Mountain Biking - HALP! I am slowing killing myself deciding on pedals.

I bought a 2009 Stumpy Comp 29 fsr last month. It came with the Shimano PD-M520 SPD pedals, but I'm not sure what to do.

I've never used clipless, so the thought seems scary. There are quite a few situations in the foothills where I find myself throwing a foot down STAT to save the upright position that I find so endearing. I'm not, however, completely opposed to giving them a try - it seems like everybody that has tried, loves.

I think Crank Brothers make some effing-sweet stuff, and have been tossing back and forth the "Mallet", "Candy", and the "5050xx" (Platform).

Thoughts on the mentioned? Something else I should consider?

Fwiw, I've taken a liking the the Pearl Izumi X-Alp shoes. . . any thoughts on these?

I'm making myself crazy with all of the options, and simply need to pull out the CC and make the purchase. HALP!:eek:

Get CB's if you really want to, but the bombproof one of the group is the Time ATAC. I have three sets, two bikes presently sitting ready (third is on spare crank), and they are all 3+ years old; one is closer to 6! Never went down clipped in, never accidentally released.

I have Time atac Z's:

http://www.pricepoint.com/detail/11572-240_TIMZP2-3-Parts-65-Pedals-and-Cleats/Time-ATAC-Z-Pedals-offer?utm_source=Googlebase&utm_medium=datafeed&utm_campaign=FTP&offer=IN210GLB.htm&zmam=3075515&zmas=1&zmac=30&zmap=240%20TIMZP2

The platform is actually usable when clipped out if you're doing something scary and you want a free foot.

My wife uses shimano multi-release cleats with her spd pedals and she can clip out real easy:

http://www.jensonusa.com/store/product/PE406Z13-Shimano+Sm-Sh56+Multi+Release+Spd+Cleat.aspx?sc=FRGL

If it already came with 520's, why don't you at least give them a try to see what you think of clipless pedals? The tension is adjustable so you can make it as easy or as hard to unclip as you want, and they're a solid pedal. If you hate them, go with platforms. If you like clipless, but hate the 520's, try another brand. If you're happy with the 520's, you just saved yourself a lot of money.

If it already came with 520's, why don't you at least give them a try to see what you think of clipless pedals? The tension is adjustable so you can make it as easy or as hard to unclip as you want, and they're a solid pedal. If you hate them, go with platforms. If you like clipless, but hate the 520's, try another brand. If you're happy with the 520's, you just saved yourself a lot of money.

This would seem like the most logical thing to do. Dangit.

First and foremost when you go to clipless for the first time just get prepared to fall locked in a few times! It happens to all of us when we first started out and if anyone says otherwise they are lying. I still can't get unclipped fast enough at times but a few laughs later I am back on the saddle. I suggets ride in the yard to get use to clipping in and out and fall a few times to get use to it.

But as far as pedals go they also make a combo pedalwhere one side clips in and the other is a platform only. These are good for beginners and even seasoned riders who at times on very slow technical stuff can switch to the platform for easy navigating.

Good luck and start falling :)

When I started with clipless pedals, I used them on the street only till I got use to them. On the street you dont run into as many hazardous situations as on the trail. Either that or pick a east trail or fire road to practice on.........

I usually run the Shimano M324's. They are clipless on one side & caged on the other. That way If things get a little hairy I can just flip the pedal over & clip back in later. I have BigEarl platforms I use from time to time.

I usually run the Shimano M324's. They are clipless on one side & caged on the other. That way If things get a little hairy I can just flip the pedal over & clip back in later. I have BigEarl platforms I use from time to time.

I'm going to go ahead and quote someone else from another thread here on bikeforums.net - "Your post makes it sound like you are trying to pedal on the platform side with clipless shoes (i.e. shoes with cleats)... The platforms on single sided pedals were never meant to be used with clipless shoes (I'm not sure how your feet are not constantly slipping off)."

http://www.bikeforums.net/showthread.php?654586-pedals

It's never been a problem. There's enough tread / meat on the bottom of the shoe to give me good contact with the cage of the pedal (There is no platform side).

I have crank bro acids and eggbeaters on my two 'street' bikes (fixed), pretty nice, but today if I had clipless on my mtb I would probably be in hospital and toothless. I sorta lost control going down a particularly rocky descent on an unfamiliar trail and almost got tossed over the handlebars. It was my ability to get my feet down pronto that saved my n00bie bacon big time. I said a quick silent prayer to the gods at that one as I was sure at the time that "this is gonna be real bad.."

I've ridden clipless on my other bikes plenty but this time I know for certain that if I was clipped in, there was no way I would have been in a position to clip out to save my a$$...no way. I dont mind so much going down clipped in while on the MUP or easy going trail but this was big boulder, hard rock, bone breaking, isolated (few folks on the trail when I was riding) territory. I'd have busted my face and who knows what else and I wouldnt have been found for a bit..

