Downhill/Freeride: To Clip-in or Not to Clip-in???
 

I am relatively new on all aspects of biking, I started this obsession on the road clipping into my '06 Cannondale Synapse and Cannondale T800 (like I said, it's an obsession). But now I find myself also riding a mountain bike, a Specialized Enduro (bought it used completely pimped out...very happy) and naturally put clipless pedals on it. Wanting to use the bike for more than just cross-country rides, I found some pretty scary downhills this weekend and in my completely ignorant bliss just went at it without really knowing what I was doing. I HAD A BLAST! But now I wonder to myself...."Self, do you really think it was wise to blast down a mountain at 25MPH while clipped/stuck to a bike without any real hope of breaking free from said bike if disaster strikes?" So, I ask, what is the norm for Downhill and Freeride? Do you clip in or not?

Aside from exceptions like Sam Hill, the fast DHers ride clipless pedals. If you feel comfortable, do it. I cannot - - knowing full well that I would be faster/better if I could; but I just can't.

I run clipless on the DH bike when racing or when riding a pedally course or a course where I could get lots of pedal smacks (the V10 has a fairly low BB). I use platforms all other times.

After you ride clipless enough, clipping out while bailing will be second nature. I had several crashes last season with clipless on the DH bike and the pedals were never the cause of the crash, nor did they contribute to the severity of the crash.

What pedals do you use and how tight do you have them set?

Shimano SPD and I have them set as tight as they can go.

:eek: I can't even believe it!

I always use platforms when freeriding or DH racing. Personal preference... I just don't like being clipped in when I am 10 ft in the air.

How about 11 feet?

9's good ;)...

Not clipped in here. At this point it is partially due to availability. In order for me to test it it would cost a fortune because very few companies make cheap size 15 or 16 shoes. I can't justify spending 3 to 400 bucks just to test something out. I don't have the money or the inclination.

I feel more confident descending and going over more technical stuff b/c I know my feet aren't gone come off and I can control the bike better.

This thread has been done a time or two over on mtbr heh
I'm a clipless guy, or i was before the bike got stolen, and i found it really confidence inspiring too, especially on new trail features or a new trail, and i would actually highly recommend it to a newbie. If you have them set up right as well, crashes are no problem,as i found on more than one occasion. Just my

Crank Brothers Eggbeaters are super fast in and out of them.

I wouldnt go DH/FRing on eggbeaters. Shimano is where its at over in that tent.

Damn!! Size 16? I could use those to paddle across lake Erie!!

Clipped for me.

Funny you say that...my bike has Eggbeaters on it and I have the most difficult time getting out of those than anything else. This strikes me as funny as they have no adjustment and seem like they should be easiest. The Look pedals on my road bike are without a doubt the easiest for me to get out of...it's just a very clean 'snap' and I'm out. The eggbeaters feel mushy and grab if I'm not completely over emphasizing the movement to clip out. I think I may order new cleats to see if that fixes anything.

Just contemplating this, isnt Sam the first guy in a fair while to win the world champs on flats? Heard that somewhere....

Does Steve Pete ride flats?

I'm perfectly fine with either clipless or platforms.

*Peat :P
Not sure. Went and checked with the google machine. Looks like he rocks the Mallets.

^^Aww you saw that before I could sneak in and correct it for him ;)

When was the last time you replaced the cleats?

I just bought the bike a month ago and it came with Mallet-C's already on it. The previous owner gave me his cleats and initially I thought they might need replacing but I guess the proof is in the pudding. I will be ordering new ones soonest.

QFT!
Quoted for truth.