Need some advice for clip in pedals and shoes

crank bro's are great the one thing i recomend is to be comfortable with your technical climbing ability cause that is the hardest part to get out but other then that they help on the climbs so its all good in the end

Egg beaters are so great. Key points I like - they have few moving parts which make for less mechanical issues. When riding in areas that have mud they are still easy to get in and out of even with mud on your shoe/cleat. I have used the SPD style for years and they are just fine, although I had to maintenance them regularly and they were no good in muddy/wet conditions.

Clip-ins are awesome, but make sure that you're ready for them. Hitting a technical area, and having your friends laugh as you fall into the roots surrounding that really big tree is no joke.

Forte makes some that are regilar pedals on one side...and clips on the other...so you can switch on the fly depending on your confidence level. CXheck the out at www.Performancebike.com.

Cheers,

"I Will Never Draw Ethical Circles Around The Things That I Do".

Clip ins are practically essential for most mtb riding. I have been using spd's and have no problem with them, although if its really muddy, it may take a few tries to get in them. I adjusted them so they're on really loose, easier to get in and out of. Plus, spd are pretty universal so its easy to find shoes that fit. However, I have heard that egg beates are good too.

I like the SPD style, although I have no other experience. No real problems in mud if they are loosened a bit like above. Even the inexpensive ones that came with my bike (SPD-M520) are not bad.

Once you get your pedals , to Start:
-Loosen the pedals all the way. SPD usually have + and - on set screws (+ means tighter). Tighten as you feel comfortable with them.
-practice first in a soft grassy field for when you fall (and you will)
-if you can't make it up a steep hill, I've discovered my brakes are my best friend, instead of rolling backwards before you clip out! You will later have to learn to clip out faster to plant your feet.

MikeG

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

I was going to say what MikeG said in his first post. I would avoid the clipless pedals that are platforms on one side. Whenever you are un-clipped, the clip-in side flips upside down, forcing you to kick the pedal over to clip in. It gets annoying real fast. I would reccomend choosing a style of pedal that has a bit of a platform around it, such as crankbrothers Candy SL. I've had my pair for over a year now, and they've been through a royal beating. They are still going strong. A similar but more affordable option is the crankbrothers Smarty pedal. For a truly indestructible platform style clipless pedal, check out Shimano's DX pedals (PD-M647). These pedals will be on my next bike...or maybe some crankbrothers Acid pedals.

I agree with stud muffin i have a set of crank brothers on both my bikes. i am running smarty's on my hard tail and i have a set of mallets on my prophet. i read a lot of good reviews about the mallets so i bought them but to be perfectly honest they are nothing amazing. i would highly recommend the smarty or if u have a little more cheddar then the candy's they're awesome. stomp em in and twist out. mud, no prob. like u read above be ready to fall during your learning period. don't let the falling part steer you away from clipless the pro's outweigh the cons.

I have been curious about this for a while, However as a bicycle commuter I would like to be able to ride with reguler shoes as well, So that when I get to work I don't have to switch shoes. Any ideas on this?

Would the SPD pedals with the platform surrond work for this?

Also any ideas for Shoes that are good for both walking/hiking and riding clipped in?

It would be great if you knew they were Availible at Mec (Mountain Equipment Co-op).

Well I commute to work also on my other bike. I leave my work shoes at the office as do many of the other people who ride to work. Its pretty funny walking in with a suit on and some SIDI shoes! Gotten quite a few comments on that before. LOL

I have to agree with many of the posts above as I have just moved to SPD peddles. My dad has them too and I would laugh when he would fall cause he couldn't get his feet out. I put a set on my bike and found myself laying in the street 3 times before I gave up that night bleeding from several places. I have since loosened them up quite a bit and things are better but technical areas still spook me. I would check out the egg beaters as last time I looked they didn't have the tension adjustment (which then requires you to cut down your shoe which is never fun). I went with the Forte Carve MTB peddles since they were cheap and had adjustment. I also wanted a more flexible shoe since I tend to walk up the steeper sections still and found the Pearl Izumi X-Alps really good for this.

The ONLY shoes to run are Sidi Dominators - come in widths for an almost custom fit - yes I know they are $$$$$, but they keep going, and going, and going. My first pair lasted over 5 years, and a buddy of mine are in season 8 for his.

my two cents: get the eggbeaters. forget about the platforms unless you're doing a freeride mix that really justifies them. the ebs are always ready to clip into, they don't require any tinkering, they need very little maintenance, and they're nearly bullet proof. you'll be amazed how quickly you make the adjustment.

everybody always worries about getting out of them when they need to in an emergency. don't worry about it. there's very few times that it will be an issue. the twisting motion to get out is very natural if you're stepping off to the side -- much easier than pulling your foot back, which is what toe straps require.

as for shoes -- avoid shimano. they just don't last.

How long does it take to get used to clipping in and out? I have been practicing for awhile and I can do it under very controlled situations when I'm thinking about it, but when I need to stop suddenly, I am on the ground every time. My left foot just won't release. I have candies, switched from spd's cause the bike shop guys told me they'd be easier. They are a bit easier, but I'm still having so much trouble. How long do I practice before I just give up and go to toe clips or no clips?

Just keep trying it will become survival of the fittest you will either teach yourself to stay up or die lol it takes a while to get used to doing it on the fly

The question I have about the egg beaters is how are they riding on with regular shoes? There I times I might jump on the bike and ride my son to a friends house, etc. Are the OK for a short ribe (couple blocks)?
They look simple but are the practical for casual riders.

One version of the egg beaters comes built into something like flats. I think they're the "candy" model.