That said, it's plain that I have to work on being a more competent rider and a better 'captain' of my own ship before going clipless in an environment as unforgiving as some technical and very rocky trails can be.

I have Truvativ Holzfeller pedals on one bike and Azonic Pookies on another. I like em both, they are rugged and super grippy with the pins an all but I have had a couple of occasions when my feet came off the pedals during very steep and difficult climbs. When that happens I find I am forced to walk up the rest of the ascent as my momentum is totally lost and gravity is calling me down, so I have wished I had clipless at those particular moments but when weighing one against the other I feel that good platforms are best for me right now.

I'd suggest you get comfortable swapping out your pedals for a little while. Perhaps use clipless on easier terrain until your comfort level and reaction to your various scenarios gets intuitive and then later use clipless in more technical environments when you are riding with a friend or three. If you have a mishap, someone can be certain to be there to be of aid to you. Having a "bad moment" out on the technical trails can be a big deal compared to an uh-oh moment on the MUP and it's usually smooth asphalt surface.

The pro's swear by clipless so I suspect it's something to work towards inevitably.

Jeez..what a long winded way to simply say "+1 with 'bikingsouls' suggestion."

When I started with clipless pedals, I used them on the street only till I got use to them. On the street you dont run into as many hazardous situations as on the trail. Either that or pick a east trail or fire road to practice on.........

+1

(:D to Moozh ;-))

Clipless can be nearly as easy to clip out of as platforms, with additional handling benefits that come from being clipped in that you can't get with platforms - but only -after- you're gotten used to them. :-)

Once you go clipless you'll never go back. It's the difference between sitting on the bike and being part of the bike.

When you first put them on try them in a doorway a few times. Hold on to the doorway and practice clipping and unclipping. Then track stand in the doorway and (if you can't track stand, like I can't track stand) you'll fall over and have to unclip. If you don't unclip you can catch yourself on the doorway.

Then, once you've mastered this try riding on your lawn or a nice easy, soft, low rock count trail. Then hit the real single track. You'll still fall once or twice, but it's no big deal. If you're a real mountain biker it won't be the first or the last time you've fallen.

Once you get used to clipless you'll find it's faster to get in and out of than buckets.

stay with what came with the bike. Why pay more for another set of pedals and leave the others on the shelf. IMO the 520 are fine. I have been riding them for over 12 years. I highly recommend the multi release cleats which probably did not come with the pedals than the stock one direction release cleats. As far as shoes are concerned, fit is the most important factor, then cost (?). I can't see that shoes or cleats will make a big difference in your riding unless the shoeds don't fit or you haven't mastered the art of clipping in/out.

I've ended up sticking with the 520's and bought a pair of Mavic shoes. Bike is in the shop for another day or two, so I haven't had the chance to try it out. I'll report back as soon as I do. Can't wait!

I have 2 sets of Shimano spd's.

When I first rode with clipless I didn't crash, just had to get used to not being able to move my foot around on the pedal. Clipless has never caused me to crash and die.

I've been wrestling with the same decision. What is a good shoe to use if you want to hike around or do some fishing once you get back in the middle of nowhere?

I have 2 sets of Shimano spd's.

When I first rode with clipless I didn't crash, just had to get used to not being able to move my foot around on the pedal. Clipless has never caused me to crash and die.

I am old and death doesn't scare me anymore.

I have 2 sets of Shimano spd's.

When I first rode with clipless I didn't crash, just had to get used to not being able to move my foot around on the pedal. Clipless has never caused me to crash and die.

Lol, while riding clipless has never caused me to crash and die either, you gotta admit - if it had, you wouldn't exactly be here posting about it if it had would you? What's the going rate for internet access in heaven/hell? :-)

Awesome bike, man.

I just ordered a 2011 Rockhopper SportDisc 29 myself.

Sounds like clipless is really the ONLY way to go if I'm going to get serious in this sport.

Now, I have the same question as you: Which pedals, and which shoes!

OK, so which online retailer has the best prices on pedals and shoes?

I've been wrestling with the same decision. What is a good shoe to use if you want to hike around or do some fishing once you get back in the middle of nowhere?

The Pearl Izumi X-Alps http://www.rei.com/product/765129 are supposedly wonderful for this situation.

The Pearl Izumi X-Alps http://www.rei.com/product/765129 are supposedly wonderful for this situation.

And those look good as well. Some of dem bike shoes, sheesh, I would rather stay home than ride in those gawky dudes.

I ended up going with the Shimano SH-M32 shoes ($60), and the Wellgo WAM-M3 pedals ($30).

Shoes:

http://www.bikebling.com/ProductDetails.asp?ProductCode=Shimano-SH-MT32-Shoe

Pedals:

http://www.pricepoint.com/detail/13102-240_WELM34-3-Parts-65-Pedals/Wellgo-WAM-M3-Pedals.htm

Didn't want to spend a lot, since I'm on a budget. We'll see how the combo works with my bike.

