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Newbie going Clipless - SPD with platform or not ?
Hi All,
Thought I would try using SPD pedals rather than platforms (have too many scars due to slipoffs etc) and wondered whether I should go for SPDs with cage/platform or not ? Havent used clipless before.
Mainly ride Manly Dam.
Any advice would be appreciated.
Thanks
Doug
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That's what a lot of people (including myself) start with. While learning you can still set off an start to pedal before you are clipped in properly.
Just starting out myself, completed my 3rd ride and loving it. Platforms defiantly help, they allow you to still pedal while trying to clip in.
What brand.model pedals are you using ?
http://shimano.com.au/publish/content/global_cyc...
I started out with those too. Can't go wrong really. The next one up has a metal cage so it lasts longer after getting smashed on rocks.
If you are an experienced rider otherwise, I don't reckon you need to bother with the platform / clipless pedals. Just go clipless without a cage.
I am relatively inexperienced and find some of the drops at Manly Dam challenging. Thought I would clip out and ride on the platforms for those "scary" places.
Crank Bros Mallet pedals are a good option as well. I have a set, but mostly unused as I am happy with minimal platforms.
no cage, your first 2 laps might be a little sketchy, but after that you wont look back. you can adjust the ammount of force you need to clip out, just run with them pretty loose until you get more confidence. my wife recently did it, and her skills improved out of sight in no time at all, now i cant keep up with her!
Just go straight for the clips, it's amazing how a couple of falls with clip ins will make sure that the next time you try that ledge or tricky climb you do it with that extra bit of ZIP to make sure you don't fall + it's a great confidence booster when you get through it without a fall .......... just make sure those suckers are loose so you can get your feet out quick
My heart leans towards no platform but my body likes the idea of insurance. How are Shimano SPDs on loose setting ? Easy to bail for a first timer ?
I am currently doing the exact same thing as you are. I've ridden clipless on road for years, and have no issue with the concept of it, but I never have the need to clip out suddenly or unexpectedly on road. On the trail is a different matter.
I went the M424 but also get the Shimano SH-56 cleats as they allow you to clip out by rolling foot off pedal as well as twisting. Now, those guys who've been using no caged clipsless for a while will all say just ride / fall off and you'll soon get the hang of it, but that doesn't help if your a little nervous.
I tried my non caged Shimao clipless pedals to start with and did not like the feeling compared to the M424 and the reason is that the M424 is the only Shimano pedal you can fully release the tension on. All the others have a bolt that you can adjust quite a bit, but the 424 has a screw that you can back off even further, offering the most amount of variation in retention. It's pretty easy to get the sweet spot while you start where it will hold you in but release with any movement slightly more than normal. As you progress, tighten it up, etc etc. Eventually, whenever it is you will feel ready to ditch the cages and away you go.
I went straight to clip ins had heaps off falls, then I went to the 424 platforms everyone is talking about, got them off ebay really cheap used , now they are on my Hybrid trainer bike & have gone back to my other ones . The settings on low are ok just have to be confident about getting out ready for that up you aren't sure about & keep pedalling clipped out we all have a few falls but makes the pedalling so much better
loosen them up, then go to a nice grassy park and practice your track stands, when you lose your balance you will get used to getting your feet out, eventually it will become second nature, you wont even have to think about it.
you can even have a mate there to catch you the first couple of times.
If you want a cage around the pedal these are the best shimano offer if your doing some tech riding.
http://shimano.com.au/publish/content/global_cyc...
Alot of people run the DX for downhill racing myself included. They are strong, very strong. I get well over two years of riding and racing out of a set and that included 4 weeks in whistler and silverstar. The also offer far superior mud clearance.
Dont worry about the plastic cage around them. They are tough as. No need to go to the metal cage as the DX isnt even offered with metal.
Went for M545s with the metal cage with SH56 cleats. Tried setting them up today but they need some more adjustment before I give them a practice run.
Thanks for all your advice.
Time Z Freeride pedals is what I used from day one of me going clipless.
My research found out that a large majority of downhill/freeride guys used them so I went for it and love them.
I have Time on both my bikes.
The Z platform is good for begineres and also give you something to stand on when you use your bike with joggers riding with the kids.
Time pedals don't EVER clog up with mud, something Shimano are renown for!
http://www.chainreactioncycles.com/Models.aspx?M...
Good luck on your quest
Pikey