons on a rigid sole mountain boot and grub screws on a pair of five tens.

I've also spent time walking around in wading boots with studded soles. That might be a fairer comparison.
Something like this www.simmsfishing.com/hardbite-star-cleat-10-puck

Or small machine screws inserted into the sole of riding shoes?

I still don't think anyone will actually do this though.
  • 1 0
 @bentplate: or machine screws from the local hardware store. Cost $4 for 50.
  • 1 0
 im guessing you have never experienced a proper shin smack with spikes? give me annoyance any day over that! pedals are dangerous and damage bone and tissue easily this would be excellent once developed and anyway where are you walking too when you are out for a ride?
  • 129 2
 In all fairness, this concept is more innovative than anything that was at the last Interbike.
  • 38 0
 If this dude would have been a year earlier, he might have singlehandedly saved Interbike
  • 16 1
 Yeah, but the initial design has an enormous flaw...the pins are 1mm too short. This can be remedied to provide a 500% increase in traction, but the new design is incompatible with all previous designs and will require you to purchase new shoes, pedals, cranks, and bottom brackets to conform to the new standard. It will also render you lactose intolerate, make you allergic to gluten and peanuts, and lower your sperm count, but the entire mountain biking industry is hopping on board and you don't want to be left out do you?
  • 6 0
 Seems like a relatively low bar, but I suspect you're right regardless. Plus, I'm a fan of the guy since he's wearing a white lab jacket, rocking the mussed "Aliens scientist" hair and has latex gloves on (despite the one on his left hand being ripped to shreds). +1 for the aesthetics!
  • 2 1
 extra plus for you buddy...
  • 68 10
 This is a really good idea. It's rather depressing seeing all the hate it's gathering, but trying to introduce change to flat-pedal pinkbikers is always going to be ambitious... points for bravery.

Stepping back from the issue: if this were an entirely fresh problem - how to connect feet to pedals - this is probably the solution that would emerge. Who would really weaponise a pedal with super sharp bits when you're likely to shin it on a regular basis? Spiky pedals came about when everyone was just wearing gym shoes and it was easier to change the small player (the pedal... bear traps, anyone?) than the shoe industry. Just because that's how it's always been done doesn't make it the right outcome. Now we have specialist shoes for riding bikes, and that might create new opportunities.

The problem with the other pedal that tried this was, largely, under-design. It was clumsy, slippery, treadless for those important high-heel-wearing rides, and yes, didn't seem to have a clear idea of target audience.

Sure, it'll change the walking experience. In the car park. And yeah, maybe on rocks. But in roots and mud, which frankly flat pedal shoes are shit at, it'll actually make it easier. There are some design challenges; in part, identified by the author in his video, but also mud clearance, pin replacement, pattern/availability... but I'll be interested to see where it goes. Good luck!
  • 18 5
 Normally I would agree with you on the whole PinkBike audience hates change but not here.

It’s an idea but I wouldn’t say a really good one.

For instance...I have been riding flats in BMX, Road cycling Enduro and DH and I have probably shinned myself less than 20 times in over 25 years of various cycling disciplines. I would imagine many people do shin themselves more often but I reckon not enough to warrant this idea.

I like being able to ride to work in my Five Ten's, on my grippy flat pedals, and I don't have to change shoes all day because walking around spiked shoes (I used to do track and field so know what this is like) frankly, a ball ache and probably bad for your natural posture.

On the odd occasion my pedals catch a rock I don't worry about bits of rubber getting torn up. I've had a couple of rock strikes hard enough to throw me off the bike...pedals got scratched, that was it

Roots and mud? Well I kind of want to keep my feet on the pedals. I’m going cycling not walking so walking around in slimy conditions is the least of my worries when I’m smashing through a trail.

I applaud the efforts but I have to agree with the audience (without any hate mind), trying to find a solution to a problem that isn’t really there.
  • 7 5
 its not a bad idea, the biggest drawback for me would be if you decided to go in to a Cafe during/after a ride and annihilated a wooded/stone floor. With the current set up up at a bike park cafe you could just go in most will accommodate you even if covered in mud in the UK but i think they would draw the line at scratching up the floor
  • 4 0
 @kennyken1015: Sure - it's definitely not for the cafe run. It's a niche rather than a replacement for what's there now; new products don't tend to just supplant others, they just offer more choice. I can see it being a good idea for trials; bmx track; rides where you're driving to the trailhead, which for a lot of people is the norm; beginners or developing riders who are (rightly) anxious about destroying their shins... as it happens, none of those is me, but I think there'll be an audience who'd appreciate it.
  • 6 3
 Ore just ride clickpedals.....
  • 5 0
 @haskear: What is this cafe thing you speak of? The correct place for refreshment at the end of the ride is The Pub! (same problem with the shoes) Wink Wink Big Grin
  • 2 0
 I think this is a great idea for those of us who ride in the winter but don’t want to wear winter hikers because of the loss of grip on the pedals.
  • 4 1
 @haskear: any self conscious roadie knows they make shoe covers so you can walk into cafes and not tear the floor up.

