Mountain Biking - Do I need real platform pedals?

I've always been connected to the pedals (straps/clips or SPDs), so I decided to pull out some old cages and give them a shot, especially to try and learn some trial type skills. It has been rather painful trying to learn to keep my feet on the pedals especially while trying to lift the rear wheel for bunny hops, etc. So should I get real platform pedals with pins? Will the extra traction and larger surface area help me develop those skills faster or should I just use what I have and realize its not just going to happen overnight?

Thanks,
Dave

Yes, but you will also get the scars to show your errors.

get real pedals and shin guards.

I've always been connected to the pedals (straps/clips or SPDs), so I decided to pull out some old cages and give them a shot, especially to try and learn some trial type skills. It has been rather painful trying to learn to keep my feet on the pedals especially while trying to lift the rear wheel for bunny hops, etc. So should I get real platform pedals with pins? Will the extra traction and larger surface area help me develop those skills faster or should I just use what I have and realize its not just going to happen overnight?

Thanks,
Dave
even with real platforms it's not going to happen overnight, but it will help. i'd also suggest the platforms with a nice pair of shin pads.

Good plats are nice to have...some are available for thirty bucks or less (e.g. SunRingle ZuZu's).

There were a lot of people bunnyhopping long before anyone was wearing shin pads.
Too much protection makes you sloppy, IMHO. Certainly you should wear armor if the consequences are dire, but good grief, bunnyhopping?

But then again, I'm old skool, learned to bunnyhop on Hutch BearClaws, and have the scar tissue to prove it. :)

I had a pair of those!!!!!!

Still preferred my Shimano DX much more!

L8R

BTW, I'm running a set of Truvativ Holzfeller's.

L8R

Thanks for the replies, I think I'll go and get/order some. Yeah, I already have some pads. The scars I have up to now are pretty ugly, the wife said I should probably not add any more to the collection.

Dave

Thanks for the replies, I think I'll go and get/order some. Yeah, I already have some pads. The scars I have up to now are pretty ugly, the wife said I should probably not add any more to the collection.

Dave


What? I thought "CHICKS DIG SCARS"?????

If this isn't the case, I'm in BIG trouble!!!!

L8R

BTW, I'm running a set of Truvativ Holzfeller's.
i'll be running those as soon as i've got time to take the bike to the shop and get some goodies installed. :D

When I get hit with my pedals or rack up some new scars on my leg it just pushes me to work harder on my tricks. Just go out there and ride. If you have gotten this far without shingaurds your doin fine.

Later

Another MTBiker

chicks dig scars before you marry them

Yeah, they tend to frown on oozing scabs in the bedsheets.

I don't think you can look at a place on my shins where there are no scars. It's gotten to the point where I don't even notice half of the gouges I get anymore. Ahhh, desensitization.
As far as the real question goes, I'd go for the platforms. Beartraps tend to be a bit more slippery, especially when wet. Platforms will hold you like glue. Personally, I think that most of the mountain bike platforms are a rip-off. Get some BMX pedals. Check out www.danscomp.com or Albes for a better selection.

I still remember learning to bunny hop on odyssey triple-traps; I actually convinced someone that the 3 inch, 4 claw scratch down my leg was done by a wildcat - in London.

Go flat and enjoy.

yeh, get them, but get really strong ones...i remember doing a jump, landed badly :P and then hit a branch then flipped over...somehow, half of my pedal got clipped off!! i was ok :D ;)

Scars are a warriors pride. I'm not sure about bikers. but each scar has a story to tell, and if it was really good, people to amaze! I love scars.

my shins are so scarred up man its not even funny . if i were to do the shaving thing again man it would be gnarly but since im wearing shin guards now dont have to worry as much... dude go with a good to better quality flat pedal i personally ride WELLGO b-57's but im not sure if you can get those around i know the highest model they sell is the b-52's and those are sick nasty man great grip killer durability all cnc alum. . WellGo makes killer flat pedal as does odessey..

AN6's .02