Clipless Pedals on MTB

[Jim77]

I am looking to get a new MTB and the one I want comes with clipless pedals. Can someone please explain these to me. I did not even realise these were fitted on MTBs... I realise I could ask them to change them, but before I do that I was wondering what people thought of MTBs with clipless pedals? How easy are they to use? By use I mean get my feet out when I am going to fall over. I have visions of rocks impacting on my panic stricken body as I try in vain to release my trapped feet. Is this likely? Would you recommend them on a MTB?

BTW I have zero experience with clipless pedals (as you have no doubt realised).

Cheers.

 

[Mortiroloboy]

Bikes, either road or MTB don't generally come with pedals, unless you are buying entry level, then they usually come with nasty resin platform pedals, get thee down to tha LBS and have a look at their pedal range, Wellgo's Shimano SPD's, both come in double or single sided so you can clip in or wear normal footwear.

Some one will be along shortly to give better advice.

 

[domtyler]

Jim,

Clipless pedals are great but they take a little while to get used to. Don't worry about it, it is about as difficult as, say, learning to stand on one foot. Once you have mastered it the benefits are that you dramatically increase your pedalling efficiency and prevents your feet from ever slipping off the pedal unintentionally, which can be extremely dangerous, especially in traffic.

Don't worry about getting your feet out, you just twist your foot and it releases, after a couple of weeks it is automatic.

 

[gavintc]

As a roadie, I love clipless pedals but having tried going off road on a MTB with clipless - I discovered that I need better balance and bike skills with them . In other words, I was a complete biff with them and just could not gain sufficient confidence on the more tricky bits.

 

[Jim77]

As a roadie, I love clipless pedals but having tried going off road on a MTB with clipless - I discovered that I need better balance and bike skills with them . In other words, I was a complete biff with them and just could not gain sufficient confidence on the more tricky bits.

That is what I am worried about. I don't want to be thinking about my feet rather than concentrating on what i should be. I guess I will just have to give them a go and find out how natural they feel. I like the idea of them making climbs easier, but less the idea of losing teeth!

 

[Jim77]

The the thing that worries me is that one time i might not be able to get my feet out. Once you have 'got it' can you always get your feet out quickly everytime, or sometimes do they malfunction and you get your foot snagged?

 

[MessenJah]

I don't want to be thinking about my feet rather than concentrating on what i should be.

You won't

Once you have 'got it' can you always get your feet out quickly everytime...?

Yes

 

[luplowe]

i use both look keos on a racer and spd's on a mtb , cant be without em . when u first use em wen u come to a junction make sure you get your foot out nice and early .it becomes natural after a while . with the spds you can just put your foot on the pedal and 8 times out of 10 it will just fall in . and as for gettin them out just move your heel away from the bike or in an emegancy if you pull hard enough thell come out anyway. certainly for any kind of distance riding they are a must..

 

[Mortiroloboy]

That is what I am worried about. I don't want to be thinking about my feet rather than concentrating on what i should be. I guess I will just have to give them a go and find out how natural they feel. I like the idea of them making climbs easier, but less the idea of losing teeth!

You wont, trust me, if you get a decent pair of shimano spd's the double sided jobbies M952's IIRC from my days of riding in the mud, you can set the retention at its lowest 'grip' so it will be easy to unclip, with just a twist of your heel in an outward (away from the crank) movement.
You will find it a bit odd at first, but it soon becomes second nature, and as others have said your pedalling efficiency improves, and there's no chance of slipping off the pedal, you will find it IME virtually impossible to unclip by accident, even with the pedal retention set at it lowest.

 

[Panter]

The clips vs flats debate is always hot topic on MTB's, although more so for more "hardcore" riding.

Personally, it depends where I'm riding. On hard, rocky trails in Wales I prefer the security of being clipped in.
Riding here in Kent, with slippery tree roots and deep mud I prefer to be clipless (although currently trying to get used to the clips ) for the convenience of a quick dab when required.

As above, SPD shoes and peddles are very reliable, you won't end up "locked in"

Merlin cycles had a fantastic deal on clipless shoes & peddles although I can't find it at the moment , something like shoes and peddles for ~ £50.00

Otherwise, a lot of people swear by these if you want good flats (non-clipless pedals) and they are available in different colours although if you get smacked in the shin by one, it's going to hurt. A lot

HTH

 

[Angelfishsolo]

Merlin cycles had a fantastic deal on clipless shoes & peddles although I can't find it at the moment , something like shoes and peddles for ~ £50.00

http://www.merlincycles.co.uk/?fn=category&categoryId=62

 

[Panter]

Thanks Angelfishsolo, thats a great price for pedals

Do you remenber the offer I was refering to though? I think it was shoes for £45.00 and the pedals for an extra fiver, or something along those lines?
Maybe its ended now?

 

[Angelfishsolo]

I don't unfortunately. I was only introduced to Merlin yesterday as a matter of fact and am very impressed by the site.

Thanks Angelfishsolo, thats a great price for pedals B)

Do you remenber the offer I was refering to though? I think it was shoes for £45.00 and the pedals for an extra fiver, or something along those lines?
Maybe its ended now?