I'm tired of clipless pedals

[Sombeech]

Blasphemy? Maybe so. I've got some "Time" clipless pedals, don't ask me which model. But I've cracked my ribs twice within recent years, and I've grown quite gun-shy about staying clipped in most of the time.

I'll clip in on the road, there's no better way. But on the trail, I think I'll just get some platforms. I'm constantly worried about unclipping in time if I pass another person on the trail, because if you panic, forget it -- you're screwed. Your foot comes out of the pedal when your handlebars contact the ground.

Any suggestions for platform pedals? Or would I be better off getting some $6 ones at Wal-Mart?

[live2ride]

You could get the eggbeater mallet pedals and have the best of both worlds? Large enough to ride without being clipped in, and also would serve you well when you had to ride on the road? They have a ton of different models and I have found them very easy to get out of.


http://crankbrothers.com/mallet.php

I personally ride with the good old eggbeaters and don't know how I ever rode without being clipped in. My pedals work so well or else I am so used to them or stupid enough that I never clip out on trails, if I do I feel even more unstable and unsure?

[derstuka]

Blasphemy? Maybe so. I've got some "Time" clipless pedals, don't ask me which model. But I've cracked my ribs twice within recent years, and I've grown quite gun-shy about staying clipped in most of the time.

I'll clip in on the road, there's no better way. But on the trail, I think I'll just get some platforms. I'm constantly worried about unclipping in time if I pass another person on the trail, because if you panic, forget it -- you're screwed. Your foot comes out of the pedal when your handlebars contact the ground.

Any suggestions for platform pedals? Or would I be better off getting some $6 ones at Wal-Mart?

Yeah, I've got a suggestion...STOP CRASHING YA POSEUR! :haha: Clips (I downright refuse to call them clipless, it is a misnomer) are so much more efficient for energy transfer, not to mention riding in wet weather.

Bottomline...stop being a clip-hater and ride what ya are comfortable with!

These are my current pedals:
http://www.pricepoint.com/detail/11554-240_SHI548-3-Parts-65-Pedals/Mountain/Shimano-PD-M-545-Pedals.htm

Here is something similar to what I rode for years:

http://www.pricepoint.com/detail/14780-240_WELLA5-3-Parts-65-Pedals/Mountain/Wellgo-LU-A52-Flat-Pedals.htm

[accadacca]

I have the Time Atac pedals and I really like them. Being skeered clipped in is all in your head. Fight the fear!! :lol8: It is really ALL mental. As soon as you block it out, it will become second nature. :cool2:

[Sombeech]

Clips (I downright refuse to call them clipless, it is a misnomer)

:lol8: Yeah, in fact, just before I wrote this post I had to make sure they were actually called "clipless". Then I asked why the hell they weren't called clips.

I'd like to just try the platforms, and put the clips on when I'm road riding. I figure for $20 I won't screw myself too bad.

I really should ride with platforms over the technical stuff, until I'm skilled enough to keep my bike upright through all of it. When I can ride the spine on Wasatch Crest, then I think I'll be ready for permanent clips.

[live2ride]

I guess the only way to get ready is to crash, get up and crash again. I think everyone will agree that the learning curve with clipless (at least Mtn Biking) involves some crashes. Some may only be at a standstill but hey at least you are out riding and having a good time!!!

[accadacca]

The old skool pedals is why the new oness are called "clipless".

This is what my first set looked like. Way back in the day riding a Bianchi 18 speed.
http://www.pricepoint.com/images/styleImages/D_240%20WELL95.jpg

[derstuka]

Clips (I downright refuse to call them clipless, it is a misnomer)

:lol8: Yeah, in fact, just before I wrote this post I had to make sure they were actually called "clipless". Then I asked why the hell they weren't called clips.

I'd like to just try the platforms, and put the clips on when I'm road riding. I figure for $20 I won't screw myself too bad.

