MTB Pedals / Shoes
Discussion
Can anyone de-mystify pedals and shoes for me?
Having shoes that clip on makes sure feet stay on pedals and that I can power the bike properly. I suppose flats, although less efficient, at least stop you doing that falling over thing.
What are the various types and what advantages are there?
Any resources that help with this?
Any reccomendations?
Realise it's a noob type question.
Having shoes that clip on makes sure feet stay on pedals and that I can power the bike properly. I suppose flats, although less efficient, at least stop you doing that falling over thing.
What are the various types and what advantages are there?
Any resources that help with this?
Any reccomendations?
Realise it's a noob type question.
Those are the 2 types.
SPDs/Clipless tend to be more for XC riding and are more efficient. They need special shoes with cleats in them.
Flats have spikes to grip into soft soled shoes. You don't need special shoes to use with these but they can help and offer better grip.
I use flats as I like the option to bale out when things get hairy or even just a bit wobbly.
SPDs/Clipless tend to be more for XC riding and are more efficient. They need special shoes with cleats in them.
Flats have spikes to grip into soft soled shoes. You don't need special shoes to use with these but they can help and offer better grip.
I use flats as I like the option to bale out when things get hairy or even just a bit wobbly.
OK, thanks, that's good so far.
One more thing, these http://www.wiggle.co.uk/shimano-xc30-spd-mountain-... specify a '2 Bolt' SPD. Are there other types?
One more thing, these http://www.wiggle.co.uk/shimano-xc30-spd-mountain-... specify a '2 Bolt' SPD. Are there other types?
EggsBenedict said:
OK, thanks, that's good so far.
One more thing, these http://www.wiggle.co.uk/shimano-xc30-spd-mountain-... specify a '2 Bolt' SPD. Are there other types?
You will find pedals that are 3 bolt (or 2 and 3 bolt) compatible, but 3-bolt is exclusively for road shoes.One more thing, these http://www.wiggle.co.uk/shimano-xc30-spd-mountain-... specify a '2 Bolt' SPD. Are there other types?
yes there's different types of SPD's
the 2 bolt cleat type (Shimano SPD). smaller usually metal type cleat, used for xc mountain biking and can be used on road bikes (i do). the cleat is small enough it can be recessed into the bottom of the shoe to help walking round when not on the bike. can offer up a bit more 'float' eg move your foot around on the pedal a bit, before it clicks out of the clip.
the 3 bolt cleat (shimano SPD SL). triangle shape, usually plastic. for road bike use. sticks out the sole of a shoe because of size. makes it more awkward for walking about in shoes. can use stiffer soled shoes so less loss of power.
there are different variations (look pedals etc....) i just mentioned the the main 2 to get you started.
the 2 bolt cleat type (Shimano SPD). smaller usually metal type cleat, used for xc mountain biking and can be used on road bikes (i do). the cleat is small enough it can be recessed into the bottom of the shoe to help walking round when not on the bike. can offer up a bit more 'float' eg move your foot around on the pedal a bit, before it clicks out of the clip.
the 3 bolt cleat (shimano SPD SL). triangle shape, usually plastic. for road bike use. sticks out the sole of a shoe because of size. makes it more awkward for walking about in shoes. can use stiffer soled shoes so less loss of power.
there are different variations (look pedals etc....) i just mentioned the the main 2 to get you started.
Adding my experience with this. I am not a fan of SPD's. They hurt my knees and I found them to be a pain getting in and out.
I highly recommend Crankbrother Eggbeaters. They look very bizarre but they work brilliantly and are dead easy to clip into. They also don't get clogged up with mud as SPD's can from time to time.
I actually use Crankbrother Mallets which I find better as you have the combination of a platform and you are also locked in nice and tight. Brilliant pedals and if looked after, bulletproof.
Also spend decent money on your shoes as any discomfort will cause pain, blisters, and basically hurt your feet.
I highly recommend Crankbrother Eggbeaters. They look very bizarre but they work brilliantly and are dead easy to clip into. They also don't get clogged up with mud as SPD's can from time to time.
I actually use Crankbrother Mallets which I find better as you have the combination of a platform and you are also locked in nice and tight. Brilliant pedals and if looked after, bulletproof.
Also spend decent money on your shoes as any discomfort will cause pain, blisters, and basically hurt your feet.
joema said:
What sort of MTB riding do you do OP?
Well, frankly it's more what sort of MTB will I do, as I'm just getting into it. I have signed up for the LN -> Brighton off-road ride, which I realise isn't hardcore, but it's long enough to worry me at my current fitness level.However, I have Bedgebury close by, so I'll be doing some of their runs, and others in W Kent, so I'm thinking nothing too extreme - as I say, I'm a bit of a noob.
I have a Cube LTD Pro 2013 on its way to me now that i think I got a reasonable deal on.
