Gear for Enduro 2.0

[Captain Fastbastard Mayhem]

 

 

I want to explore an option which I have not, mainly because it involves investing namely, a platform type DH/Enduro style SPD pedal with sneaker type flat soles around the SPD. Do these style of setups offer a good enough connection when not clipped back in that one can hit the next section confidently, without being clipped in? 

TL;DR version: Maybe, but likely inbetween uncaged and flat, nowhere near enough as flat but certainly more than being uncleated on a 520, for example. 

 

IMO - sorta. Unless you're running something with pins like the Mallett EN / DH options, the Funn Mamba or the new Shimano SAINT (all seen below) the normal "caged" pedals like the Shimano M647 DX pedals (last ones) don't provide enough mechanical grip to mirror a proper flat pedal, and are just there to provide more support in rougher situations, so that not only the cleat interface is contacting the pedal and causing the rest of the shoe to deform. 

 

Add that to the fact that the cleat and pedal will have a metal-on-metal interface, which doesn't offer any grip at all, and I'd say that a clipless pedal, even those with a cage on, wouldn't offer nearly the same amount of grip as you'd get from a flat pedal OR a clipless pedal, when not clipped in. The pinned varieties would definitely offer more grip, if you had a 5-10 or equivalent flat-soled clipless shoe, but to what extent that grip would exceed the DX pedals, I'm not sure. 

 

I suppose it'd allow you to stomp back on the pedals with your mid-foot, until you get to a place that you can clip back in, but again I'm not sure how much grip that'd offer. Probably somewhere in the middle, IF you extend the pins out far enough. But if your cleat was touching the metal of the pedal itself, I'd say they'd offer almost no grip as you'd be resting metal on metal and the flex of the shoe may not be high enough to make contact with the pins. But then again, if you're on top of the mechanism, you're likely to clip straight back in... 

 

 

Edited January 28, 2019 by Captain Fatbastard Mayhem

[Rigardt@Scott]

Guys I have another first world problem.. Talk to me about Pedals.

 

I still Ride good ol XT SPD's which serves me 100% 98% of the time. I have been thinking about Flats for a while with the focus on carrying more speed through corners since carrying speed is pretty much what Enduro is all about. I just find it nearly impossible to flatbox it around a loose flat corner without hovering my inside foot in-case I lose traction. On smooth hardpack getting my foot clipped back in is no problem, but In a rocky technical situation, getting the foot clipped in again often costs me the second or two I made up by clipping out in the first place.

I use to Dirt jump with Flats for like 10 years and I have no problem with using them, however, I am not interested in going full flat pedal. So please lets not argue these points If it offends you, keep it to yourself.. If Flat pedals work for you. Its fine.

 

I want to explore an option which I have not, mainly because it involves investing namely, a platform type DH/Enduro style SPD pedal with sneaker type flat soles around the SPD. Do these style of setups offer a good enough connection when not clipped back in that one can hit the next section confidently, without being clipped in?

Short answer yes...

 

BUT, not on XT pedals. Something like a 5.10 Kestrel or Maltese falcon offers good grip when not clipped in on something like a Crankbros Mallet pedals - the added pins offer nice grip, and the platform is a bit bigger than an XT, as well as being flat.

 

In my experience an XT trail pedal only offers protection for the pedal body against rock strikes, it does nothing as a platform to stand on.

 

Also something to consider, a 5.10 Maltese Falcon (this may apply to other models too but I only have experience with the Maltese), does not make contact at all with the sides of the pedal body of a Shimano pedal. This means the only contact point is the cleat which causes numbness on your feet - in my opinion it'a not compatible with Shimano pedals at all.

 

Something like a Spaz 2FO may not have that problem, but what I said about the XT pedal not providing any sort of platform to stand on would still apply.

 

So yeah, I think a worthy experiment if you have the cash. My money would be spent on Cranbros Mallet DH pedals and 5.10 Kestrels...

