Looking to buy clipless pedals, is it worth it?
 

I want to buy some clipless pedals, probably time or shimano. I am mostly doing on road and some XC and a little bit of downhill. Is it worth getting the clipless and shoes or just sticking with the stock flat pedals and saving myself a couple of bucks?

And is it worth spending the extra for the times? or just go with shimano?

How much easier is it riding with clipless, because you get the full 360 degree pedalling power.

Oh god here it comes.

But really i really appreciated my platform pedals (and still do) except for more vicious XC style riding i need clipless for better uphill cadence and higher bunnyhops for logs and better pedal pop for bridges. If you aren't encountering anything that is neccesitating a switch id stick with the platforms. And the wellgos (as u will hear) are indeed very nice.

It all depends on your style and preference.

I've used clipless for years. Most of my riding was XC trails with the occasional jump or drop. Clipless pedals are much better suited for XC type riding where speed and efficiency are critical. Also, having clipless provided me with more confidence on steep climbs. For racing, they are almost a necessity!

In the last 2-3 years my riding has become more aggressive with bigger drops and some stunts. So, I switched back to platforms in order to be able to get off the bike quicker.

So, it all depends.

L8R

I am a recent convert (3 weeks ago), and I'm 100% sold on clipless. Much better power transfer through the entire pedal stroke, and improved control across semi-technical XC like exposed rocks, roots and scree. Also, to my surprise, much more confidence on fast descents.

The best thing about clipless, though, is the overall 'one-with-the-bike' feeling that comes from your foot being in a stiff shoe attached to the pedal. Just better overall control, and much more confidence.

To my surprise, there really was no learning curve for me after 10+ years of clips and straps. I've been a bit more cautious, I think, going through sections of trail where I *might* need to put a foot down, such as going through the apex of a switchback. So I'm sure that keeps me from potentially falling over. However, there was none of that falling-down-at-stoplights and such that others have reported.

One more thing: I started with Shimano's 'multi release' cleat, and after one ride hade to swap them out for the original 'single release'. The multi release cleats made it way too easy for my foot to come off the pedal when I *did not* want it to.

I really like clipless for road and mild xc cause the power is better and they generally keep your feet from flying off the pedals. Most off road riding I use platforms... fell too many times due to clipless. But clipless are more uncomfortable than the normal boots I wear and make for some cold feet in the winter and more difficult hiking up the steep stuff. Clipless sometimes make my feet go numb... I think it's from not being able to move around. Clipless are pretty uncomfortable to walk in should you find yourself carrying your bike home. I've used Shimano SPDs by the way... I've heard others say that other types work much better for getting out of quickly on technical xc.

I, like geoduck, went from clips and straps to clipless. I would typically do technical rocky sections with the straps way loose so I can get out easy but still have a way to pull/push against the clips to move the bike around. Now that I've ridden clipless, I find they have helped my riding and are way safer. I haven't had any problems getting out during endos or crashes where my leg wouldn't have been trapped under the bike anyway. When I started I did take the time to practice alot on easy trails, even on grassy areas track standing, etc. so I could learn to get in and out quickly, I then did trails I was familiar with, and now I usually don't think about it. My Shimano 520s have been great, I have the release set on the lower side and make sure I clean/lube the pivot/spring part so the release is consistent (don't lube the actual cleat contact points). The lower release angle of Shimanos are probably a plus starting out. And yes, don't use the multi release cleats. Ditto what others have said on pedalling efficiency, it really is that good.

With that said I have been trying to ride on some old cages to practice wheelies and stuff. I have never used just platforms for any serious riding. Right now its harder with platforms (hopefully I'll get better someday) to bunny hop, lift the rear wheel, etc, because I'm not connected to the pedals. So even doing small drops or going through technical areas feels uncomfortable since I've always had my feet attached some how to the bike.

I think your riding style would really benefit from clipless. Try it and take the time to learn till its second nature. I think its one of those things you need to try for yourself and will be worth the cost even if you decide to go back to platforms.

Dave

I have never tried them, but I am going to go with the Pedal Brothers.... They have a decent platform so you can unclip rather early if you feel the section is going to make you fall, and you still have a platform to work with. They seem like they just make sense fi you are going to ride them down a bumpy mountain.


Matt