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Poll:
Clips or no clips?
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wkumtrider
Joined: 10/02/06
Outdoorzy Maniac
Da Ville, KY
Posts: 352
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Posted: 06/07/07 7:36am |
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I use Crank Brothers Candy C pedals. I have been using them for a while and really like them. They are relatively inexpensive and are easy to clip in and out. I'm sure others will chime in on their favorite.
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Adrock
Joined: 05/13/07
Outdoorzy Explorer
Milwaukee, WI
Posts: 13
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Posted: 06/07/07 3:35pm |
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I have both the Candy C and the Egg Beater from Crank Brothers. I like them both for ease of egress and ingress, but the cleats wear out relatively fast ($25 to replace cleats every season) and they are starting to get loosened up after about 3 years of use. Thinking of getting some Shimano pedals - not sure the model name, but they have standard platform on one side, and an SPD clipless on the other. Good for getting started on a steep climb or techy peice of single track. Anyone use them or have other thoughts?
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Goose
Joined: 02/01/07
Outdoorzy Explorer
Hampshire, UK
Posts: 34
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Posted: 06/07/07 3:51pm |
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Crank Bros Candy C's
The straight egg-beaters were a bit too exposed for my liking, I know people who've stubbed them on tree stumps and rocks and been left up the creek without a pedal (sorry). Also the little bit of extra platform makes it much easier to get the power on quickly when stopping and starting (as we do in adventure races).
Having watched people struggling to clip after filling their cleats with mud, I wouldn't change them for anything else.
And they're very reasonably priced.
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Wade
Joined: 07/23/06
Outdoorzy Original
Bowling Green, KY
Posts: 880
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Posted: 06/07/07 5:05pm |
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I'm thinking of going clipless too. I want to get whatever is easiest to in and out of. I don't ride enough to wear them out too quickly. My main concern is that I can get out of them when falling! Looks like Crank Brothers Candy C might be the best option.
I'm a lover, not a racer... --Wade
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wkumtrider
Joined: 10/02/06
Outdoorzy Maniac
Da Ville, KY
Posts: 352
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Posted: 06/07/07 8:42pm |
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Wade I got a pair of Mallet C's, which is the same as the Candy C except it has a larger platform. This may be a good choice for you when starting out. If you unclip you have plenty of pedal to mesh on. They're yours if you want them.
As far as the cleats, I have the original pair of cleats that came with my Candy Cs and I have about 3 years on them, and they are still in good shape and I ride often. Not sure why others are having wear problems.
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JmacTN
Joined: 10/08/06
Outdoorzy Maniac
Nashville, TN
Posts: 235
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Posted: 06/07/07 9:05pm |
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I have the Times Atac Alums and really like them. They can take a beating and shed mud well. They are probably not the best choice for your first clipless pedals because they're not adjustable (can't loosen them to get out of them easier).
That being said, they were my first and only set of clipless pedals. You get use to them quick because, at first, they are a little tricky to get out of. But, once you get use to them they are easy to clip out.
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The Wandering Adventurer
Joined: 06/07/07
Outdoorzy Explorer
Boston, MA
Posts: 5
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Posted: 06/08/07 1:10pm |
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Hmmmm, sticky question and alot of it depends on the type of terrain you'll be riding. For general cross country and trail riding definantly go and get yourself some clipless pedals. Not only will it make you a more efficient rider as you now have the ability to pull up on the pedal through the bottom half of the pedal stroke but you'll find that through dicier sections (i.e. rock gardens, wet weather, etc) you'll be less apt to sliding off the pedals.
I find that I can "clip-out" of a clipless pedal easier and more consistently than I can remove my foot from a toe-strap death trap.
With that being said....if you're racing Dual Slalom, Free Riding, or Down Hilling.....flat, BMX style metal pedals with replaceable lugs are what you'll truly need. These pedals will provide good traction and the ability to quickly take a foot off easily to dab a foot or bail as needed.
The best way to learn how to use clipless pedals is to take your shiny new pedals and shoes (remember you need clipless pedals and shoes) to a wide open, grassy area and practice clipping in and out. It'll take a while and probably a few falls (hence a grassy area) but you'll quickly get the hang of it.
Once you go clipless you'll never want to go back......
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The Wandering Adventurer
Joined: 06/07/07
Outdoorzy Explorer
Boston, MA
Posts: 5
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Posted: 06/08/07 1:17pm |
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As far as pedal recommendations.....I second the Time series of pedals....they're relatively light and shed mud very, very well....which is a necessity for New England riding. Someone mentioned that the Time ATAC's are hard to get out of? There is a trick to shaving down the front edge of the brass cleat to make it slightly easier to engage/ disengage.......
Other companies make good gear as well......nice thing about shimano is that you can easily get replacement cleats in nearly any bike shop but that's not also the case with more boutique pedal brands.
As far as service goes, you should check the tightness of your cleats before you ride everytime.....should be part of a quick, 30 second bike once-over that would help you avoid some traumatic times on the trail.
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Scootz
Joined: 01/26/07
Outdoorzy Explorer
Bellingham, WA
Posts: 16
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Posted: 08/06/07 11:33pm |
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I ride clipless, and my friend that is freeride/DH is clipless. I thing part of the reason is because he originated cross country. He does decent size stuff. If and when I get to a more suitable area for DH, I'll ride clipless.
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Scootz
Joined: 01/26/07
Outdoorzy Explorer
Bellingham, WA
Posts: 16
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Posted: 08/06/07 11:38pm |
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...The best way to learn how to use clipless pedals is to take your shiny new pedals and shoes (remember you need clipless pedals and shoes) to a wide open, grassy area and practice clipping in and out. It'll take a while and probably a few falls (hence a grassy area) but you'll quickly get the hang of it. ...
To continue, my clipless are Time Atacs. That is what I learned on and I learned by riding the trails. I think it is best to just throw oneself out there.
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