Review: Shimano GR7 vs GR9 Flat Pedal Shoes | Bike Flat Pedals

Pearl Izumi X-Alp Launch Check out our review of the X-Alp by John Fisch here. 350g claimed weight, $150 USD.

Look clearly you’re ranting and couldn’t get to grips with them, which is fair enough. But what’s problematic is that if someone else has a positive experience with them, you try to contort their experience into a negative. That’s a bit childish. 

Shimano’s PD-T400 Click’R pedals have a mechanism that’s incredibly light, so it’s very easy to release your shoes from the pedals. They’re a useful option for cyclists keen to try clipless pedals for the first time.

Advantage 2: Flats are forgiving. While they may readily show flaws in your technique, they also give you a saving grace: you can dab, even at speed, without having to worry about clipping back in. When cornering, you can throw your inside foot out moto-style to get your centre of gravity further forward, giving more grip to your front tyre. If things go really wrong, you can even throw the bike away. If you’re trying something new, flat pedals are ideal for giving you the security to bail.

Flats for fun, on my jump bike and trail bike; clipless for distance, on my road bike, commuter bike and occasionally on my trail bike. All based on need for efficiency vs need to bail!

It’s no great revelation that electronic shift systems are more expensive than mechanical equivalents but don’t forget that as well as the initial outlay you need to consider the cost of replacement parts.

Yeah I guess within the garment industry it is an extreme guarantee but it’s one that a lot, if not most, cycling companies offer. It’s actually a…

Sadly, we’ll never know if sandals are the ultimate cycling footwear as I have absolutely no intention of being caught dead or alive wearing these damn sandals outside the confines of our car park.

Some in the BMX world say the ruling may reduce the cost for new entrants to the sport. Although clipless pedals have never been required, their widespread use may create the impression that they are necessary to be competitive.

Tech writer Dave Rome has been spinning circles with a pair since September last year, using them for everything from bunch rides to commuting to gravel rides and trail riding.

Honorable mentions go to the DMR Vault and the Issi Stomp.  Each pedal was extremely solid, they just lacked the customization of the Scarabs.

The rounded underside looks sleek, but it makes for a sketchy surface to stand on if you try to rush away from a stoplight without being properly clipped in.