Mountain Biking - Clipless pedals

OK, I'm getting tired of messing with my toe-clips and have decided to go clipless, but I'm a bit confused by all the choices out there. First off, my bike is a Giant Sedona LX. I guess it's what they call a "comfort bike", which leans in the MTB direction, but I don't need comp-grade stuff. Here are my parameters:

- Most of my riding is on rail-trails (hard pack, gravel-dirt, etc.)

- I like to ride some off-road trails, but usually no heavy MTB stuff like steep climbs or descents

- I would like to be able to take an occasional quick ride just wearing sneakers or whatever, so don't want a pedal that's only usable with your cleats on

- I have a good pair of Shimano shoes that have the attachment points for SPD cleats

Any suggestions for a good pedal that might be available at a LBS or one of the mail-order places? Thanks.

Doug

I would try shopping around at Performancebike.com or nashbar.com for some inexpensive clipless pedals, they usually have some good pedals you can get a deal on. Along with that you might pick up some sneaker adapters, the little platforms you click into your clipless pedals so you can wear regular sneakers with them when you want to. Hope that helps.

Most moutain bikers use the Crank Brothers egg beaters -very east to get in/out of. When I got my clipless, that was attractive to me, but I didn't like the looks of the egg beaters - not much to stand on when not clipped in. So, I got the next best thing - the Look pedals that have the same type of fastening device as the egg beaters but they've got pretty much a full-sized pedal to use if you don't want to clip in. Sounds like this is what you may be looking for.

Any suggestions for a good pedal that might be available at a LBS or one of the mail-order places? Thanks.


Check this page
pedals (http://www.eyebike.com/index/pedals-c72.html)
you might be able to find some good deals

There are some SPD platform combo type pedals available that are great if you want to wear regular shoes or SPD. Here's some I've found:

Nashbar Rodeo Pedal (http://www.eyebike.com/product/nashbar-rodeo-pedal-p1606.html)
Nashbar Multi-Purpose Platform Sport Pedal (http://www.eyebike.com/product/nashbar-multi-purpose-platform-sport-pedal-p1597.html)
Performance Campus Pedal (http://www.eyebike.com/product/performance-campus-pedal-p5201.html)
SHIMANO M424 ATB PEDAL (http://www.eyebike.com/product/shimano-m424-atb-pedal-p1605.html)
Nashbar Rodeo Pedal (http://www.eyebike.com/product/nashbar-rodeo-pedal-p1606.html)

There are quite a few more options available including many Shimano models with SPD. Check this pedal page for more: pedals (http://www.eyebike.com/index/pedals-c72.html)

Most moutain bikers use the Crank Brothers egg beaters -very east to get in/out of. When I got my clipless, that was attractive to me, but I didn't like the looks of the egg beaters - not much to stand on when not clipped in. So, I got the next best thing - the Look pedals that have the same type of fastening device as the egg beaters but they've got pretty much a full-sized pedal to use if you don't want to clip in. Sounds like this is what you may be looking for.


Not to bash you, but you're "almost" correct on a few points. I'll try not to come across as crass, not my intention. Just want to clarify some misinformation.

Most mountain bikers use SPD pedals which are Shimano products and Shimano clones. You can find these at online retailers for as little as $20 on clearance.

Not to say Crank Bros. aren't good pedals, but they've only been around for about 3 or 4 years where SPD's have been on the market for 10 +.

Now, Look hasn't made a mountain pedal in ooooohhhhh 8 years. I think you thinking of Time Pedals.

Shimano, Crank Bros. AND Time all make clipless pedals with a Platform so you have a place to rest your foot when not clipped in. Of the three, I really don't have a favorite, they're all good.

However, what would probably work best for you is this:
Found at Performance, it's a regular caged pedal with an SPD clip on the other.\

http://www.performancebike.com/shop/profile.cfm?SKU=13207&subcategory_ID=5240

Honestly,

From what you describe I don't think you need any type of attachment to your pedal at all. I doubt you'll ever ride a stretch long enough on a bike trail dodging pedestrians and dog walkers to utilize an upstroke for pedalling. And if you're not riding uphills and downhills, you really don't need to worry about your feet slipping off the pedals.

I would recommend that you just remove the clips from your existing pedals or buy a cheapo pair of platforms at your local bike shop. When you decide to move into serious single track ... OR ... you start pounding out 30-40 mile road rides, then you might benefit from being attached to the pedals.

a2psyklnut -

You're right. The pedals I got are the Time ATAC ALIUM CYCLO pedals - don't know what I was thinking (dyslexic I am slightly :) ). In any event, I love 'em. They suit me perfectly - in/out quickly, light, and provides a nice platform when I'm not locked in. The float seems about right. The only hitch I found was when I first put the cleats on my shoes - the left cleat was just a smidge inward, which caused my upper left quad to complain verociously after ten miles (always the little things). A minor adjustment before my next ride and viola! - parfait!!

I own a set of L@@k SR-2 Moab's that would be exactly what you're longing for. However they sell for almost $125 if you can still find them.... Nice big platform for un-clipping and still having some surface touch.

Honestly,

From what you describe I don't think you need any type of attachment to your pedal at all. I doubt you'll ever ride a stretch long enough on a bike trail dodging pedestrians and dog walkers to utilize an upstroke for pedalling. And if you're not riding uphills and downhills, you really don't need to worry about your feet slipping off the pedals.

I would recommend that you just remove the clips from your existing pedals or buy a cheapo pair of platforms at your local bike shop. When you decide to move into serious single track ... OR ... you start pounding out 30-40 mile road rides, then you might benefit from being attached to the pedals.
I couldn't disagree more. DougG didn't say he rode on shared bike paths all the time - he rides on rail trails etc. There's plenty of riding on these sorts of trails where clipless pedals have an advantage.

DougG - the pedals a2 suggested would be a great place to start if you don't want to have to wear the dedicated cycling shoes every time you ride. These pedals may be a little bit harder to clip in to, since you have to flip the pedals to the right side in order to clip in, but have the definite platform. I've got a friend of mine who uses those pedals and loves them. If you really like the clipless pedals, upgrade later on to something better if you need it. I doubt you will. I've ridden the SPD style pedals (which is what these ones use) and switched to Crank Brothers Egg Beaters, mainly because I was finding the unclipping process of the SPDs frustrating on XC trails. For recreational riding, the SPDs were fine, and my wife is now using them on her commuting bike.

Good luck!

I couldn't disagree more. DougG didn't say he rode on shared bike paths all the time - he rides on rail trails etc. There's plenty of riding on these sorts of trails where clipless pedals have an advantage.

You're right. I said that I don't do many hills, but OTOH I do like to go fast! ;) So I do make use of my toe clips except that they're not very comfortable. So I will definitely take your advice on the pedals that were recommended. One of the LBSs showed me a pair of these a while ago for about $75, so I'll probably go that route.

Thanks to everyone on the forum for their responses -- this is a very helpful group.

Doug

honestly i prefer toe clips to clipless (however i'm pretty new to clipless). the only thing about clipless is they got double sided entry as opposed to only one side entry with the toe clips. i've only found that annoying on the more technical trails, however. on road or easier rides i prefer toe clips but that's just me.