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10/23/2022
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MTB pedals have gotten bigger over the years and I'm certainly not one to complain. However, moto footpegs have stayed more or less the same - modern MTB pedals are ~100x100 whereas footpegs are ~100x60. Is there actually a performance-related reason why footpegs are so much smaller than MTB pedals?
I think it's because ideally you always maintain perfect contact between feet and pedals, while footpegs allow to move your foot around more, as you do while riding. Neing skinnier allow the footpeg to dig in the sole of the boot while the foot is pointed both downward and upward, you can't really do that with pedals as the edge won't dig into the sole, but instead you rely on the pedal axle to get the desired ankle flexion and extension (think dropping the heels).
Agreed. Also moto boots are generally stiffer than mtb flat pedal shoes, stiffer sole distributes small peg over more of the foot. That's why clipless shoes are stiffer than flat shoes. Although I have ridden my moto in my mtb shoes (5-10 impact sam hill something or other) and it was so great, way better feel and control of the bike. I could actally tell where the peg was underfoot, and use ankles to tip and balance the bike. I felt pretty vulnerable to foot and shin hits but I still really liked it.
Others already nailed this but to recap...
*Moto pegs aren't moving and do not power the machine.
*Moto boots are significantly stiffer than MTB shoes; if MTB pedals were the size of moto pegs your feet would hurt (a lot).
*Moto pegs can't move out of the way of stuff (via crank ratcheting)
*Moto pegs are "danced" upon - IE the user is always shuffling his/her foot around the pegs depending on what the bike is doing & what control you are trying to touch (brake/shift)
As most are likely aware, there are larger moto pegs out there for those who want something a bit more "forgiving". Every time I've run them, I've broken them. YMMV.
If often wondered why no one has ever made Moto pegs that rotate like bike pedals. Even with just a limited amount of twist?
Pivot Pegz...
They are exactly what you described here, plus they include a torsional spring to return them horizontal when you take your foot off.
https://pivotpegz.com/
I'm a moto guy... I bought my first mountain bike about 360 days ago since my knee can't take running anymore.
The main issue with wide pegs (front to rear dimension) on a motocross bike would be getting to the brake and shifter vs getting off the back of the bike in rough stuff.
If you make the pegs 20mm wider, do you maintain the same center location?
Ok, the pivot point for your boot on the front edge of the peg to actuate brake pedal and shifter has now moved forward 10mm.
Also, the rear edge of the peg where the ball of your toe needs to be for blitzing whoops, rollers and riding rough sections has now moved rearward 10mm.
If you make the pegs 20mm wider and extend them forward, you won't be able to get your foot under the shifter. Likely the rear brake pedal length will feel very odd too.
If you make the pegs 20mm wider and extend them rearward, you'll be moving that contact point with the ball of your toe awkwardly far to the rear. It will totally upset the way the bike feels and likely you won't have any front wheel feel in whoops or rough track-trash.
In motocross we put a ton of lateral force on the bike through our legs and through our knees. I find myself wishing I could grip the frame on my mountain bike with my knees in the fast rough sections. Moto pegs also have camber to allow some of this force without slipping off of the peg.
There are ankle-saver pegs that have an extension off the back, but it tapers down out of the way, maintaining the same rear edge where your boot pivots on the peg. Note the blue set below has a threaded stop-screw (top of image) that allows you to dial in your camber angle.
https://www.vitalmx.com/product/guide/Footpegs,19/Fastway/Air-EXP-Ankle-Savers,14395
X2 on wishing I could grip my MTB with my knees. I sometimes try and find the seat with my knees when descending for this very reason.
Also another huge difference between moto and mtb peg requirements is its not really a big deal if your feet come off the pegs in the air on a moto you are gripping the sides and everything comes back down to where its suppose to be. MTB is a different story haha.
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