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Advice please: newbies and clipless pedals



 
 
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  #1  
Old July 10th 03, 05:45 AM
Monique Y. Herman
external usenet poster
 
Posts: n/a
Default Advice please: newbies and clipless pedals

Hi all!

I would like to get your opinions on mountain-biking newbies starting
out on clipless pedals (or a pointer to the appropriate FAQ, as I
suspect that I am not the first to ask this question). As far as I
know, my options a start with "normal" pedals, start with toe clips,
or start with clipless pedals.

I'd be most interested in hearing from anyone who *started* mountain
biking with clipless -- do you think it was the right way to go?

I apologize in advance for being a total novice at both mountain biking
and this group.

The specifics:

I'm a 25-year-old woman who would like to start mountain biking. I just
bought a Trek Fuel 90 over the 4th of July weekend; before that, I
hadn't owned or ridden a bike in several years. My fiance has set a
goal for me of riding what is apparently a fairly technical and steep
trail by this time next year ... I don't know if that's feasible, but
I'm at least going to shoot for it.

I bought the bike while visiting my aunt -- in fact, she's the one who
convinced me to splurge on full suspension, rather than buying a
hardtail. She also told me to go ahead and get clipless pedals right
away, so that's what I did.

So far, I've mostly been riding wide dirt roads, getting the feel of
clipping in and out. My pedals are set pretty loosely, apparently, so
clipping out isn't terribly hard -- when I remember to do so. I do have
to clip out before coming to a stop, as my balance isn't good enough yet
to keep the bike upright while stopped.

The first day on the bike, my aunt took me on a single track trail, and
I apparently did fairly well for the first bit, but after falling during
a tricky part, I lost my nerve and we headed back to the wide-open road.
That seems to be the main concern with clipless -- that I'll be too
scared to try stuff. On the other hand, if I swap in normal pedals,
aren't I just postponing the pain and further ingraining bad habits?

I bought the bike in Park City, Utah, but I live in Boulder, Colorado.
Both places have ample places to ride.

Thanks in advance for any insight!

-- monique

Ads
  #2  
Old July 10th 03, 06:53 AM
B. Sanders
external usenet poster
 
Posts: n/a
Default Advice please: newbies and clipless pedals

"Monique Y. Herman" wrote in message
news:Xb6Pa.24330$H17.7866@sccrnsc02...
Hi all!

I would like to get your opinions on mountain-biking newbies starting
out on clipless pedals (or a pointer to the appropriate FAQ, as I
suspect that I am not the first to ask this question). As far as I
know, my options a start with "normal" pedals, start with toe clips,
or start with clipless pedals.


The best pedals for you may be the type that have SPD clipless pedals on one
side, and regular platform pedals on the other side. When a section looks
too difficult for being clipped-in, you can ride on the platform (flat)
side. When you're climbing, or riding easier sections, or just want more
power, clip in. Many shops have these type of pedals: www.nashbar.com,
www.performancebike.com, etc. They go by many different names and
manufacturers. I have 3 pairs of these pedals, and I really like them.

I'd be most interested in hearing from anyone who *started* mountain
biking with clipless -- do you think it was the right way to go?


My wife loves clipless; but hates MTB'ing because she fell several times,
and hurt herself. Now I can't get her back on the trails. She's scared
stiff and panics even on easy trails.

I apologize in advance for being a total novice at both mountain biking
and this group.


We're a casual group here. No apologies needed.

The specifics:

I'm a 25-year-old woman who would like to start mountain biking. I just
bought a Trek Fuel 90 over the 4th of July weekend; before that, I
hadn't owned or ridden a bike in several years. My fiance has set a
goal for me of riding what is apparently a fairly technical and steep
trail by this time next year ... I don't know if that's feasible, but
I'm at least going to shoot for it.


Why is your fiance setting your goals for you?

I bought the bike while visiting my aunt -- in fact, she's the one who
convinced me to splurge on full suspension, rather than buying a
hardtail. She also told me to go ahead and get clipless pedals right
away, so that's what I did.


Yeah, I can see the reasoning there. Why not? But it's one more thing to
learn, and some people get spooked by clipless. I was surprised how fast my
wife got used to 'em; but she's a graduate-level modern dancer with superb
balance, and also a great skiier. That helps a lot - being used to bindings.