Also people acting like they wouldn’t want to wear spiky shoes to work. You could still pedal rubber pedals with normal shoes! Rubber to rubber grips great.
  • 3 0
 @kennyken1015: I feel the same way, I've never shinned myself riding.... it's usually loading my bike or moving it in my garage haha.
  • 4 0
 @N9netn9ne: Mine shins me when I walk past it in the kitchen and I haven't cleaned it after the last ride.

Frown
  • 1 0
 @haskear:

Yes, the wooden floor in caffe is the one and only problem I see too...
  • 3 0
 im sure if enough thought was put into this(and money of course)
retractable pins would not be out of reach.
Then you can have shoes with pins and just rubber...
  • 1 0
 Unless you recessed the part of the sole that would contact the pedal. and minimized the rubber contact patch on the pedal itself. In my head I see a large recessed cup under the ball of the foot with spikes, and a thick rubber lip around the edges before the heel and arch areas. That being said my shin gashes make me look cool and tough, and I need all the help I can get. I'm not giving them up.
  • 49 2
 Rubber pedals win medals...
  • 12 1
 Pin it to win it.
  • 9 13
flag pioterski (Dec 12, 2018 at 4:55) (Below Threshold)
 @Boardlife69: Pin her and win her... oh wait, wrong site.
  • 10 0
 Mountain biking is officially "the new golf".
  • 30 10
 Solution for a problem that doesn't exist - so bound to do really well in the current environment!
  • 16 2
 Well said Big Grin

Problem that doesn't exist, though? My shins and wallet (new shoes every 3 - 4 months) would tell a different story.
  • 6 0
 Or for that annoying problem of having to carry an extra air of shoes when riding to and from the golf course.
  • 5 0
 @TheUselessTrials: new shoes every three to four months?? Man, I wish I had the problem of riding so much that my shoes were wearing out that quick.
  • 3 0
 It is problem and it is a big problem. What is cheaper? To change gum pads on pedal or buying new shoes? Common... Smile
  • 10 0
 Funny coincidence... We were talking about doing this for fatbiking on ice just yesterday. Not the best setup for riding on slickrock though.
  • 9 0
 Fat biking seems like the perfect application to introduce the product.
  • 9 0
 FINALLY!!! The traction I have been looking for on the gas pedal of my van.
  • 5 0
 reminds me of when I was a kid delivering the news paper. I made ice tires with 100 thumbtack in the tires then duct tape over the heads on my 20" Schwinn Predator. LOL did not work that well but at 10 yrs old it was a good idea.
  • 5 1
 I'd be more likely to hurt one leg with the other foot, even when tumbling well away from the bike.

That said, I dreamt of realizing something similar one night. I was wearing soccer shoes, the pedals were a patch of grass. It was amazing. Sliding was amazing, in a whole different dimension. Then, in fall, the mushrooms came up and the trip added one more dimension. You could picknick on them, even amidst an urban ride. I started my own company: Vinay's vague vantasies. Velocipede specivic, obfiously. Unfortunately, despite the widely available footwear to complete the system, it just wouldn't sell. People were actually willing to water them every now and then and weren't bothered mowing them when the grass would get caught in the chain. But one reviewer (I won't name names...) lost all his riding buddies after fertilization and blamed it on the pedals. Bummer. Worst part however was that at the end of that night, I woke up.
  • 4 0
 Kudos for thinking outside the box and sharing the idea with such a hilarious video. Sick riding skills too! Don't really believe there will be a market for this application, but congrats for testing the idea. You never know what comes out!
  • 7 0
 Walking with spikes is weird. Why not use velcro pedals instead?
  • 4 0
 because mud
  • 3 0
 Then you can play football or rugby or tennis or golf or wathever since you may crave the spikes on the ground
Hummmm surf ?with a rubber board ?no more wax
No brake power on the bike ? put the shoe on the front tire like safe stop
  • 1 1
 metal spikes are now forbidden many of those sports.
  • 2 0
 For when you got bike at 10 but a glacier exp at 12.