I like these particular Shimano shoes because they aren't too loud-looking, and I won't feel goofy wearing them in public...since part of the use of the bike will be as transportation.

Thanks for the suggestions, guys.

EDIT - never mind, I realized the last guy posting wasn't the OP, sorry - my question doesn't make sense now.

When I started with clipless pedals, I used them on the street only till I got use to them. On the street you dont run into as many hazardous situations as on the trail. Either that or pick a east trail or fire road to practice on.........

I agree. I've had fewer problems clipping out when heading east than north, south or west.

Once you go clipless you'll never go back. It's the difference between sitting on the bike and being part of the bike.

When you first put them on try them in a doorway a few times. Hold on to the doorway and practice clipping and unclipping. Then track stand in the doorway and (if you can't track stand, like I can't track stand) you'll fall over and have to unclip. If you don't unclip you can catch yourself on the doorway.

Then, once you've mastered this try riding on your lawn or a nice easy, soft, low rock count trail. Then hit the real single track. You'll still fall once or twice, but it's no big deal. If you're a real mountain biker it won't be the first or the last time you've fallen.Once you get used to clipless you'll find it's faster to get in and out of than buckets.

I'm with Chris_F on this one. One additional way to practice getting into and out of the pedals is to simply stand over the bike with one foot on the ground while practicing getting into and out of the pedal with the other foot. See how many entry's/exits you can do in 60 seconds, then try putting your other foot on ground so you get used to entering both pedals. Your muscle memory will soon have the motion dialed and you will be quicker on clipless than others are with clips/straps. This way you will be comfortable leaning into the high side of a trail with your foot on the high ground while getting into your first pedal on the low (down) side of the trail to start pedaling.
Having tried a lot of pedals over the years I am about to switch back to Time (my wife uses them on her mtb) after years of egg-beaters just because I have had a few airborn "come-outs" due to the egg beaters not having real positive Ca-Lunk retention system when you get into them and back out of them. It's more of a small click. My shimano experience is somewhere between the positive engagement of Look/Time and the whispy retention of the CB/eggbeaters.

Shimano make "flat inserts" (for lack of an official name) that clip into SPD pedals, effectively transforming them into flats. As seen here:

http://i2.photobucket.com/albums/y30/derwillezurmacht/large1.jpg

They turn up on eBay all the time for a few bucks. Really great to keep around, since it lets you switch back and forth without swapping pedals.

I ended up going with the Shimano SH-M32 shoes ($60), and the Wellgo WAM-M3 pedals ($30).

Shoes:

http://www.bikebling.com/ProductDetails.asp?ProductCode=Shimano-SH-MT32-Shoe

Pedals:

http://www.pricepoint.com/detail/13102-240_WELM34-3-Parts-65-Pedals/Wellgo-WAM-M3-Pedals.htm

Didn't want to spend a lot, since I'm on a budget. We'll see how the combo works with my bike.

I like these particular Shimano shoes because they aren't too loud-looking, and I won't feel goofy wearing them in public...since part of the use of the bike will be as transportation.

Thanks for the suggestions, guys.

If you're freaked get the shimano multi-release cleats. My wife uses them because she's not the best clipper-outer and they work great for her. You can clip out in multiple directions. ONce you get used to it you can switch back to the regular ones.

I gouged my calf when I crashed the first time I went mountain biking. I was riding 520s that had those little platforms on them. They're not very wide and don't offer much at all for traction or stability. Try the clipless first if you want to; if you want to try platforms, pick up a cheap set of plastic pedals to see if you like that better, before committing to something pricier.
I ended up going with Zuzu pedals, and I'm planning on getting a pair of 510 shoes when funds allow for it. I don't care how much riding clipless would help with climbing, I do not like the idea of still being attached to the bike when I crash, and I don't think I have the coordination or instinct to remember to unclip if I get in over my head.

Shimano make "flat inserts" (for lack of an official name) that clip into SPD pedals, effectively transforming them into flats. As seen here:

http://i2.photobucket.com/albums/y30/derwillezurmacht/large1.jpg

They turn up on eBay all the time for a few bucks. Really great to keep around, since it lets you switch back and forth without swapping pedals.

Don't use those for any serious trail riding. They are only meant for test rides, etc. They're cheap and flimsy and will just end up being trail garbage.

Shimano make "flat inserts" (for lack of an official name) that clip into SPD pedals, effectively transforming them into flats. As seen here:

http://i2.photobucket.com/albums/y30/derwillezurmacht/large1.jpg

They turn up on eBay all the time for a few bucks. Really great to keep around, since it lets you switch back and forth without swapping pedals.

I have something very similar, and they're ok if you want to go for a casual ride around the lake, and I didn't return them or anything. Can't say I would ever want to use them for mountain biking though - the connection to the pedals isn't confidence inspiring, and besides they're one sided (if you put one on each side you'd risk one hitting a rock and falling off, but not noticing until you tried to put your foot down on it).