I really should ride with platforms over the technical stuff, until I'm skilled enough to keep my bike upright through all of it. When I can ride the spine on Wasatch Crest, then I think I'll be ready for permanent clips.

They were called clipless because people used to call toe-clips "clips" so some hoser started calling them clipless. I always called the toe clips, toe cages actually.

If you are going to continue to ride clips, I would advise to take your cleats to a wire wheel to get them worn down a little. I just bought a new pair of shoes, and the guy asked me if I needed new cleats...I laughed out loud, and said "not on your life!" Worn cleats are to die for, new cleats you will die for (using them)....get it? Also, how "tight" are your pedals? Mine are usually fairly loose. When we are talking women, tight is good, when we are talking pedals...BAAAAAD!

[live2ride]

Those cages were nice back in the day!! My first bike was a specialized Hard Rock sport and I was excited to ride with cages (toe clips back in the day)

[accadacca]

Found this article doing a search.

http://www.thebikinghub.com/mtb/uploads/81730_img.jpg

http://www.thebikinghub.com/mtb/flat-or-platform-pedals-vs-clip-pedals-for-mountain-biking/

[shagster]

When I got my bike it came with the clip peddles, but I am too big of chicken to even give them a try. I ended up getting some nice big platforms to ride with. Maybe one day I will have to buck up and try em out.

[Sombeech]

When I got my bike it came with the clip peddles, but I am too big of chicken to even give them a try.

Did you give them back, or keep them? Cam gave his back as well and went with the platforms. Little did he know, he gave away about $90.

[shagster]

No I kept a hold of the suckers just incase I become brave some day. I had no clue they were worth $90, I am glad that I held on to them now.

[Mtnbiker]

Here you go buddy, this is all you need right here.
http://www.monkamoo.com/Product%20Pages/brooklynshinburger.html
You're a manly man right?
:haha:

Truthfully - I've just gotten so used to my TIMEs after several years of using them that now I wouldn't ever ride without them, unless I was riding some really high skinnies or stunts, where I may regularly have to bail from the bike.

There are tradeoffs. I know many downhillers who swear by flat pedals b/c that's what works for them. Maybe they grew up on BMX bikes so they know how to stick to those pedals like glue. Nobody's going to knock you for going to flats just b/c they are flats.. but hey, on an uphill?

no question. I want to have my feet stuck to those pedals for control and power :nod:

[fourtycal]

Time pedals were my favorite "clip-in" pedals, the higher end Shimano's that came on my bike were great because of the platform but after riding Deer Valley for the first time last year I removed my clip-in pedals and put Azonic A-frame's on. Sometimes going hard downhill you want to stomp a switchback or let your bike go if necessary. I will use clip-in for the hard tail climbing bike but it's flats for the freeride.

[Sombeech]

No I kept a hold of the suckers just incase I become brave some day. I had no clue they were worth $90, I am glad that I held on to them now.

Good! And they may be worth more, I just subtracted the cost of the platforms.

[Sombeech]

Here you go buddy, this is all you need right here.
http://www.monkamoo.com/Product%20Pages/brooklynshinburger.html

You're a manly man right?
:haha:

Shinburger? :lol8: Exactly! I'd have to wear body armor just to step on them.

[derstuka]

Here you go buddy, this is all you need right here.
http://www.monkamoo.com/Product%20Pages/brooklynshinburger.html

You're a manly man right?
:haha:

Shinburger? :lol8: Exactly! I'd have to wear body armor just to step on them.

Pimp your ride wid deez babies! No batteries needed!

http://www.treehugger.com/files/2004/11/sahalie_self_po.php

[Sombeech]

Pimp your ride wid deez babies! No batteries needed!

http://www.treehugger.com/files/2004/11/sahalie_self_po.php

Nice!
http://www.treehugger.com/files/75018.jpg

But, on the other hand, I've already got all the sweet hookups for my bike...

http://uutah.com/forum/files/img_0232.jpg


http://uutah.com/forum/files/img_1032.jpg

[derstuka]

Pimp your ride wid deez babies! No batteries needed!

http://www.treehugger.com/files/2004/11/sahalie_self_po.php

Nice!
http://www.treehugger.com/files/75018.jpg

But, on the other hand, I've already got all the sweet hookups for my bike...

