Discussion
What are your opinions on the various types of pedals ? I'd like to replace the cheap 'n nasty steel pedals on my mtb, but which to choose ?
There appear to be a lot of advocates for clipless SPD pedals, but I find I occasionally need get my foot down if I clip a tree root, so I'm scared of being "clipped in".
I like the DMR type platform pedals, but surely the gripping pins rip your shoes to bits ?
What are the pros and cons of each type for predominantly trail/forest riding ?
Thanks.
There appear to be a lot of advocates for clipless SPD pedals, but I find I occasionally need get my foot down if I clip a tree root, so I'm scared of being "clipped in".
I like the DMR type platform pedals, but surely the gripping pins rip your shoes to bits ?
What are the pros and cons of each type for predominantly trail/forest riding ?
Thanks.
I race downhill, clipped in. Its great for power delivery, and handy when u need to bunny hop at short notice. They would be excellent for forestry rides, etc. If you're worried about not being able to unclip in the event of a crash, then a way round this is to ensure you use Shimano pedals, as u can alter how tight ur foot is clipped in.
I'm personally not a fan of flats, as I've been attached to pedals for the last 8 years. However these days, flat pedals offer excellent grip. Crank brothers 50/50's are good, and so too are the DMR range. If you're concerned about the pedals biting your shins, you can ionvest in some neoprene shin guards for around 15 pounds, and to ensure good grip in the first place, skate shoes such as Vans or Etnies are a good buy! Some of the best on the market though are 'FiveTens', I don't know much about them, but almost all the DH pro's who run flats wear these shoes. If you want to see results that each pedal offer, Steve Peat won the UCI World Cup this year with clips, yet Sam Hill won the World Championships using good old flats!
Wow,this replies long,but I hope it's a lot of use!
I'm personally not a fan of flats, as I've been attached to pedals for the last 8 years. However these days, flat pedals offer excellent grip. Crank brothers 50/50's are good, and so too are the DMR range. If you're concerned about the pedals biting your shins, you can ionvest in some neoprene shin guards for around 15 pounds, and to ensure good grip in the first place, skate shoes such as Vans or Etnies are a good buy! Some of the best on the market though are 'FiveTens', I don't know much about them, but almost all the DH pro's who run flats wear these shoes. If you want to see results that each pedal offer, Steve Peat won the UCI World Cup this year with clips, yet Sam Hill won the World Championships using good old flats!
Wow,this replies long,but I hope it's a lot of use!
SPDs for me too mainly but have flats on a muckabout bike.
Over roots, the SPD keeps your foot attached to the pedal instead of bouncing off. It takes a bit of confidence but once you're used to it (days riding max) then you'll love it.
Alternatively, you can get shoes now with the same sole as rock climbers use (The FiveTen mentioned in the previous post), which is very grippy on a flat pedal.
Over roots, the SPD keeps your foot attached to the pedal instead of bouncing off. It takes a bit of confidence but once you're used to it (days riding max) then you'll love it.
Alternatively, you can get shoes now with the same sole as rock climbers use (The FiveTen mentioned in the previous post), which is very grippy on a flat pedal.
Edited by rico on Sunday 12th November 14:33
If you obsess over maximum efficency and "pedalling in circles" and all the other things that get roadies excited, then clip in. Likewise if you're too inept to hop without being attached to the bike.
If you want ease of use, no mud-clogging problems, to develop much better technique for jumping and dealing with rough ground, and endless choice of non-dorky footwear then get flats.
Disagree on the Crank Brothers 50/50s though - they're rubbish (that flat plate gathers mud and gets pretty slidey), and they're pricey too. DMR or any of the other Shimano DX clones work great.
If you want ease of use, no mud-clogging problems, to develop much better technique for jumping and dealing with rough ground, and endless choice of non-dorky footwear then get flats.
Disagree on the Crank Brothers 50/50s though - they're rubbish (that flat plate gathers mud and gets pretty slidey), and they're pricey too. DMR or any of the other Shimano DX clones work great.
I've been using V12's for about 5 years now, the pins have made a bit of a mess of my scruffy riding trainers....ripped a bit of the sole off in fact! 
but to be fair, for the length of time I've been using them it is not too bad. I was just thinking recently about getting some new riding trainers, places like T K Maxx (not that I frequent such establishments of course!! 
) have skate trainers such as Vans and the like for around £20 - 30. Well worth it! 
but to be fair, for the length of time I've been using them it is not too bad. I was just thinking recently about getting some new riding trainers, places like T K Maxx (not that I frequent such establishments of course!! ) have skate trainers such as Vans and the like for around £20 - 30. Well worth it! If you're concerned about not being able to unclip, as mentioned above get some cheap Shimano SPDs such as PDM-520's, and some multi-release cleats (as opposed to the regular ones).
Having used them when I made the transition from flats a few months ago, I can vouch that the multi release cleats made it completely painless for me, I've not gone through the seemingly obligitory fall-off-sideways phase whilst learning, Ive not even had a significant fright when forgetting and stopping before unclipping because the multi-release will unclip the way you natually try and take your feet off the pedals anyway, you don't need to learn an unnatural motion in order to get detached.
Some people that have used road clips and/or like being clipped in really tightly with no chance of ever unclipping without a deliberate unclipping movement probably wouldnt like them, but I run my pedals fairly lose and like a bit of lateral movement in them, yet have not had any problems with accidental unclipping, so if coming from flats they are great, all the benefits without one of the major drawbacks.
Chris
Having used them when I made the transition from flats a few months ago, I can vouch that the multi release cleats made it completely painless for me, I've not gone through the seemingly obligitory fall-off-sideways phase whilst learning, Ive not even had a significant fright when forgetting and stopping before unclipping because the multi-release will unclip the way you natually try and take your feet off the pedals anyway, you don't need to learn an unnatural motion in order to get detached.
Some people that have used road clips and/or like being clipped in really tightly with no chance of ever unclipping without a deliberate unclipping movement probably wouldnt like them, but I run my pedals fairly lose and like a bit of lateral movement in them, yet have not had any problems with accidental unclipping, so if coming from flats they are great, all the benefits without one of the major drawbacks.
Chris
You could get an SPD pedal with a cage if you are bit unsteady, may be a good way to see if it works out, though it won't be as good a flat pedal as a true flattie. I'm a long time fan of the DMRs myself, they may not be the ultimate but they work for me - one or two bloodly shins a year, but then scabs are all part of the fun.
Flat pedals and a pair of fivetens high tops for me.
Clipless offers you a lot of benifits in efficiency terms Hence obligatory on a road bike.
However a pair of Good Flat pedals and Fivetens give you the same control as clipless, higher ease of use, you can walk in them, and you have a higher margin for error.
Clipless offers you a lot of benifits in efficiency terms Hence obligatory on a road bike.
However a pair of Good Flat pedals and Fivetens give you the same control as clipless, higher ease of use, you can walk in them, and you have a higher margin for error.
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