I tried it once and it freaked me out I couldn't get off a bike while going downhill on a pretty technical trail. Anybody feel the same way? Are platform pedals better?
2006-11-19 13:06:10 · 9 answers · asked by Blue_Falcon 2 in Sports ➔ Cycling
You have to practice a lot to use them, very dangerous if you don't have the skill needed to handle them, I have plenty of practice and still freak out when I use them, I wouldn't recommend a novice to use pins, I think you're right, platform are better..☺
2006-11-19 13:24:04 · answer #1 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
Short answer: fear is a normal reaction to clipless pedals for every first time user. Why? Because everyone I know who has adopted them has fallen.
So, are they better or worse, useful or useless? The truth is, most people who are frequent riders prefer to be clipped in once they get used to the release motion of their particular brand. The vibration factor, the smooth stroke cycle factor, the stronger, more balanced muscle development factor (pulling through the stroke, rather than just pushing) and the safety factor all contribute to this acceptance.
Safety factor? Yes, I believe clipless pedals are safer for strong, fast riders who maintain relatively high cadences. Anyone who has ever been slammed in the calf or shin after their foot has slipped off the pedal on one side knows what I mean. This is especially a problem in the wet. With clipless systems, your foot only comes off when you want it too--once you have enough experience with the release motion. No pain, no gain, I'm sorry to say!
That said, I think the choice of clipless systems is crucial. Shimano makes some two-sided versions which come with a removable platform so you can use the cleats or not depending on conditions. However, this forces you to look down when ever you get back on the bike to choose the right side for being clipped in or free.
I prefer the Speedplay designs personally. With no spring snapping in place, you can really get out of 'em easily. The free-float really helps biomechanically too. Less knee problems, with no finicky angle adjustments.
Incidentally, I have no affiliation with those firms, nor any cycling business. Just my PoV and real-life experience.
2006-11-20 03:56:14 · answer #2 · answered by bikelife 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
When I begun mountain biking, I thought clipless pedals were crazy... real crazy. But, on a downhill section I was doing, wide road, I saw my feet just vibrating like crazy, and I thought that maybe have them clipped in would prevent to have a foot slipping from the peddal. So I started using clippless pedals for the downhill, not for uphills.
My first time was very hard for me, the rainy season was just starting, I really didn't had time to practice on a flat and easy plain, also I didn't tightened the cleat to the shoe very well. So I fell a lot, and had trouble cleaping out. crash!
For the next time, I went to a park which had a flat area with grass where I could practice. So I just dedicated about two hours or so to get used to clipping in and clipping out.
After a while, clipping out is something I do uncouncious, no problem about it. The only problem come when using new shoes, since the cleats have to get a little worn out to get out fast.
But, you should use what you feel confortable in. If you don't like clipless, don't try to force yourself to use them because everybody says they're what you should use.
2006-11-19 21:51:33 · answer #3 · answered by Roberto 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I'm assuming you are talking about "clipless" pedals -- those where you have a bike shoe with a cleat attached to the bottom of the sole which attaches to the pedal.
Yeah, one should NOT attack singletrack as a novice user of clipless pedals. And, shame on the dealer who sold them to you without recommending that you spend some time just riding in a parking lot, or a barren street, where you can do nothing but practice getting in and out of them.
Clipless pedals can give serious cyclists a performance boost, but if you are a novice mtb singletrack rider, put on some good bmx pedals with pins until you get your riding skills up to snuff. Then, think about taking on the trails with clipless pedals, but then again, only after you have taken enough time to practice and get comfortable with getting out of the pedals.
Good luck!!!
2006-11-19 21:18:32 · answer #4 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
Heck yes I'm scared of riding with clips while riding trails! Don't get me wrong one day I will learn how to use them however I'll start using them off the trails and then when I'm really comfortable I'll take them to the trails. I know it will take a little getting used to and a few falls but I also know they are safer and will save your shins. But for now I'll stick with pedals that allow me put my foot on the ground with out remembering to un-clip.
2006-11-20 07:47:10 · answer #5 · answered by sarahalyse 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I have been biking for years and have never been able to get used to them. They do help you pull through a cycle but I still freak out about them.
2006-11-19 23:29:05 · answer #6 · answered by thrill88 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Like the others mentioned, you have to get used to them first. Then maybe hit the trails. Try loosen the tension screw if there is one to lessen the hold. Good luck!
2006-11-21 21:40:09 · answer #7 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
i never use the word scared and mt. biking in the same breath. ive used clipless for a few years now and they rock. you need to find a good kind that are easy to use and adjust like Crank Bros.
2006-11-20 11:43:38 · answer #8 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 0⤋
No way- I have MUCH better bike control with them. You just need to get used to using them, and it's no problem at all.
2006-11-20 16:54:48 · answer #9 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