I also have a very retro (read old, but well maintained) Orange C16-R which has road bike gears, decent wheels and slicks, which I'm going to use on the roads as a general fitness thing.
http://www.chainreactioncycles.com/shimano-m530-sp...
Are recommended by plenty of people here, including me. Nice platform to get you rolling, before you clip in and ride. If you feel unnerved on a descent, you can unclip and rest on the platform. I have tried Time pedals with more float and I guess they would be similar to Crank Bros pedals. They were great, but service kits made them unserviceable with costs.
Also with Shimano, you can adjust the tension on the cleat for release, which cranks bros, I don't think you can. Ready to be proved wrong. Surprised on people not getting on with shimano, but I didn't like the extra float on Times, which I didn't actually realise until I went back to Shimano. Not really had any issues with clogging with mud, perhaps because I am riding, than walking.
Shoes are a personal thing, but am really happy with my budget shimano Ro80 shoes. Now leave my Sidi carbons on the shelf and plump for these every time. Bit of flex, yes, but ability to wear off the bike into a shop etc, is great. Also do a wide foot size , if you need them. Sizing is about standard, unlike Italian shoes, go up a size.
Riding and clipless, will give you a few nerves, when you start out, but I would never look back to flats, even though they are making a bit of a resurgence currently.
Are recommended by plenty of people here, including me. Nice platform to get you rolling, before you clip in and ride. If you feel unnerved on a descent, you can unclip and rest on the platform. I have tried Time pedals with more float and I guess they would be similar to Crank Bros pedals. They were great, but service kits made them unserviceable with costs.
Also with Shimano, you can adjust the tension on the cleat for release, which cranks bros, I don't think you can. Ready to be proved wrong. Surprised on people not getting on with shimano, but I didn't like the extra float on Times, which I didn't actually realise until I went back to Shimano. Not really had any issues with clogging with mud, perhaps because I am riding, than walking.
Shoes are a personal thing, but am really happy with my budget shimano Ro80 shoes. Now leave my Sidi carbons on the shelf and plump for these every time. Bit of flex, yes, but ability to wear off the bike into a shop etc, is great. Also do a wide foot size , if you need them. Sizing is about standard, unlike Italian shoes, go up a size.
Riding and clipless, will give you a few nerves, when you start out, but I would never look back to flats, even though they are making a bit of a resurgence currently.
Something with a platform like the above is a good shout.
I prefer more casual shoes rather than disco slippers
http://www.chainreactioncycles.com/mavic-cruize-sh...
Saying that I ride flat pedals with 5.10s
I prefer more casual shoes rather than disco slippers
http://www.chainreactioncycles.com/mavic-cruize-sh...
Saying that I ride flat pedals with 5.10s
Shimano - Cheapest, basic but what most people ride. Fine for most people. Clog up in mud.
Crank Brothers - More "float" or wiggle room. Simple, lightweight design. Don't clog up as easily. Require more servicing and eggbeaters can roll under the foot. Candy or Mallet prevent this. No tension adjustment, but you don't need it - seriously.
Time - Not used them, but believe they are the middle ground. Not as light, or mud proof as eggbeaters. Not as durable as shimano but pretty good and have some float.
Look S-Track - After trying everything else, I have settled on the Look pedals. A good solid platform, easy in and out. Better in the mud than shimano. Serviceable and the bearings last well. Not as cheap though, even for the basic model (which is perfectly fine).
Any other brand (Wellgo, Xpedo, Ritchey, etc) will most likely be a Shimano cleat copy. I would tend to steer clear of them in general.
Crank Brothers - More "float" or wiggle room. Simple, lightweight design. Don't clog up as easily. Require more servicing and eggbeaters can roll under the foot. Candy or Mallet prevent this. No tension adjustment, but you don't need it - seriously.
Time - Not used them, but believe they are the middle ground. Not as light, or mud proof as eggbeaters. Not as durable as shimano but pretty good and have some float.
Look S-Track - After trying everything else, I have settled on the Look pedals. A good solid platform, easy in and out. Better in the mud than shimano. Serviceable and the bearings last well. Not as cheap though, even for the basic model (which is perfectly fine).
Any other brand (Wellgo, Xpedo, Ritchey, etc) will most likely be a Shimano cleat copy. I would tend to steer clear of them in general.
Lots of votes for the CB's. They are seriously great pedals. I've even used the egg beaters on my roadie for a while until I finally bought myself some Ultegra Carbon SPD's.
Also note, you can adjust the "twist" angle to detach your feet from the pedals. I believe you can have 15 or 20 degrees by simply turning the cleat around on your shoe.
I honestly believe once you try the CB's, you won't be disappointed.
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Also note, you can adjust the "twist" angle to detach your feet from the pedals. I believe you can have 15 or 20 degrees by simply turning the cleat around on your shoe.
I honestly believe once you try the CB's, you won't be disappointed.
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