Mountain Biking - Large platform clipless pedals

I am looking for a large platform, mud-shedding pedal for my new bike. The Time ATAC Z and new Crank Bros. Mallet C are the two I'm most interested in.

My bike shop recommends the Time, saying that without a doubt they are the best ATB pedal on the market. High praise indeed! I know the Mallet C is a new pedal and probably not time-tested like the ATAC. But Egg Beaters have been out for a while so I imagine some people must have an opinion or two.

So, how do these two pedals rate when it comes to mud-shedding, ease of clipping in/out, etc.?

Check out this thread for the Mallets

http://www.bikeforums.net/showthread.php?s=&threadid=34090

As for the ATAC, I have a few friends that use them and realy like them. They seem to take a good amount of hard riding and have easy entry and exit (from what they have said). I my self use Shimano but I may switch to the Mallets once I get a chance to try them.

As for mud sheding, we here in So.Cal. do not see much mud so I can give no input on that.

:beer:

I use Big Masher from Nashbar on two mountain bikes and two hybrids. Each pedal has 26 sharp points which can dig into either Skechers Sport shoes (when survival-commuting in Boston) or Performance shoes designed for platform pedals when I ride at Crested Butte. I would recommend the Big Masher to any and all riders- except possibly boardwalk riders with bare feet ;-)

After trying several other pedals (clipless, brainless etc.) I routinely change the pedals on any bike I ride to Mashers. Lots of contact area to crank into (~10.5 sq. inches each pedal), quick bail-outs, spectacular endos ;-) and a tremendous feeling of security whether standing or shifting your weight vector around- plus the price is right. Since I ride horses, I can favorably compare these spiked platforms to the secure stirrups into which I drive my weight through my heels.

I have a size 11 shoe. I think the Masher would be optimal for you if, like Larry Bird, you wear size 17:-). For Yao Ming, Big Masher would probably feel like the Egg Beater from Crank Brothers ;-) Check out Big Masher.

http://www.nashbar.com/results.cfm


:roflmao:

Since I ride horses, I can favorably compare these spiked platforms to the secure stirrups into which I drive my weight through my heels.

So are you saying that the pedals really have no grip? I ask because while stirrups may have some grip, it is not all that much as they are designed to allow your foot to slide out easily for safety issues.

:beer:

I'm leaning towards the Time ATAC Z. Thanks.

get the Z controls for sure, i have a pair and theres nothing I would change about them, they clip in even when completely packed with mud, they grip your shoes well when not clipped in and they shed mud very well. I use Time Scolop schoes with them which I think helps performance a little since the shoe really sits well on the platform. If the Mallet C performs even half as well as the Z does it would still be an awesome pedal. I can't say enough things about the Time's though.

By the way i got mine for 85 bucks shipped from www.bikeman.com, dunno if they're still on sale though.

I probably should not have compared the Masher to stirrups say, on an Irish
hunter. It's really apples and oranges. If the rider is in the correct position ("hunt seat") , the boot does not slide out of the stirrups easily.

The "grip" actually is created by the rider's calves pressing hard against the stirrup leathers. The pressure is sufficiently great to put permanent creases or welts into the boots, or painful abrasions on the calves of riders who ride without the knee-high boots.

To do an "emergency dismount", the rider does not really "slide out" of the stirrups. You unweight yourself from the stirrups and usually grab the mane to vault over the horse's right shoulder.

Usually only beginner riders "lose their stirrups" - their boots slide out because they are not riding with their heels down (with all their weight being driven down into their heels). As a result, they break the strong grip between stirrup leathers and boots.

Getting back to the Big Masher ;-) With 52 points digging into your shoes, you will not easily slide out of these pedals. But if you have to bail out, like the horse rider, you unweight yourself and off you go.

This happened to me last January in the Fenway (Boston) I was commuting to work on a wide sidewalk. A car jumped the curb seemingly to deliberately hit me. I grabbed both brakes and within milleseconds I was doing an X-Games endo. I did not have to do anything to part company with the Mashers (and the Marin Eldridge Grade). I rolled down an embankment. And reliving my days fox hunting in Ireland, I later celebrated another chance at life with a Murphy's Stout ;-)

:roflmao:

I later celebrated another chance at life with a Murphy's Stout ;-)

I prefer a pint of Arthur's. So do you have to bail a lot when you ride (your horse)? :p

If he really want grip with out going clipless he should get some Shinburgers but I think he wants the platforms with clipess.:beer: