Clipless pedals - YES or NO?

[Fast1]

I'm curious how many riders use clipless padals at Lebanon?

Reason I ask is due to an injury I sustained last year, probably a result of using clipless pedals. I was following a group of riders thru the rocky areas and the weather was getting worse with drizzle starting. I guy in front of me fell and I locked up the brakes took the down hill foot out of the clipless pedal and with my bike still weighted..sitting on wet rocks.. it slid down towards my foot which was on the ground. Needless to say the large chain ring cut like a sharp knife into my ankle area and I was pumping blood out like a guy that just slashed his wrist. I quickly applied pressure and a friend ripped his shirt apart to form a tourniquet to keep me from pumping all my blood out.

Instead of sitting there and waiting for help I decided to get myself out of there and rode out to my truck .. not an enjoyable ride,,got in and drove to the ER for 3 layers of stiches to close the wound..45 total..

Anyway I'm experienced with clipless pedals on the road bike and have used them on my mountain bike but am wondering if they contribute to more risk on courses like Lebanon??

opinions on clipless pedals??? use them or not???

[gopherhockey]

opinions on clipless pedals??? use them or not???

I'd vote clipless. I've never really run into a situation where I wished I wasn't clipped in... except maybe a few times during winter riding on the ice, but thats nothing home-brew studded tires won't cure.

Why do they call pedals with clips clipless anyway? ;)

[FSSS]

Why do they call pedals with clips clipless anyway?

Because they don't have clips (toe clips). :)

[Sevadari]

It probably depends on what your alternative setup is...i.e., regular platform pedals or pedals with toe clips? After having spent years in toe clips and having just switched to clipless pedals about 4 months ago, I'm kicking myself for waiting so long!!!

Once you make it through the initial learning curve on clipless, IMHO it's hard to go back to anything else. I ride Leb with clipless and I think it actually helps in many ways. Clipless = more overall power being transferred = better ability to respond as conditions change (think rock gardens).

I have to say, I'm pretty convinced that toe clips are in many ways more dangerous than clipless for MTBing. More tricky and more of a hassle to get your foot into and out of toe clips...get caught on more things.

I haven't ridden platforms since my BMX days (too many years ago to count), but it seems like you would lose so much power in your pedal stroke when riding all mountain or XC that it wouldn't be worth it unless you were doing some kind of riding that would require platforms (i.e., dirt jumping, etc.).

Just my 2 cents worth.:)

[syntaxjunkie]

i've never used anything but clipless pedals at leb. or anywhere else, for that matter. i just feel more confident clipped in. that said, i've also got the cleats on my TIMEs worn down to the point where it's easy in, easy out. if you've got sticky clipless pedals, leb could be a whole lot of not fun.

having shishkabobbed my calf on a tree branch at terrace oaks a few years back under similar circumstances, i feel your pain. but i still feel good about riding clipless under just about any circumstances. i just try to ride smarter. emphasis on "try."

[E36/5]

I think they're great. Just a few days ago at Lebanon I hit a stump cutting a corner a bit tight, and somehow I managed to literally fly over the bars :shocked: Well anyways, I landed on my feet, unattached to my bike, YES!

They worked perfectly :)

It takes a bit of adjusting and testing to get the right tension setting. Too loose and you'll find yourself getting bucked out of your pedals over the real rough stuff. Too tight, and down you go, bike and all....

I'd be much more scared to ride Leb with toe clips, than with clipless pedals.

[weekendwarrior]

I haven't looked into this in about 8 years, but I belive there are two standards for clipless. SPD and the other kind which I can't remeber what it's called and I'm too tired and lazy to google it up at this time.

I use SPD which is shamano's design. You can adjust the tension on how hard it is to get out of them. My first day 8 years ago with them I clipped in went of for a ride only to fall over onto my shoulder at the first stop sign because my feet were almost impossible to get out. After some adjustment of a little screw you can make it so your foot comes out very easily. So now I ride like that on my mountain bike. Mine are loose enough that when I fall my feet just come out on there own. Yet I still get the power transfer benefit when riding without the nervous feeling of being strapped onto a rocket headed for a brickwall with no way to jump off.

The other clipless style has a constant spring loaded resistants if I remeber correctly. One brand that uses this style is the egg beater pedals and many other brands.

Point being check out the SPD style and loosen them up and you have no reason at all not to go clipless. I believe SPD need SPD cleats and mabye even shoes that are SPD compatible and same goes for the other style that I can't remeber.

