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Pedals
NB: Originally posted elsewhere on the Global Riders Network and appears via syndication.
Hi all,
I'm a newbie, not been to an orgnaised ride yet, but been doing some road work to start on my fitness.
As a newbie, I started out with the Merida MT 100. It came with the standard metal pedal (the one with spiked grips).
I don't have a pair of the clip on shoes , but am wondering what are the pros/con with using flat pedal vs toe and strap clips vs 'snap on snap off'. And excuse my lack of terminology.
Thanks.
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Try searching the site for previous discussions, here are links to a few http://nobmob.com/node/37663 http://nobmob.com/node/19742
For me it's the ability to lift your power instantaneously using the up stroke (handy on technical climbing) and the fact I can forget about what my feet are doing as they are always on the pedal, no slipping, shin grazing to worry about. Just need to mentally prepare yourself for some good stacks as you get used to unclipping when you need to , but hey it's all part of the fun.
like some quote about going black......once you go clipless, you don't go back. it will take you some time to get used to, and you will probably unclip at every obstacle for the first couple of rides, and probably have a few slow speed stacks more than a couple, but once you are used to them, they are the only way to go.
On a side note.. do not even consider using the strap in type pedals for moutnain biking as they can be considered rather dangerous when you need to get out of your pedals in an emergency.
pete.
Both have pros an cons.
After several years of clips I went back to flats about 2 years ago and am very happy.
Just do your research though over the claimed benefits of both. Some are true and some aren't.
If you have never used clip pedals before, don’t go to tricky sections at first, it takes time to get use to how unclip them when you need it, and probably have at accident or injury as happened to me.
, but clip-in pedals are great for descents and up-hill have a lot of advantages.
I still using them but my confidence in tricky and rocky sections is still in progress
Flat pedals in the other hand are for having fun, they still have a lot of grip, they are not the best for long rides but great for a bit of technical tracks, they will bring you more confidence, and help you to know the bike and how it rides before jump to clip-in pedals.
I'm kinda in the same boat as you Paul; a bit unsure of whether to go all out or not - so i went for the fence-sitting option. I've just got a set of pedals which are flat on one side and clips on the other side (Shimano M324).
I'll be putting them on tonight and see how easily i can get the hang of choosing/switching sides and also clipping in/out.. Its my first set (1/2 set) of clipless so it'll be noob feedback anyway..
I'd say of you can ride most of the techy descents on your usual haunts, then you're fine to make the switch.
Alternate-sided pedals are fine if you're commuting, but I really couldn't recommend them for riding technical mountain bike trails. The last thing yo need is to be looking down at your pedal to see which side is up when it doesn't go in first time as you're entering a rough section of track. In my view you want double-sided so that you know what you're gonna get no matter which side of the pedal is facing up, and it's simply a matter of sliding your foot in without looking.
Some clipless pedals have a flat cage with pins such as the Crank Bros Mallets, which would be a better option (although then you're dealing with Crank Bros maintenance PITA). Otherwise, go double-sided clipless.
I went clipless much too early, and it held my skills development back. Wouldn;t ride without them now, I feel much more secure being clipped in.
I still have the occasional low-speed clipstack, but that's due more to the sticky/catchy nature of the carbon soles on my race shoes.
After prob 5 years with clips I went to flats 1 year ago and wouldn't go back.
If your feet come off the pedals with flats then you are not reading the trail.
I found this link for a shimano flat pedals they have a good price and the reviews are positive too!!
http://www.mountainbikesdirect.com.au/shimano-mx...