Not ready to clip-in, so what pedals and shoes should I use until I'm ready?

kaian

I am use to clipless pedals because I do a lot of road riding, however, I don't feel that I am ready to go clipless for trail riding. I seem to fall a lot and having my feet free is a very attractive thing right now so that I don't plant my face on a log. I am currently using basic metal platform pedals and tennis shoes. The tennis shoes are too flexible and are causing my feet to hurt, so I was wondering about a good alternative. Would downhill pedals be a good choice for now? What should I do about shoes? Thanks!

gclark8

TRy MTB pedals with plastic strapless toe clips, use large: http://harriscyclery.net/site/itemdetails.cfm?ID=1136

Next, change to Power Grips to learn about un-cleating:
http://powergrips.com/

Somw Shimano MTB shoes like M038 will work with all the above.

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kaian

Thanks. I don't like toe-clips - I used them years ago. The power grips might be worth a try - I'll give it some thought.

gclark8

These are strapless, not like the track ones at all. I have set many girls up with these, stops the foot slipping off the pedal when wet.

Power grips are good for running shoes, we use them in tri events and training.

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AzzaC

Get the clipless pedals that have a platform around them. That way you can be clipped in when you are confident and just riding along, and then unclip and ride 'normally' when the trail gets uneasy and you feel you may have to put the foot down.

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gclark8

Not like these:

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AzzaC

No, I am referring to pedals more like the PDM647, 545 and 424's (depending on budget) which actually has grip on the platform. Pedal info here:

http://shimano.com.au/publish/conte...ain_pedals.html

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05 Specialized Stumpjumper Marathon with Juicy 7's and X0
Surly 1x1 singlespeed
06 Giant TCR1

triguy98

SPDs are NOT the way to intro into clipless, SPDs SUCK and you will end up disliking them. Go for crank brother Mallets, nice large platform with a reliable and easy out eggbeater clip.

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ninc

I think it's best to buy SPD with a normal pedal on one side. so you can be locked in while cycling uphill or easy downhill - so you can jump little jumps. and when you get used to it you can be locked in more&more. The ones with a cage are fine if you're used to SPD, but if not a big no no. I tried them out and down a singletrek my foot moved on the pedal and it locked in, I didn't notice and it got interesting...so I stick to the one with different sides - normal pedal for harder downhill & for when I don't wear cycling shoes, SPD for uphill, road...But you will fall sideways, standing still like in comedies (I have twice:rolleyes, just don't try to catch yourself on your arm - ausch! just fall on your side.

jamesdemien

of course everyone will have an opinion...but I like the SPD's I ride them both clipped and unclipped depending on my mood... my shimano shoes have a nice little groove all the way down the middle so my foot doesn't slip off laterally. I've used the ones with the cage and thought that they made unclipping harder and didn't impove riding loose.

Don't fear the clipless* if you take care of them they work, I've never crashed hard because i couldnt get out of them...

*when do we get to start calling pedals that don't click or clip your foot in clipless...

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davebee

If you are not ready for clips try something like a DMR V12 pedal which is primarily designed for freeride where you dont want to be clipped in. nice big platform and lots of grip.

3034

crank bros mallets
dont put the plates on the bottom of your shoes until your
ready for the clips.

in techincal sections that I want to ride through but not clipped in.
I unclip and adjust my foot position enought to avoid the clips

AngoXC

I kept the plastic inserts that came with my pedals and when Im ready to go clipless, ill take them out...this plan worked up until now...the plastic inserts are wearing out and squeak when your foot moves...plus, there isnt much grip on them anymore...oh well

Jennifer_Quest

I went straingt into mountain bikeing clipless from the road clipless, it seems different but it feels natural again after just a few minutes! If you are worried about not unclipping for a crash . you will crash off-road, tthen use SPD, they come out easy, too easy for me to use on the road! I use Time on the road but since i nbeed new pedals & shoes for off-road anyway I went SPD for that, knowing how much weaker their hold is. I've crashed a few times off-road now and I honestly can't tell if it's me unclipping or the pedals giving way in a crash, i always fly clear, never stuck to the pedal. I'm a fear of power grips, can see me tangel

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