Mountain Biking - Cheap Platforms or Clipless

I'm trying to decide on going clipless or just buy new platforms for my SS Trek 4500. I have a pair of 661 clipless shoes already. my budget is small ~$30. What I want to know is if anyone has had a problem with cheap clipless pedals on a mountain bike. I would like to get some egg beaters or maybe ATAC's. I have read some bad things about cheap SPD's. Thanks for any input.

I've used a few of the off brand shimano style pedals. Some are better than others. But if you search around you can probably find shimano m520s for 30 bucks. Ebay or one of the online retailers might have them on sale.

Either of these should fit what you've described:

http://www.performancebike.com/shop/profile.cfm?SKU=23030&subcategory_ID=5240 - smarty $34.99
http://www.performancebike.com/shop/profile.cfm?SKU=20253&subcategory_ID=5240 - eggbeater C $49.99

I used the eggbeater C's for several years on my mtn bike (still do on the road bike.)

The only problem I had is that if you ride in really rocky terrain and tend to slam the pedals into rocks really hard, you can break a wing occasionally. CB seems to have no problem warrantying them. And if you don't do stuff like that regularly, it's not an issue. I'm the only one I know who's had the issue.

I'm now on the Eggbeater SL's on my mtn bike, with no issue so far

Don't get the smarties though, get Cs or SLs.

Clipless. Definately clipless. I've had the same set of low end Shimano pedals on my Mountain Bike for years and I'm still waiting for them to break so I can upgrade.

I'm trying to decide on going clipless or just buy new platforms for my SS Trek 4500. I have a pair of 661 clipless shoes already. my budget is small ~$30. What I want to know is if anyone has had a problem with cheap clipless pedals on a mountain bike. I would like to get some egg beaters or maybe ATAC's. I have read some bad things about cheap SPD's. Thanks for any input.

Go with Shimano M520's. They are not expensive and very good quality for the price. Cranky Bros are also decent. I have personally had bad experience with knock-off brand SPD's- stay away from them.

SHIMANO SPD! 520s have worked great for me for the past 2 years

I ended up getting Crank Bros MXR's from the LBS. I haven't gotten out on the trail with them yet but rode around a bit last night after I got them on and practiced a bit inside. So far I really like them. I can move around a lot more then I thought I'd be able to, and thats set at 15 degree release (choice of 15 or 20). One thing I really like so far is bunny hopping. I can just jump up and the bike goes with me. Does any one know where to get replacement cleat screws?

i agree with alot of other people spd shimano 520 is a nice pedal but, these are what i ride http://www.jensonusa.com/store/product/PE610A04-Time+Atac+Alium+Pedals.aspx I have seen many egg beaters break in the rocks here.

I ended up getting Crank Bros MXR's from the LBS. I haven't gotten out on the trail with them yet but rode around a bit last night after I got them on and practiced a bit inside. So far I really like them. I can move around a lot more then I thought I'd be able to, and thats set at 15 degree release (choice of 15 or 20). One thing I really like so far is bunny hopping. I can just jump up and the bike goes with me. Does any one know where to get replacement cleat screws?

Your LBS should have some lying around. Didn't the pedals come with like twice as many screws as you needed?

i have shimano M520s on my road + mountain bike. i'm new to clipless and all, but i think they're great - i can't complain! i got 'em new for 60$... which seems to be more than what everyone is paying. how come i get all the bad deals?

Your LBS should have some lying around. Didn't the pedals come with like twice as many screws as you needed?
Nope, my pedals only came with 4 screws. I'll check with my LBS next payday.

Use whatever you feel most comfortable with. I'm don't compete and feel alot safer on the trails with platform pedals.

i prefer platforms after trying clipless several times without much success and yes I tried for months on end

I just put the Shimano 520's on my Trek 4500 today and they are great. They are the first pair of clipless I used and they are a great buy especially for the quality. You cant beat it. I know a lot of cyclists that all use the 520's simply because they are a reliable pedal that also won't break the bank.

I tried Look pedals, but could not disengage them easily. Now I ride with SPD pedals on both my mountain bike and my road bikes. They are easy to use. The other benefit is that you can walk in shoes that use spd cleats.