To Cleat or not to Cleat

[cwisking]

i can definitely see why some rate cleats and others not. i mean climbing cleats are a win. but it doesnt feel right on the technical stuffs. since i have gone back to normal pedals my times are better overall. i think thats because i can fly thru the gnarly stuff without caring about being cleated.

 

i do have some quality flatties on my bike, with the pins n all. so maybe methinks that once i have gained the confidence to ride the trails like slippery seal water, then i might give the cleats another chance...

[LeTurbo]

i have double-sided pedals. One side i can clip in; when it's too technical for my liking, i use the flat side. Works a charm for me.

 

I'm trying to picture this. How the heck do you muck around getting the side of the pedal you want?

 

Personally, I'm a no-cleats-ever-even-on-my-road-bike. But then, I am odd and always go against accepted "wisdom".

[divernick]

You know that feeling, when your cleat clips into the pedal with a resounding "clack"?

 

That's MY safety blanket. Makes me feel warm and fuzzy inside and then I feel ready to tackle any terrain. I use SPD's and can unclick in an instant if I need to (unless I have had to put a foot down in the mud, then the pedals don't wanna let go!)

[Captain Fastbastard Mayhem]

You know that feeling, when your cleat clips into the pedal with a resounding "clack"?

 

That's MY safety blanket. Makes me feel warm and fuzzy inside and then I feel ready to tackle any terrain. I use SPD's and can unclick in an instant if I need to (unless I have had to put a foot down in the mud, then the pedals don't wanna let go!)

 

My main gripe is having to clip back in if you've put a foot out. If you don't clip in in time, you can't attack the tech section properly and are DEFINITELY going to come off.

[Wil6]

It really depends on the type of riding you want to do.

 

I'm guessing it's mostly XC, so then yes... cleats.

 

But if you want to start pushing the envelope and try some light freeride/downhill or dirt jumping... then flat pedals with long pins, and good shoes are your best bet.

 

For me I find...

 

http://www.comparestoreprices.co.uk/images/fi/five-ten-baron-flat-bmx-mtb-shoes.jpg

Five Tens with Stealth Rubber

 

http://sumner.rittby.net/page33/files/plus-sign.png

 

http://www.sicklines.com/news-images/nukeproof_pedal1.jpg

A good set of alu flat bedals with long pins

 

http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/9/93/Equals_sign_in_mathematics.jpg/120px-Equals_sign_in_mathematics.jpg

 

Ultimate balance between control, comfort and being able to get a foot off when things get hairy

The best downhiller at this stage Danny hart uses cleats.Nough said

[Guest Omega Man]

The best downhiller at this stage Danny hart uses cleats.Nough said

Using that logic a Giant Glory is the best Downhill bike at the moment and Shwalbe Dirty Dan is the best tire.

 

I'm also going to counter that by saying the best downhiller at the moment is in fact Aaron Gwin.

[Wil6]

Using that logic a Giant Glory is the best Downhill bike at the moment and Shwalbe Dirty Dan is the best tire.

 

I'm also going to counter that by saying the best downhiller at the moment is in fact Aaron Gwin.

Fair enough,every man has his opinion...

[YUMEYA]

Use the one that you rock best.

If you ride better with cleats, ride cleats and the same for flats.

If you have the time to master both go for it, it will only make you a better rider.

Edited November 17, 2011 by YUMEYA

[patches]

The best downhiller at this stage Danny hart uses cleats.Nough said

 

Sam Hill (born 21 July 1985) in Viveash, WA, is an Australian professional downhill mountain biker. He was two time consecutive UCI World Downhill Champion during years 2006-2007 for Iron Horse racing team. .[1] He won the 2010 world championships in Mont Saint Anne, riding for the Monster Energy Specialized team on a Specialized Demo 8 II.[2] He also won the 2007 and 2009 UCI Elite Mens Downhill World Cup (Overall).

 

Rides flats...

 

nuff said

[patches]

Using that logic a Giant Glory is the best Downhill bike at the moment and Shwalbe Dirty Dan is the best tire.

 

I'm also going to counter that by saying the best downhiller at the moment is in fact Aaron Gwin.

 

With you on that one Omega...

 

Gwin was the man to beat this past season!

[Wil6]

Waars hy nou?

[patches]

Mr Hill even rides his road bike with flats

 

http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4153/4986800134_f795773cbb.jpg

[patches]

Waars hy nou?

 

Where is Rossi now?

 

Doesn't mean he's not one of the greatest athletes the sport has ever seen.

 

But yeah... Danny is awesome!

 

Although remember that not all of us ride like Danny, or Sam, Greg, Gwin or Peaty... and if someone is starting DH, I wouldn't recommend being clipped in.

 

EDIT: Oh, and I just checked my CRC shipping status and my new 5.10 Barons and Nuke Proof pedals should be here tomorrow... so whatever with clips!

Edited November 17, 2011 by patches

[Capricorn]

yep got the crankbros + minnaars, but for my xc setup. the stealth rubber is awesome on the pedal platform when searching for the clip as mayhem mentioned. On the descends, i clip out and ride that platform like Im on flats. Was once told i was nuts for doing that. I frowned

 

Dont think my DH bike will ever see clips though. Im just very comfy riding flats. 510s + straitlines ftw each time.

 

Patches:

Congrats on the barons + nukes. Sick combo

 

THIS... is the best of both worlds

 

http://www.ae7.com/components/com_virtuemart/shop_image/product/d392a3f559502acf7b1062bfdf957283.jpg

 

http://static.26bikes.com/GetFile/14002/4002_07.jpg

 

or

 

http://s.wiggle.co.uk/images/fiveten-minaar-11-zoom.jpg

 

With

 

http://cdn.mos.bikeradar.com/images/bikes-and-gear/components/pedals/WMB88.gt_1.mallet_prev-399-75.jpg

 

I think such a combo will be my next purchase and integration into the world of cleats

[Capricorn]

gwin might be the better rider at the moment but he's ultra dull. so glad danny smashed him and brought awesome back to DH, while Sam gets fit again that is..