OK, to the guy who said you're crazy for riding a MTB clipless with a bum ankle, well - as with the case of a lot of people around here who shell out advice without having any experience whatsoever - he simply has absolutlely no idea what he's talking about.

On Feb 2nd of this year I severely sprained my ankle (partial grade 3 - the most severe) while jogging (rolled it off a curb with full body weight...ouch!) and had to be taken, by ambulance, to the ER. As you can imagine, the ankle was really bad and was borderline for surgery however, it had retained enough muscular integrity to the point that I was able to avoid that route.

Upon beginning physical therapy with one of the best physical therapy clinics in Southern California (they work with several U.S. olympic teams and had numerous NFL prospects in the clinic while I was there) the first thing they had me do once they finished working the ankle was get on the stationary bike.

I told them that I wanted to get back on my bike ASAP and asked them about clipless pedals and they not only said it would be OK but encouraged me to get out there as soon as I felt my ankle could bear weight.

Granted, I could not ride the technical stuff I normally enjoy riding because there's too much of a risk of having to unclip and put my foot down but riding fireroads caused absolutely zero pain (even when I rode Harding - a 20 mile up and back).

You have to make sure you're comfortable with clipping in and out however, riding clipless with a bad ankle is no problem whatsoever.

Now, if you've never ridden clipless and are thinking of going to it now AND have a bum ankle, I'd advise you to wait until your ankle heals as you'll likely tip over more than a couple of times as you get used to them.

Good luck.