The experiment is funny and interesting but I have couple of doubts to having metal spikes on my shoes:
- Huge wear due to putting feet on the ground with rocks, pavement, roots etc...
- Sound like a horse every time your walk on hard surface + potential deterioration of it ( would be banned inside buildings)
- leaves/ mud betting stuck in there.
basically the same drawbacks as the cleats but worse.

But I urge him to keep developing those ! I'm curious to see how he will do. I hope he'll figure out something and come up with something even neater than what he currently has.
  • 2 0
 I think my nightmare would be my teenager dirt jumper with the crampon XL shoe pedal system walking though the house on the brand new slate floor and hardwood to get himself a glass of milk. My wife did it all the time with here spiked winter runners.................................
  • 3 0
 This was my Sixth grade "Inventors" Project something like 20 years ago. Should have got a patent. haha In all honesty his looks a bit better than mine did. Would be awesome to see this actually take off.
  • 2 0
 I'm holding out for Fox's LivePin. Using accelerometers in your shoes and the pedals, LivePin detects when you've lost a pedal and reacts within .03 seconds, retracting the pins and deploying a small airbag to cushion your shin. Either that or I'll just continue to carve chunks out of myself with regular pedals...
  • 5 0
 One of the whole points of riding flats is having normal shoes to walk around in.
  • 3 1
 From the reduce, reuse and recycle side of me this is a cool idea if it was to continue using car tires in some way. My issue would be getting the mud out of the pins, scraping my foot on a log/rock/buddies bike isn't really an option anymore. Not to mention, your still going to hit yourself with the pins, just in new places.
  • 1 0
 To the designer: if u could make a heal with the 5:10’s. Slant it with the pedals for a solid feel. That would stop your heals bouncing forwards. In my opinion this would be the best solution to flats. If u wanted to take it a “step” further put a heal on the front of the shoe to lock the shoe onto the pedal. Keep a slight gap for movement. The 2nd idea might get u arrested by the fashion police but the first idea with a heal, No one would even blink an eye as most boots have a heal.
  • 6 1
 Heel
  • 1 0
 My shins like your idea, I’ve been wearing full length Fox armor for ten years because of the thousands of dollars in stitches I’ve received from my pedals...prior to full length armor . Always wanted to just wear kneepads. Just too risky.....
Keep developing it.!,,,
  • 1 0
 Such a smart idea! I can still see the marks left by my mtb pedal on my tibia 6 month ago.. I don't think walking with those tiny pikes is a big deal, we're supposed to ride not to hike for hours. I'm more skeptical about the pedal design, it's less esthetics than metal pedals and the mud evacuation might be bad.
  • 2 0
 no thanks, walking on them would wear them down and since theres a lot less surface area, it wouldnt even be like walking on clipless pedals. youd wear them down way too fast.
  • 3 2
 That's why a well-engineered version would make the pins easily replaceable. Same thing with the rubber on the pedals.
  • 2 1
 @TheUselessTrials: id rather not have to replace them every few weeks when i can go seasons before having toasted my clipless cleats.
  • 2 0
 Maybe have the pins inside the rubber in the shoe so when ur walking it’s not enough force for the pins to extrude but when all the force is in one area of the shoe when ur on the peddles the pins will extrude a bit. Maybe
  • 5 0
 your hardwood floors are screaming in pain.
  • 3 0
 This is the equivalent of making football pitches out of studs and having players wear football boots with soles made from soil and grass.
  • 1 0
 I like the concept, knowing the shoes need a little refinement. Walking in spiked shoes won't be any worse than walking on road cleats.

For the pedal, as a second step before manufacturing, try using 3M water-proof mastic electrical tape as the rubber grip. Maybe two layers?

