More Mountain biking, lets talk about pedals.

[mantis]

Ok,
I hate my current pedals which are basic platform with the strap hooks. I want new pedals and I'm not sure which way to go.

I come from a BMX background so Clipless are new to me. I tried a pair on a buddies bike and loved the extra power I could use. I know this is the ideal way but I can see myself crashing on some of the tuff trails I ride. My buddy rides the same trails with no problems. He has been riding for 3 years and does both road and mountain biking. He owns 2 bikes as well 1 for each kind of riding.
He also uses clipless pedals on both bikes and swears by them.

I also looked at better Platform pedals which I'm more comfortable with. The ones I looked at look like the old Bear trap design but with changeable nipples. Not the really old cage bear traps but the newer design of then.
http://xoutfitters.com/bmx/pedals/index1.html

What do you guys use and why?

Dan

[bobman1235]

Originally posted by mantis
.... I know this is the ideal way but I can see myself crashing on some of the tuff trails I ride..... He also uses clipless pedals on both bikes and swears by them.

I also looked at better Platform pedals which I'm more comfortable with. The ones I looked at look like the old Bear trap design but with changeable nipples. Not the really old cage bear traps but the newer design of then.
http://xoutfitters.com/bmx/pedals/index1.html

What do you guys use and why?

Go clipless. Honestly. When I first got into mountain biking, I had the platforms with straps too, cuz I was afraid of the clipless. My cousin who I rode with had clipless and told me I was a fool for not switching. So he actually for my brithday got me the pedals and shoes. It took maybe HALF of ONE RIDE to get used to it. Seriously, after maybe an hour of real riding, it's complete reflex to kcik your leg out to the side and get it out of the clip. You may fall in a comical manner once or twice -- and it is hilarious to watch someone go down while tethered to their bike -- but once you get used to it it's unbeatable. And especially where you're investing money in this right now - just invest a little extra time to learn how to use them and you'll never look back.

The only thing that sucks is having to wear the shoes.

[MacLeod]

I doubt Ill ever go clipless. I know all you have to do is kick out to the side but when youre falling Id rather not have to kick my leg out any certain way.

Plus you always have to have those stupid shoes on. Cant just grab your bike on a whim and go. PITA to me.

As for which type, I like the ones that came with my bike. They grip my shoe very well. So much so that the only way its coming off is by lifting it off so Im happy with it for now. But Im sure the upgrade bug will hit me eventually and Ill be looking for another one. But I doubt very seriously if it will ever be clipless.

[mantis]

bobman1235
I actually looked at many different kinds of shoes. The new Oakley shoes are really nice.

http://oakley.com/o/c499t

I also like the Specialized shoes.

http://www.specialized.com/bc/SBCEqP...jsp?spid=10149

If I do go clipless, I will practice in the yard for awhile so I don't have a spill. I'm still alittle gun shy after my last crash. I noticed it in my riding I get alittle shy at 20 plus miles an hour. My ribbs are basically all healed. I tried to lift on Saturday only to find out my ribbs are still alittle tender. I had to lift for a stretch instead of power like I usually do. O well , I can still work on my Cardio.

I think this is the only reason I haven't gone clipless yet, But I'm strongly leaning this way.

MacLeod,
Thats how I feel but all my riding buddies think I'm crazy for not already upgrading to them. Platform pedals is what I know and love but after tring clipless, man dude you gotta try em before you decide not to go that way. The extra power you get when pedaling is worth it...

Dan

[brettw22]

I have clipless and have bit it once......big deal. I have SIMI shoes and the pedals are Shimano.

The decision to go with them for me was that the typical pedal (platform w/ plastic overage for your foot) would cause you to wreck if you didnt' get your foot back into it right side up and you caught the cage on a rock or some tree stump.

They're not hard to use if you're runnin some casual rides, but before you try going up a 45 degree incline in them, you better know that either you will get up that section with no problem, or that you can unclip if you start goin sideways.