Good luck it's worth using clipless

[jjrsds]

I am not a fan of SPD (Shimano) clipless pedals, (IMHO) but I do clip in 95 percent of my yearly rides. I would try Time or Crank Brothers pedals. You will fall a few times untill you remember to twist your foot to save yourself. Just ride on the road or a paved trail untill you get used to releasing your foot (feet) or ride slow and well within your abilities on MTB trails and just get comfortable clipping in and out. I put on flat pedals every now and then during the summer months to work on different skills (manuels, trials moves etc). Once you use the pedals enough it isn't a thought in your head to unclip stopping or when you might have to take a bailout on a ride. They really help in climbing hills and going over obstacles once you mastered the quick release.

[ppgc]

I went from clips to clipless and won't go back. I went with the crank bros egg beaters and have had no problems with them in the mud or snow. They release easily when needed and I have never had a problem getting out of them. I have them on both my MTBs and my roadie now. Give a few types a try before purchasing and make sure you can get out of 'em in panic mode. ;)

[TrailSquirell]

every1 loves clipless, hell i got 2 pairs and only one bike haha! but if i was ridein the xx loop all the time id stay with platforms, well, i'm a downhiller/freerider so plats are normal for me. i like em both, clips can benafit you big time thow, id still go with them, but, i love my platforms

[gopherhockey]

So if clipless are without toe clips, are platforms also clipless as well by that definition?

Just trying to confuse myself. ;)

My vote for Time pedals. After seeing Bob go through a pair of eggs about every month or so I think I made the right choice... but they would be my next selection.

[r32657]

Clipless :banana:

[crux]

Clipless or platforms are the only way to go. Old school toe clips should not be used in any situation where you need to get your foot out quick.

Times or eggs are my top picks.

[socrates]

I'd vote clipless. I've never really run into a situation where I wished I wasn't clipped in... except maybe a few times during winter riding on the ice, but thats nothing home-brew studded tires won't cure.

Why do they call pedals with clips clipless anyway? ;)

I agree 100%

Except for that winter riding stuff :(

[socrates]

I believe SPD need SPD cleats and mabye even shoes that are SPD compatible and same goes for the other style that I can't remeber.

Good luck it's worth using clipless

Yes, I have SPD, you need SPD cleat and shoes although alot of shoes these days are dual compatible but you needs to ask to make sure your cleat will fit :D

[Mountain Jam]

Just get the pedals! You'll love the ride and power you get with clipless pedals, I ride Time ATACs and have never had a problem. Sure, I can't clip out in time every once in a while and eat some dirt but thats why I love this sport!

[MTB4LIFE99]

CLIPLESS!!!:crazy:

[soupboy]

Pick up some Times or Eggs. I despise SPD in general but where you can get hosed are with the really cheap SPDs that come as OE on some bikes or the ones folks buy for $20 brand new online.

Your body will thank you for spending a bit more to make sure your feet stay in and/or release when you want them to.

[Mountain Jam]

I agree SPD Suck! Go with TIME or Crank Brothers.

[weekendwarrior]

Instead of a "those suck" repsonse can you give some reasons as of why you think they suck.

I like SPD because I can change the tension on them making them harder or easier to get in and out of. I have had the same pair for about 7 or 8 years now with no problems. Also mine were not from walmart for 5 bucks they were like 100 bucks. So please don't think that all SPD are walmart bike pedals.

"I ride Time ATACs and have never had a problem. Sure, I can't clip out in time every once in a while and eat some dirt but thats why I love this sport!"

Not sure if I can take your opinion of SPD as more of a grain of salt after reading this.

I ride SPD and never eat dirt because I can't clip out. I do eat dirt, but not because of me not being able to clip out.

Not trying to be a jerk about it just pointing out the obvious.<!-- / message --><!-- sig -->

[Mountain Jam]

Alright, if the word "suck" is offensive to you then I will use the word inferior. The reason I can't clip out in time is because when your pushing your physical and mental capabilities to the max while hauling ass you tend to fall alot harder and faster. The reason I feel that SPD's are inferior is thier poor construction and design, they attract and hold mud like no other pedal I have ridden.
:etard:

[weekendwarrior]

Did I say that suck offends me? I simply asked why you think SPD suck and expected a simple response of why. Not a rant of why I need to ride the beginer trail.

Thanks for atleast giving some details of why you think they suck even though you had to be semi rude about it.

Lose the heat buddy and heal up so we can race on the trials someday.

Also pushing my limits isn't something that is new to me. But thanks for checking.

[soupboy]

Why spuds suck:

They're designed by Shimano, the dark sucky overlord of the bike world. That sucks, therefore they suck.
They don't clear mud. That sucks, therefore they suck.
They have minimal float. That sucks, therefore they suck.
Adjustable tension is a wack "feature". That sucks, therefore they suck.I've used all types of pedals. SPDs, Shimano-brand or otherwise, are the poorest of the bunch. If you're riding something so hairy you need to fly out of your pedals without pause get some good platforms.