I use the stuff for chainstay and bottom bracket protection, and I think that a heavy tape that can be cut/formed to your pedal of choice might be the perfect connection.
  • 2 0
 Properly engineered this could be a pretty good idea. I don't like wearing shin protection but I also don't like finishing rides and while standing at the bar waiting for my beer hearing.... dude your sock is red...
  • 4 0
 I'd use them like Prince would; f*ck your couch bro.
  • 1 0
 A company made boots with swappable soles for ice fishing, maybe it could be adapted to shoes for mtb use? gizmodo.com/5888262/swappable-soles-let-these-boots-adapt-to-any-condition
  • 1 0
 This could be a decent idea for kids pedals. I have a 6 yr old that shreds pretty good, but I'm hesitant to give him pedals with metal spikes for fear of him getting a good shinner and not wanting to ride anymore.
  • 2 0
 Just putting it out there that I've already designed and made this system but actually better and addresses most of the concerns.So copyright might be of concern here.
  • 1 0
 Love this idea! For winter riding in New England this would also mean my flat pedal shoes become studs for traction on ice. I want this for a winter set up! 5-10 pedals and pinned shoes, perfect!
  • 3 0
 You could Mount the rubber pad on plate with an spd cleat on the opposite side , a pedal for all
  • 2 0
 I recon you'd be scratching your bike up, the cranks and the rear triangle more...Also when you dab or try slide your foot in a corner it would grip and rip ya foot off.
  • 4 0
 BYE BYE knee ligaments
  • 6 2
 April 1 is still almost 4 months away
  • 2 2
 Athletic Shoes in general have rubber soles, pedals are generally made of metal. Why make things completely backward and try to put the metal on the shoes and the rubber on the pedals when it’s skready the way it should be. Also I think a big part of the draw to flats is that they are regular wearable shoes that you don’t have to change out of.
  • 3 0
 The pro shop just called from the golf course and they want their shoes back
  • 4 3
 This is the worst idea I've seen in a long time. To quote the great Jeff Goldbloom "your scientists were so preoccupied with whether or not they could, they didn't stop to think if they should."
  • 2 2
 you've never heard of "ReTyre" then... google it then get back to me
  • 2 0
 You need the spikes to stick out and retract like the cats claws, and make the sound of a sword being drawn at the same time.
  • 3 0
 Had to check I hadn't timed travelled and it was April 1st...
  • 2 0
 @Mea03p, why did we not patent this 10years ago!? Just didn't want to cut up my 5/10s....
  • 3 0
 I watched the intro twice just for the Family Guy reference
  • 2 0
 i can easily see this have a snap in layer of pins that could easily be removed once you are done biking. not a bad idea.
  • 1 0
 Only the mountain bike industry has these backwards invention ideas. No idea why or how it keeps happening. I like the tinkering, but this makes absolutely zero sense.
  • 1 0
 Years ago, this would’ve been awesome as I still have scars from slipped pedals, but pedals and shoes have gotten much better, may be good slution for really muddy days
  • 2 0
 Great! with the spikes on the shoe, we won't split our shins open ever again!
  • 3 0
 I need this for when I go mountain biking in Iceland.
  • 4 3
 Just cave and ride clips. They have other benefits as well. Just gotta get over your fear. Speaking of fear , Connor says they are honestly better anyway Smile
  • 1 0
 At least you can wear clip shoes just like skate shoes
  • 3 6
 Clips=toe clips aka flat pedal with a metal cage
You meant clipless pedals like spds and whether a pro says it is better or not is irrelevant for everyone else.
  • 2 3
 @SintraFreeride: antequated nomenclature , I see a clip on my Shimano pedalling device pedals , clips into the cleat on the bottom of my shoe. If anything , these days , with the dominance of "clip in" pedals , flats should be called clipless.
  • 3 0
 @SintraFreeride: no one uses old clips/straps anymore. call clip pedals what they are
  • 1 2
 @DGWW: It is a cleat that you see thus it should be called cleat pedals.
  • 1 2
 @eyeslide: For mtbing yes but they still do exist. Call them cleat pedals if you like but not clips. It is like how mountainbikers like to say they do enduro when what they really are doing is XC/trail riding. Words have meaning in spite of what the Trump adminstration will have you believe with their alternative "facts"...don't Kelly Ann Conway clipless pedals please.
  • 1 1
 @SintraFreeride: by that logic , strapped "clip" pedals would be called "shoe" pedals. When I look at spd's or eggbeaters etc . I see a clip on the pedal. When I look at "clip" pedals , there isn't a clip to be found. The logical name for them would be strap pedals.
  • 1 1
 I never understood why people call SPD's clipless when they have clips and the action to use them is known as 'clipping in'. No clips on flats so they should be known as clipless.
  • 1 0
 @lacuna: I see , well according to @SintraFreeride that assertion would make you an 'alternative facts' supporter, and maybe even a republican.
  • 1 0
 @SintraFreeride: all the people i know call your "clipless" pedals clip pedals. just makes since for everyone to change. this is nothing like your enduro analogy by the way. however i will not be calling lies, "false truths".
  • 2 0
 @eyeslide @lacuna:

The reason is because people used to use toe-clips/straps to stay connected to the pedals. When the SPD-type shoe interface was invented the toeclips/straps became obsolete (unless you're a fixie hipster) hence the name Clipless - without toeclips.
  • 1 0
 @endlessblockades: I think everyone knows the history, we are advocating for reform.
  • 1 0
 @DGWW: Yeah - I hadn't seen the previous replies when I popped off. I agree that riders should be Clipped-in or on Flats.
  • 2 0
 @endlessblockades: even the hipsters, with those terrible pavement dragging velcro contraptions
  • 1 0
 Its a great idea and would work if the country riding is has soft ground. But if you had to push up a slick rock for example, you'd be fcuked.
  • 3 0
 If it had a built in tazor i’d buy it straight away
  • 3 4
 I just don't understand this problem at all. When I was getting into mountain biking I used to slip off the pedals, particularly when learning to bunnyhop and such like, and I have the scars to prove it. But that was only for a short time and the last time it happened to any detriment was about 20 years ago. I wear normal Reebok cross trainers that are now about 8 years old with a variety of flat pedals. My 29er has plastic pedals with no metal pins (they fell out) and it's still fine. I can only think that people are actually lubing their shoes to create this problem!
  • 7 0
 dude try to ride outside of a cycling path Wink
  • 2 0
 Wow we recess cleats for our spds, why not the pins? Could be made to work and cudos for ingenuity.
  • 2 0
 I would need a quick-attach pin module to put on my shoes. Then I'd take them off if I had to walk.
  • 1 0
 Just buy a pair of Wesco "Timber" Caulk boots. And at the price, you will think they are MTB specific...