Yeah, I almost forgot.

A guy I used to ride with on occasion always, always, always had this radio with speakers hooked up underneath this seat. People would trip out when he rode by playing Pink Floyd!

[Shan]

I went to clipless when I got my bike in 2003. Little did I know those Shimano 505s that it came with were a death sentence! I believe I cracked my sternum on the end of my handlebars due to those clips. I would ride with my feet resting on top of the pedal, not clipped in for most of that summer.


BUT I found some really loose clips that are effortless to get in and out of. So by year 3 now, I have no fear of not being able to clip out in time. Sure I still fall into revines and off cliffs, but that's not my shoe's fault! :haha:

[cachehiker]

I believe I cracked my sternum on the end of my handlebars due to those clips.

I cracked my sternum on my steerer riding Slickrock with toe cages. If you tighten them down enough to do any good, you can't get out of them. If you leave them loose enough to get out, there's little advantage and your foot will slide right off the back of the pedal (that's what happened). Once I had gotten through a few of the inevitable "oops! i forgot to clip out" crashes associated with converting to clips, I started feeling much safer.

[DickHead]

I've got a pair of well worn spd's on the mtb that I have loosened all the way. Getting out is a snap.

[eddy1911]

I was hesitant at first to go with clipless pedals. In fact, when we bought our bikes, my wife and I bought flat pedals to put on them. Last year, we switched over to clipless and absolutely love them. We use Shimano 520 pedals. Now I feel more insecure about riding if I am not clipped in, especially through technical sections of the trail.

When we first started with clipless, we wore body armor because we knew we would crash. That really helped because it reduced the pain. I still like to wear body armor on more technical trails, it gives you more confidence. Now the clipless pedals feel really natural.

Eddy

[Shan]

I believe I cracked my sternum on the end of my handlebars due to those clips.

I cracked my sternum on my steerer riding Slickrock with toe cages. If you tighten them down enough to do any good, you can't get out of them. If you leave them loose enough to get out, there's little advantage and your foot will slide right off the back of the pedal (that's what happened). Once I had gotten through a few of the inevitable "oops! i forgot to clip out" crashes associated with converting to clips, I started feeling much safer.

These 505s I had were as loose as you can get them. Several people even checked thinking I didn't know what I was doing. They all had trouble getting out. Maybe it was a bad batch or the a bad model.

[mattl]

get some frogs. they rock.

[Fuzzy TheBikeGuy]

... I've grown quite gun-shy about staying clipped in most of the time.

All I can say is BUMMER, DUDE!

When I put somebody on "clipless" pedals for the first time, I tell them "DO NOT try to get used to these things by RIDING with them. Go sit on your bike (either on your trainer or leaning against the wall) and watch TV while clicking in & out for a whole evening." What this does is keep the majority of your attention on TV and NOT on your pedals. From then on, your'e not totally focused on clicking in & out; it makes the act more sub-concious and natural.

It may be too late for you, though. Youve already become hyper-aware of your pedals and I don't know if you can recover from that. BUMMER.

The shop who sold you your "clipless" let you down. Did they even mount your cleats for you? :nono:

[Sombeech]

I still switch back and forth. I noticed the loss of energy transfer with the platforms, and that wore me out.

I definitely use the clipless on the road, and sometimes still on the trail.

And sometimes my training wheels come along too. :haha:

[greyhair biker]

I run shimano M647's on the downhill & swear by them but every once in a while I'd like to try reg platforms/pegs. Both my bikes I run 'em loose so I can get out in a pinch...I'm a bit aggressive when I ride so anything helps but I guess it's what you get used to.