[weekendwarrior]

Thanks for the info that is stuff a guy who doesn't know any better can work with.

Though I will say I have personally used SPD for 8 years and havn't had any real issues. Though I do feel the design is more complicated which leads to more issues when compared to the other style.

This pedal issue is like talking windows in a linux forum.

Damned to hell if you use windows.
Damed to hell if you use SPD.:)

Sersiously though thanks for the info guys.

[crux]

Had severe knee pain with SPD due to lack o float. My main reasoning to them sucking.

Switched to Times and Eggs no knee issues to speak of there fore these pedals are great.

Not to mention all the other benifits that others pointed out.

[Mountain Jam]

LOL! I love talkin trash about Mtb gear!
:banana: We are all way too serious about this sport, gotta love this website!

[FSSS]

Opinions are subjective...

They're designed by Shimano, the dark sucky overlord of the bike world.
Yeah, I'll agree with that one. :)

They don't clear mud.
Non-issue for me, I don't ride muddy trails. And I don't plan too - unless they're on private property and the land owner is OK with it (the only time I can see this happening is under a race situation, and I don't race).

They have minimal float
True, but 5 degrees hasn't been a problem for me. It's really a matter of personal preference IMO. This is really the only argument that has any substance behind it - some riders will want/need more float. It's also the only reason I'd ever consider switching from SPDs.

Adjustable tension is a wack "feature".
I disagree. I want to be able to set this where I want it. I've been riding SPDs for over 15 years and clipping out is second nature, so I run the tension higher than normal (a doubt it is the same as what CB thinks is the "correct" tension".

Just my subjective opinion...

[Paul Swenson]

This pedal issue is like talking windows in a linux forum.

Damned to hell if you use windows.
Damed to hell if you use SPD.:)


Your annalogy is apt.

A lot of bikers have harsh feeling towards Shimano because, like Microsoft, they dominated their market, threw their weight around, and would release inferior products based on their own standards instead of industry standards.

I too like many people on this board ran SPDs at one time but have since switched to a different brand. Personally I love my Candy's and would now only run Crank Bros. I found the SPDs to be clunky and unreliable but that's just me. Ride what you got.

[BKocka]

I've noticed with shim's spd pedals that when you have a cheap pair they act up more than a nice pair.

and a lot of people have problems clipping out because they don't do it with a full ankle force, but rather just their foot. I had problems when i first rode them because I was focusing all my attention on using only my foot to try and clip out- and then i'd tip over trying- but when i put my whole leg into it i had a much better result.

I however wish i had something with more float because of terrible knee problems. What other mtb pedals offer this tho?

[syntaxjunkie]

TIMEs have worked fine for me in the float area. I've heard that Speedplays and Eggbeaters are also effective, but haven't used them.

[Paul Swenson]

I however wish i had something with more float because of terrible knee problems. What other mtb pedals offer this tho?

Speedplay Frogs have free float. I've never used them but people with knee problems seem to gravitate towards these.

[BKocka]

I know that speedplays are good, but only meant for road. and you can only mount them on a road spd-sl shoe.

[Trevize1138]

The only thing more stupid than riding clipless pedals at Lebanon is riding platform pedals at Lebanon. That said, the only thing more stupid than riding platform pedals at Lebanon is riding clipless pedals at Lebanon.

[FormerFarmKing]

Speedplay's have the most float out there and are great for people with injuries. The main problem with them is that they are horrible at clearing mud, sand, snow or anything else that will clog your cleats. This makes pedal engagement hard as the "spring" mechanism is actually in the cleat, not the pedal. This being said, I've been riding Frog's for more than 10 years due to shattering my heal bone bouldering, which has made lateral movement difficult and often painful, even 11 years later.

[syntaxjunkie]

http://www.speedplay.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=home.frog

The Frogs would seem to be MTB friendly...

[Paul Swenson]

I know that speedplays are good, but only meant for road. and you can only mount them on a road spd-sl shoe.

The Frogs are their off road SPD style pedals.

[FormerFarmKing]

I know that speedplays are good, but only meant for road. and you can only mount them on a road spd-sl shoe.

Not so. Frog's are mountain pedals. The X series and Zero series are road pedals.

[Paul Swenson]

http://www.speedplay.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=home.frog

The Frogs would seem to be MTB friendly...

Charles,

We seem to be in sync today. Of course you're a faster typer then I am, but then again who isn't.

