Originally Posted by
baldilocks
Have any of you started using clipless in pedals late in life? I was considering Shimano PD-M324 SPD Dual Platform Pedal. As a young man buying a mountain bike, the sales man talked me out of clipless and into a half clips, and I have used them since then. At age 51 is it too late to teach a old dog new tricks? I only commute 5 miles a day, but would like to do do some bike over-nighter's and maybe touring someday. Also do any of you use clippless on technical trails, or should I stick to sneakers? Thanks in advance for all your answers.
To answer your questions more directly (since my previous rant did not do that):
They take some time to get really comfortable with, but I can't see why it would be harder at 51 than at 29 when I learned. The only difference is how long it takes to heal the first few times you fall over.
Try them, it is the only way you will know if you like them.
As far as tech trails... I actually PREFER clipless for technical mountain biking. I use speedplay frogs, and have zero issues getting out when I need to. I have wrecked in every imaginable way in every imaginable scenario over the past 20 years and after the first year I have NEVER gotten stuck in my pedals or not been able to put a foot down quickly enough. I have bailed from my bike countless times in countless situations. For all practical purposes I can put a foot down or get out just as easily with the Frogs as with flats. I do not even consciously think about it. You just develop the muscle memory, and it is there (or at least I did).
BUT.... that's just me. Many folks feel just the opposite regarding clipless and MTB.