FreeRider05

Clipless or platform? I'm still on platform pedals but I'm considering clipless platform pedals. Let me know what you think!!!

Maelstrom 

Platforms all the way. Clipless are downright dangerous for freeriding. I have seen a few experienced riders eat it hard because the extra 'split' second it took to get their foot free and throw the bike cost them a serious face plant. If you are xc...clipless are fine.

Dannihilator

Platforms, I hate the clipped in feeling.

trekkie820

Well, if you are hell bent on being attatched to your bike, toe clips and straps might be the way to go...

bigchina

i use power grips, but im thinking about going to clipless. you have so much more control and its more power-efficient, especially on climbs...

Raiyn

Clipless https://www.timesportusa.com/zpedals.html

bigchina

how do those compare to the mallet c's?

Raiyn

https://www.mtbr.com/reviews/Pedal/product_122056.shtml
https://www.mtbr.com/reviews/Pedal/product_122526.shtml
I prefer the Time's

a2psyklnut

It depends on your style of riding. Like Mael said, platforms are better for Freeriding, and Dirt Jumping. Clipless are the only way to go for Cross Country riding.

Downhillers will do either depending on the technicality of the course and their own personal preference. If it's a pedaling course, then clipless, if it has a technical rock garden then platforms.

L8R

montlake_mtbkr

Clipless give you an edge for powering up and over stuff. I personally prefer them for jumping cause your feet don't slip off the pedal upon landing. And for rocky or bumpy decents for the same reason. And you can cheat on bunnyhops. If your sense of balance is poor then flats may be the way to go for you. It's really personal preference.

gwhunt23

So I might order clipless and find out that I don't like them?

sm266

gwhunt23-I had the same concern, but fell in love with clipless pedals.

gwhunt23

I think I will like them, but I have not tried them before. I ride XC, so they should be good for me. I would try them on a friend's bike, but he does not wear size 12 shoes. Don't know any people around here that are my age (13) and are serious MTB'ers.

forum*rider

I like clipless pedals on my bike. I currently have eggbeaters(good) and have used speedplay frogs(good) and SPD's(yucky). The kind of pedal you want also depends on what kind of stuff your going to be riding. The eggbeaters and Frogs work very well in mud. When I used SPD's in the mud I could clip in but I couldn't get out again

Maybe you could find out if there are any bike clubs in your area? Im sure someone would let you test ride their bike w/clipless pedals.

Jim311

If you're freeriding or riding urban... platforms. Depending on what kind of downhill, clipless could be better, especially if there's any intensive pedaling. Also during really hard stutter hits and the like clipless can keep your feet on the pedals when platforms would have ejected you. For XC, there's no option but clipless IMO.

Luken8r

i just switched over to clipless, but have yet to find any shoes. I have a set of Mallet C pedals, so I can still ride on the trainer and they work just like a regular ol platform. I am having a hard time finding a pair of shoes that fit well because my feet are wide and most cycling shoes run on the narrow side.

a2psyklnut

Sidi Dominator 4 is a MEGA size (wide), sure they're expensive, but worth every penny. Check eBay as well.

Other than that, check Specialized Shoes. They tend to be a bit wider in the toe-box.

L8R

robertsdvd

I went clipless.

Then, I went back to platforms. I do mostly urban riding and don't like having to change shoes.

I like big, luxurious platform pedals... and I like throwing toe clips on'em.

Luken8r

yeah, weve been through this before. i know about the sidi's but i cant really justify spending $150 on a pair of shoes. Ive tried the specailized, but theyre still tight. next up is a pair of pearl izumi's heading down to the LBS tomorrow to have a look see

nathank

i REALLY like the Crank Brothers Mallet C pedals --- they are good clipless pedals, BUT for those times when you can't clip in (before dropping into something) they have a really big platform that is really grippy.

i now have these on my Freeride and commuter bike and the normal Eggbeaters on mx XC racebike so i can use the same shoes.

well, i don't do any dirt jumping, so maybe that is different, but in Freeride/Downhill i have NEVER had a problem getting out of pedals (except at first when learning). on the contrary, i have had many almost-crashes that i saved b/c i was still attached to the bike and could exert more side-force. In 2 "big" crashes i have had where i had no time to react (was suddenly on the ground) and both times the cleats released without hurting my foot/ankle/leg. once you really learn clipless they are in my opinion not a hindrance (except for really slow-speed stuff where you might have to dismount like trials riding -- and for practicing to wheelie/manual)

FreeRider05

Keep it coming guys! this is great I think I will get clipless platforms in a couple weeks. As far as shoes I like these shoes and pedals and their only $105. for both!! nice looking shoes IMO I hate those clown shoes I see. Those are 661 Launch shoes and Time ATAC Z pedals. Good deal huh?

H. Star

I have platforms, clipless and clipless platform pedals and change them out depending on the ride. There is really no need for clipless platform because you are either clipped in or your not, the platform doesn't add much to the equation. I rarely use clipless at all, it's just an accident waiting to happen. Sure with clipless you can hop lots higher, and they are more efficient, but one slip off a skinny and you're toast. I think my riding would be called XC by most, and most other riders here use clipless, but I can't help but grin when I see them looking like raw hamburger because they didn't get a foot down. In the last 6 months I have only used the clipless on two rides that were 50 miles each, and I went with them just because I felt the efficiency was needed for the distance. Go with platforms and be proud!

leadbutt

I've been clipless for a little over a year and can't imagine switching back...

Raiyn

That'll work!

Gurgus

I've got some Axiom platforms with wicked sharp replacable pins. They stick to your feet. One draw back is if you aren't careful, you'll cut yourself very easily. On the other hand, I've seen too many videos of guys face planting when they couldn't un-clip their clippless. Comes down to preference, I guess.