[syntaxjunkie]

Plus, I brought evidence. ;-)

[Paul Swenson]

Plus, I brought evidence. ;-)

That's cause you're in marketing and I'm in sales. ;)

[Danimal]

Dhers say no, Trailers say yes. I can ride both. However if you are doing some narly stuff go without so you can bail easily.

[Jackrabbit Slim]

I'm curious how many riders use clipless padals at Lebanon?

Reason I ask is due to an injury I sustained last year, probably a result of using clipless pedals. I was following a group of riders thru the rocky areas and the weather was getting worse with drizzle starting. I guy in front of me fell and I locked up the brakes took the down hill foot out of the clipless pedal and with my bike still weighted..sitting on wet rocks.. it slid down towards my foot which was on the ground. Needless to say the large chain ring cut like a sharp knife into my ankle area and I was pumping blood out like a guy that just slashed his wrist. I quickly applied pressure and a friend ripped his shirt apart to form a tourniquet to keep me from pumping all my blood out.

Instead of sitting there and waiting for help I decided to get myself out of there and rode out to my truck .. not an enjoyable ride,,got in and drove to the ER for 3 layers of stiches to close the wound..45 total..

Anyway I'm experienced with clipless pedals on the road bike and have used them on my mountain bike but am wondering if they contribute to more risk on courses like Lebanon??

opinions on clipless pedals??? use them or not???

I'd definately stick with the clipless but as others have said, loosen the tension slightly. I learned clipless off road and the only time I had trouble was when the clips? on my shoes would get mud in them walking around and then it got scrunched into the pedal making it real hard to unclip when I wanted...it was pretty entertaing for my friends watching me stop and then slowly fall over
That being said: I had a bike stolen :mad: and was borrowing another from a friend and I really missed the clipless pedals. You don't know what you've got til it's gone and I lost a lot of power without them.

[Tetreves]

I've tried a bit of everything. And I have to agree with almost everything that has been said so far.

I used to use platform pedals in the before time; in the long, long ago. Then I had some high-end SPD (not shimano) pedals. They were tough to learn on, but once I got it figured out, I could tighten the tension and I was fine. I didn't like that they didn't clear mud very well. Any type of wet dirt, or sand with any moisture in it was sure to hinder me from clipping in. Other than that, I was happy. At the time, I had no idea what float was (since I didn't have any on those pedals).

One day I decided they were "worn out" (which they're not) and bought some Eggbeaters. I was slightly disappointed that there wasn't a spring tension adjustment screw of any type....until I tried them out. I said, "This is what pedals should feel like!". The spring tension is set and non-adjustable because the design of the pedal and cleat is so well done, that the spring tension doesn't matter, as long as there is some. On SPD's, if the spring tension is set too loose, your cleat will pop off straight up, such as under a heavy pedal stroke. With the Egg's, your cleat cannot unclip by going straight up, and once your clipped in, the spring tension just keeps you centered on the pedal, not clipped in. You HAVE to rotate to unclip, which is great. And you have adjustable float (15 or 20 deg.), unlike the SPD's which have very little float (5 deg. or less), and are non-adjustable.

For anyone who doesn't know what float is: it's how far you can turn your ankle before you unclip. It allows your leg and knee some horizontal rotational play. This helps while pedaling, turning, and keeps your legs more relaxed in general. It's a good thing. How much you like is up to you.

I don't make a habit of riding in mud, but sometimes it can't be avoided. There has been many times where I have started a ride and been rained on halfway through. So to say you don't EVER ride in the mud is untrue, unless you don't ever ride. And if the trail is "tacky", I still would find myself clogging up SPD's. Eggbeaters have NEVER given me a problem with mud, and I also own 2 pairs of Candy's now as well.

So the truth is: SPD's are fine, and most people like them if they don't know anything different. But there are (IMO) better designs out there. I like Time's, just not quite as much as Egg's. And on that note, I simply prefer the platform and simple design of Egg's over Time's. Nothing major.

As far as Bob going through a pair of Egg's every month, I start to wonder if he's using them as a hammer, or possibly running 100 Amps of current through them to power his headlight. :D

[stoneage]

Clearing: Nothing better than Crank Bros with Time close behind. Cross racers have to be able to clear mud, snow, packed snow, sand and packed grass. You won't find many using spuds. 80% of them are on Times.

Clip in and Release: Anything adjustable is also variable. Get a little sand in the spuds and you are SOL and lying on your side with the bike still attached.

Maintenance: Time and Crank - none/tension is always the same and reliable.
SPD - the adjustment constantly changes with wear and dirt.
Frogs - nice float, but the engagement is a small piece of
elastomer that wears out unexpectedly.

