Pedals: How important is concavity?

Lee, thanks for the answer! (Drops: Staying on flat pedals) I’m slowly getting the hang of this!!

In looking at all flat pedals out there, there seem to be quite a few concave pedals (e.g. Easton Flatboys) and pedals with totally straight bodies with no concavity (e.g. Twenty6, or Sunline) that get their concavity via arrangement of the pins. Any idea how important the concavity is in a flat pedal in order to stay in the pedals when things get rough/droppy?



Lo Pro Mag

Hey,

Flat pedals don’t need concave bodies, but the best ones all seem to have them. Easton Flatboy, Truvativ Holzfeller, Specialized Lo Pro Mag and the classic Shimano DX all come to mind (and feel great underfoot).

A slight concavity seems to help you squash your shoe onto the pedal, and it gives you a more connected, cupped feel.

Concave pedals are more expensive to manufacture than “flat” ones. Don’t go cheap. Get a pair of quality, proven pedals, and rock it.

— Lee

Lots of detail: Nice pedals: Specialized Lo Pro Mag


4 replies
  1. jimmy says:

    While up at Whistler my concave flat pedals lost some pins. I took it to a bike shop to get new pins when the bike shop guy suggested that I remove the pins in the center of the pedals.

    Any thoughts?

  2. Rob Calma says:

    I have been using a set of Shimano DX for the last 5 years and love them.

    I up graded the spindle from the standard.

    I use 5-10 shoes and do not have any problems staying connected.

    Used for djing, dh, and aggressive xc during poor weather conditions.

    $$$$, but worth it.

  3. Curtis says:

    jimmy, they suggested that because it will make the center of the pedal sit even lower, effectively increasing the concavity of the pedal and allowing your foot to sink in even more. you’d be surprised on how few pins you need to keep good grip.

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