So far, I've mostly been riding wide dirt roads, getting the feel of
clipping in and out. My pedals are set pretty loosely, apparently, so
clipping out isn't terribly hard -- when I remember to do so. I do have
to clip out before coming to a stop, as my balance isn't good enough yet
to keep the bike upright while stopped.


"Track standing" takes a while to learn. It's easier just to clip out; but
it's always good to practice balancing at a stop. It comes in handy
sometimes.

The first day on the bike, my aunt took me on a single track trail, and
I apparently did fairly well for the first bit, but after falling during
a tricky part, I lost my nerve and we headed back to the wide-open road.
That seems to be the main concern with clipless -- that I'll be too
scared to try stuff. On the other hand, if I swap in normal pedals,
aren't I just postponing the pain and further ingraining bad habits?


Though I'm sure there is such a thing as "bad habits" in offroad biking, I
don't think your choice of pedals is one of them. Lots of people ride open
platform pedals with no clips, no clipless, wearing ordinary sneakers. It
sounds like your family and friends are putting you on a fast track to high
performance. That's great if that's what you want. It's not required for
enjoyment of cycling.

I bought the bike in Park City, Utah, but I live in Boulder, Colorado.
Both places have ample places to ride.


You are *so* lucky! What I would give to live in Colorado! My family has a
cabin in Gunnison Nat'l Forest near Crested Butte. It's perfect for
mtb'ing; but we never seem to make it out there.

Have fun and ride safely.

-Barry


  #3  
Old July 10th 03, 09:08 AM
Westie
external usenet poster
 
Posts: n/a
Default Advice please: newbies and clipless pedals


"Monique Y. Herman" wrote in message
news:Xb6Pa.24330$H17.7866@sccrnsc02...
Hi all!

I would like to get your opinions on mountain-biking newbies starting
out on clipless pedals (or a pointer to the appropriate FAQ, as I
suspect that I am not the first to ask this question). As far as I
know, my options a start with "normal" pedals, start with toe clips,
or start with clipless pedals.

I'd be most interested in hearing from anyone who *started* mountain
biking with clipless -- do you think it was the right way to go?

I apologize in advance for being a total novice at both mountain biking
and this group.

snip specifics

You sound very concerned about all this. I don't think that you should
worry about it too much and use whatever system that makes you feel the most
comfortable. I wouldn't imagine that there are many people that literally
started biking on clipless. Money and knowledge is usually the barrier to
people considering clipless, not appropriateness. I switched after maybe,
six months, of considering myself a 'dedicated' mtbr.
--
Westie
BTW, it doesn't hurt to have input from your husband, but it's YOU that
should be setting your own goals. Only you know how confident and
interested you are in this activity.


  #4  
Old July 10th 03, 09:21 AM
spademan o---[\) *
external usenet poster
 
Posts: n/a
Default Advice please: newbies and clipless pedals


"B. Sanders" wrote in message
news:Kb7Pa.23779$Ph3.2074@sccrnsc04...
"Monique Y. Herman" wrote in message
news:Xb6Pa.24330$H17.7866@sccrnsc02...
Hi all!

I would like to get your opinions on mountain-biking newbies starting
out on clipless pedals (or a pointer to the appropriate FAQ, as I
suspect that I am not the first to ask this question). As far as I
know, my options a start with "normal" pedals, start with toe clips,
or start with clipless pedals.


The best pedals for you may be the type that have SPD clipless pedals on

one
side, and regular platform pedals on the other side. When a section looks
too difficult for being clipped-in, you can ride on the platform (flat)
side. When you're climbing, or riding easier sections, or just want more
power, clip in. Many shops have these type of pedals: www.nashbar.com,
www.performancebike.com, etc. They go by many different names and
manufacturers. I have 3 pairs of these pedals, and I really like them.

I'd be most interested in hearing from anyone who *started* mountain
biking with clipless -- do you think it was the right way to go?


My wife loves clipless; but hates MTB'ing because she fell several times,
and hurt herself. Now I can't get her back on the trails. She's scared
stiff and panics even on easy trails.

I apologize in advance for being a total novice at both mountain biking
and this group.


