Need help

[JXV]

As for your dig around flat pedal proponents and what we (I) suggest for where, notice I have kept to an alarmingly simple concept - FLATS WHILST LEARNING, THEREAFTER IT MAKES NO DIFFERENCE.

 

I'm not saying "flats are better for everything" - I'm saying that flats are better for beginners who have little to no experience in technical skill and ability. Once they've built up a modicum of skill, THEN they should decide whether they want to move over to cleats, or stay on flats.

Myles your multiple previous posts extolling the virtues of flats over cleats were all somewhat more biased than you make out in the summary above. Reality is that the majority of regular mtb riders are on cleats. Flats are becoming more popular for the more technical styles of riding especially since designs have improved in recent years.

 

I actually agree with your latest summary except that the cheap plastic get-me-out-the-shop pedals are good enough for the first few rides ( if the bike is supplied with them). A total beginner needs to worry more about basics like learning how to change gears correctly, brake safely and get a feel for the limits of tyre grip....pedals are not the priority right now unless the OP's new bike doesn't have any and then I would agree, start on flats until feeling confident with bike handling.

 

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[Captain Fastbastard Mayhem]

Anyway Okes, We have the clipless gang vs the flats gang.

We differ in opinion from each other. And we agrue our points passionately.

Makes life interesting.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

And clipless is better

Nah, see - I'm not "in the flats gang"

 

I say flats for beginners, and once you have the skills IDGAF. 

[Captain Fastbastard Mayhem]

Myles your multiple previous posts extolling the virtues of flats over cleats were all somewhat more biased than you make out in the summary above. Reality is that the majority of regular mtb riders are on cleats. Flats are becoming more popular for the more technical styles of riding especially since designs have improved in recent years.

 

I actually agree with your latest summary except that the cheap plastic get-me-out-the-shop pedals are good enough for the first few rides ( if the bike is supplied with them). A total beginner needs to worry more about basics like learning how to change gears correctly, brake safely and get a feel for the limits of tyre grip....pedals are not the priority right now unless the OP's new bike doesn't have any and then I would agree, start on flats until feeling confident with bike handling.

 

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Was I, though? There's a common theme, and perhaps I was being particularly opinionated on it purely because so many other people just recommend cleats off the bat using flawed reasoning. 

 

I was being frank, and yes putting my opinion across in a way that may have appeared biased but only maybe to the person extolling cleats as a permanent fixture "because they're better"

 

I was saying that that is nonsense, and most of the perceived benefits are mythical in nature. The common theme has always been flats for beginners, once you have a platform of skills, then choose whether you want cleats or stay on flats. I've never once said everyone should stay on flats. 

[JXV]

Was I, though? There's a common theme, and perhaps I was being particularly opinionated on it purely because so many other people just recommend cleats off the bat using flawed reasoning.

 

I was being frank, and yes putting my opinion across in a way that may have appeared biased but only maybe to the person extolling cleats as a permanent fixture "because they're better"

 

I was saying that that is nonsense, and most of the perceived benefits are mythical in nature. The common theme has always been flats for beginners, once you have a platform of skills, then choose whether you want cleats or stay on flats. I've never once said everyone should stay on flats.

Fair enough. I am just trying to balance the debate, not win it [emoji6]

 

There are pros and cons to both and it really is down to personal preference. No wrong answer here.

 

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[Showtime]

To the OP first tell us what riding you enjoy. Being connected to the bike in the air and perfoming perfect bunny hops is not a right of passage to be a mountain biker. Thousands of people enjoy just covering distance and being outside as well. Basically stick to what you are comfortable with and have fun.

 

It could be that flat pedals would suit you and it could also be that clip in pedals suit you.

[V12man]

All teh power / pedal stroke / efficiency arguments are a smokescreen. They have no basis in fact.

They have plenty of basis in fact - but not really when soft or standard pedaling - let  me put a power meter on your bike and lets do a proper test, and you will see that at high power levels cleats are easier to create more power with - like at 1000+ watts and lowish cadence.

 

But for the OP - why has NOBODY told you to go on a proper beginners skills course first, and then worry about pedals afterwards - the stock (junk) pedals will be just fine for  a basic skills session or two, and then you can decide where to next, pedal/shoe wise.

 

But - pedals - stick to Shimano, shoes - depends on if you choose flats or clipless - flats, then find ones that are comfortable and fit and are cycling specific (this is a major pita for me) - for clipless - SIdi.... nothing else...

[eddy]

 - for clipless - SIdi.... nothing else...

 

 

If you have narrow little Italian shaped feet.

 

If you have boere k@ktrappers, look for something a bit wider and get something that fits your feet.

[V12man]

If you have narrow little Italian shaped feet.

 

If you have boere k@ktrappers, look for something a bit wider and get something that fits your feet.

They have a last for fat feet.... called mega....

 

http://www.sidi.com/en/products/cycling/shoes/mtb-mega/mtb-dragon-4

[eddy]

They have a last for fat feet.... called mega....

 

http://www.sidi.com/en/products/cycling/shoes/mtb-mega/mtb-dragon-4

 

Well there you go !

 

Consider me schooled.

 

 

Are they available in SA ?

[V12man]

Well there you go !

 

Consider me schooled.

 

 

Are they available in SA ?

Yes - although half sizes seem to be a problem, but definitely worth test fitting before buying.

 

http://www.sidionline.co.za/mtb/sidi-dragon-4/sidi-dragon-4-mega-black-black/

[Meezo]

no flats, use stans!

[Vetseun]

If you have narrow little Italian shaped feet.

 

If you have boere k@ktrappers, look for something a bit wider and get something that fits your feet.

I buy my Sidis one size bigger that my normal shoe size.

Then they fit lekker.

[Vetseun]

They have a last for fat feet.... called mega....

 

http://www.sidi.com/en/products/cycling/shoes/mtb-mega/mtb-dragon-4

Best shoes evvva

[AlanD]

Many years ago when is started MTB i started with flat pedals and takkies just becausr the bike came with the flat pedals and i didnt know anything else.

 

Wnet riding with a group of buddies who all had cleats and soon was convinced this is the way to go, so off i went and "invested" in cleated shoes and pedals.

 

It was terrible the first couple rides as i forgot to clip out and fell ALOT. That feeling of being stuck to the bike was not lekker and everytime i crashed the bike was still attached to me and it hurt alot. Eventually i just got used to it and learnt to clip out in time bit not all the time. I rode like this for many years as it was the "standard".

 

A good few moths ago i wanted to experiment amd read a good few articles on the net about flat pedals and all the comments from hubbers.

 

I decided to give the flats a go again amd pulled out the old flat, worn mongoose pedals and bought some flat soled skater shoes and off i went. It was not the most pleasant experience as i felt disconnected from the bike and it was tough going as my feet kept slipping so i stuck it put and invested in some beautiful flat saint pedals. It was so much better and felt my feet more planted and stable.

 

I have now learnt to ride with the flats (still alot to learn though) and truly loving them at the moment. I really feel more confident as i can easily put a foot out in a sticky situation, position my foot where i want it and when i get it badly wrong i can tuck and roll....lol

 

I dont think i will ever go back to cleats as i am really enjoying being on flats. The problem is that shoes and pedals are costly and its hard to have both so you generally have to pick one and go for it but persevere which ever you choose and once you have ridden for a good while and have more knowledge on the sport then you can start experimenting with both options and then decide what you like best. Would be nice nice find cheap second stuff to start off as then you wont loose too much.

 

Thats just my experience i wanted to share with you.

[Slapsock]

I had flat pedals once...

[Headshot]

I had flat pedals once...

Shame man - what happened to them?