Cleated or Uncleated

[Kwagga78]

Jeez, its a whole different culture out there, I'm actually curious to try flats again... I'm just wondering why I'm not seeing any at the races?

[patches]

Jeez, its a whole different culture out there, I'm actually curious to try flats again... I'm just wondering why I'm not seeing any at the races?

 

contrary to popular believe, not everyone that rides MTB races. Yeah, can you believe it... some people ride... just.for.fun!

 

 

But really, also remember that SA is XCM brainwashed, so those 'races' you speak of are probably marathons, stage races... or at most XCO. If you were to go to a DH or Enduro/Super-D race, chances are you'll be seeing some flats. Those races are less about pedla efficiency and energy conservation, and more on the technical side.

[Berg Man]

I had a similar problem, but don't like the 5 10's, too "pose(y) for my liking. So I bought some Scott Trail MTB shoes and Crankbrothers Mallet. That way I can unclip and pedal flat when I want to and stay clipped on the flats and open hills.

[Daft Vader]

I had a similar problem, but don't like the 5 10's, too "pose(y) for my liking. So I bought some Scott Trail MTB shoes and Crankbrothers Mallet. That way I can unclip and pedal flat when I want to and stay clipped on the flats and open hills.

 

That doesnt count as unclipped.

[Creme' Boulle']

Nice... those were one of my options for my cleated experiment.

 

I eventually went for these

 

http://www.pricepoint.com/images/styleImages/D_285%20FIVMF0.jpg

 

With these pedals

 

http://brimages.bikeboardmedia.netdna-cdn.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/03/crank-brothers-malet-pedal.jpg

 

Shoes haven't arrived yet. As for the pedals, after reading reviews I probably should have waited for the Mallet DH's or gone for the Time Freeride Z.

Quick question, do you ride in free ride shorts or cycling shorts.

[patches]

Quick question, do you ride in free ride shorts or cycling shorts.

 

hahaha! Despite what some may claim, I ride in baggies. I have proper DH kits, but I don't wear them unless I'm on the DH bike, wearing a fullface, neck brace, knee guards and all that jazz.

 

For most of my riding (trail, light freeride, and dirt jumping) I wear shorts and T-shirt. Whatever T-shirt I feel like that day. Shorts from Mr Price, Jay-Jays, skate shops, wherever.

 

I do own a lycra kit (team 360 Life ) but I was given it. I tried the bib once (under baggies) didn't like it.

[Creme' Boulle']

Quick question, do you ride in free ride shorts or cycling shorts.

Another question, do you not clip back in by mistake when you are not supposed to with these pedals, does the clip in part stick up above the pedal.

[Creme' Boulle']

Jeez, its a whole different culture out there, I'm actually curious to try flats again... I'm just wondering why I'm not seeing any at the races?

A trend has to start somewhere bud.

[patches]

Another question, do you not clip back in by mistake when you are not supposed to with these pedals, does the clip in part stick up above the pedal.

 

the "egg beater" in the centre does stick up a little past the platform, so clipping in by mistake could happen

[Guest Omega Man]

Speaking of flats, did anyone use bear traps on their BMX's when they were young?

Now those things could take a chunk out of your shin

You can still get similar pedals. Welgo make a bear trap and there's an outfit called Gusset that make the prosecutor pedal. Lethal looking things.

[Xerxes]

In my opinion...

if you ride for fun and enjoy trying out more technical then don't go with the cleats...

Who cares what the 'trend' is... trends come and go... and there will always be people

with something to snigger about...

 

As for specialised.... their bikes and clothing are all GREAT!...

[RockCoach]

I think I'm going to abide by the Brian Lopes school of thought:

Spend half the time in cleats and the other half in flats.

 

I come from a roadie racing background. Snigger all you want but MTBing hadn't invented back then. (and then it was kinda underground for a long time...). Anyway, that obviously meant that rock solid attachment to the bike with Look or Time cleats were the only options. I worked hard on pedalling efficiency - being able to apply smooth seamless power all the way around the pedal stroke.

 

So when I started MTBing it was a natural progression and easy for me to choose cleats. I do realise that every time the wheels left the ground I was enforcing bad technique. But I have started working on that even though most of my riding is still on cleated Mallets with Mavic Trail shoes.

 

I have recently been convinced that flat pedal and shoe technology is now up to scratch (excuse the pun). I have some Spank flats in mind and they will most likely be mated with some Five Tens for use half the time.

[Super_mil]

I've used cleats before but have been riding flats for the last year or two. I love riding flat pedals. That said I've just started on cleats again as I want to race DH in cleats. So my plan is cleats on practice and race days and flats on play days.

Best of both worlds

[RockCoach]

I've used cleats before but have been riding flats for the last year or two. I love riding flat pedals. That said I've just started on cleats again as I want to race DH in cleats. So my plan is cleats on practice and race days and flats on play days.

Best of both worlds

 

What platform pedals you going for Mr. Mil?

[Creme' Boulle']

 

Quick question, do you ride in free ride shorts or cycling shorts.

I like these pedals, nice and compact, does the egg beater section come out by any chance.

[RockCoach]

I like these pedals, nice and compact, does the egg beater section come out by any chance.

 

Do you mean removeable? Then no.

 

There are better pedals if you don't want to use cleats.