www.wescoboots.com/builder/StockBoot.aspx?id=Timber
  • 1 1
 A great way to destroy the pedals you used to like using a rasp on them and the frame. Nothing good will come of this especially ripping yourself on your home made cheep ass porcupine rippers.
  • 1 0
 in 2040 as parents we can decide if our engineered children will be born with cleats or flat feet and our kids can live with our bad opinions forever
  • 2 0
 Walking in these must be very comfortable...
  • 2 0
 Actually not bad at all since the pins are really short, but it surely makes noise and wears the pins a little. Hence the "for some types of riding".
  • 1 0
 @TheUselessTrials: Try walking across the room on a wooden floor. Maybe not such a good idea. The bosslady will be cross for sure.
  • 2 0
 I love getting sinners riding with race face atlas flat pedals
  • 2 0
 just buy some golfing shoes
  • 8 6
 PB must be desperate for content if they're posting stories like this one.
  • 11 2
 Thanks for your support!
  • 3 0
 Why not? It made my day. It doesn't need to be all super serious stuff.
  • 1 0
 I clicked on the creators other video on how to barspin:-) If you're on here making comments about despiration, think about how it might influence your day. I hope your day picks up.
  • 2 0
 I'll never give up my calf/shin scars! Get off my lawn!
  • 2 3
 Until you have a pedal strike and the rubber hangs up on the rock.... This is one area I don’t think needs any improvements. Deity bladerunners with some 5 10 freerider pros and you’re good. Silly.
  • 3 0
 #savetheshins
  • 2 1
 If a five ten has just a bit of brain, they are going to patent this immediately...
  • 1 0
 I just wear shin guards when trying new tricks. As many have said, pins on shoes can tear up floors.
  • 2 0
 For DJ itd be neat and useful
  • 1 0
 Forgets water bottle, destroys hardwood between kitchen and garage. Golfers understand.
  • 1 0
 All I really learned from this is that his idea of a worn out riding shoe is vastly different to mine....
  • 1 0
 I'm sure everyone knows that magnets will offer the ultimate solution in the end
  • 1 0
 stop hating it's just a thought. it could be improved in many ways. it's called a prototype
  • 1 0
 Not sure my hardwood floors would appreciate these when I forgot to take them off.
  • 1 0
 Oh yes- Pedal strikes with soft rubber... What could possible could go wrong?
  • 2 0
 Not much - they'll just make them round and then fight about the correct size with the best rollover
  • 2 1
 @f00bar: the added traction vs. metal on rocks makes this siginficantly more dangerous to get hung up on rocks.
  • 2 0
 Time to dig out the old golf shoes.
  • 1 0
 I suppose putting rubber on does statistically make things safer.. Still doesn't feel right, though...
  • 5 5
 Quite a lot of hate comments, I guess not a lot of people don’t appreciate someone trying to reinvent the pedal. If you never at least try an idea it will never work.
  • 2 0
 Not sure why the neg props, I’m just trying to show my support for @TheUselessTrials for trying something new
  • 2 2
 Personally, I think heavy duty magnets embedded in the shoe would be sweet Easy on, easy off and only regular shin destruction. Isn't this idea already out there?
  • 1 0
 So what is wrong with clipping in? I don't want to be walking around in the equivalent of football cleats.
  • 2 0
 Clipping in isn't an option for some disciplines. Sometimes because it would be dangerous (trials) and sometimes because you do tricks where you take off your feet and put them back on (dirtjumping etc.).
  • 3 1
 Just because you can doesn't mean that you should
  • 1 0
 I like the idea. Until I wear these shoes in a coffee shop after a ride with hard wood floors.
  • 1 0
 Make some clip in gloves, i am tired of my hands flying off the bars in rock gardens.
  • 1 0
 I would rather see a chamois put on the seat instead of my shorts.... or grips on my gloves instead of the bike...
  • 1 0
 A velcro strap solution for all shoes could work, much like strap on ice spikes. Not a bad idea.
  • 1 0
 "The invention of the bicycle", the stones are not rubber — step-fell-f*ck
  • 1 0
 I remember that time when rubber pedals where impossible to find...
  • 2 2
 shin pads people! a pretty simple solution really. beats this idea. five ten rubber and grip tape (skateboard) works well
  • 1 0
 Track spikes whilst cycling... They look better than most bike shoes.
  • 1 1
 What an awesome ideea, man. Unforunately I use clips, which, for me, are a lot better than flats
  • 1 0
 *checks calendar... Nope not April 1st ????
  • 1 0
 Not very practical for walking, but it eliminates pedal bite!
  • 1 0
 German beer is the best! ????
  • 1 0
 Lets face it; Chicks dig shin scars. And shindigs!
  • 1 0
 If Sram gets on board with this idea, would they call it the DUB-step?
  • 1 0
 shoe sole on the pedal = perfect;o)
  • 1 0
 the solution is called spd Big Grin
  • 1 0
 Did April Fools day come early?
  • 1 0
 Interesting work and video, thanks for sharing Wink
  • 2 0
 MTFU
  • 1 0
 Best way to worn your spikes faster...
  • 1 0
 Maybe try velcro straps instead of pins & rubber?
  • 1 0
 Imagine stepping on dog shite with spikes...
  • 3 1
 Use clips ...
  • 1 0
 Hardly innovative this idea has bounced around MTB forums for years!
  • 1 0
 Just came here to say I thought the video was hilarious
  • 1 0
 So the SOLE benefit is shiners don't hurt as bad?
  • 1 1
 Just take the occasional shin burger... don't go ruining every surface you walk on with spiked shoes
  • 1 1
 Sure, now let's start covering our trails in rubber, or maybe we can have Lock-On gloves. Stupid.
  • 1 0
 They're called "hacks" for a reason...
  • 1 0
 Foot out, flat out, flat on your face.
  • 1 0
 I love this video.congratulations !!
  • 1 0
 you're smartassmart bruh.
  • 2 1
 Genius
  • 1 0
 Genius
  • 1 1
 You did what to those 5-10’s?
Shameful
  • 2 0
 I wouldn't waste a perfectly good pair of riding shoes. The ones i used were worn and about to be replaced. They had holes in the padding on the inside and the soles were close to being through as well.
  • 1 0
 Nah
  • 1 0
 Nice Family Guy nod!
  • 1 0
 InterestingEek
  • 2 1
 clickbait nonsense
  • 1 1
 A solution looking for a problem.
  • 1 0
 Nope.
  • 1 1
 Not the worst idea.
  • 4 1
 till you have to run errands after the ride.
  • 1 0
 Kmg0@ pretty bad idea...creative but bad
  • 1 1
 @enger: It's goofy and weird, but I wouldn't put it under BAD idea. Putting huge metal spikes on your pedals seems like a way worse idea considering everybody's shins. They catch on stuff, break off, etc. On top, who cares, ha hahaha

They just need to be springloaded so you can walk on rocks...bahaha
  • 3 1
 @stikmanglaspell: I actually own 2 pairs of shoes
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