Hope for the Vibram FiveFinger Cyclist: Pyro Platforms

How do I ride my bike in Vibram FiveFingers?

Classic, flat pedals are always an option for pedaling in FiveFingers if you are not particular about getting more purchase from your up and down pedal strokes. Adding a cage or toe clip to the pedal could help with this problem, but I wanted something more akin to a cycling shoe with a stiff, rigid sole to maximize power transfer and efficiency. After sketching some ideas on paper, I decided to google my options, and I came up with PYRO Platforms, a design similar in many aspects to ideas bouncing around in my head.

The PYRO Platforms are designed to make transitions during triathlons more speedy while maintaining a comfortable and efficient pedaling experience. This is done by allowing a multi-sport enthusiast to wear his or her running shoes while biking, strapping them into the platform so as not to lose power during the upstroke. The entire product is clipped into the pedal using most any clip-less pedal system, allowing the rider to quickly twist a foot off the pedal if needed. While not a perfect option for FiveFingers, I believe the Pyros will get me through my next triathlon more than adequately. With a few modifications, they could very well become the quintessential companion to biking in Vibrams.

Out of the Box

I didn't wait long before the PYRO Platforms showed up in the mail. I eagerly opened the box to find my new FiveFinger pedal option inside.

The PYRO Platforms are built upon a stiff, nylon composite base in the shape of a shoe sole. A plastic cage is attached to a metal slide which can adjust back and forth for varying sizes of feet. Through the top of the cage, a 1" wide Velcro strap attaches to the bottom center of the base, primarily for holding the foot onto the pedal platform. A large ring is stitched into the end of the velcro for ease of releasing the foot when coming into transition. An alterable heel retainer is bolted to the back of the platform with the ability to slide back and forth, another adjustable option for balancing the foot over the product.

My FiveFinger Bikila slid into the PYRO Platform with relative ease; however, I noticed lots of room for movement under the toe of the cage. My size W42 fit into them without adjustment, so smaller sizes of feet might be out of luck without modifying the product. Three toes squished into the cage area leaving the remaining two to hang off the outside edge of the product. So, with a not quite perfect fit, how would they perform on the road?

Out on the Road

I attached the Platforms to my pedals with my SPD cleat from an old biking shoe, and it bolted on effortlessly. Having them clipped in before putting my feet in, the Pyros received my FiveFingered feet with relative ease. The cross strap of my Bikilas was the only hang-up, but, with a little wiggling, they slipped into place. The velcro strap was easy to reach and tighten although I had to take my attention off the road for a moment. In a busy race, this might be a little tricky. The other option would be to fasten the product to the Vibrams before clipping them into the pedals. I found that the clips were a little awkward to snap into place at first. With a little practice, however, it became easier.

To my surprise, the Platforms performed well on the road. Both the up and down stroke action was more than satisfactory, and the looseness in the toe area was less than noticeable. Even the heal retainer held tightly to the rubber sole below my achilles. The only problem that I noticed was that my feet seemed to sit askew over the platforms. In the short term, the problem was not so evident, but from 30 to 40 kilometers my knees started feeling discomfort.

Pros 

• Work with Vibram FiveFingers (models tested - Bikilas & KSOs)
• Fast bike to run transition with no footwear change
• Allows pull power on up stroke
• Stiff and light
• Most clipless pedal systems are compatible

Cons

• Not an exacting fit for Vibram FiveFingers
• Won't accept FiveFinger sizes much smaller than a W42
• Uncomfortable pressure on toes pushed up against toe cage
• Fits sits slightly askew over platform

Ideas for Modifications

With very few changes, the PYRO Platforms could become a great option for FiveFinger cyclists.

Replacing the cage with another velcro strap for the lower foot just behind the toes would allow more flexibility in sizing and would eliminate numbing that may occur when jamming toes against the front of the toe clip. It would also allow the foot to sit more evenly over the platform. 

A strap system, such as the one found on FiveFinger KSOs, that tightens around the heal as it is tightened over the foot would replace the metal heal retainer and be more comfortable for cyclists who want to use minimalist footwear or even go barefoot.

Conclusion

Te PYRO Platform gets a 7.5/10 toes up from me (for multi-sport competitors looking for a way to speed up transition time by cycling in their over-engineered running shoes, this product would be closer to a 9/10). It is the only product on the market that I have seen that will accommodate  Vibram FiveFingers. Although it is not entirely comfortable, the benefits in pedaling efficiency far outweigh a couple of numb toes. Just be careful taking those first couple of steps on the run. I would definitely recommend this product to other FiveFinger and minimalist shoe wearers who would like to avoid stuffing their feet into narrow, confining cyclist shoes. I will gratefully be using them in my upcoming triathlon.

Thanks, PYRO.