Mountain Biking - Yet another clipless question...

I am upgrading to clipless pedals, but I have a few questions:

1) Which is better for a beginner: Crank Bros Eggbeater Chrome or the Time ATAC pedal? Both are the same price.
2) I am in the USA, but the site I am ordering from uses European measuerments. How can I find an accurate conversion? I have used Google, but have had many different answers. BTW, I wear size 12 US Mens. The shoe is the Diadora Geko.
3) Will standard cleats be ok for a beginner? Or should I buy new cleats right away?

Thanks in advance!

-Garrett

1) TIMES seem to be harder to adjust to than eggbeaters for beginners

eggbeaters have almost no adjustment, just the placement of the cleats on your shoes. What do you mean by standard cleats?

http://www.mcsports.com/info/index.jsp?categoryId=222930

I don't know if that will help much since it only goes up to 11 2/3. But according to the chart you should wear a size 45 shoe. The best thing to do would be to go and actually try the shoe on at your lbs.

Click here (http://www.jensonusa.com/store/product.aspx?i=SH703B00) then click on the link "JensonUSA Tech Library" in about the middle of the page. A popup window will come up with a size conversion chart.

If you want adjustment, I'd go for a set of SPD style pedals. You can adjust the tension so they're easier to get out of. Once you learn how to release easily and quickly though, I'd switch to Time ATACs. I learned on these pedals, and they're hard as hell to get out of especially when they're new. But they don't clog with mud at all.. awesome pedals IMO, but not best for a beginner. Both the Crank Bros and ATAC share the same premise and aren't adjustable. For a beginner something with adjustable tension like an SPD pedal is better.

For a beginner something with adjustable tension like an SPD pedal is better.
I didn't find that to be the case at all, which probably just shows the 'different strokes for different folks' theory at work :).

I started with a set of Shimano M-515 pedals with adjustable tension. I played with that tension like you wouldn't believe, trying different settings using equal front and back, and even tried the not recommended unequal front/back tension. I never got the pedals to a point where I could feel confident in the clipping in/out ability. I was given another set of Shimano pedals to try (M636, I think) and found them just as annoying and not at all confidence inspiring.

Switched to Egg Beaters (the S model on my road bike, and now also some Candy SLs on my commuter and MTB) and have never regretted it. They might not have adjustable tension like the Shimano pedals, but they don't need it. By switching the cleats to the opposite feet, you can change the release angle. They hold my foot in very solidly (never accidentally clipped out), are a piece of cake to engage, and easy as heck to release (either forwards or backwards).

Just my experience... your mileage may vary. :D

I think you're probably fine with both of them. My first clipless pedals were SPDs that came on the bike which i quickly tossed in favor of the Time Z Controlls which I absolutely love. The Time Z is essentially the same as the ATAC but with a platform. I think they are fine for a beginer, just play around with them for a while before you hit the trail.

As for the shoe size: I normally wear an 11-1/2 or 12 depending on the shoe and the size 47 Diadora Geko fits me great, comfy with a medium thickness sock, a bit snug if I try to wear a thick hiking style sock. My feet are on the wide side and the Gekos seem to be built for wide feet.

As for pedals, I really like my Time ATACs. They are the only clipless pedals I have tried though, so I really can't offer comparison. I rode toe clips before that for many years. I put on the Times and practiced clicking in and out for a few minutes while leaning on a fence and off I went, no problems at all.

I am upgrading to clipless pedals, but I have a few questions:

1) Which is better for a beginner: Crank Bros Eggbeater Chrome or the Time ATAC pedal? Both are the same price.

3) Will standard cleats be ok for a beginner? Or should I buy new cleats right away?

Thanks in advance!

-Garrett


I don't think it matters which pedal you go with. I have never heard people complain about beginner clipless v. experienced clipless. You are going to love whichever pedals you get. I ride with someone that uses the Time pedals and loves them. The eggbeaters also seem to get great reviews from people who have used them. I have SPD pedals on my bikes, and they have been great. I also find that for a quick trip to the store I can jump on the bike with regular shoes and have no problems. I am sure the Times and eggbeaters would allow you to do the same, but I do not have any experience with them.

Unless I am mistaken, new cleats are not an upgrade, but replacements for when the cleats that some with the pedals wear out, or to supply a second set of shoes.

You will love clipless. Happy riding.

I am upgrading to clipless pedals, but I have a few questions:

1) Which is better for a beginner: Crank Bros Eggbeater Chrome or the Time ATAC pedal? Both are the same price.

-Garrett
Depends how muddy you want to get. The Crank Bros will not be affected in any way by mud on the cleats, Can't say about the Time as I have never used them. Mud is the main problem with my Shimano's and isthe one drawback they have.