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New pedals: Clipless?

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New pedals: Clipless? Empty New pedals: Clipless?

Post  MKSteve 2007-08-11, 13:05

Hi all!

Been doing a little maintainance on ye olde Univega this weekend, and have noticed that my pedals seem to be on the way out. Bearings are grinding, and they feel quite stiff.

So, gonna get a new set in a few weeks time. Should I use this oppurtunity to upgrade to clipless? if so which ones?

Only ever ridden flatties, but interested in the performance advantage with clipless. Anyone got any recommendations? A cheap set seems to be a good way to go, at least then I haven't wasted too much should I not get on with them.

Are certain pedal only compatible with certain shoes?

Cheers all!

Steve

MKSteve
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Number of posts : 123
Age : 43
Bike : Univega DS830
Registration date : 2007-08-05

http://www.royalandderngate.co.uk

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Post  N@th 2007-08-12, 14:29

Steve, all MTB shoes (apart from some odd LOOK and DMT shoes) are compatible with all pedals. The cleats come with the pedals, so don't start hunting around in the shoe box.

Obviously the most common are the SPD Shimano offering, but if you want something thats a little lighter and servicable, go for Crank Brothers.

I ride a platform flat on my full bouncer, just gives you a little extra confidence on the hairy stuff, and I think they would be a good pedal to buy from the off. They give you a nice wide platform to press down on regardless of if you are clipped in or not.

Crank Bros, Time and Shimano do platforms. The shimano offering are the M424 here: About £23 on Merlin Or the metal jobbies (a bit heavier but will last more bashes on hidden logs / stumps) M545 (£40)

New pedals: Clipless? Shimano%20m424%20pedals%2004New pedals: Clipless? Shimano%20m545%20pedal%2004

The Crank Bros platforms are called the Mallets (£60), or a smaller version called the Smarty (£35, and in a number of colours).

Mallets:
New pedals: Clipless? Crank-bros-mallet-c-07


Smarty:
New pedals: Clipless? Cb-candy-sl-yellow-ind

The Time pedals: (which I think look pretty funky, plus it means nobody else can borrow your bike!!.........apart from Lil Gav)

Z Freeride (£40)
New pedals: Clipless? Time%20z%20pedal%2005

Or the popular Attack Alium (£30) These have great auto tension function!
New pedals: Clipless? Time%20atac%20alium%20pedal%2006

Also check out Merlin for Shimano M520 pedals for £18. These are the most common of pedals I think, certainly within the club. I have had about 3 pairs of these. They last for a fair while, around 2000 - 3000 miles. Bargain.

Alternatively, Merlin have a package online where you can get SHIMANO MT40
shoes and SPD pedals, for £45. So you don't have to shell out too much just to try them to see how you get on.

Ref shoes......just think what shoes you would want for all year round riding. If you go and buy a nice light, 'airy' pair, they will be great in the summer, but flippin cold in October - March.

If you want a pair that will last you, then in my opinion get Sidi. They are UNBELIEVABLY comfortable. I have had my Action's for nearly 3 years and they are still going strong. If you want a reasonably priced pair go for Shimano or Spesh. Check put the places below for bargains though. Also try and try a pair on before you buy online as some have different fittings, I.E Sidi's are thinner, etc.

If you are a siuze 41 or a 43, these DMT ones are an utter bargain (DMT are very very well made) - £40 !!!

http://www.parker-international.co.uk/ProductDetails/mcs/productID/2814/groupID/2/categoryID/22/v/4e3a6a23-e781-43d4-93b0-ad3e07270204

These aren't bad either for £40

http://www.chainreactioncycles.com/Models.aspx?ModelID=16619

PLEASE let me know when you venture out for the first time.....I'll bring the camera.....don't worry everyone has been there..........TBH I'm still there !!!


afro
N@th
N@th
Chris King Ultimate Racer
Chris King Ultimate Racer

Number of posts : 902
Bike : BMX Aero Burner, CW handlebars, 2 finger brakes, layback seat post.
Registration date : 2006-10-26

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Post  MKSteve 2007-08-13, 03:36

Wow, cheers for that - great reply.

Think I will probably go for the Merlin M520/MT40 deal. Seems the cheapest and least risky way of trying out clipless.

If I get on with them, then maybe I can look to upgrade in the future to address any shortfalls I find with them.

I like the idea of the weight saving and incresed float of the Crank Bros. ones, so maybe I'll look at a pair of them and nicer shoes for springtime.

PLEASE let me know when you venture out for the first time.....I'll bring the camera.....

Shocked My pain is not for your entertainment! Laughing

Probably be a couple of weeks before you all get to laugh at me. Gotta get paid, and then practice with 'em before I hit the rough stuff.

Steve

MKSteve
XT
XT

Number of posts : 123
Age : 43
Bike : Univega DS830
Registration date : 2007-08-05

http://www.royalandderngate.co.uk

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Post  N@th 2007-08-13, 15:14

Steve, Merlin are offering free postage on everything ordered this week...........

Money Saving Expert me !!
N@th
N@th
Chris King Ultimate Racer
Chris King Ultimate Racer

Number of posts : 902
Bike : BMX Aero Burner, CW handlebars, 2 finger brakes, layback seat post.
Registration date : 2006-10-26

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Post  MKSteve 2007-09-25, 01:16

Thought I'd offer an update on how I'm getting on with clipless, in case anyone is thinking about changing from flatties.

Got the M520/MT40 deal from Merlin, which was an absolute bargain. Pedals were easy to fit and adjust, and feel like a quality bit of kit. Shoes look nice and are comfy. Time will tell how much abuse they stand upto.

Clipping in is really easy and became natural really quickly. You get a nice "clunk" as they clip in. I've got the tension set to lowest at the moment while I get used to the pedals, but will probably leave them set like that as it seems enough for me. They've only come unclipped a couple of times when not wanted.

Instantly, the benefits of being clipped in become apparent. So much more power available on the flat, and particularly going uphill. For me, it really is like having 2 sets of legs - one set pushing down, and when they get tired, one set pulling up. And if I need a bit of a boost, I can use both at the same time. Best I can describe it really.

Confidence is much improved as I feel like I'm more in control. Like being one with the bike Laughing Bunny hops can now be performed much easier, and with more height too. I also find that when hopping I can now concentrate on throwing my weight forward and really throwing the bike over obstacles.

It's a bit worrying when slogging away up a really steep off road climb. You get to the point when don't know whether to unclip and stop, or carry on and risk an embarrassing fall. Getting used to this now tho, and managing to unclip really quickly when needed.

After the 1st ride I had a lot of pain in my right knee. I think this was down to the bindings being at an angle that didn't quite agree with me. I have adjusted this now, and things are much improved. Just taking it easy while my knee recovers.

So, all in, I would never go back to flat pedals! Cheers for the advice guys!

Steve

MKSteve
XT
XT

Number of posts : 123
Age : 43
Bike : Univega DS830
Registration date : 2007-08-05

http://www.royalandderngate.co.uk

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