Choosing new pedals

[Cogratchet]

I've been riding a lot of more aggressive terrain recently and I'm starting to realize that the platforms that I'm used to riding just aren't cutting it. (I'll brb, I need another ice pack for my shin.) Clipless seems like it's the way to go, but when I look at the selection of clipless pedals out there I find myself giving the online catalogs a blank stare. What do I need to look at to decide what type of pedal I need?

[rockyrider]

First question to ask... Do you want to commit to being clipped in 99% of the time or do you want to be able to clip out and still be able to ride clipped out?

If you are committed to being clipped in all the time then Time ATAC (http://www.universalcycles.com/shopping/product_details.php?id=21251&category=397) or Eggbeater SL's (http://www.universalcycles.com/shopping/product_details.php?id=10869&category=386) are a good choice for giving you some knee saving float but still being able to bail easily when you need to, and they have a minimal platform and minimal weight, and good mud clearance.

If you have commitment issues then the Time ATAC Z (http://www.universalcycles.com/shopping/product_details.php?id=716&category=397) or Crank Brothers Mallets (http://www.universalcycles.com/shopping/product_details.php?id=10913&category=386) are a good choice, big enough platform to be stable when clipped out, and the same mechanism that allows some float and a fairly easy bail when needed.

[JerodH]

Clipless is the only way to ride! If you have a good LBS available they will be able to help you narrow it down for you as well as hook you up with good shoes. I got platformed ones with clips on both sides. You can get one sided clipless. You may end up having to spin the pedal around every time you want to lock in. Its all about preference. The pros to having platforms is you can unlock and still ride if you are worried about falling off.

[davkatreb]

Mallets. First clipless pedals I ever owned. They're on the fixie right now. Bonus: You can (sorta) ride them in regular shoes.

[mimbresman]

Shimano...I've had Shimano clipless since their first generation. I've just stuck with them. Mainly because I use the same pair of shoes for mtn biking and road biking and over the years put my "newest" old pedals on my road bike...

I have the PD-M520 (affordable pedals(about $40)...and bomber...I bought these locally in VE) on my geared bike. I have the Shimano XTR offroad pedal, PD-M959 on my single speed (very expensive...lighter, bomber).

There are platform versions as well, but I've not used those.

IMO Clipless pedals are one of the best innovations in cycling...ever!

[bitterfish26]

as far as clippless goes it also depends on what type of riding your doing (when you specified aggressive terrain) you wont want an eggbeater for DH and you wouldnt want a mallet for XC (although the mallet is pretty versatile) i have a set of pedal that are just like the mallet for all around riding they are the VP-133 clipless pedals (they are for sale) but they are exactly what i was looking for in my first clipless pedal

[althegud1srtakn]

time atac pedals are the best in my opinion. i like them a lot better than the crank bros even, they just feel better to me going in and out. also knowing they won't open when bashed into a rock is comforting (the crank bros can because it's an x, when it squishes it opens, but this is rare enough that i wouldn't even factor it into your decision.

i've wanted to try the new look quartz pedals. they look like they'd be really good, but i havn't been able to get my hands on a pair to try them out yet.

i bought some time atac z pedals thinking they'd be good in regular shoes too, but i don't think they are. they're just really heavy, slippery with regular shoes, and the extra large platform makes them a bit tricker to get into with the cleats. if you're determined to try out a pair anyways i'll sell you mine for cheap

[althegud1srtakn]

I agree. I have had a pair of atacs for almost ten years. They are virtually indestructible, I smack them on rocks all the time. The same goes for their cleats, I'm on my second set in that amount of time and they get a fair amount of use.

The CB's are on the right track and you can get a set of smarties for half the price of the times but they won't be as durable, nor will their cleats.

i've heard the same about the pedals, but the opposite about the cleats. time uses brass, which is smoother in operation, but wears faster than steel which some companies use. if i'm not mistaken crank bros use steel, which should last longer. i replace the cleats on either my sandals or my shoes about once a season, but i think this is due to me useing them on my commuter, mountain bike, and cross bike, and walking around in them a good bit. everyone else seems to have cleats and shoes last a lot longer than me:confused:

[Hand/of/Midas]

well after having egg beaters and time pedals i sold my times and bought 3 more sets of egg beaters for all my bikes. ive never had a single problem,and i can get in and out faster than........i dont know, something thats really quick.

[rockyrider]

The 100+gm weight saving is what sold me on the Eggbeaters over Time ATAC's. I ran ATAC pedals on my bikes for several years and then tried the 'beaters and found them just as easy to use, and just as easy to ride despite the minimalist quality. At the time the SL's were cheaper than the ATAC's too. Now I have gone snobbish and am using the 2Ti 'beaters on the light XC bikes, and the SL's on the all mountain bikes and SS.

