What clipless pedals for first timers?

[rsquared]

Ok, so I've just ordered my first xc/trail bike and have a flash new Santa Cruz Blur TRc on the way.

I've only ever ridden downhill or dirt jumps so never used clipless.

What clipless pedals would people recommend for a beginner? Do some suit better than others?

I'm looking for something with a platform as well and am tossing up at the moment between the Crank Bros Mallet's or the Shimano XT Trail's. Any thoughts on these or any other recommendations?

I'll be pairing these with Five Ten Minnarr SPD shoes if that makes any difference.

Dale.

[Wellsey]

Mate, go the XT trails, great pedals.

The Mallets are a downhill/freeride pedal and weigh about 5,000,000,000,000kgs.

[spurr]

XT trails. No doubt about it at all.

[rone]

At the risk of sounding like a broken record - Shimano XT Trail.

Intuitive action and adjustable release tension, to make them easier to get out of until you're used to them.

[evObda2]

Just to throw something else in the mix (although XT trails look to be pretty good), i use the xc version of these and I won't be going back to anything else. Really good quality pedals.

Time XRoc S
time_x-roc_s_pedals.jpg

[outtacontrol]

Crank Brothers Candy, just to be different.

I use CB pedals on all my bikes and like the feel. I use Mallets to DH and they are very robust if you are net worried about the weight penalty. I use Candy's on my AM bike and they are pretty good.

Lots of guys don't like them as they have some reliability issues if not serviced, but they are very simple and the four sided engagement is a big plus for me. Not that we get much, but also very good in the mud.

[geoff_tewierik]

I used Candy's to get used to it, and now I'm trying out Shimano's.

[Wynand]

XT or XTR trails - Or the normal race version of either. Shimano SPD's, I have never used, neither will I use anything else!!!

[No Skid Marks]

Shimanno 636.
Just stick with the flatties

[nickz]

I used Crank Bros for a few years, but the wearing of the brass cleat has put me off them, I don't want to pull out of the pedal at a bad time due to a worn cleat. On XT trail pedals at the moment, feels more crisp on engagement, and riding unclipped on them is easier as you don't have the eggbeater sticking out of the pedal. Having said that, Crank Bros for a first time pedal is pretty perfect as they are easy in and out.