We're a casual group here. No apologies needed.

The specifics:

I'm a 25-year-old woman who would like to start mountain biking. I just
bought a Trek Fuel 90 over the 4th of July weekend; before that, I
hadn't owned or ridden a bike in several years. My fiance has set a
goal for me of riding what is apparently a fairly technical and steep
trail by this time next year ... I don't know if that's feasible, but
I'm at least going to shoot for it.


Why is your fiance setting your goals for you?

I bought the bike while visiting my aunt -- in fact, she's the one who
convinced me to splurge on full suspension, rather than buying a
hardtail. She also told me to go ahead and get clipless pedals right
away, so that's what I did.


Yeah, I can see the reasoning there. Why not? But it's one more thing to
learn, and some people get spooked by clipless. I was surprised how fast

my
wife got used to 'em; but she's a graduate-level modern dancer with superb
balance, and also a great skiier. That helps a lot - being used to

bindings.

So far, I've mostly been riding wide dirt roads, getting the feel of
clipping in and out. My pedals are set pretty loosely, apparently, so
clipping out isn't terribly hard -- when I remember to do so. I do have
to clip out before coming to a stop, as my balance isn't good enough yet
to keep the bike upright while stopped.


"Track standing" takes a while to learn. It's easier just to clip out;

but
it's always good to practice balancing at a stop. It comes in handy
sometimes.

The first day on the bike, my aunt took me on a single track trail, and
I apparently did fairly well for the first bit, but after falling during
a tricky part, I lost my nerve and we headed back to the wide-open road.
That seems to be the main concern with clipless -- that I'll be too
scared to try stuff. On the other hand, if I swap in normal pedals,
aren't I just postponing the pain and further ingraining bad habits?


Though I'm sure there is such a thing as "bad habits" in offroad biking, I
don't think your choice of pedals is one of them. Lots of people ride open
platform pedals with no clips, no clipless, wearing ordinary sneakers. It
sounds like your family and friends are putting you on a fast track to

high
performance. That's great if that's what you want. It's not required for
enjoyment of cycling.

I bought the bike in Park City, Utah, but I live in Boulder, Colorado.
Both places have ample places to ride.


You are *so* lucky! What I would give to live in Colorado! My family has

a
cabin in Gunnison Nat'l Forest near Crested Butte. It's perfect for
mtb'ing; but we never seem to make it out there.

Have fun and ride safely.

-Barry


What he said. Don't be fooled into thinking that going clipless is
inevitable though, myself and a few others on this forum (who will be along
shortly no doubt) have been mtb'ing for some time, yet still prefer to use
flat pedals with good grip (and I have tried all three).

Steve E.


  #5  
Old July 10th 03, 01:00 PM
Shaun Rimmer
external usenet poster
 
Posts: n/a
Default Advice please: newbies and clipless pedals


Stephen Baker wrote in message
...
spademan says:

Don't be fooled into thinking that going clipless is
inevitable though,


True


Thirded ',;~}~

and a few others on this forum (who will be along
shortly no doubt)


Hi! blush...


Hiya! waves

yet still prefer to use
flat pedals with good grip


Yup! Uh-huh! although I have upgraded from rat-traps to platforms with
spikes.

Steve


Personally, I wouldn't have dreamed of suggesting you go out, onto the
trails, and use clipless pedals, all on your first ride. Sounds like a good
way to put someone off MTB'ing for life, before they even really got into
it.

It seems most people fall when they first even change over from flats to
clipless, and the general advice given, is to practice like mad on soft
grass or some such before hitting the trails, to lessen any personal damage.

Anyhow, welcome to MTB'ing - have fun and stay safe.


Shaun aRe




  #6  
Old July 10th 03, 02:13 PM
Gyp
external usenet poster
 
Posts: n/a
Default Advice please: newbies and clipless pedals

Monique Y. Herman wrote:

So far, I've mostly been riding wide dirt roads, getting the feel of
clipping in and out. My pedals are set pretty loosely, apparently, so
clipping out isn't terribly hard -- when I remember to do so. I do have
to clip out before coming to a stop, as my balance isn't good enough yet
to keep the bike upright while stopped.

