AGR#7

How many are using caged pedals on their mountain bikes? I have been away for biking so long, I had forgotten all about these, but a friend of mine in Arizona mentioned he uses these. He mentioned he had no luck with clipless while mountain biking, so he went back to these.

Apparently; he simply couldn't get used to clipless. He is still wearing his new Shimano shoes; just with cage pedals.

When I purchased my bike this week, the LBS told me to just get used to riding with regular pedals, then we would look at the clipless option later. Now; since speaking with my buddy yesterday, I'm wondering about this 'cage pedal' option. Any thoughts on this?

Thanks!

Greg

MichaelW

They are much more efficient than plain platform pedals, and safer, since you dont slip off the pedals. For general riding along trails they work fine and cost very little.
Clipless are still more efficient, but cost a lot more. For cross country racing, they are pretty much essential.

For reasons of safety, dont cinch the straps tight, and dont wear shoes which snag on the pedals. You need them lose enough for a swift exit. I have never heard of anyone falling over with lose toe-clips, but this seems to be a pretty common experience with new clipless riders.

The technique for getting into toe-clips takes some practice, spinning the pedal around and sliding your foot into it. After many years practice I can do this on steep hills.

Before clipless pedals became widespread, in the 1990s, most MTB riders used toe-clips.

Hunter

I use cage pedals with Power Grips. I have ran this setup for years, I like the fact that I can wear most any shoe and just ride away.

greywolf

I use toe clips with staps too with shimano spd shoes with a home made cleats,which lock me in pretty tight . What are Power Grips ?? I've seen them mentioned before but don't know what they are !

AGR#7

I remember over 10 years ago, the cage petals I remember, actually had metal cages, and your shoe slipped about half way into them. My Univega road bike had them. But; on Bike Nashbar's website, the only ones I see appear to have a leather strap, instead of an actual metal 'cage'.

This is considered a 'cage' pedal; but I see no actual cage?
https://www.2cycles.com.tw/cgi-bin/pr...&cSerialNum=57

Greg

a2psyklnut

First of all a "Power Grip" is a piece of material that forms a loop from the front inside of the pedal to the back outside (or vice versa).

There are also some "Clips" that are smaller and have no straps, but hold your foot pretty well. I think Blackburn makes these.

The LBS's advice is sound. Get used to your bike and it's idiosyncracies and handling characteristics before you "Lock" your feet to your bike.

L8R

MichaelW

Some people call trad metal pedals "cage pedals". The toe restraining devices are called toe-clips.
Plastic toe-clips at
https://www.performancebike.com/shop/...301&Store=Bike

Traditional metal toe clips at
https://www.rivbike.com/webalog/pedals_clips_straps/

AGR#7

Excellent! Yes; I am going to ask about the ones from www.performancebike.com. Those must be like my buddy has. There is soooo much to choose from. I'm going to be patient, and really check out the options.

What is very important to me is to have a pedal where I can just jump on my bike for a ride through the neighborhood with my tennis shoes on, and yet be able to use actual mtb style shoes as well, when I go trail riding.

I certainly appreciate everyone's input!!

Thanks!

Greg

rappa

I wanted something non-commital and easy access also. I just put Power Grips on my bike this week. They were fine cruising around the neighborhood. Easy to get in and out of and keep my foot securely in. The real test is this afternoon when we hit the trail after it's been raining all day! Then I'll be able to make a better assessment of them.

AGR#7

Power Grips....... Cool! I was checking them out on Bike Nashbar's site. Let us know how you like them.

Are you wearing a cycling shoe with them for the trails?

rappa

No. I'm just average Joe trail rider guy who wears regular sneakers\running shoes.

AGR#7

I am, as well; as I am just getting started in this new adventure. I saw some plastic toe clips today at the Bike shop for $10.00, that will hook right up to my Specialized petals. For that amount., I think I will give them a try.

rappa

Gotta give a :thumbup: to the power grips. It was wet, muddy and raining on us yesterday at the trail but my feet were securely in my pedals and quick to bail out of. It took some practice getting my foot back in w\out looking after bailing, but I had it down about 1\2 into the ride. I had full confidence that they'd keep my feet in the pedals so it raised my confidence (aka stupidity) level! I rode the drops\downhills harder and tried some drops that I used to ride around. Completed all successfully! Pretty sturdy to. For some reason, I kept banging more rocks with my pedals then on previous rides (guess I was thinking to hard about the weather and forgot to level my pedals at those spots). Anyhow, I like 'em. They work for me!