|   clipless vs flats | maynard
Jan 16, 2002 10:30 AM | | Will a good set of flat pedals perform almost as well as clipless while climbing? I ride a Giant ac air with shimano 424 caged clipless pedals & they suck in the mud or when attempting freeride moves. It seems to me that flats with long pins would dig into a pair of vans & give good pedal grip while climbing. Any thoughts from clipless to flats converts? |
| Try this............ | Rode Warrior
Jan 16, 2002 10:36 AM | | Pull up with the clipless pedals and with the flat pedals. Whichever one keeps your foot attached to the pedal will work best on climbs. |
| agree | Doug Rainwater
Jan 16, 2002 12:14 PM | | One of the best reasons for having clipless pedals is help in climbing.
You ever follow someone up a steep loose climb and loose traction while they keep going? The reason is probably in the pedal stroke. They are maintaining constanct torque against the drivetrain and the ground.
With flat pedals you have to push hard on the downstoke, wait for the next pedals to come back around. Push hard again, and again. |
| agree?? | Mtb_nems
Jan 16, 2002 12:16 PM | | yeah if you have one leg |
| re: clipless vs flats | Mtb_nems
Jan 16, 2002 12:12 PM | | I am getting away from clipless, they are just too dangerous when freeriding, like you said "freeriding moves". for xc, clipless are great, I would still use them but I need to get away from the dependency of being clipped in. too hard for me to hop back and forth I really like my flats, must admit after years of clipless it is hard to relearn but it all comes back. some good ones shimano dx(expensive)
azonic makes two, one is pricey the other is reasonable, ringle makes a 29.00 bmx style flat that works well. hope this helps a little. oh as for climbing, sure as hell easier to get started if you have to dab. |
| Death traps for freeride | Dale
Jan 16, 2002 1:54 PM | | I think clipless are death traps for freeride. I've thought about going with flats but...that old climbing thing. I'm thinking of trying multi-release cleats, seems like you should still be able to push over the top when climbing which though not as good as pulling up does offer some benefits. Some folks say multi works well for them others seem to think rather poorly of them, but only costs $20 bucks to try. Maybe my LBS has a set I can demo. |
| I have been wrestling with this for a while now | JJHACK
Jan 16, 2002 2:07 PM | | I just bought a pair of Shimano's that are flats on one side and clipless on the other. I worry I'll forget I'm snapped in sometimes because I can switch back and forth so easy.
I find I only use the flats when it's nasty, so I'm Attatched most of the time. I heard lots of complaints about having to look down to see which side the pedals are up for the clips. Yeah it's an issue but for now it's safer to look for a moment to see I'm on the flats then to risk being clipped in on a bad section of trail. I also find I can increase the clipless tension or "grip" quite a lot because I have both options. When I'm snapped in now, I'm really attatched firm.
These may not be for everyone but it is an interesting combination for me right at the moment, especially with the snow riding I do this time of year. I can't be without clipless pedals but I hate them in certain situations. These Shimano's are working pretty good for me. |
| Yeah, I picked up a set of 324's myself... | næstep
Jan 16, 2002 5:26 PM | | I needed an "around town" pedal for a second bike that I could take out on the trails, too. I looked at all the 646/545 type "clip-in w/ oversized platform" and saw nothing but shoe clearance issues. Went with the half plat / half clip 324 instead I figure when I'm clipped in, I'm in, and when I'm wearing tennies, my feet will find the right side of the pedal. Good compromise for a good price.
For my real riding, I've got a few more seasons in my 535s.
næstep |
| How about in this situation... | just wondering?
Jan 16, 2002 2:29 PM | | Long Fire Road Climb to Single Track Climb to "Freeride" decent?
Clipless or Flats?? |
| How about in this situation... | Dale
Jan 16, 2002 2:42 PM | | Exact situation that's driving me crazy, toss in a few ledges, log rides and ouch. While I've been trying to figure out exactly what to do pedal/cleat wise I actually put on an old set of toe clips with straps. They actually work pretty good for the situation you describe. Cinch them down for the climbing, loosen the straps for the freeride down and you can bail in an instant. |
| My experience | Nuget
Jan 16, 2002 4:33 PM | | Well I started out with platforms around 3 years ago and switched to Time pedals about 2 years ago. I've had some pretty hairy crashes that happen at speed and at technical sections and i've always landed no where near my bike, except a couple of occasions. My point is that even if I was on platforms at what point would I have bailed? And why would I have bailed if I could have possibly pulled of that section? I recently bought a Heckler for XC/light freeride and I have a hard time even imagining going back to platforms. I understand the reason for it and admire the great freeriders that are out there and what they can do with them. I've been on my winter HT for the past few months and i've already slipped off the pedals a few times but nothing major. Guess maybe i'll have to learn someday again. I'd love to hear any feedback or suggestions you may have for me.
Thats about it, just a thought to throw into the pile. |
| what i do | justaguy
Jan 16, 2002 8:49 PM | | Here in vancouver pretty much none of the freeriders use clipless. Even if it's dry (which is rarely) doing the technical terrain here attached to your bike is pretty dumb
It depends what kind of riding you to though. For slow stuff and man made stunts, flats are a must. For high speed rock bashing, which i guess is more a downhill style, some clipless pedals would prevent you from getting bounced off =)
I personally only use clipless on flatter xc and road riding. For everything else i have sun ringle zuzu's. they have tons of grip and good reviews, and they can be had cheap. check them out.
Plus i don't use them, but i've heard vans make excellent riding shoes. just get a smoother pedal stroke and you can still climb anything. maybe not racer fast, but... |
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