Edited January 28, 2019 by Grease_Monkey

[PhilipV]

Guys I have another first world problem.. Talk to me about Pedals.

Snip Snip

I?

Yours truly riding clipped out using shimano m530s with specialized rhyme shoes. On a rather rocky bit.

 

[Christofison]

Yours truly riding clipped out using shimano m530s with specialized rhyme shoes. On a rather rocky bit.

 

And hence that look of fear in your face, haha. I know because I have 530's too.

[PhilipV]

And hence that look of fear in your face, haha. I know because I have 530's too.

You just need rubber soled shoes and to drop your heels.

It helps if you know how to ride with flats and not rely on the clippies to keep your feet on the pedals.

[Bos]

You just need rubber soled shoes and to drop your heels.

It helps if you know how to ride with flats and not rely on the clippies to keep your feet on the pedals.

 

Ya but no.. haha Hanging on for dear life is one thing but In all fairness, Its not Ideal. 

I need new pedals, however I suspect, as you said, my shoes might be the biggest problem. (hard plastic soles)

[Captain Fastbastard Mayhem]

Ya but no.. haha Hanging on for dear life is one thing but In all fairness, Its not Ideal. 

I need new pedals, however I suspect, as you said, my shoes might be the biggest problem. (hard plastic soles)

Indeed they are. Those things have anti-grip. 

[Christofison]

You just need rubber soled shoes and to drop your heels.

It helps if you know how to ride with flats and not rely on the clippies to keep your feet on the pedals.

Still pretty treacherous, especially if it's a bit damp out. And you need a shoe that has some flex, or it feels like you're standing on an M520/540.

[Bos]

Thanks for all the replies guys. 

 

Some good points made here. I see even the Shimano saints' pins don't come close to the shoes' sole. I see the Mallet DH's scores with most tests, however, I could never come to grips with Crank bros system. Didn't like the vague float area between being clipped and clipped. But I think Moving away from typical XC shoes might be half the battle won. Those soles are nylon. Not made to grip on anything. They kill your feet walking in Enduro's anyway, so I definitely need some. 

 

As far as pedals goes.. The concept of clips with a cage is a bit of a paradox I guess. If the pins came in contact with the sole before you're clipped, It will hinder the clipping action, If the clip was proud of the cage, it favors the clip but isn't Ideal for the flat pedal part. However, I'm pretty sure it will be a good departure from my current setup. 

Some Pedal options on CRC..

 Pity I didst have the time to go shopping in the UK, I was there last week but had zero spare time and got my hotel confirmation so late I couldn't even have stuff delivered to the hotel. 

What am I in for for Shoes in SA? 

 

Here's come CRC options around R700 bucks. 

The difference being the SPD clip on the Fire eye (TOP) has a fixed clip part while the Funn pedal at the bottom has a rotating spring, so the lead edge of the clip stands more proud. comments?

[PhilipV]

Ya but no.. haha Hanging on for dear life is one thing but In all fairness, Its not Ideal.

I need new pedals, however I suspect, as you said, my shoes might be the biggest problem. (hard plastic soles)

Ag wat is 'n bietjie yskaats nou tussen vriende?

[Eddy Gordo]

https://www.pinkbike.com/news/review-michelin-wild-enduro-tires.html

[Capricorn]

yesterday I noticed these  in the recent SS 2019 Fox MTB clothing release vid. Fox playing coy with me by saying it's 'maybe something new'. Not even Vital or PB noticed it until i pointed it out. #first #onlycountsifyouactuallypostedacomment 

 

 

 

[Eddy Gordo]

 Have you ever wondered if your tires are staying at the set pressure through the day? Wonder no more

 

 

This is great, wonder what the pricing will be like

Edited February 20, 2019 by Eddy Gordo

[Eddy Gordo]

Damn, over 2k, might as  well buy the motorbike or car version 

[Eddy Gordo]

SPEEDWAY /// Carbon

[Eddy Gordo]

RIDGELINE /// Aluminum