clipless pedals

called "clipless" because they don't have the toe clips that older platform-style pedals had i.e. a sort of J-shaped piece of plastic or metal that wrapped around the end of your toe and used straps to keep you in. i have to admit, i don't really get the nomenclature either.

as for what to ride -- clipless are definitely the way to go for xc. i can't imagine riding without them anymore. if you're looking for a pedal that has more of a platform and are not willing to swap out pedals when you don't want to be locked in, check out something like the crank bros. candy. shimano has something similar too -- a sizable platform with a clipless system in the center.

Gotta go clipless. I also love a good downhill, I ride eggbeater Mallot, great clipless pedal.

Clipless is the way to go. You'll notice it especially climbing. I use Crank Brothers Candy clipless, love them. The mallet is great also. It gives you a wide platform for the downhill.

SARGE: NEVER GIVE UP, NEVER STOP TRYING!

Clipless take a while to get used to but give you such an advantage it gives you a full circle on the pedal and not just the down. i just bought new smarty's by crank bros and they are really cheap price wise but suppsedly last a while if you arent to hard on them 35 bucks at performancebike.com

ok i really think i am going to give them a try. probably will go with the mallets. thanx for all your input.

next question what type of shoes would be recommended? i was looking at a pair of 661's the launch's to be specific. any suggestions there?

661 Launch is a great shoe, I had a pair and gave them up for the hightop AXO's.

I just got a pair of Specialized brand shoes. They are supposed to be designed in such a way that it takes the pressure off your knees when you pedal by aligning your foot the way it's supposed to be. They are very comfortable and have nice cleats on the bottom for just walking around.

I have Shimano clipless and as NVMtBiker said, they have a large platform with the clip in point in the middle so you can unclip and just rest your foot on the top whenever you need to.

After a few different shoes, I have to agree with Cory. High tops give you great protection if you get the urge to go downhill. I have Pearl Izumi Vagabond's that I use for cross country and they were around $45.00 thourgh Performance.

SARGE: NEVER GIVE UP, NEVER STOP TRYING!

ok before i commit to my future order i just want to make sure i am gettin what would be the best for me.

opinions in sole??

flat sole? or would something with a little traction lugs benifit me better? after lulling the launch's over i kinda think i would rather have something that would help me dig into the side of a hill better when it's too steep to ride, but i am unsure if shoes with a good tread pattern on the bottom will interfere with how they clip in and out. right now i wear a light weight cross country running shoe and it stays pretty well put on my wellgo platforms but most important is that when it's time to put my bike on my shoulder they grip the earth really well.

thanx for the patience i think that was pretty much the last question i have about shoes and pedals and thanx for all the imput thus far.

The tread pattern should not interfere with the clipping in, especially after short while of getting used to them. Another benefit is that if you're not quite there on time (clipped in), your shoes have a better chance of holding on a little better to the pedal.

I agree with the above, the Shimano pedals are good in that they still have a half-decent platform even if you're not using the proper shoes.

MikeG

Either riding or Thinking of Riding... The madness of MTB, I love it!

I know I'm the late comer here but I HIGHLY suggest the Crank Bros. Candy line of pedals they are superior to SPD I've ridden both for extended periods.
Definetly get shoes w/ plenty of tread and I personally swear by Specialized brand shoes, they are awesome for the money.

Just ride the drop..stop bieng a wussy!

thanx fo all the info. get to do some shopping after work.