The first day on the bike, my aunt took me on a single track trail, and
I apparently did fairly well for the first bit, but after falling during
a tricky part, I lost my nerve and we headed back to the wide-open road.
That seems to be the main concern with clipless -- that I'll be too
scared to try stuff. On the other hand, if I swap in normal pedals,
aren't I just postponing the pain and further ingraining bad habits?



I use clipless myself and whilst I did fall over far too many times in
the first few weeks of using them I personaly love em.. Wouldn't think
of attacking a hill without them.

Cliping out when your nervous is a good idea no point panicing and
hurting yourself..

I don't think there is any right or wrong when it comes to platforms,
clips or clipless pedals. Go with what your happest with.. Don't let
anyone tell you that yoy "MUST" do something that you don't want to
do..If it feels more comfortable on platforms then put them back on..
You can always try the clipless again if you feel like it later...

Wave

Gyp

  #7  
Old July 10th 03, 02:28 PM
Super Slinky
external usenet poster
 
Posts: n/a
Default Advice please: newbies and clipless pedals

Monique Y. Herman said...

Hi all!

I would like to get your opinions on mountain-biking newbies starting
out on clipless pedals (or a pointer to the appropriate FAQ, as I
suspect that I am not the first to ask this question). As far as I
know, my options a start with "normal" pedals, start with toe clips,
or start with clipless pedals.


Clipless pedals are for those who have to be the fastest, coolest bikers
around. They are a racing product that trickled down to the average
consumer because of the fashion factor, like so many others in the
cycling world. They will make you a little faster and climb a little
better, but at the price of a few extra falls and lots of extra expense
and annoyance. There are many situations where clipless pedals are a
nuisance if not a hazard, like city riding and slow sections of trails
where it would be nice to dab a little or where falls could cause
serious injury or worse. A good pair of platform pedals that have good
grip are much more versatile and less expensive to own. Special $hoe$
are not needed. No falling down bruising yourself and damaging your bike
because your feet are chained in when you need to dab a little.

Use clipless if you are a racer or if you are a fashion victim who must
give in to peer pressure all the time. For the everyday bicyclist,
platforms make so much more sense. Use platforms and be smug in the
knowledge that you made the rational choice instead of being told where
to go by the fashion police. As for combination clipless/platform
pedals, I personally hate them. Putting your foot down and finding the
pedal is on the wrong side gets exasperating in a hurry. Besides, most
of them have a wimpy platform side that doesn't have enough grip. Get
platforms that look like this:

http://www.cambriabike.com/pedals/ri...u_dh_pedal.htm

Not ones that look like this:

http://www.cambriabike.com/pedals/wt...ntum_pedal.htm

Most combo pedals have a clipless mechanism shoehorned into skinny caged
pedals like the latter example. These caged pedals are mostly a hold-
over from the days of toe clips. By the way, toe clips suck worse than
anything and you can hardly even get them anymore. Good riddance. By all
means use clipless instead of them.
  #8  
Old July 10th 03, 02:44 PM
spademan o---[\) *
external usenet poster
 
Posts: n/a
Default Advice please: newbies and clipless pedals


"Super Slinky" wrote in message
t...
Monique Y. Herman said...

Hi all!

I would like to get your opinions on mountain-biking newbies starting
out on clipless pedals (or a pointer to the appropriate FAQ, as I
suspect that I am not the first to ask this question). As far as I
know, my options a start with "normal" pedals, start with toe clips,
or start with clipless pedals.


Clipless pedals are for those who have to be the fastest, coolest bikers
around. They are a racing product that trickled down to the average
consumer because of the fashion factor, like so many others in the
cycling world. They will make you a little faster and climb a little
better, but at the price of a few extra falls and lots of extra expense
and annoyance. There are many situations where clipless pedals are a
nuisance if not a hazard, like city riding and slow sections of trails
where it would be nice to dab a little or where falls could cause
serious injury or worse. A good pair of platform pedals that have good
grip are much more versatile and less expensive to own. Special $hoe$
are not needed. No falling down bruising yourself and damaging your bike
because your feet are chained in when you need to dab a little.

