Mountain Biking - Platform pedals?

Well, I got a pair of platforms, to replace my clipless pedals for awhile. I want to learn the "proper" ways of bunny hopping, improving my balance, and confidence before I go back to my clipless pedals. I have a few questions though; people say to wear skater shoes, but is it really necessary? I have a pair of New Balance trail running shoes--would I experience any noticable loss in grip? Also, what are your views on the Sun Ringle ZuZu platform pedals? Good? Bad? Why?

Thanks!

Funko

The reason people suggest skateboard shoes is that the soles are a soft rubber and grip well, in addition, the tread pattern on the sole is usually smooth with indentations, whereas a running shoes has lugs (think knobs). Kinda like the difference between a slick (or inverted knobby) compared to a full knobby tire! When you're riding, you feet are constantly moving, making minor adjustments in balance and position. If you're wearing running shoes, the lugs (knobs) will cause you to hang up!

Regarding the Zu-Zu pedals. I think they're a good choice. That design is very popular and was my favorite when I raced BMX. The replaceable pins are a good choice and the sealed bearings will keep the pedals rolling smooth for a long time! Plus almost anything Sun Ringle makes is high quality!

L8R

I have the ZuZu's, their nice. But I would get some shoes with sticky rubber, because the pedals dont seem to have alot of grip. It would be cool if the pins were pointed on the ends, that would give alot of grip.

Klein is rite. Sticky rubber has the best grip escpecially for bunnyhopping. Ive got some cheap shoes with no grip and bunny hopping is HARD. Since a major step in bunnyjoping is gripping the pedals and jumping. Good grips do matter.:beer:

Freerider

No wonder I can't bunny hop! I'm guessing that clips or clipless make bunny hoping much easier?

I learned how to bunny hop on platforms, but could never hop more then 6 or 8". Once i went to clipless; I had no problems with 8" logs, and could even make it into the bed of my truck (21"). (However the BMX guys would call this a J-Hop)

Originally posted by KleinMp99
IIt would be cool if the pins were pointed on the ends, that would give alot of grip.

That would hurt a lot if you slipped and werent wearing leg protection!

So a pair of skate boarding shoes are recommended for grip. Hehe...what if I told you that my running shoes are really worn down enough so that the knobs arent really there anymore! :D

Alright, thanks for the advice!

Funko

Originally posted by uhm...yea.
No wonder I can't bunny hop! I'm guessing that clips or clipless make bunny hoping much easier?

Thats the ***** way to do it...and hardly anybody uses clipless to do drops and jumps.....learn how to do it on flats.

Originally posted by KleinMp99


Thats the ***** way to do it...and hardly anybody uses clipless to do drops and jumps.....learn how to do it on flats.


Yup, doing drops and bunnyhops and all that kind of riding on clipless is about the stupidest thing I can think of.

Well, at least you know that you can't fail trying to bunny hop on clipless pedals!:D But I agree with what fubar said. Thats why I'm gonna go for a set of platforms, to learn the "real" way.

Funko

When doing any type of tricks or stunts or big jumps, platforms are the way to go. Even expert riders have to bail on occasion.

Clipless are good if you're riding XC, long stretches of pedaling and some downhill sections. But if you're constantly riding VERY technical trails with big drops and rock gardens, you want to be able to put a foot down immediately!

Especially when learning how to do something, you don't want to be "connected" to a big metal object with various pointy things. I have the scars to prove it!

L8R

Originally posted by Freerider
Klein is rite. Sticky rubber has the best grip escpecially for bunnyhopping. Ive got some cheap shoes with no grip and bunny hopping is HARD. Since a major step in bunnyjoping is gripping the pedals and jumping. Good grips do matter.:beer: Thats pretty much wrong....you dont need grip on the pedals to bunnyhop.....you make me laugh haahhahhahahhahahaha

I can beraly bunnyhop and i think if i had better gripping pedals it would help.

I've been using the zuzu's on my singlespeed for awhile now. The first thing I noticed is that I could no longer bunnyhop. Seems I wasn't doing it correctly anyway. The clipless pedals I was using allowed me to bunnyhop easily. Just push your weight downward and then jump the bike follows since your feet are attached to it. I still working on my hopping with the platforms.

Which shoes do ya'll find work best? I'm using some bmx style AXO's that are designed for cleats and they don't grip real well. Do those old-school Vans with the waffle tread work well or are newer skate shoes better?

okay, cool. I won't be working on it tommorow, since i'll be getting my new motherboard tommorow, but i've got the next 4 off, so i'll find some time to practice. maybe i can learn to pop a wheelie more than 3" without bouncing off the shocks. :D

Originally posted by Freerider
I can beraly bunnyhop and i think if i had better gripping pedals it would help.

You cant be serious.....better gripping pedals? Are you nuts? Yea if the pedals stuck to your feet you could bunny hop alot easier.....but thats not possible with platforms!!!!

I personally like VANS, old skools are cool, but some of the newer ones work well too. I've got a pair of Rowleys that I like.

I've also got a pair of Answer Masher's.

L8R

I dont really like the looks of shoes like Vans and DC, etc...Do any of you know if Adidas or Nike make similar shoes that have decent grip? I dont know if my mind serves me correct, but doesn't Adidas make a shoe with a relatively flat sole (for indoor soccer?)?

Funko

Funko, here's a good place to check out the styles. Some of them look like cross-trainers or whatever they call them.

http://www.danscomp.com/