[bomberbarnes]

I ride time ATAC clipless. They shed mud, have decent float and the bearings last. My last pair of yellow ATACS lasted 7 years.

Loads of guys in my club ride eggbeaters (similar design to time) and there have been several complaints about bearing longevity. This could just be grumbly bikers though....

I originally moved to time because SPDs didn't shed mud too well, although I gather that they've solved that issue in later generations.

Also, don't dismiss the magic of a good pair of flatties. I run 50/50s on my HT when I'm doing stuff that I'm not so confident of using clipless on (DH and spakking at the park and that). The missus has been using flatties aswell due to a foot injury and was complaing about slipping feet. I swapped out her supermarket wellgos for my 50/50s and she couldn't believe the difference. I had told her not to spend 12 dollars an a pair of pedals, but it still seems to be my fault *sigh* ;)

In conclusion;

Times are my fave. Go for entry levels or the bigger flattie version.
Quality flatties and the right shoes are also excellent. I'd go with 551 five-ten flattie shoes with the stealth rubber soles (made of science and some majik) and a quality set of flatties. Bearing concerns aside, Crank Bros 50/50s have served me well.

[davkatreb]

Not to go OT, but have any of yinz ever used Powergrips?

[plume_mtb]

Shimano makes the best pedals.

Power grips seem like a good idea for a commuter Dave.

[davkatreb]

Shimano makes the best pedals.

Power grips seem like a good idea for a commuter Dave.
Yeah, that's sorta where I was heading. The Crosscheck is already pretty Fred, but I just KNOW I could make it Fredder.:D

[wigger thomas]

IMO Time are the best. I ran eggbeater types for about 2 years and they broke a lot. Time are bomb proof. The old style's on sale @ Jenson for like 50.00 if you want to try them. The 100.00 are light and bombproof.

Shimanos are a good design and also durable but I'd give the edge to Time for mud clearance. Honestly haven't ridden shimano in at least 5 years but I cansay they never broke when I used to run them.

[bitterfish26]

Yeah, that's sorta where I was heading. The Crosscheck is already pretty Fred, but I just KNOW I could make it Fredder.:D


(off topic)

isint a fred someone who spends alot of money on their stuff but sucks at riding ? (if so im one of thoes people)

[fudgedit]

Not to go OT, but have any of yinz ever used Powergrips?

I love Powergrips and a good platform pedal and still occasionally ride with them off-road. They however are not as efficient as clipless for any sort of riding. I would always use my clipless first. I ride shimano off road and wellgo on road. I have been happy with both. I am not a speed freak or a freerider though.

[WVMTNBIKER]

I have Time's ATAC Carbon clipless on my Specialized and I really do like them. They have good float, easy in and out, and are holding up well.:) I got mine off Ebay brand new in box for 85 bucks, which is about half of retail. Just got lucky I guess.:D See if your LBS will let you try a set on a trainer etc and see how you like 'em. I trust that you will. Good luck.:cool:

[FatMan]

Shimano...I've had Shimano clipless since their first generation. I've just stuck with them. Mainly because I use the same pair of shoes for mtn biking and road biking and over the years put my "newest" old pedals on my road bike...

I have the PD-M520 (affordable pedals(about $40)...and bomber...I bought these locally in VE) on my geared bike. I have the Shimano XTR offroad pedal, PD-M959 on my single speed (very expensive...lighter, bomber).

There are platform versions as well, but I've not used those.

IMO Clipless pedals are one of the best innovations in cycling...ever!

I ride these same pedals.... they were my first set. I was chicken soup until I got on and rode with them. WHAT A DIFFERENCE! major difference in efficiency. Clipless, no matter what brand you decide to try if far and away a good decision.

[FatMan]

Shimano...I've had Shimano clipless since their first generation. I've just stuck with them. Mainly because I use the same pair of shoes for mtn biking and road biking and over the years put my "newest" old pedals on my road bike...

I have the PD-M520 (affordable pedals(about $40)...and bomber...I bought these locally in VE) on my geared bike. I have the Shimano XTR offroad pedal, PD-M959 on my single speed (very expensive...lighter, bomber).

There are platform versions as well, but I've not used those.

IMO Clipless pedals are one of the best innovations in cycling...ever!

I ride these same pedals.... myt first set. I was chicken soup until I got on and rode with them. WHAT A DIFFERENCE! major difference in efficiency. Clipless, no matter what brand you decide to try is far and away a good decision.