[syntaxjunkie]

My only addition to Bill's excellent summary would be that you can modify the release point on TIMEs a bit by either filing, or in my case, wearing down, the cleats. I've been running mine for about five years, and the release point is close to perfect: easy to clip in and engage the lock, easy to clip out fast when needed.

[BKocka]

Not so. Frog's are mountain pedals. The X series and Zero series are road pedals.

oh yea i think i heard that once, i just never worked at a shop that carried the mtb speedplays so i forget they exist. thanks for the reminder :)

[99FSRComp]

I've tried SPDs and have gone back to original platform/strap combination.

This, from the "Ask R.C. column in Mountain Bike Action magazine:

http://www.mbaction.com/qanda.asp?curpage=6


Q. Q: I have just transitioned over to clipless pedals on my mountain bike, and I'm having the hardest time getting used to them. I just can't get the hang of twisting out, I'm crashing every time I ride anything that is the least bit technical. I've got the eggbeater style clipless. Is there any other clipless pedal out there that is easier to catch on with for a beginner clipless user? I'm tired of beating up my body every time I ride. I'm ready to put my old pedals with the toe straps back on just so I can have fun riding and not worry about crashing and not being able to clip out in time.
<SMALL>Valerie/mbaction.com - 3/29/2006 6:46:52 PM</SMALL> A. RC: Switch to Shimano 959 or 540 pedals. They are the easiest to learn with because you can pedal the bike when you are unclipped and simply wait until the cleat finds its way into the pedal. To learn how to clip in and out, you'll still need to commit to the activity. The best way to learn is to unclip both feet every time you stop and start, and spend some time (about a week) riding around non-technical trails. If you are not making progress after a month or so, forget clipless pedals and switch to platforms--no toeclips or bindings. Use flat, BMX shoes an just ride. The exra efficiency of clip-in pedals is largely overrated. Shimano conducted intense laboratory work in the early 1980s to determine how effective different riders pedaled. They put the best racers and simple city commuters on dynamometers that measured their power output around the pedal circle. In the end, Shimano proved that everyone--from Lance to larry at the liquor store--mash the pedals. Pros use more of teh pedal arc, but "perfect circle" pedaling is a false notion. You could ride all-day epics with flat pedals, so don't let popular convention spoil your good time.

Mike

[jitterjepp]

My only addition to Bill's excellent summary would be that you can modify the release point on TIMEs a bit by either filing, or in my case, wearing down, the cleats. I've been running mine for about five years, and the release point is close to perfect: easy to clip in and engage the lock, easy to clip out fast when needed.Same here. I love my time peddles.

I've seen the Crank Bros fall apart on Erdmann. They look a little too complex and futuristic for something that should be so simple and when I saw the "rebuild" kit he got on Saturday afternoon because some parts fell out while he was riding I was pretty sure I would never buy a pair.

[Fast1]

I'd definately stick with the clipless but as others have said, loosen the tension slightly. I learned clipless off road and the only time I had trouble was when the clips? on my shoes would get mud in them walking around and then it got scrunched into the pedal making it real hard to unclip when I wanted...it was pretty entertaing for my friends watching me stop and then slowly fall over
That being said: I had a bike stolen :mad: and was borrowing another from a friend and I really missed the clipless pedals. You don't know what you've got til it's gone and I lost a lot of power without them.
I think my injury primarily resulted due to the unusual circumstances I was in. Bike stopped on sloping wet rocks, downhill foot clicked out and I was sitting on the seat while holding my balance on my downhill toes. When the bike started to slide down on the rocks I didn't have enough time to release my uphill foot from the pedal and un-weight the bike to avoid injury and instead tried to stop the slide downward with my downhill foot... big mistake! I'm a firm believer of clipless pedals and even rode my mountain bike for a while with my extra set of Time road bike pedals and Time road bike shoes until I was able to locate and purchase a comfortable pair of mountain bike shoes.

To further my questions in this thread....

Use Mountain bike shoes with the Screw-On spikes for added traction? Yes / NO ???

[jitterjepp]

Use Mountain bike shoes with the Screw-On spikes for added traction? Yes / NO ???
Only when I go golfing.
Wait, I don't go golfing.
Thats a big NO then.

[stoneage]

Screw-On spikes
Only useful for uphill sprints in a cross race; and then only if wet grass or similar. Worthless for going downhill. You will trip on them and hurt yourself.

[Tetreves]

Worthless for going downhill.

Wouldn't you just ride your bike down the hill?

[stoneage]

Wouldn't you just ride your bike down the hill?
It's hard riding a road bike down a slippery muddy grass hill. They don't put many barricades on descents in cross races, thank god!!! Cross is fun, but you can't get back on the saddle too well. The toe spikes really get in the way if you have to run downhill.

