Pedals for XC bike

A

Anna85

Likes Bikes
Hi All,
I am about to buy a new XC rig and would like some advice re: pedals. on my current bike i run just your generic shimano cleat (with the option of riding a flat pedal - i think they call it "test ride"?) I love XC riding but not hugely confident at riding clipped in.

a) what pedals/cleats do you recommend?
b) would you go flats one side and cleated the other - or do i just need to suck it up!
 
McGoo

McGoo

Squid
I ride the same shimanos that you mention. Most every XC race I have been to, everyone has clip-in only pedals, a few might have flat only, I don't remember anyone with the combo pedals. You will find that you get used to the clip-ins a lot quicker than you think, so I would just run them.
 
Plankosaurus

Plankosaurus

Spongeplank Dalepantski
you could try something like below:

http://bike.shimano.com/publish/con...s/mountain/product.-code-PD-M545.-type-..html
http://bike.shimano.com/publish/con...s/mountain/product.-code-PD-M647.-type-..html

i have one of each on my 2 xc bikes. basically give you a slightly more stable platform and allows you to clip out and pedal through sections that you feel you might like to put your feet down in.

or, just forget about clipless? just because most of the racers do it, doesn't mean you have to. if your not very confident, you'll probably be much slower attached to the pedal than free from it. theres no right or wrong here, its all personal preferance...
 
S

slammed

Likes Bikes
Hi Anna,

Just bite the bullet and go SPD, something like this,

http://www.rotorburn.com/forums/showthread.php?220031-Shimano-M540-Pedals&highlight=m540

You can losen them up so it is easy to get in and out of and they are really easy to get used to, i went from flats to these in the first couple of weeks without any problem and would never go back, They actually bring about new found confidence with XC riding cos as get to learn pedal technique of pushing and pulling or circular pedalling it makes it easier to climb and you will also have more control on decent's as your feet are in the one possition and are firm.

my 2 cents.
 
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FuelXC

FuelXC

Likes Bikes
Maybe consider toe clips for now. They are easy to pull your foot out, no twisting needed. If you decide to go clipless as I did after riding with toe clips you aren't out much cash ($20 for a set of clips if your pedals accept them).

I went to look quartz for my first set and I love them. Easy in and out though having only rode with them a handful of times I still have troubles getting in when the terrain is a bit tricky. They shed mud very well and have a great platform.

Also toe clips are easy to install and remove if you don't like the feel. No need to pull off the pedals.
 
D

dain2772

Likes Bikes and Dirt
99Coconuts said:
you could try something like below:

http://bike.shimano.com/publish/con...s/mountain/product.-code-PD-M545.-type-..html
http://bike.shimano.com/publish/con...s/mountain/product.-code-PD-M647.-type-..html

i have one of each on my 2 xc bikes. basically give you a slightly more stable platform and allows you to clip out and pedal through sections that you feel you might like to put your feet down in.

or, just forget about clipless? just because most of the racers do it, doesn't mean you have to. if your not very confident, you'll probably be much slower attached to the pedal than free from it. theres no right or wrong here, its all personal preferance...
Click to expand...
+1 for these pedals. I do standard shimano spds now which are great.
 
{ScarFace}

{ScarFace}

Likes Dirt
Don't use toeclips for MTB, you'll be dead within the week.

Just go straight to clipless pedals, they're surprisingly easy to get in and out.

Eggbeaters are my pick :D
 
FuelXC

FuelXC

Likes Bikes
{ScarFace} said:
Don't use toeclips for MTB, you'll be dead within the week.

Just go straight to clipless pedals, they're surprisingly easy to get in and out.

Eggbeaters are my pick :D
Click to expand...
Back (many many years ago) toe clips were all we had, clipless were just getting introduced in the mtb market. Unless you don't know how to move your leg backwards you will be fine.

Just saying if he doesn't want to fork out the cash or worried about clipless easy enough to start with toe clips
 
evObda2

evObda2

Likes Bikes and Dirt
Try the clips. You'll fall a couple times going up silly slow stuff (which you'll look back and laugh about).. but you'll get used to it soon enough.
My pick is the TIME xc pedals, ive found them pretty good and well built.
 
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