Mountain Biking - Pedal Help...

Hey all,

I have been riding for about 3 months now consistantly.. 95 percent trail riding.. Some steep climbs, roots, rocks, drops, sand, etc.. Just to give you a idea.

I am really not sure what type of pedal to go for. Right now i have the slide in type, not sure exactly the correct wording.. Slide your foot in, nylon straps,etc. They have been OK, helps a lot with the steep climbs etc. However i have taking a bunch of nasty falls, and these pedals seem to make the fall worse :)

What would be the benifit to the clip in type pedals to this? I dont think i want to go with a regular flat pedal now that i am used to the slide in's.

Do the clip type pedals have a breaking point if you take a spill? I dont want the bike getting mangeled or me. Least with the slide in's I tend to fall out of them.

Please let me know your comments and personal experiances with the different ones..

thanks guys

The pedals you have are toe clips, if you take a fall, you sprain your ankles. I would have to recommend for clipless pedals(don't use them,I prefer a good set of shin cutting flat pedals of the bmx back ground.) Time Atacs they release very well, and if you get into mud they will shed very well.

i use Clipless, SPDs.. i like them for my XC riding

Originally posted by JasBike
i use Clipless, SPDs.. i like them for my XC riding

When you take a fall with those the biking is coming with you right? Or do they have some type of release point by stress?

On clipless pedals on most models you twist you're foot to have the cleat release from the pedal. Now if you fall, sometimes will release others times will stay in. If alot of pressure is given in other directions they could release also, normaly and pressure is put on yoru leg in a direction it will force to cleat to release and you can release really quickly after you get used to them.

I've been injured countless times because of clipless pedals. They just don't release easily in a nasty spill. I ride Time ATACs, and in the mud they release very easily, but during normal dry conditions I often find myself tangled up in the bike during a fall.. sucks. You just can't bail as easily.

As far as bailing I believe Jim311 is correct Platforms are best, no contest without straps or clips. If that is your main goal but you want you're feeet to stick to those pedals rest of the time you can check out the Shinburgers, and they are a great bottle opener :)

If you do mostly XC riding, go with clipless. The benefits of pedaling efficiency far outweigh the concerns of the occasional crash. The more you use them the quicker you'll learn to UNCLIP, to the point where it's almost automatic.

If you get into jumping a lot or riding technical trails, then platforms (no binders, no clips, no straps) work well since you're not mechanically connected to the bike. However, riding Platforms will detract from pedaling efficiency on long straight rides.

L8R

Yea i am up in arms about this... driving me nuts.. Is there a good clipless pedal that is also a platform, so for the most part being clipped but when/if there is a crazy section i can be on the platform??

You can get Shimano clipless pedals with a plaform surround.
With your toe-clip pedals, do you reach down and cinch the straps tight for efficiency? I would strongly recomend against this.

Nope, I do not tighten them up like that.. I kind of just slide my shoe in there.. Its pretty loose but holds the foot well for climbs and whatnot...

Any other suggestions for Clipless pedals w/platform surround?

One of the UK magazines had a preview of egg-beaters with platform to be released soon...

Neat...

I just ordered the Time Z Control pedals. Supposed to allow for the clip to slide up and remain in contact with the surface even when not cliped in for better control. May be just hype, but looked like a good idea. They have the same clip mechanism as the ATAC.

For more info go to: www.timesportusa.com/zpedals.html

Haven't ridden with them yet...but plan on it later this week...

:beer:

Greg

Originally posted by LegalIce
I just ordered the Time Z Control pedals. Supposed to allow for the clip to slide up and remain in contact with the surface even when not cliped in for better control. May be just hype, but looked like a good idea. They have the same clip mechanism as the ATAC.

For more info go to: www.timesportusa.com/zpedals.html

Haven't ridden with them yet...but plan on it later this week...

:beer:

Greg

You'll love em. I have a pair and they are really nice. What shoes are you using?

WOW thats sweet... Are there any others similer to these or? Anyone tried these yet?

I've got a pair of these:

545's (http://www.jensonusa.com/store/product.asp?number=27050)

And also an older version of these (the red ones):
646's (http://www.jensonusa.com/store/product.asp?number=27060)

These look promising:Mallet (http://www.mtbreview.com/reviews/Pedal/product_122526.shtml)

L8R

Those Mallet Ones look like they might be better because of the extra large surface..

Also anyone have a good place that offers good prices on these pedals online?

Here's a link that has em:Mallet (http://www.webcyclery.com/.docs/product_id/1759/pg/product_detail.html)

L8R

You'll also need a 15mm wrench!

check ebay too. I got the Time Z's on ebay new for much cheaper. great pedal.

After a little bit of debating... It was a hard descision...

I ordred the mallet's $89... I'll let ya'll know how they are...

Originally posted by Funbags
After a little bit of debating... It was a hard descision...

I ordred the mallet's $89... I'll let ya'll know how they are...

were they in stock? i thought they werent supposed to be released until august. well, august is tomorrow, but still....

show us some pics when you get them

They are coming FedEx and will be here tomorrow :) I'll post pics.

Fun, where did you find them in stock? I'm very interested in how they work out for you ... keep us posted.

I'm a little late, but I should still post a warning ... I dunno how long the egg beaters pedals have been around, but if they haven't been around that long, you might have problems later down the road if they discontinue the cleat or pedal design. Once your old cleats get worn out, you might have problems obtaining new ones since they have become vintage items.

Originally posted by Chi
I'm a little late, but I should still post a warning ... I dunno how long the egg beaters pedals have been around, but if they haven't been around that long, you might have problems later down the road if they discontinue the cleat or pedal design. Once your old cleats get worn out, you might have problems obtaining new ones since they have become vintage items.

um, the egg beaters have been around for a few years and get more popular and better designed each year. Crank Bros. seems to be doing just fine, I wouldnt worry.

The core design of the mallets i *think* are the same thing as the beaters...

Doh, Missed the Fedex delivery today! Have to wait till tomorrow now...

Grr... No luck yet.. I have had to work the last 3 days, so I couldnt get to the fedex facility.. I have to work late tomorrow too!.. I will never get this package.

God, I am right there with ya. Waiting for my tires to arrive. Dam Cambria is so slow. Two-day delivery, that was on tuesday. More like a week delivery. So I am same as you. Sitting, waiting for my tires to come:crash: :fight:

Well i got the pedals! Now i caint get the old ones off!

See here I posted for some help http://www.bikeforums.net/showthread.php?s=&threadid=33996

Any tips for me?

ALways turn the crank towards the pedals. And if all else fails get a hammer.

Oh yeah my tire arrived, its sweet. Never ordering anything from cambria again though

Pedals installed!

Thanks everyone!

I posted a topic instead of a message before.. but anywho.. I did a full review on the pedals with install pictures on my bud's site..

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