platform/clipless pedals
 

Hi, im looking for a platform/clipless pedals, reason why im finding a hybrid cause im only planning to clip while going uphill and now clipping while downhill so I need a platform to put my leg on and to make sure it didnt slide away. Im thinking of CrankBros Smarty and Shimano PD-520(MTBR has the pic) which one you think is better for me? And which one is more clip and unclip-pable(fast) like just lift up my leg and it will unclip ^^, cause some of the riders just stop their bike so i dont want to fell while going uphill cause my leg is clipped

We had a topic on this, on the Crankbros Mallet's those are good. Look in that thread and there is a link to another set thats more expensive but can be full on platforms for normal shoes when not cliped in.

i dont want mallet, its heavy and it looks UGLY, smart is cool, looks even more cooler when i mix it with red colour and red anthem ^^. And im not looking for a more expensive pedal, the Shimano is already expensive and spending another RM40 for CrankBros is already hurting for me.

I would think the Mallet M's are rather light but thats me. Being a marine who has hiked 20+ miles with more weight on my back than most of you can stuff in your cars you gain a diffrent view point on how heavy things are.

Only 20+, damn Corps is getting soft...I remember back in the Old Corps, when men were men and sheep were scared, we'd doubletime 50 miles, pack full of rocks, heavy-assed M-14 at port arms, steel pot & chrome dome on your head, and all the rest of this bullsh_t I'm spreading flowing into our boots! :p

I didnt want them to know the truth! they cant know about our training :P


yes I have gone farther, infact I trained constantly even on my off time. But I was one of the few devoted to the cause and not just there for a free ride.

k you guys sounds like you are in the army

No we just use there ammo and left over toys.

i have to agree with you there, i have eggbeaters and mallet c's and hardly feel the difference
cant agree on you with the army thing yet... not old enough

I run eggbeaters on everything, and I've never had a problem clipping or unclipping. Why do you need both?

well cause eggbeater is soo small and i feel unsecure while going downhill without clippin in it

the eggbeaters are on my road bike and the mallets are on my mountain bike... i sometimes just wear normal shoes if i go to a friends house or something so i like the platform...
besides, having mallets on a road bike looks weird! and they weigh as much as some of those other roadbiker's frames! wouldnt wanna scare them with my super "heavy" pedals :eek:

Id get the Mallet C's if anything the weight is not an issue with me. I am riding for fun and exercise... its like going to the gym and benchpressing 20lbs.

If it was a contest to see who could lift the weights X number of times the fastest (aka a race) then sure lighter weights are better, but when its at your own pace and just for fun the weight wont hurt.

Not to mention usually heavier is stronger and last longer. (and cost less )

yep... i love those mallet c's

well then you gotta ask yourself, do you want to look "cool" or do you want your foot to actually stay on the pedal? IMO i wouldn't ride trail uncliped on candies/smarties to save my life. i would only use them for quick commutes around town, never on anything that is going to really shift my weight around.

why you said you wouldnt ride trails unclip on candies/smarties? They have platforms so whats wrong with that? And today I accidently hit a dog, it came out of nowhere(and I was cycling very fast), poor dog very sorry dog.

Why wouldn't you be clipped in while going downhill? That is one of the best things about clipless. They help you keep your feet on the pedals over the rough stuff at speed.

They have platforms but not "real" platforms. The only thing the platforms on those pedals are good for are when you accidentally come unclipped and can't get clipped back in immediately. Either that or when you are just riding down to the corner store or something. There is nothing on them to provide real traction.

yup... to me those "platforms" are really just pretty colored plastic pieces. they do me no more good than plain eggbeaters as far as pedaling unclipped.

well, yeah I agree with you that it keeps your leg on your pedal when the terrain gets rough but I fear that when i fell, I will fell with my bike like what happens to my friend. There is a hole and his tyre somehow got stuck and he flipped 180 with the bike - OUCH! but amazingly he only got bruises, swt

This is mountain biking, there is always going to be a risk of getting hurt no matter what pedals you use. In my mind clipless pedals minimize that risk since they do keep me connected to the bike in the rough stuff. Plus once you get used to them unclipping becomes automatic. During my crashes (which I've had more than my share) I come unclipped 99% of the time, I don't even know how it happens it just does.

I actually bought a set of candies last year. I used them for about three months, they are now just setting on my shelf taking up space. I prefer regular egg beaters.

ok, maybe you are right, i SHOULD practice unclipping and clipping, how about MTB shoes? i totally have 0 knowledge about it, can share some knowledge about MTB shoes here?

Shoes are another one of those person preference things; personally I think Shimano shoes are the best because they fit my feet the best. In general though:

>Should have a stiff sole for efficient pedalling and to provide a platform for your foot.

>I prefer velcro straps/buckles over laces, as in my experience laces can easily get caught up in the drivetrain.

>Waterproof/resistant materials if you ride wet conditions.

>Grippy studs like football boots so you can still climb up the stuff you can't quite ride up.

>Check that the shoe is compatible with the cleat & pedal you plan to use (most should be but still worth checking)

>I don't think shoe weight is critical to a trail rider, comfort is more important, but the high end stuff will have carbon soles etc.

wheelhot you're worried about keeping your leg on the pedal? are you using your calves to pedal your bike or what... i use my feet and am worried about keeping my feet on the pedals, maybe I'm weird

i have candies. i thought the platform would help by giving me something bigger to get my foot on during uphill restarts. All it really does is make it a complete pain to get clipped in again. They suck! My new eggbeater sl's are on the way.