[mantis]

I hear yeah. Thats it, it's the way I'm going. I looked at Shimano and many others. Sealed bearing and they also make a platform type clipless for better contact with the shoe. I like it.

Guys bikes has tones of shoes and pedals. I gotta go spend some time with the experts and learn more.

Dan

[brettw22]

Like you mentioned with more power, the other advantage to clipless is you are push/pull motion capable to pull yourself up a hill using your hamstring muscles that a platform pedal does not allow you to utilize.

[nadams]

I ride with a straight platform pedal, no clips, cages, or straps. I'm looking to go to a clipless once I have the money to buy pedals+shoes. That is the one nice part about my old-school pedals... the ability to just wear sneakers :)

The disadvantage is that I've slipped off the pedals multiple times and had that nice jaggy pedal come right back up and smack me in the shin. That's no fun no matter HOW you look at it.

[MacLeod]

Im just a rebel.

I dont like tube amps and I dont like clipless pedals. :D

Or maybe Im just dense and like to do things the hard way! :p

I do see the logic in them though. Being able to get power out of the up stroke.

[gregit]

I am a roadie and have been using Speedplay pedals for most of my riding. They are unique in that they have the advantage of a "free-floating" design so your knee is not locked into one position. I've not tried their "Frog" model for mountain biking but you may want to look into them. I've heard good things about them.


Speedplay

[spwuinmk67]

My buddy gave me a set of clipless ones a while ago, before my bike was stolen, and I loved them. I only fell once because of them, which was when I first put them on. I've fallen other times for other reasons, and if that's the case, your feet tend to come out of them, so the bike isn't getting thrown on top of you. You can also adjust then tension of most of them, so if you want it easier or harder to come out of the pedel, you can. I've still got my shoes layin around somewhere...I need a bike back though.

[TroyD]

do you guys put baseball cards inbetween your spokes?

BDT

[michael_w]

I use platform pedals because I don't ride for speed or distance and it's crucial that I be able to ditch my bilce at any time in an instant. They have fixed flathead studs that work very very well but shinpads are needed to save you from those occasional spills.

[mantis]

MacLeod,
Your dense like alot of people.I used to look at things and pre judge them. Not anymore. I'm open for all things. It's more fun that way.
I say try em and see. What can you lose but a nice crash.

TroyD,
waaaaaaaaaa I used to do that and felt the need a couple times for laughs. Why don't you have a bike???

From what I am learning in bike forums and from my riding buddies, really no one uses Platforms.

Dan

[tonyv1]

I'm strictly a roadie. I use Look pedals with the float set a 9 degrees and use Sidi G5 and Carnac Matrix shoes. My bike club friends know I'm a cycling shoe whore! Yes, I shave my legs! The gals in my yoga class love it!
Anyway, for my Mt bike, I use SPD pedals and Carnac shoes. Clipless on ALL my 5 bikes.

[MacLeod]

Originally posted by TroyD
do you guys put baseball cards inbetween your spokes?

BDT

Doesnt everybody?! :D

Hey mantis, Im not prejudging them I just dont want them. I know they perform better. I know they take advantage of all your leg power. I just dont want em.

I know if I put a supercharger on my truck it would have a lot more power and perform better. I just dont want to.

Ya know it is possible to be open minded and still not like something. ;)

[exalted512]

Originally posted by MacLeod

Ya know it is possible to be open minded and still not like something. ;)

is that kinda like me and JL?

[MacLeod]

No. You have your own personal little war against JL and nobody really knows why. Maybe someday youll come to terms with it.

I mean with all the crappy brands out there like Pyle, Pyramid, Audiobahn, Alphasonik, Crunch and yet you focus all your rage on JL. I dont get it.

[exalted512]

ooooo:(

[mantis]

Ya know it is possible to be open minded and still not like something

Agreed

It's cool.

Dan