Pedals
I put the MKS lambda pedals on my CrossCheck. After some fiddling with my saddle position, I rode them for a week and liked them a lot. I especially like not having to deal with toe clips while wearing my winter footwear. The only downside is that my feet can slide off of them on bumpy surfaces.
My Pedaling Innovation Catalyst pedals went on my Specialized Sequoia. To start, I did saddle adjustments similar to the ones I did on the CrossCheck. I liked the pedals but they seemed to be underwhelming relative to the rave reviews I’d been seeing online. I re-read the instructions from the manufacturer and started over. I returned my saddle to the pre-Catalyst position and lowered it about one centimeter. On my first test ride, after 15 miles the magic started to happen. After 30 I was very, very pleased but thought that maybe the improvement was all in my head. My second ride was in cold (34 degree) weather. I normally ride slower to conserve body heat but I was riding noticeably faster. I kept checking the wind, thinking I had a tailwind. No. There was no pressure on the undersides of my feet and my feet felt like they were locked to the pedals. I had only intended to ride 20 miles but I ended up riding 33 and could have gone much farther. They performed exactly as advertised.
Conclusion: I am in like with the Lambdas but in love with the Catalysts. I think sometime this spring I’ll move the Lambdas to my Bike Friday. Then I’ll decide whether to buy Lambdas with pins (called Gammas or Kings or Monarchs depending on who is selling them) or another pair of Catalysts.
Phantom Bike Problems
About a month ago I had a flat on my CrossCheck. I couldn’t find anything wrong with the tube or tire so I assumed it was a valve issue. I changed the tube and all is well.
A week ago I had a flat on my Sequoia. (I’m not loving this trend!) Once again I meticulously searched for a cause and found nothing. I put the tube back in the tire and all is well. Go figure.
A few days ago the bike computer on the Sequoia started to fail. The computer itself was sound but it was not receiving a signal from the sensor on the fork. I fiddled with the sensor and it started working again. The next day the same thing happened. No signal. It being a discontinued model, I decided to buy a new computer. Like the old computer this one allows me to input my mileage and will record up to 99,999 miles. Of course, between the time I ordered the new computer and the time it arrived my old computer started working fine again.
Nerve Pain
Last month I went to a hand surgeon for relief of trigger finger on the middle finger of my right hand. He gave me a cortisone shot that, after about three weeks, seems to have solved the problem. A further examination led him to conclude that I have carpal tunnel syndrome (CTS) and likely a pinched nerve in my neck. He sent me to a neurologist for an electromyography (EMG) test. I had the test today.
I had an EMG once before for leg and back pain. It was extremely painful and its results were inconclusive. As you might imagine I was dreading today’s test but it turned out to be about as painful as a series of static electricity shocks. No big deal. The results were that I have mild CTS in my left hand and moderate CTS in my right. The neurologist said she didn’t have any findings about my neck. (Since it is obvious to me that I have a nerve impingement in my cervical spine, I find this conclusion to be dubious.) In any case, I go back to the hand surgeon in three weeks to discuss next steps. Since I can (obviously) type and do just about anything else without pain, I am not opting for surgery. Moreover, I found that the saddle adjustments to my CrossCheck and Sequoia, along with the deep tissue massage I had last month, have coincided with reduced neck pain. I have come to the profound medical conclusion that I am old.
A Few Spokes Shy of a Wheel 
Sometimes wearing wrist splints only at night provides enough relief from CTS – especially if you wake up with numb fingers. If you wear them during the day and get palm pain, it means you’re fighting against the splint – either stop doing what you’re doing, or don’t wear the splints for that activity. Sorry if this is unwanted advice.
The splint works well at night. Frankly, my CTS is more annoying than painful.
Thanks, The splint (right side only) works well at night except when my head rolls onto the metal part. Ow. I don’t use it at all during the day.
I could have saved you the doctor’s visit and test. I think your problem is to stop watching the news. I think you have spent too much time giving the finger to what you see on the news.
Regarding flat pedals, any model provides the ability for foot adjustment specific to your anatomy. I think it’s interesting where the feet want to fall, not always symmetrical!
My feet are never symmetrical! Of course, that might have something to do with my left knee having very little cartilage.