Pedals, pedals, pedals.....
Discussion
I bought my Stumpy FSR back in August '06 and I've been nothing but happy with it. It's a superb bike and great on the trails and mild downhill tracks. Top stuff.
The thing is I always promised myself to buy some clip-ons.
The other thing is, I'm scared of them. Very, very scared. Only yesterday, my biking buddy slipped on some logs in front of me and all I heard was, "SHIT! CLIP-ONS!" and down he went into the mud as though attached to a pole.....
I seem to be doing a lot of uphill work so I'm sure they will help, but equally I need something that will give me lots of movement as I do a lot of freeride downhill riding.
Right now I have a pair of DMV V8's. Great pedals but no good for uphill work!
So...I thought of these:
Apparently they give plenty of movement for balance control, but keep your feet firmly on the pedals. They also seem pretty good for those days when I just want to ride my bike without pedals.
Does anyone have them and what are they like? Also what other suggestions do people have?
The thing is I always promised myself to buy some clip-ons.
The other thing is, I'm scared of them. Very, very scared. Only yesterday, my biking buddy slipped on some logs in front of me and all I heard was, "SHIT! CLIP-ONS!" and down he went into the mud as though attached to a pole.....
I seem to be doing a lot of uphill work so I'm sure they will help, but equally I need something that will give me lots of movement as I do a lot of freeride downhill riding.
Right now I have a pair of DMV V8's. Great pedals but no good for uphill work!
So...I thought of these:
Apparently they give plenty of movement for balance control, but keep your feet firmly on the pedals. They also seem pretty good for those days when I just want to ride my bike without pedals.
Does anyone have them and what are they like? Also what other suggestions do people have?
What's wrong with you DMR's? I use V12's and have never had any grip issues for any gradiant or terrain.
What shoes are you using? Soft wide soled skate type shoes will never ever slip on them no matter how wet .... They won't grip when you put your foot down on wet mud and roots though
What shoes are you using? Soft wide soled skate type shoes will never ever slip on them no matter how wet .... They won't grip when you put your foot down on wet mud and roots though
mat205125 said:
What's wrong with you DMR's? I use V12's and have never had any grip issues for any gradiant or terrain.
What shoes are you using? Soft wide soled skate type shoes will never ever slip on them no matter how wet .... They won't grip when you put your foot down on wet mud and roots though
It's not so much about grip...no problem there. I actually use an old pair of merrels and they're fine...I just want more power for the hills.What shoes are you using? Soft wide soled skate type shoes will never ever slip on them no matter how wet .... They won't grip when you put your foot down on wet mud and roots though
In Austria they are BIG and very steep at times. Clip-ons will just give me that edge and hopefully I won't feel so tired keeping up with my mates who have clip-ons and swear by them.....especially when they come off still attached!
So what do people think of the mallets? Would be good if they work with normal shoes too....
I've also had a lot of people tell me the Crank Brothers system is far better than Shimano's as you get more "swivel" thus giving you more control. It could be more marketing mumbo but I've had three people tell me this also so it can't all be lies....
Anyone here use egg beaters or mallets?
I've also had a lot of people tell me the Crank Brothers system is far better than Shimano's as you get more "swivel" thus giving you more control. It could be more marketing mumbo but I've had three people tell me this also so it can't all be lies....
Anyone here use egg beaters or mallets?
Never used them but talking to blokes down pubs they always slate the egg beaters.
Get yourself some shimano DX series pedals then you can still wear normal shoes should you not fancy clipping in.
They slacken right off so you're hardly clipped in at all when you get used to it.
I can't ride without them now, I was as dubious as you when I started.
Get yourself some shimano DX series pedals then you can still wear normal shoes should you not fancy clipping in.
They slacken right off so you're hardly clipped in at all when you get used to it.
I can't ride without them now, I was as dubious as you when I started.
I use Mallet's and find then fine for XC work and nice and stable with the platform there but with plenty of float. Being relatively new to mountain biking, I like the fact that you can choose to set the break out angel at 15 or 20 degrees, 15 for me so I can leap off ina hurry if things go pear-shaped. I have also used them with ordinary walking shoes though you cannot really get your foot flat on the plate and can feel the metal hoops.
I've used Eggbeaters for years and they're great. I prefer them to the SPD's I used previously.
They have lots of advantages over other systems weight, simplicity, 4-sided entry (snigger), and such easy maintenance a primary school child could refurb them.
They do have some downsides. The Eggbeaters give a very small cantact area for your foot and take some getting used to on the long rides and they have been known to fall apart if not serviced. Although, from the stories I've heard the riders in question had ignored the obvious symptoms of the worn bearings for months before failure.
On to the Mallets. Well, I've just stuck a pair on my Stiffee in place of a pair of Eggbeaters and they are excellent. A lot more supportive than the 'beaters and easier to get in and out of. There is rumour that a new design is being released with pins instead of the grip plates. Personally, I'm happy with the grip plates. They don't interfere with the stiff and hard sole of my clip shoes but my Northwave flats are still held. Not as well as pins but these would destroy my clip shoes.
Best of all you can currently get the base ones for £52 from Winstanleysbikes.co.uk
They have lots of advantages over other systems weight, simplicity, 4-sided entry (snigger), and such easy maintenance a primary school child could refurb them.