[Tetreves]

Cross is fun

It always sounds like more running than riding to me.

[stoneage]

It always sounds like more running than riding to me.
It's more riding, of course, but the transitions are very important. Come watch a cross race sometime; these guys are off and on their bikes so quick, it's almost seamless. It's the hardest type of racing I have ever done.

[bike>>rider]

Come watch a cross race sometime;

Where and when do they have cross races around here? I'd like to check one out some time.

[stoneage]

Where and when do they have cross races around here? I'd like to check one out some time.
They start here:
http://mcf.net/scgi-bin/RaceCalendar.cgi?year=2006&month=09
And I put on the State champs in my park in Crystal:
http://mcf.net/scgi-bin/RaceCalendar.cgi?year=2006&month=11
We almost have too many races on the calendar.;)

[genny1]

Hi all -- I am thinking about going from a platform pedal to a platform clipless like the Time Z Control pedals. Wondering if one can use them as platform pedals in any meaningful way. I have a short bike commute to work (3-4 miles) and ride often with my kids, and would like to have the option of wearing "regular" shoes for those and other 'round the city trips. Is that a comfortable option with the Time Z pedals (or other platform clipless pedals), or is the platform exclusively useful as a complement to riding clipless (e.g when want to clip out on a technical section) because the clip-in mechanism is too elevated?

FWIW, I know about the Shimano half-platform, half-clipless option, but would rather go right to a higher quality pedal.

Have appreciated this thread greatly!

[ppgc]

Hi all -- I am thinking about going from a platform pedal to a platform clipless like the Time Z Control pedals....

Have appreciated this thread greatly!

I have used these suckers a few times and like 'em. They are a little slick but not too bad. CrankBrothers Mallet (http://www.crankbrothers.com/mallet.php)

-pete

[Nickel]

Hey David --

I have heard that with the Z's you can do that. I think maybe James (KleinCrazy) has a pair on his bike? ..Not too sure. You might be able stop by a bike shop to test a pair out before you invest.

I heard that the half-clip half-plat is okay but the platform always flips to the bottom since it is heavier and so it can be a pain to keep flipping it over and adjusting if you have to stop.


If you aren't doing any really hard riding, I have seen in some stores these plastic 'platforms' that you can put over a clipless pedal.... so people can test out bikes that have clipless but they don't have shoes. They don't look very durable (say from stomping!) but it might let you invest in a different pedal if you didn't want the platform.

[Danimal]

I have a pair of these on my Prophet and I love them. I occasionally ride with my kids and didn't want to wear my clipless shoes running to Blockbuster. I bought these and they hold on like glue to my SPD shoes and are comfy in tennies, plus they grip the tennies pretty damn good. Well enough to screw around and bunny hop things.

Shimano PD-M424's
http://bike.shimano.com/catalog/cycle/products/component.jsp?PRODUCT%3C%3Eprd_id=845524441763013&FOLDER%3C%3Efolder_id=2534374302040276&ASSORTMENT%3C%3East_id=1408474395181419&bmUID=1150943028590

[steef]

I'll go back to clipless one of these days. I'll probably start with these:
http://www.bikepro.com/arch_products/pedals/jpg/c2cc_time_action_top.jpg
on the road, then use my old SPDs. When there's more $$ in the coffer I'll get Some of the new Time pedals, probably the Zs.

[jaybird]

I use Shimano SPD's and the key thing I found was making sure to get the pedals adjusted and use the correct cleats. If you slapped a pair of out of the box pedals on your bike, you could probably hang upside down and still not get out. The std cleats (the black ones) only allow you to release from the pedal in lateral movements. So you have to twist your foot out side to side to get the pedal to release. An optional cleat, which I use, is the silver SH-55 and is a multi directional release. With the SH-55 cleat your foot can twist up and out to be released from the pedal, which gives you a wider range of motion to clip out. Why Shimano does not just switch to this style I'll never know.

Once you have the right cleat, take some time on the driveway or street and adjust the tension on the pedal release mechanism. How tight you go is a personal choice.

[soupboy]

The Time Z as a pure platform pedal is worthless. Maybe ok for riding to the liquor store in flip flops, but that is it. The Z doesn't have any grippy plates to get purchase on.

The Mallet (or the lame Shi+mano DH) platforms are far superior for use with street/skate shoes sans cleats. The fore/aft plates on these pedal provide decent grip. You can feel the mechanism through the soles of your shoes though.

Neither is a replacement though of a pure platform for DH/DJ/Urban etc. If that is your goal, get some cheap Sun ZuZus and 6mm allen key. Take 10sec per pedal to change out.