Use clipless if you are a racer or if you are a fashion victim who must
give in to peer pressure all the time. For the everyday bicyclist,
platforms make so much more sense. Use platforms and be smug in the
knowledge that you made the rational choice instead of being told where
to go by the fashion police. As for combination clipless/platform
pedals, I personally hate them. Putting your foot down and finding the
pedal is on the wrong side gets exasperating in a hurry. Besides, most
of them have a wimpy platform side that doesn't have enough grip. Get
platforms that look like this:

http://www.cambriabike.com/pedals/ri...u_dh_pedal.htm

Not ones that look like this:

http://www.cambriabike.com/pedals/wt...ntum_pedal.htm

Most combo pedals have a clipless mechanism shoehorned into skinny caged
pedals like the latter example. These caged pedals are mostly a hold-
over from the days of toe clips. By the way, toe clips suck worse than
anything and you can hardly even get them anymore. Good riddance. By all
means use clipless instead of them.


Yep, thats what I shoulda oughta said.

Steve E.


  #9  
Old July 10th 03, 03:19 PM
Bob M
external usenet poster
 
Posts: n/a
Default Advice please: newbies and clipless pedals

On Thu, 10 Jul 2003 13:28:14 GMT, Super Slinky wrote:

Monique Y. Herman said...

Hi all!

I would like to get your opinions on mountain-biking newbies starting
out on clipless pedals (or a pointer to the appropriate FAQ, as I
suspect that I am not the first to ask this question). As far as I
know, my options a start with "normal" pedals, start with toe clips,
or start with clipless pedals.


Clipless pedals are for those who have to be the fastest, coolest bikers
around. They are a racing product that trickled down to the average
consumer because of the fashion factor, like so many others in the
cycling world. They will make you a little faster and climb a little
better, but at the price of a few extra falls and lots of extra expense
and annoyance. There are many situations where clipless pedals are a
nuisance if not a hazard, like city riding and slow sections of trails
where it would be nice to dab a little or where falls could cause serious
injury or worse. A good pair of platform pedals that have good grip are
much more versatile and less expensive to own. Special $hoe$ are not
needed. No falling down bruising yourself and damaging your bike because
your feet are chained in when you need to dab a little.


What do you mean by "city riding"? If you mean riding on the road, I think
that clipless are fine -- I've ridden hundreds of hours with clipless on
the road and never had a problem.

Use clipless if you are a racer or if you are a fashion victim who must
give in to peer pressure all the time. For the everyday bicyclist,
platforms make so much more sense. Use platforms and be smug in the
knowledge that you made the rational choice instead of being told where
to go by the fashion police. As for combination clipless/platform pedals,
I personally hate them. Putting your foot down and finding the pedal is
on the wrong side gets exasperating in a hurry. Besides, most of them
have a wimpy platform side that doesn't have enough grip. Get platforms
that look like this:

http://www.cambriabike.com/pedals/ri...u_dh_pedal.htm

Not ones that look like this:

http://www.cambriabike.com/pedals/wt...ntum_pedal.htm

Most combo pedals have a clipless mechanism shoehorned into skinny caged
pedals like the latter example. These caged pedals are mostly a hold-
over from the days of toe clips. By the way, toe clips suck worse than
anything and you can hardly even get them anymore. Good riddance. By all
means use clipless instead of them.


Here's the pedals I have (I have the silver ones):

http://www.cambriabike.com/pedals/time_z_pedals.htm

These give you a good platform when you want to be clipped out, but you can
also clip in. The only detriment I've found is that booties will contact
the platform and prevent float. So, in the winter, I switch back to normal
clipless (I put studded tires on my mountain bike and ride it on the roads
in the winter).

--
Bob M in CT
Remove 'x.' to reply
  #10  
Old July 10th 03, 03:34 PM
James Messick
external usenet poster
 
Posts: n/a
Default Advice please: newbies and clipless pedals

About ten years after buying my first mountain bike I switched to clipless,
last year. They do take a little getting used to but are definitely worth
climbing the learning curve. It's probably best to get used to them
somewhere other than out on the trail. Ride around and practice starting and
stopping. When I went offroad I fell a few times because I didn't unclip in
time, but it does become second nature. The best thing about them is the
extra power and the smooth power you can get, which helps get up hills where
I might normally spin out or going through mud, when I have to.

James


 




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