These are BIG pedals. Shown below are the PC2 pedals above my old set of Shimano Deore XT pedals.
Christine dubbed the Ergons "Sasquatch Pedals" and, as usual, she's come up with the right words of description. The PC2 pedals are available in two sizes, the PC2 S for people whose shoe size is 42 or less and the PC2 L for those of us who where shoes size 43 and up. The pedals I have are the PC2 L model. And they are huge.
While the pedals are big, they are quite lightweight. The word I would use to describe them is "plastic" but the pedal manual (yes, these big pedals come with an extensive manual) tells me the pedals are made of "weight optimized composite synthetics" so I'll amend my description to "very nice plastic". The pedals turn smoothly on what the manual assures me are "exclusively developed, ultra flat and maintenance free polymer journal bearings made by Igus® in Germany." Since I've only had the pedals a short time, I can't comment on their durability.
The PC2 pedals are not actually flat, they have a 6 degree twist in the surface to follow the shape of the forefoot and an inner stop guides your foot naturally into the proper position for good power transfer. Rather than spikes, lugs or any kind of a cleat, the PC2 pedals use a 3M material similar to the grippy surface of a skateboard deck to keep your foot in place. It all sounds rather gimicky but the pedals ride wonderfully.
The pedals have a narrow Q-factor (they sit very close to the cranks) and you will need an 8mm Allen key to install or remove them instead of the traditional 15 mm pedal wrench.
The PC2 pedals are designed to work with "normal" shoes and my Keens (which I wear everywhere) are a great match to the PC2s. I feel very connected to the pedals. The pedal has such a big surface it supports your foot without the need for a stiff soled cycling specific shoe.
I've been happy with a variety of flat pedals on my various bikes, so I don't "need" to put Ergon PC2s on all my bikes (and my budget effectively precludes that possibility). And if asked "What pedals should I buy?" I'll still probably answer with a long-winded "it depends". On my folding bike, I'll keep my folding pedals and on a more classic bike I'll probably have something more traditional than the PC2s. But when I'm headed out to Bigfoot country on my 29er, I'm riding the big Sasquatch Pedals, the Ergon PC2s.
Keep 'em rolling,
Kent "Mountain Turtle" Peterson
Issaquah WA USA
9 comments:
been eyeing these with some interest. curious how they'll grip in the snow and slop, and they might make their way to my fargo for 'adventure' riding / camping.
"you will need an 8mm Allen key to install or remove them instead of the traditional 15 mm pedal wrench"
All pedals should be designed this way. Well played, Ergon.
kent i still miss the days when u rode nothing but powergrips. when i see powergrips i always think of u.
How do these compare to clip-ins?
These Ergon "Sasquatch" Pedals(aka PC2s) look like they'd work really well on my Rivendell Hunqapillar. I wonder how they'd compare with the MKS Grip King pedals that I presently have on my bike. They must be lighter, possibly have a better bearing system, and could be grippier in wet weather, than the Grip Kings.
Nice review, Kent. Thanks.
Thanks for this nice post. Do let me know how the pedals fare when you've used them for a while. I wouldn't mind owning a set if they turn out to be a good investment.
So, it's been over a year, and you've had opportunity to ride these in the "sloppy" that is winter. How do they stand up to more traditional pedals during the late season weather?
I ask because I am debating these v. Wellgo R146 pedals. I value your opinion in this matter.
I still haven't really ridden them in snow (We don't get much snow here in the valley) but I've ridden them in mud & rain. Nice & grippy even in the slop.
Oh and the Ergons are still going strong & turning smooth.
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