I suppose this is the right place to put this, I'm surprised there's no subforum for components.

Anyway, I was riding a new downhill this morning and a small downed tree jumped out in front of me. I went over it ok, but both of my feet slipped off of the pedals when I went airborn and I landed tailbone-fist on the tip of my saddle. Combined with a really nasty beartrap 2 weeks ago (I'm gonna have a pair of matching "snakebite" scars on my leg) and I'm thinking it might be time to replace my platform pedals. Any suggestions for entry-level? I'm ideally after clipless pedals that can also be used comfortably with normal shoes when I just need to make a quick jaunt around campus. I'm currently riding a 2008 Specialized Hardrock comp.
I will of course also ask my LBS once my posterior isn't quite so sore.

You can wear shinguards. Most mtb shoes can be walked in decently.

If you want cheap, you can get $25 clipless pedals from Nashbar.com. Then get some Sette shoes from Pricepoint.com for about $35. Will be SPD style which I've heard isn't that good when clogged with mud and sand.

Shimano makes pedals with a clipless mechanism on one side and a standard flat pedal on the other so they work with either cleats or with street shoes. Here is Nashbar's link to them:

https://www.nashbar.com/profile.cfm?c...pless%20Pedals

Nashbar also has a couple of house-brand similar pedals at lower cost.

BTW, Shimano's SPD pedals/cleats are as good as almost any design at tolerating mud and debris.

Yes, I'd say that clipless pedals would do you some good. They keep your feet attached to the bike, make picking up the rear end over obstacles much easier and aren't nearly as hard to get out of as you might think. Don't spend a lot on pedals (Shimano M520 can be had for less than $50 and are about the best 'cheap' pedal around). Do spend a lot on shoes

Try them! SPD's are inexpensive, and very easy to use. They don't shed mud very well, but they just work anyway. Loosen them right off when you first get them- they come adjusted quite tight, but having them loose at first will avoid embarrasment. When SPD's are loose, you can basically pull your feet out anyhow if you loose your balance. You'll only want them tight when you are riding hard and sprinting.

I like the Forte Campus pedal (Clip one side/platform for the other). I paired it with a pair of specialized MTB shoes that are comfortable for walking when off the bike. Cost me about $100 total.

If your looking to just make some short runs around campus then I would go with clips. Not clipless. Ive never used clipless but I have clips on my fixed now and I like it. It can be difficult to get into if your not used to it, but it allows you to use whatever shoes you want while riding and there is no need to change for walking into class.

You can get SPD pedals with one side platform (no pins) and the other clipless. That should get you around campus. I used to use them on my road bike. I'd stick with Shimano SPD vice the copies for better performance (check the reviews on mtbreviews) unless the price difference really hurts.

I use the #56 multi-release cleats. They are far easier to get out of than the normal SPD #51's yet hold well enough to bunny hop.

Al

Clipless pedals for cross-country riding are awesome. Reading your post reminds me of when I didn't use them and my feet would fall off time to time. None of that now. Nice to hammer down a line and know your feet aren't going to slip off. Takes some getting used to but once you are, you won't want to ride CC without clipless again. Do check if your pedals have adjustable tension. I have some Shimanos which were a beast to get out of until I loosened up the tension. My next purchase will be some Time ATACs(Pricepoint has these).

I found that going clipless improved everything. In the woods, my feet would miserably slip out of even quite aggressive rat-trap pedals when the going got wet or muddy. I started out with a pair of cheap Nashbar SPD knockoffs (Wellgo) and eventually went to actual SPDs. In really gorpy mud, they can get difficult, but if you do a lot of wet-condition riding, there are better mud pedals. On the road, they definitely improve your pedaling form. One can "pull through" on the power stroke, something essentially impossible without. This is really felt when climbing.
A bit of practice in stationary conditions is in order. If you have a stationary trainer, just mount the bike up and practice clipping and unclipping till you get it down in your "muscle memory."

Definitely get some clipless pedals. They give you insane control on the trail and great confidence for wacky sections you might have bailed on before.

I would recommend the egg beaters with the cage around them, the Mallet. Awesome mud/dirt clearing capabilities and totally rideable without your clipless shoes on. I know people will think I'm crazy but Ive been riding on regular Egg Beater Cs for three years now with and without my clipless shoes on. Its a bit sketchy without being clipped in, but its not impossible - however, I only do this on short rides through town and around the hood.