Hi all -- I am thinking about going from a platform pedal to a platform clipless like the Time Z Control pedals. Wondering if one can use them as platform pedals in any meaningful way. I have a short bike commute to work (3-4 miles) and ride often with my kids, and would like to have the option of wearing "regular" shoes for those and other 'round the city trips. Is that a comfortable option with the Time Z pedals (or other platform clipless pedals), or is the platform exclusively useful as a complement to riding clipless (e.g when want to clip out on a technical section) because the clip-in mechanism is too elevated?

FWIW, I know about the Shimano half-platform, half-clipless option, but would rather go right to a higher quality pedal.

Have appreciated this thread greatly!

[Tetreves]

An optional cleat, which I use, is the silver SH-55 and is a multi directional release.

I would have a real problem with a setup like that. I tend to use my quad's on the upstroke, and under heavy tension, even standard SPD's will unclip. I don't want to unclip while pedaling hard, it hurts!

And the fact that you have to monkey around with different cleats is just ridiculous.

I'm sticking with my eggbeaters.

[genny1]

Enjoying the thread, and thanks Pete, Nicole, Dan, and Sean for platform-clipless advice. I'm digging around the net re: the suggestions. As follow-ups, anyone use or try Windward Decksters as a platform attachment (or other attachments Nicole suggested) to a pure clipless pedal? Anyone use or try Atomlab Quickstep pedals as a platform-clipless hybrid that has retracting clipless mechanism when used as platform? Any switching out platforms and clipless pedals as needed like Sean suggested?

It's probably easiest just to stick with platforms or switch to clipless (or platform-clipless and assume will use primarily as clipless), rather than realistically trying to get both in one pedal (maybe Atomlab Quicksteps are first in what will be better efforts to combine both in one). In any event, thanks again.

[Sooch]

I recently dusted off my bike and started to slowly get back into riding. I stopped in at Eriks and one of the folks recommended I check out this site. All I can say is WOW. I can't believe the amount of information here. I'd like to thank everyone for their contributions.

I do have a question: I have regular platform pedals and would like to switch to clipless. I have read this thread and still can't decide if I should go clipless/platform or strictly clipless. If i go clipless/platform I am thinking of the following pedals. Are there any pros and cons between clipless/platform and just clipless? Any opinions about the pedals below? Thanks in advance!

1) Crank bros. Smarty ATB/Cycle-x
2) Crank bros. Candy C (what does the C stand for)?
3) Crank bros. Mallet C
4) Shimano PD-M324

[Tetreves]

Hey Sooch, welcome to the site! We're glad you're here. Or at least most of us, I'm sure! :D

I've used the Candy's for a while now (Mine are blue, not pink), and before that spent a lot of time on the plain old Eggbeaters (SL). Before THAT, I rode a pair of high-end SPD pedals.

The "C" is for Chrome. They also come in Titanium versions, which reduces the weight. Lots of good info on Crank Brothers website here. (http://www.crankbrothers.com/index.php)

I havn't used the Smarty's, but knowing Crank Bros., I wouldn't expect a huge difference from the Candy's. Maybe a slightly shorter lifespan, or more difficult to maintain (which they usually don't need any). I would highly reccomend either of those.

The Mallet's are made for downhill use, and have a full-size platform, which isn't something most people need. I think they would be overkill for you, and more painful if you hit your shin on it.

I also bought some Candy's for my wife when I bought mine, and she LOVES them compared to her old SPD pedals.

The small platform on the Candy's is nice if you ride unclipped at all, which you really can't do easily with the Eggbeaters. Otherwise, there's not much difference between the two.

I hope this helps!

[syntaxjunkie]

Welcome indeed. No shortage of opinions here.

As one of the resident Time partisans, I'll throw in my vote for either the Time ATAC or Time ATAC XS pedals. The platform is super stable, you get a good amount of float to go easy on the knees, and they never, ever gunk up.

[Kosk]

Just another opinion here. I learned to ride clipless on the DH style platforms. IMO it's easier to learn with those. Having the platfrom gives you more foot options. Mainly in that you can just stomp on the platform and get your momentum back up before attempting to clip in. (Rather than trying to clip in and get going at the same time, which can be frustrating when you are learning.)

You can always get a set of straight up clipless if you feel the DH pedals are too heavy later. I still use my DH clipless pedals more often then my regular clipless pedals.

[stoneage]

.Time ATAC.

[soupboy]

Yep. I was a wholehearted convert to the CB products but got sick and tired of replacing soft, fast-wearing cleats. My 3yo ATACs went back on my offroad bikes and the last pair of CBs onto the trainer were unexpected ejections don't hurt as much. .Time ATAC.

