MTB shoes. Looking for advice please.

[Captain Fastbastard Mayhem]

Get hold of Peach. He runs a skills clinic in your 'hood (And other 'hoods). From the feedback, it sounds like a worthwhile investment 

This. This x 1000

[popcorn_skollie]

http://www.traemcneely.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/09/wpid-000033651.jpg

 

What this thread feels like right now. 

[Captain Fastbastard Mayhem]

http://www.traemcneely.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/09/wpid-000033651.jpg

 

What this thread feels like right now. 

and here's me in the back

 

http://cdn4.miragestudio7.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/03/ancient-aliens-guy.jpg

[Red Robin]

Thank you so much for the time taken to give the valuable info and feedback  and yes I will most certainly be arranging to attend a beginners skills clinic.

[dev null]

Fear of victimisation by Myles has led me to withhold my comment. 

[Captain Fastbastard Mayhem]

Fear of victimisation by Myles has led me to withhold my comment. 

come on, man...

[Red Robin]

http://www.traemcneely.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/09/wpid-000033651.jpg

 

What this thread feels like right now. 

 

Ha ha I was always more academic than even remotely athletic...

[dirtypot]

I agree with everything that Myles has said, but in the same breath, I was a kid cycling around on flats, doing bunny hops, jumps, drops offs, etc way before I became a 'mountain biker' so I've essentially learned all of these skills already.

When I got into MTB and got cleats I did obviously fall over initially when I couldn't get my foot out on some technical sections that I didn't have the skill for, but even with that it was a vast improvement overall.  My feet weren't getting knocked off the pedals in rough sections (as they had been previously) and I felt significantly more connected to the bike.  Also, when things are wildly out of control its nice to know that you don't need to worry about your feet and the pedals losing contact with one another - you can just focus on getting the wheels inline and staying upright.  

 

Don't get me wrong, flats have their place (DH and enduro for example I don't think that being connected to your bike is a great idea) but it shouldn't be a blanket statement of "get flats" or "you must get cleats".  Even if you're only starting out in proper MTB now, it doesn't necessarily mean that you have no skills.  

[Captain Fastbastard Mayhem]

I agree with everything that Myles has said, but in the same breath, I was a kid cycling around on flats, doing bunny hops, jumps, drops offs, etc way before I became a 'mountain biker' so I've essentially learned all of these skills already.

 

 

Even if you're only starting out in proper MTB now, it doesn't necessarily mean that you have no skills.

Kinda proved my point...

 

You started off on flats. Progressed to cleats with a base of good technique already in the bag.

 

You didn't "start on cleats"

[Nox]

Interesting post and thanks for asking about the shoes. I now also know what shoes to look at.

 

Every single person ive  spoken to..basically asked "do you have cleats?" Me: No not yet.. "You have to get cleats bro." "you wont keep up without cleats" or something like that. 

 

For me...not getting them yet. Im not the guy to say "I'll never get them"...but no way in hell I can feel it right now or get the benefits from them right now either I reckon.

[Andrew Steer]

I'd still go for for a mix of both... especially in Gauteng

 

We don't have a lot in the way of technical riding and odds are Red Robin will end up riding Trailseekers and the like. For every Hakahana enduro rider in Gauteng there are 50 Trailseeker riders - we just don't have much in the way of technical trails/parks/races, and the culture is very different to that in the Cape.

 

Clipping in also far nicer for spinning/cadence classes etc and of course the odd road race.

 

Get an allrounder - you don't want to have order regret on a R2000 purchase 6months down the line.

 

My 2cents 

[Vetseun]

The way I see it.

Flats are for riders with zero skills.

Thats why a Makro bike doesnt have clipless pedals, its for beginers and riders without skills.

My one friend couldnt even finish the Argus, a flippen funride. I am convinced that it is because he rides flats. He cant generate any power.

[Andrew Steer]

Thank you so much for the time taken to give the valuable info and feedback  and yes I will most certainly be arranging to attend a beginners skills clinic.

 

Skills clinic is definitely a good idea... bike setup is also pretty crucial. Even if you can't afford a professional one, do some reading up on it - that along with a good saddle will go a long way towards making you comfortable on the bike... and thus enjoying it all more   

 

Good luck

[dirtypot]

Kinda proved my point...

 

You started off on flats. Progressed to cleats with a base of good technique already in the bag.

 

You didn't "start on cleats"

 

My point was more along the lines of everyone saying "get flats" when someone says that they're a beginner.  It shouldn't be a one size fits all recommendation. 

[Captain Fastbastard Mayhem]

The way I see it.

Flats are for riders with zero skills.

Thats why a Makro bike doesnt have clipless pedals, its for beginers and riders without skills.

My one friend couldnt even finish the Argus, a flippen funride. I am convinced that it is because he rides flats. He cant generate any power.

Lol. Tell that to Sam Hill who is currently getting top positions on the EWS....

[Captain Fastbastard Mayhem]

My point was more along the lines of everyone saying "get flats" when someone says that they're a beginner. It shouldn't be a one size fits all recommendation.

.which is exactly what the cleats okes are saying. But yes. If you're not a rank beginner, then agreed. As long as you have a base to build on. You don't build a house without laying the foundations first. Your time on bmx on flats was that foundation.