Mountain Biking - Help getting used to flat pedals

I am mostly a road and XC rider, so I am used to being clipped in. Recently some friends and I have gotten into urban riding around town on the mountain bikes.. I just got a pair of flat pedals for this, and I need a few pointers in getting used to them. I feel like I can't stay on them, and I also am having trouble jumping with them. I can only get about 5 to 7 inches of air on a bunny hop, and that's just not going to cut it. No matter what I try, I can't seem to get it up any higher.. my pedals are some wellgos with replacable pins.

Any tips would be appreciated!

Why don't you ride clipped in?

Originally posted by MediaCreations
Why don't you ride clipped in?

Urban riding is really technical, half-trials style riding on pavement/concrete in places such as uptown Charlotte, NC, etc. It's really nice to be able to bail when needed. I'm already more confident to try things without clipless, but I'm still trying to get used to them. Check out these links (http://www.carolinaat.com/phpBB2/modules.php?set_albumName=album07&op=modload&name=gallery&file=index&include=view_album.php&PHPSESSID=06dab902d2c63ebfe09bc5f9e8cc0618). :beer:

Some great shots.

I'll have to have a better look when I've got more time.

You really just need to do some riding with platforms. My only suggestion is to get a pair of Vans or Etiens, a skate type shoe. One that has a softer sole (not stiff like you cycling shoes), but is also smooth, unlike running shoes.

Your technique must change, you've actually been using your clipless shoes to pull the bike up. Now you must use momentum to lift the bike. Riding platforms will help your technique when you go back to riding clipless, so it's well worth the investment in time.

The new issue of Dirt Rag has a step-by-step on how to bunny hop. May be worth looking into.

L8R

You will have to learn a few different things to jump higher. A couple of key points

1 - point toes downwards (awkward at first but it helps) it drives the pins into your shoe to help suck the bike up
2 - New pedals - sharp and pointy :D
3 - You need to do more of a j-hop. Lift the front to the height you want to jump and then jump with your legs.

BTW I am impressed with the fact you got any air. I got one of my friends to remove his clipless and he couldn't even get the bike off the ground (proving a point about clipless and jumping) :)

a2psyklnut - Yeah I think shoes might be a part of my problem. I have basically either boots or tennis shoes to ride flats with right now. I am planning on getting some decent shoes for riding in another few weeks when I can spare the money.

Maelstrom- thanks for the tips.. that's basically what I'm trying to. Not sure how effective I am at that, but at least I did have the correct general idea! Thanks! I'm liking the flats a lot.. it's great for just riding around here on campus or through town. I just need to feel it out a bit more, I think, and then I'll be good.

You could also have a look at those very chunky Shinburger pedals I think they're called. The name is an apt description.

Originally posted by Bokkie
You could also have a look at those very chunky Shinburger pedals I think they're called. The name is an apt description.

Those are sweet. Too bad they cost and arm and a leg for pedals :)

Originally posted by Maelstrom
Those are sweet. Too bad they cost and arm and a leg for pedals :)


Literally :o

They slice! They dice! They make Julianne Fries! The new Shinburger Blastomatic 76 from the friendly folks at Brooklyn Machine Works!

I'm glad to hear I'm not the only one using platforms sometimes. I think I have actually regained some skills from using them on really tough off road rides, going really slow and using some trials type techniques that I possibly wouldn't try while clipped in. BTW, I just found this forum and it looks great, wish I would have found it sooner...tom

There are quite a few people who ride them exclusively. In all honesty in this area I would say that flats are prefered.

I think I'll pass on the Shinburger pedals :D

I'm looking forward to riding a bit with flats and seeing what I can do.. Now if only it will stop raining! :irritated

My firends all had clipless and were bragging about how they could bunny hop and pop the back wheel up. I learned how to do all that with flats, and when we all realized the joys of freeride and urban, I was way ahead of them. Fortunately, they're quick learners. Ok thats the story, and heres the advice.

1. since you can hop, you're halfway to hopping high. Its really a matter of just doing it until you get all your muscles in synchronization.

2. get pedals with pins, wellgo B27s or w/e are nice and cheap, and have little pins that dig up into your soles.

Originally posted by Raiyn
They slice! They dice! They make Julianne Fries! The new Shinburger Blastomatic 76 from the friendly folks at Brooklyn Machine Works!

And they have a built in beer bottle opener!

What type of pedals are you using?

Some flats have adjustable pegs (allen screws) that you can lengthen or shorten depending on the grip you want. Also, as shoes are concerned, look into the Intense shoes. They are very tacky and grip well on platforms. The soles do were quickly though if you walk in them a lot.

other then that, do what has a2 said, just ride on the flats, the more you use them the more comfortable you will feel on them. may be even use them on a trail ride or two.

:beer:

Go for the old school skate shoes, like Vans Half cabs or Caballeros. They are softer and grippier than the new style(big move) skate shoes.
I can bunny hop higher, about two and a half feet ,with traps than with clipless. For some reason with clipless pedals when I pull up the motion that works so well with traps cause clipless pedals to release, not any fun.

Originally posted by Rev.Chuck
Go for the old school skate shoes, like Vans Half cabs or Caballeros. They are softer and grippier than the new style(big move) skate shoes.
I can bunny hop higher, about two and a half feet ,with traps than with clipless. For some reason with clipless pedals when I pull up the motion that works so well with traps cause clipless pedals to release, not any fun.

You probably do what I do when preparing for a hop. Twist foot to maximize to upward movement. I notice tonnes of twisting when I ride. One of the many reasons I don't think I could do clipless. Preparing for drops, bunny hops, lurches, wall rides all require a different twist of my foot :)

i think there should be an rule about hopping w/clipless.... you should have to be able to do it without before you move on. Clipless bunnyhopping is cheating! lol
Mae is right about the twist thing i have the same prob. As for foot wear osiris is what i wear great skate shoe with a good sole that my pedals just love biting into