[manual63]

It's probably easiest just to stick with platforms or switch to clipless (or platform-clipless and assume will use primarily as clipless), rather than realistically trying to get both in one pedal (maybe Atomlab Quicksteps are first in what will be better efforts to combine both in one). In any event, thanks again.
Once again, I must throw in my BMX past on this one. I had the toughest time getting used to clipless pedals after riding BMX bikes with platforms for 20 years. The first set of clipless pedals I got where the Shimano DX platform ones. I liked having the platform, but they were not very easy to get in and out of, which made me nervous when doing nutty stuff on my mountain bike. I got the Time ATAC Z about 1 1/2 years ago and I love them. I can clip in and out of the super easily and I have rarely had a time when I could not get my foot out to catch a fall or dab in a corner. As far as using the platform while not clipped in, I don't think it works well for two reasons. One, the traction is not good and the bars on the pedals are higher than the platform. Can you do it, sure, but it's not anything like when using regular platforms with some good skate shoes where you have tons of traction from those little pins. My P.2, BigHit, and BMX bike all have good platforms and the ATAC Z pedal does not even come close to suppling that kind of traction when you are not clipped in. Second, you want the ball of you foot on the pedal, which will basically automatically clip you in anyway. So if you wanted to not clip in, you would have to have you foot in an uncomfortable position on the pedal, which for me would be a large loss of feeling and control on the bike.

My suggestion would be to get the ATAC Z pedals. I also use SixSixOne shoes, looks just like a skate shoe. Take some time getting used to them and soon you will just enjoy being clipped in all the time because you will know you can get your foot out quickly. Why the platform then? For me it's just the feeling I am used to after having larger platform pedals all my life. I feel it and know it's there. I am sure it also gives me a little more control too. After being in Whistler and Fruita on these pedals, I can honestly say I no longer need to have a BMX style platform for most of the riding I do on my XC bike. As far as my other bikes and jumping and all that, I would never want to be clipped in...so no issues there.

[stai0033]

i like platform pedals, i ride them everywhere.

[ebrandel]

My vote for clipless. I've got some sort of specialized/spd compatible clipless that came with my bike. They've been great. I keep them fairly loose.

When switching to clipless you just have to realize that you're going to have a couple slow speed crashes where you just tip over because you're not used to them.

[gordanfreeman]

my first clipless pedals were the Shimano PD-M324's and i liked them fine. my roomie still rides those on his fixie actually. for in-town riding, nothing really beats them for pure versatility. the flat side grips your shoe better than one might think and the smaller sized platform gives you the ability to pedal w/out being clipped in w/out being oversized and getting in the way.

i have switched from SPDs now; riding fixed especially i hated the fact that even at max tension my cleat would occasionally slip out. riding offroad with spd's on my XC bike i never had a problem but when really cranking on my road bike i never felt completely secure. i use crankbrothers eggbeaters now and love the feel.

[pokey]

I purchased some pedals with SPD on one side and platform on the other and have enjoyed them. I have double sided on my road bike, but until I become a better technical rider, there are times when I realy don't want to be clipped in on my mountain bike, so I unclip and flip the pedal. Then I flip it back when the nasty bits are done. I have found the pedals rotate on their own in a way that if I bring my foot onto the pedal from the front they will land on the platform side, and if I bring it from the back or top they land on the binding side. After a bit of riding I no longer have to look down to get the right side. I still ride 95% of the time snapped in but it is nice to have the option. Plus it makes it easier to run to the store on my bike without putting on my bike shoes.

[Fast1]

I purchased some pedals with SPD on one side and platform on the other and have enjoyed them. I have double sided on my road bike, but until I become a better technical rider, there are times when I realy don't want to be clipped in on my mountain bike, so I unclip and flip the pedal. Then I flip it back when the nasty bits are done. I have found the pedals rotate on their own in a way that if I bring my foot onto the pedal from the front they will land on the platform side, and if I bring it from the back or top they land on the binding side. After a bit of riding I no longer have to look down to get the right side. I still ride 95% of the time snapped in but it is nice to have the option. Plus it makes it easier to run to the store on my bike without putting on my bike shoes.

I'll be taking your idea and following it for more techinical routes.

However I've finally determined what most of my problem was. There are two types of Shimano Cleats available for their clipless pedals.
SH-51 and SH-56 which I found listed in the Shimano technical docements.

THe SH51 which I was sold only releases with your heal being turned out and the other cleats release in mutilple directions. Now I know why I was having problems.

http://bike.shimano.com/media/cycling/techdocs/en/actionsports/PD/SI-41R0D_v1_m56577569830563133.pdf