Mountain Bikers - what pedals?

[ParanoidAndroid]

Just getting into off-road cycling, at the moment mainly Swinley Forest however will probably head over to wales when the daylight stays a bit longer. Was just wondering whether I should invest in some SPD's?

A friend I ride with has them and has had a couple of close encounters where he's fallen off and not managed to unclip. Do the benefits off road outweigh the dangers or is it better to stick with normal flat pedals? Can you recommend any for the beginner (happy to spend what's necessary)?

Cheers,
Graham

[anonymous-user]

trust me, if you ride with spds and you really need to get your foot out of the pedal in a close call, you will.... they do make pedalling easier and more efficient, regular shimano stuff is probably the easiest for newbies to get to grips with.

[spdpug98]

I started riding with spd's a couple of years ago and it does make a big differance, I have had one or two close calls trying to get my feet unclipped - but nothing too serious

I use Shimano DX M647 Pedals as I can also just ride with trainers if going the shop etc

[ParanoidAndroid]

Thanks guys, sounds like I need to invest in some. Was actually looking at the M647 or M545 as they look to be a good starting point in that I don't always need to lock in if I decide it's looking a bit dodgy!

[h4muf]

M520's are £18.95 at crc.Crackin pedals on a budget imo.

[Stugots]

Flats every time for me off road. Just can't get a good flow with spuds and im always quicker than fellow spd riders on tricky black run forest downhill sections.

[SkinnyBoy]

M520's are brilliant for the money and if looked after will last for ages.

[mhill]

Egg Beaters for me, purely simplicity and still work when full of mud too

[RobDickinson]

pablo said:

trust me, if you ride with spds and you really need to get your foot out of the pedal in a close call, you will.... they do make pedalling easier and more efficient, regular shimano stuff is probably the easiest for newbies to get to grips with.

I've a pair of M520's I put on about a month ago. On a recent 8hr back country ride I ended up not being able to walk for a day afterwards because I wrenched my knee trying to clip out at an inopertune moment.

I'm still not convinced about them on technical stuff at all.

As for non technical stuff? So far I'm seeing little advantage. Foot is more secure on the pedal especily when wet but not a whole lot more than my dh flats.

A touch lighter prehaps?

I'm getting used to the mechanics of using them, so far unconvinced over ther existence.

[PST 1]

I have got DMR V12's on both of my bikes, and never had my feet slip.

[IroningMan]

Having become used to SPD-SLs on the road, I found I really didn't enjoy off-road riding without them - I don't do it sufficiently often to stand a chance of mastering the techniques around jumping and hopping with flat pedals, whereas I have more or less got the hang of moving my feet in circles, which feels very odd unless I'm clipped in.

I use Shimano DX on the MTB.

[skoff]

mhill said:

Egg Beaters for me, purely simplicity and still work when full of mud too

^ These are very good if you are out in lots of mud, very reliable.

If you really are a beginner I think Time do some spd/flat combo pedals that give you the option, I think they are called 'freeride' or something like that.

Even experienced riders have the occasional spd 'moment'. You will fall off at the start, but if you don't fall off every now and again you simply aren't trying hard enough!

[RichB]

I assume all you chaps with flat pedals have toe-clips and straps?

[PST 1]

RichB said:

I assume all you chaps with flat pedals have toe-clips and straps?

No clips or straps.

[ezi]

Superstar Nano-Techs

[RichB]

PST 1 said:

No clips or straps.

I hate that because with muddy feet over bumps and stuff I find my feet get bumped off the pedals, I feel much safer with my feet in the cages.

[PST 1]

RichB said:

I hate that because with muddy feet over bumps and stuff I find my feet get bumped off the pedals, I feel much safer with my feet in the cages.

I'm prob not going that quick!! Like to think I am though!!
I'm better with four wheels and an engine!

[RichB]

PST 1 said:

RichB said:

I hate that because with muddy feet over bumps and stuff I find my feet get bumped off the pedals, I feel much safer with my feet in the cages.

I'm prob not going that quick!! Like to think I am though!!
I'm better with four wheels and an engine!

It may also be an age thing, I grew up with racing bikes fitted with toe-clips and straps so feel comfortable in them.

[Moose.]

PST 1 said:

I have got DMR V12's on both of my bikes, and never had my feet slip.

These plus some Five Ten shoes with their amazing Stealth Rubber. As good as SPDs but without the risk

[rsturbo]

[quote=PST 1]I have got DMR V12's on both of my bikes, and never had my feet slip.[/quote

+ 1