In June of 2016 I did a “first impressions” video on my thoughts of the Catalyst Pedal by Pedaling Innovations. At the time I was a bit skeptical about some of the claims behind these pedals but after spending a considerable amount of time riding on them in a few different disciples (XC, AM, and DH) I’m convinced that they are the real deal.
The Catalyst Pedal is by far the biggest pedal on the market at 128mm x 95mm x 16mm. It’s heavy at 505g but that weight, is only as important as the efficiency it helps you gain (or lose). In this case, the increased power and improved comport outweigh the small weight savings you would obtain by using a smaller pedal.
The main idea of the massive platform is to move your foot on the pedal to a more mid foot position, rather than placing the pedal on the ball of your foot. This allows for a more forceful downward motion, creating more power than a standard flat pedal where you have to drive slightly forward and down.
Although I did feel an increase in power over standard flat pedals the Catalyst did not convince me to ditch my clipless pedals and light race shoes. Call me a “weight weenie” or “racer boi” if you must, but that is what works best for me. I consistently found that I was faster and hit more PR’ with my clips than I did with the Catalyst. This really boils down to a personal preference thing. If you typically use flat pedals I think you will definitely feel more comfortable on the Catalyst than a smaller pedal. If you ride clipless like I do, I think that the Catalyst is a phenomenal training tool and an excellent choice for any enduro or downhill rides.
MSRP: $99
1 Comments
Mar 5, 2018
Then I heard about these pedals and I started thinking. "The reason I loved those shin obliterating meat tenderizers was the solid feel and support from the massive size of them...hmmm".
I had read a few reviews of the "catalyst" pedals and honestly most of them sounded like an add. You on the other hand seem to have been as fair and impartial as you could be, and now I am sold. I am going to order a set tonight.