They do have some downsides. The Eggbeaters give a very small cantact area for your foot and take some getting used to on the long rides and they have been known to fall apart if not serviced. Although, from the stories I've heard the riders in question had ignored the obvious symptoms of the worn bearings for months before failure.
On to the Mallets. Well, I've just stuck a pair on my Stiffee in place of a pair of Eggbeaters and they are excellent. A lot more supportive than the 'beaters and easier to get in and out of. There is rumour that a new design is being released with pins instead of the grip plates. Personally, I'm happy with the grip plates. They don't interfere with the stiff and hard sole of my clip shoes but my Northwave flats are still held. Not as well as pins but these would destroy my clip shoes.
Best of all you can currently get the base ones for £52 from Winstanleysbikes.co.uk
It seems to be a 50/50 mix between ATAC and Egg beater clips.
I think after what I've heard, I'm going to try the mallets as they have a nice platform to keep steady and use when I have normal shoes.
I found out I can get some cracking deals on eBay with items delivered from the US for very low postage charges as follows:
Mallet C - €59
Mallet M - €100
From all accounts, I don't think the magnesium body and "weight saving", is worth €40 extra!!!!
I think after what I've heard, I'm going to try the mallets as they have a nice platform to keep steady and use when I have normal shoes.
I found out I can get some cracking deals on eBay with items delivered from the US for very low postage charges as follows:
Mallet C - €59
Mallet M - €100
From all accounts, I don't think the magnesium body and "weight saving", is worth €40 extra!!!!
What about these?
http://www.chainreactioncycles.com/Models.aspx?Mod...
I've only ever ridden Shimano SPDs so can't comment on how they compare to other brands
I do know that SPD platform pedals aren't fab with normal shoes, mainly because the SPD section is normally raised. So the above pedal is the best of both worlds and is what I've got on my commuting bike.
http://www.chainreactioncycles.com/Models.aspx?Mod...
I've only ever ridden Shimano SPDs so can't comment on how they compare to other brands
I do know that SPD platform pedals aren't fab with normal shoes, mainly because the SPD section is normally raised. So the above pedal is the best of both worlds and is what I've got on my commuting bike.
I've used shimano and now onto time atac jobbies. from a bailing out point of view atleast the time pedals are brilliant i cant tell you how many times i've gone head over ann managed to unclip and either run away from it or roll off. Unlike the S's which sometimes became sticky almost?
The problem really is when going really slow on technical climbs or decents when you need to be clipped in to have full balance but need to be on the clasp of clipping out if things go belly up.
The problem really is when going really slow on technical climbs or decents when you need to be clipped in to have full balance but need to be on the clasp of clipping out if things go belly up.
Rico said:
What about these?
http://www.chainreactioncycles.com/Models.aspx?Mod...
I've only ever ridden Shimano SPDs so can't comment on how they compare to other brands
I do know that SPD platform pedals aren't fab with normal shoes, mainly because the SPD section is normally raised. So the above pedal is the best of both worlds and is what I've got on my commuting bike.
I looked at those, but you can only clip in on one side meaning you have to fumble about. I think i'm going to go for the Mallets I saw on eBay.http://www.chainreactioncycles.com/Models.aspx?Mod...
I've only ever ridden Shimano SPDs so can't comment on how they compare to other brands
I do know that SPD platform pedals aren't fab with normal shoes, mainly because the SPD section is normally raised. So the above pedal is the best of both worlds and is what I've got on my commuting bike.
Now! Big question for some of you!
SHOES!
I need something comfortable, but not too pricey, otherwise this whole clipless pedal thing is going to get expensive!!!
My bro-in-law has some shimano shoes which look ok, and can be cleaned easily with a pressure hose to wash the mud off. The only thing is he said the liner on the inside isn't so good and right from the start gave him big blisters.
I've noticed some skate board shoes with clip on attachments and they look interesting as you get a good platform to use.
Frankly I have no idea, so any recommendations?
The only advice you need on shoes is try before you buy. That means a visit to a few local LBS's. Find a shoe that's comfortable and fits you then try and find in cheap somewhere (if you really need to).
I have used Specialized Sport Comp Mtb shoes for the last 6 years and I think they're great. You may not.
I have used Specialized Sport Comp Mtb shoes for the last 6 years and I think they're great. You may not.
beanbag said:
I looked at those, but you can only clip in on one side meaning you have to fumble about. .
Now! Big question for some of you!
SHOES!
I need something comfortable, but not too pricey, otherwise this whole clipless pedal thing is going to get expensive!!!
My bro-in-law has some shimano shoes which look ok, and can be cleaned easily with a pressure hose to wash the mud off. The only thing is he said the liner on the inside isn't so good and right from the start gave him big blisters.
I've taken the clipless plunge and have been using those single sided SPDs pictured for about three weeks now. You do have to fumble a bit, but for the flexibility I think it's not too bad.Now! Big question for some of you!
SHOES!
I need something comfortable, but not too pricey, otherwise this whole clipless pedal thing is going to get expensive!!!
My bro-in-law has some shimano shoes which look ok, and can be cleaned easily with a pressure hose to wash the mud off. The only thing is he said the liner on the inside isn't so good and right from the start gave him big blisters.
I bought some Shimano MT50 shoes. Very impressed so far. Bear in mind that with Shimano sizing, you need to go up one size larger than normal. Possibly that was your B-I-L's problem. Worth trying a pair on in a shop to determine your correct size.
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