The Ergon PC2-S pedals are ergonomically designed, comfortable and efficient, for commuters, tourers and recreational riders.
For those who aren't familiar with the work of Ergon, the company's raison d'etre is – the name's a bit of a giveaway here - to produce ergonomically designed bike components and accessories. Most famous for their handlebar grips, the PC2 is Ergon's first foray into the murky world of pedal production.
When you first remove the PC2s from their environmentally friendly packaging, it's quite a surprise how bulky they look. The pedalling platform is generously foot sized (the pedals come in two sizes to suit most feet), and at 452g for the size small pair, they're not that light either. What is immediately apparent is the thought that has gone into their design. There's no confusing left and right pedal – the shape is obvious. The pedalling surface is coated in a sticky abrasive (but not sole damaging) surface designed to improve traction. In terms of looks, they only really suit commuter, hybrid and recreational type bikes, looking quite out of place on anything overly sporty. That said, it's quite a pleasing design, all curves and, erm, ergonomics.
In use, the pedals spin freely and smoothly and have a reassuringly solid feel. The pedalling surface gives a good platform from which to pedal smoothly and the grippy patch gives decent traction, but my feet still slipped from time to time. I think this is the trade off from not using studs as many flat pedals do, but the grippy surface of the PC2s is a reasonable compromise in my opinion, and would certainly appeal to those who cycle in smarter shoes.
The broad surface area gives good efficiency to each stroke and pedalling on the flat feels comfortable and relaxed. The weight penalty is not obvious and Ergon will soon have some lighter models anyway. The large size does make storage in a multi-bike shed trickier, but there are no sharp edges to to damage other bikes (or shins).
The PC2s were pleasant to use, effective at providing a grippy, reasonably efficient alternative to more normal flat pedals, but they do mark quite an investment. If you use flat pedals daily with all sorts of shoes and want something with a more technical character that will last and last, that investment is probably worthwhile. For others, these may not quite be worth the money.
Verdict
Good pedals offering comfort, efficiency and decent grip, but they're only worth the investment for regular and long-term flat pedal users.
road.cc test report
Make and model: Ergon PC2-S Ergonomic Contour Pedals
Tell us what the product is for, and who it's aimed at. What do the manufacturers say about it? How does that compare to your own feelings about it?
Aimed at commuters, recreational cyclists, tourists
Good alternative to more "average" flat pedals
Tell us some more about the technical aspects of the product?
GFK Composite body
6 degree angle for better joint alignment
Polymer bearings with radial seals
3M-SafetyWalk slip-free pedal platform
Integrated reflectors
Rate the product for quality of construction:
10/10
Rate the product for performance:
8/10
Performed really well. They're comfortable, efficient for a flat and the non-slip surface works.
Rate the product for durability:
9/10
Rate the product for weight, if applicable:
5/10
Not unduly heavy, but by no means a lightweight option
Rate the product for comfort, if applicable:
9/10
Very comfortable pedalling platform and no sharp edges to pedals.
Rate the product for value:
7/10
Good value if a well-engineered flat pedal with extra ergonomics is what you're after. The price means they're best suited to those who are likely to use them every day for years.
Tell us how the product performed overall when used for its designed purpose
Very well
Tell us what you particularly liked about the product
Comfort, stability, smooth running, reflectors
Tell us what you particularly disliked about the product
Price, weight
Did you enjoy using the product? Yes.
Would you consider buying the product? Possibly
Would you recommend the product to a friend? Yes, especially anyone cycle commuting regularly in smart shoes.
Age: 37 Height: 1.65m Weight: 67kg
I usually ride: My best bike is:
I've been riding for: 10-20 years I ride: Most days I would class myself as: Experienced
I regularly do the following types of riding: commuting, touring, general fitness riding, mtb,
IIRC Dutch researchers found that generally banning bikes or removing bans on bikes from pedestrianised streets usually either made no difference...
I think you'll find that you'll only go to jail if rich people are losing money from it.
He's not there to fill air-time (that's Kirby and the other one), he's there to use his expertise to give good insight into the racing. And he's...
Maybe a bit of PPE?
Thanks for the review. I like that Orbea have included aero extras and wish more manufacturers would stick two fingers up at the UCI - at least in...
Excellent - I think I'll replace my emergency tube that is a real squeeze to get into the little Topeak bottle cage bag thingy....
I enjoyed this guy I captured with his hound on New Oxford Street a few years ago.
I know this is a bit late but one thing that hasn't been mentioned yet is the extra wear and possible damage to the cycle lane surface due to being...
*bursts back into the room hours after the conversation has moved on*...
Damn, that sucks. I generally feel pretty relaxed with my bike on Avanti trains because the compartment is locked and I don't have to worry about...