jeremy
Granny Gear
Posts:37
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| 07/18/2008 1:36 PM |
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That is the newb question. I apologize if this is in the wrong forum. I have no experience with clipless and have no idea if it's a way I want to go or not. My old Giant had toestraps and I loved them. Decent pair of skate shoes worked perfectly with them. well, now that I'm getting back into riding I'm trying to figure out what to do setup wise. I see most going clipless, but then I see the freeriders just using open pedals.
So, edjumicate me on the strengths and weaknesses of the setups if you don't mind. |
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Chris Ward
Big Ring
Posts:217
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| 07/18/2008 2:10 PM |
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It kind of depends on what sort of riding you are doing. If you are planning on doing a lot of cross country clippless is the way to go. There are people that I know that ride cross country on flats (plat form pedals) and ride it well, but clippless is more efficient for cross country. With clipless you can have some power in the up stroke that you can't have with flats. Most people in this area ride cross country, so that is why you see most people in this area on clippless. Most of our trails are cross country orientated.
As you said ealier most free ride and down hillers use platforms. A lot of has to do with being able to bale off the bike if a jump or drop goes wrong. Also it is better to learn technical skills on platforms. When bunny hoping you shouldn't pull up on the pedals, with clippless it is tempting to do, and doing so will limit hieght of the your bunny hop. It is also bad to pull up on pedals when jumping.
When I got into sport I only road plat forms for a short time, then went to clippless. I recently bought a downhill bike I have been struggling to get use to platforms again. My shins have taken a beating. |
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BarryL
Little Ring
Posts:81
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| 07/18/2008 2:56 PM |
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I pretty much second what Chris says... You will notice a BIG difference clipped in...much more power to your pedals...
I don't know why it's called clipless when in fact you're exactly clipped into the the bike **shrugs shoulders**
Once you're used to clipping in on your mtn bike, you'll probably really like the change...of course there is that learning curve which can be quite painful... Most of my falls from failing to unclip in time came when I'd come to a stop and by the time I realize I'm falling over, it's too late...so I just yell TIIIMMMBBBEEERRRR..
Good luck! |
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jeremy
Granny Gear
Posts:37
Registered Users
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| 07/18/2008 3:00 PM |
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| I have some old "Skinz" style shinguards from my brief foray into freestyle biking. I used those yesterday just for that reason of getting nailed in the shins with the pedals/frame. |
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Gonzo
Granny Gear
Posts:31
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| 07/18/2008 3:30 PM |
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| Another big advantage to clipless pedal is better control of the bike. I prefer riding technical sections clipped in. |
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PR
Big Ring
Posts:519
Registered Users
Jackson County
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| 07/18/2008 4:00 PM |
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I ride clipless probably 95% of the time, and use flats and power grips on occasion. Power Grips provide alot of the advantages of clipless pedals, and are still effortless to get out of. In certain specialized occasions (like adventure racing, or these adv triathalons) power grips and trail running shoes are the way to go. No need for any shoe changes at the transition areas, just get on (or off) your bike and go. They work great on vacation too (when I'm slumming down the boardwalk on my mtb in flipflops).
That being said, I spend most of my time in clipless. |
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tmtrebor
Little Ring
Posts:62
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| 07/19/2008 8:53 AM |
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I ride clipless pedals with skate shoes on.. I cant stand the feeling of being tied down to my bike. I think it's all personal preference. They are called clipless because the original versions had to be clipped in by hand (there wasn't an easy twist to remove them).
So yeah, if anyone is getting rid of some platforms... let me know ;) |
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Pepe_Lopez
Granny Gear
Posts:27
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| 07/19/2008 9:11 AM |
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| I think everyone should go clipless after a year or even sooner if you are inclined. Yes it is a little scary at first, yes you will fall over a few times. One thing you notice right away is that the lines you choose become more precise making you more precise. It only takes a few rides to become comfortable with them and then before you know it everything becomes 2nd nature and you stop falling over in them. And your clipout becomes automatic. I use both Crank Bros and shimano clipless pedals and would recommend either. The mid end shimano pedals like the 520's are a lot better than the 515's that come with a lot of bikes. |
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tmtrebor
Little Ring
Posts:62
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| 07/19/2008 9:45 AM |
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| I just dont like them. I ride a lot out at duffield and on the street and it just freaks me out hitting a jump knowing I cant really bail out anytime. They arent too bad riding up at cherokee, but I'd much rather be on some platforms.
also, how do I setup an avatar??? |
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Gojira
Little Ring
Posts:77
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| 07/19/2008 1:12 PM |
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Riding different pedal types are dependant on:
1. the trails you ride.
2. type of bike.
3. personal preference.
That said, there is no right or wrong. Use what some others use and try em out. The upstroke power of clipless cannot be denied but platty's make me climb out of the saddle, and that's a more powerful and faster climb than spinning anyhow... Hopefully I'm not confusing you more. ;-D
Like Chris said for a XC bike clipless feel very suited. This is just my preference though.
On my DH bike i use platforms.
On my XC FS bike I use shimano clipless.
On the 29er single speeder I'm building to ride the SAME trails I XC on, I'm gonna use platforms, as I'll be out of the saddle climbing anyhow. |
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jeremy
Granny Gear
Posts:37
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| 07/19/2008 3:28 PM |
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tm, go to members and then your profile. Then you can add an avy.
So are there many options in pedals that work well with street shoes, yet still function as clipless?
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russell g
Big Ring
Posts:376
Registered Users
Louisville, KY
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| 07/19/2008 5:53 PM |
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| Unless you are doing freestyle jumps clipless pedals are a must. Even DH racing is better with clipless on most courses. I could go on and on why they are better but once you get settled in with them you will see the advantages. XC is much better with a stiff soled shoe. all mtn type riding is more comfy with a slightly less stiff shoe. |
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FireBallKY
Big Ring
Posts:119
Registered Users
Lexington, KY USA
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| 07/27/2008 10:41 AM |
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Posted By jeremy on 07/19/2008 3:28 PM
So are there many options in pedals that work well with street shoes, yet still function as clipless?
Crank Bros Mallets and Time Atac Z's. I've ridden both and prefer the Time's.
Times are no fuss maintenence and easy in and out and durable as can be. They shed mud as well or better than any other pedal. Broke 3 sets of Mallets in less than 1 year. Only cons I have found with the Time system are...
1. Takes 3 or 4 rides to break in new cleats.
2. Cleats wear out annually so you need to buy a new set about every year. They only run about $20 though.
There are other brands of platform clipless pedals out there as well.
http://www.treefortbikes.com/88_333222336050__Z-Mountain-Pedals.html |
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I'm not fat. That's a fuel tank for the love machine!!! |
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tmtrebor
Little Ring
Posts:62
Registered Users
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| 07/27/2008 6:01 PM |
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there are tons of multi-use pedals. The ones i use, however, are not... they are the little small stubby shimano spd pedals that everyone uses. I did the cherokee race today and was wishing I had brought my cleats, although I might have broken my leg when my bike slid.... I'm not too good at hopping out of them.
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raybob
Granny Gear
Posts:39
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| 07/27/2008 8:24 PM |
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I ride the Time Atac Z's that were mentioned above and love them!
Originally, I purchased these because I was using my mt bike to commute to class (a couple miles) and didn't want to put on mt bike shoes everyday. They are also great for learning to ride clipless because if you don't quite get clipped starting up a hill you can just treat it like a normal pedal and ride on then clip in when you have time.
My next bike will likely have a little higher end time pedals, but my Piranha will likely always keep the Time Z's.... AWESOME PEDAL! |
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wilheldp
Granny Gear
Posts:23
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| 07/28/2008 3:02 PM |
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| I have some Shimano M520 pedals and Pearl Izumi shoes. I went for my first couple of rides with them this weekend...just around the neighborhood. It is easier to get clipped in and out than I expected, but I still have some trouble getting the 2nd foot clipped in before my momentum from the first stroke gives out. That led to my only "TIMBERRRRR" fall this weekend. I was starting in the middle of a hill, and couldn't get the 2nd foot clipped in before I came to a stop...and of course, I fell to the side that was already clipped in. Those kind of falls make you feel really stupid. |
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swade
Training Wheels
Posts:7
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| 07/30/2008 7:58 PM |
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Go clipless and never look back. Even downhillers and bmx racers clip in these days because it is so much more efficient pedaling and you have better control of the bike. Keep the platforms for just playing around or performing/learning new tricks.
My recommendation is Time. Take the time to learn and get Time pedals - specifically Time Atac XS. I tried every pedal system/brand known and was never happy with any of them. I've had the same pair of Times for 4 years and they feel today like they did the first day - solid, consistent and adjustment free. In other pedals I never got rid of that slight fear that I would get stuck in my pedals in a harry situation - because it happended several times. That went away after a day on the Times.
I have a friend that has been trying to clip in for a year on shimanos and various spd's and it's acquired him nothing more that several pounds of trail bacon. I convinced him to step up and get some Time Atacs and he instantly rode better, more confidently and could consistently unclip whenever he wanted - no more getting stuck in his pedals. In my opinion pedals are the only component that shimano does not excel at. |
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Duane
Big Ring
Posts:409
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| 07/30/2008 8:09 PM |
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Never ridden the Times, but love the EggBeaters. Seems lots of folks agree with me judging by the number of people riding them.
If you want multi-use stuff look at the Mallets or Acids. I like the Crank Brothers products. |
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RIC0
Big Ring
Posts:320
Registered Users
sumwaresin, KY
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| 07/30/2008 8:32 PM |
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| I run Time MTB pedals on both the mountain(Time-z) and road bike(Alium) but thats a southend thing, you wouldn't understand. |
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RJ Reynolds
Big Ring
Posts:144
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| 07/30/2008 9:12 PM |
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| ive still got some crank brother candy 2ti's for sale that are in great shape let me know if your interested |
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