Just bought new MTB - few questions for those in the know

Duradrum · 24 Apr 2006 at 22:12

Hi, just got a Giant XTC SE:

I'm not sure about pedals though. I've been told the stock pedals are a bit pants and am looking at some new ones. I have a choice between flat ones and the slip ones. Are the ones that clip into shoes much better? I'm going to be mainly using the bike for road and a small bit of trail riding. Are the clip pedals suitable for off road? Can anyone recommend a decent set of pedals and maybe shoes at a budget of under £80? Or should I just go for a det of better flat pedals?

Thanks in advance

panthro · 24 Apr 2006 at 22:42

I would just put some DMR V8's (flatties) on there. Save you the money and hassle.

Cookie-Monster · 24 Apr 2006 at 22:52

I would disagree, for road and trail riding spd style pedals are well worth the extra, i've used clipped pedals on and off-road and it made a massive difference for me in pedalling efficiency, I found them very easy to adapt to, although perhaps get a combined pair that offer a platform and the ability to clip in as well.

Duradrum · 24 Apr 2006 at 22:53

Cookie-Monster said:
I would disagree, for road and trail riding spd style pedals are well worth the extra, i've used clipped pedals on and off-road and it made a massive difference for me in pedalling efficiency, I found them very easy to adapt to, although perhaps get a combined pair that offer a platform and the ability to clip in as well.

Are there any you could suggest? I really don't know what to look for.

Rednut05 · 24 Apr 2006 at 22:55

As said. You can get pedals which are flat on one side and then SPD on the other. So when on/off road you get the best efficiency as you are pulling the pedals up as well as pushing down. So you are gaining there. Then you have the flat side for when you need to be able to play about a bit more.

You can adjust how easy your foot can clip out of the pedal so you won't crash trying and end up in hospital.

Cookie-Monster · 24 Apr 2006 at 23:11

perhaps something like these

TIme Freeride pedals, Double sided step in pedals with a body cage to give a platform when you cant clip in or if you cant 'find' the clip when you need it
£39.99

or the shimano M424 £29.99

personally i like the time pedals and the way they clip in and out but its down to personal preference.

and for shoes perhaps

661 experts (£34.99)

Duradrum · 25 Apr 2006 at 17:42

Cheers for the help guys

Jonny ///M · 25 Apr 2006 at 18:29

I dunno,i wouldnt go with clip in pedals but as has been said its personal preferance.

My V8's have did well AND took chunks out my legs

with the right shoes flats are fine. I just prefer how easy it is just to take my foot of the pedal when i need to. Like flying round a corner flat out and the bike slides a bit...get the leg out and correct it. Dunno if i could get out quick enough with the spd's.....will try then one day though.

Cookie-Monster · 25 Apr 2006 at 22:04

but looking at what the op outlined as his main use for the bike, road and some trail use the difference in pedalling efficiency will make a massive improvement in speed and endurance,

but as you say its personal preference, took me a lot of getting used to on my giant team nrs, but now as long as i actually miss the tree i can get my foot out quickly enough

i spent a lot longer getting used to the single sided road shoes i have.

georges · 25 Apr 2006 at 22:58

At that price they're kind of tempting..

Might just look for some flat ones as my GT ones are quite poor and I'm not sure if I can be bothered to adjust to clips

Jonny ///M · 26 Apr 2006 at 12:27

Worth a try trying them out. I just have memories of an olf mate doing off a wee hill/drop and doing a front flip with his feet still in the pedals,that was the toe clip ones like in the OP's pic........a could stop laughing but how he did it i do not know.

#Chri5# · 26 Apr 2006 at 13:41

I've ridden with SPDs on and off road for a couple of years now.

Have to say that when off-road, I just don't feel in control of the bike if I'm not clipped in.

I'd recommend finding somewhere soft for the first couple of rides with SPDs and practise unclipping for stopping at road junctions and the like. On one of my first rides, I'd unclipped one foot but then over-balanced to my still clipped in side and went down like a sack of spuds in the middle of the road :rolleyes:

NickK · 26 Apr 2006 at 23:01

#Chri5# said:
I've ridden with SPDs on and off road for a couple of years now.

Have to say that when off-road, I just don't feel in control of the bike if I'm not clipped in.

I'd recommend finding somewhere soft for the first couple of rides with SPDs and practise unclipping for stopping at road junctions and the like. On one of my first rides, I'd unclipped one foot but then over-balanced to my still clipped in side and went down like a sack of spuds in the middle of the road

A mate's gf has just got SPDs - I told her of my trials with SPDs... so I help slack them off and she's doing well with them.
I made the mistake of attempting to get used to them with the factory tightness

Oakesy2001uk · 27 Apr 2006 at 11:15

I have just bourght that exact bike! its great!
I had DMR v8's put on mine. Got the bike on sale for £375 then they decided to forget to charge me for the pedals! result!. The V8's are very grippy and perfect if you dont want SPD's.