Thinking of switching back to platform

[arcitek]

Hello, just joined the forum as a new member.

I have been on several forums and researching the pros and cons of platform versus clipped pedals. I switched to clipped pedals about 3 years ago and I have never really grown confident with them in highly technical rock infested runs. When I used to race XC many years ago, I used platform but then added power straps. It seemed that when I needed to bail out if I stalled climbing a steep ascent full of rocks or doing a bomber run down a steep rock filled run was pretty easy and instinctive. I had some serious wrecks but never with the bike coming with me still attached to my feet. The power straps could be a bitch to get back into though in the middle of a race.

When I switched over to purely recreational riding, I started hitting even steeper and more technical all mountain type of stuff than what I remember during my XC races. I switched to clipped pedals and things have been downright dangerous at moments even though I became much more comfortable with them as time passed by. It was the unseen moment where there was no time to react that the clipped pedals made things worse. So, I am thinking of making the transition back using a pedal like the Straightline SC pedal or similar.

My question is, has anyone else who enjoys riding the technical single track boulder runs stayed with clipped pedals? Has anyone used the platform pedals in these same runs with success? (no power straps)

From what I have read, it really comes down to body and foot position along with technique when using platform, much more so than clipped. If you have good technique and positioning, I have read that some technical riders have not had the dismounting/ slipping issues often associated with platform pedals. I spent almost 300 dollars for the clipped shoes and pedals so I am not real excited about spending 100+ dollars on good quality platform pedals but I need to find a better way to stay safe while riding hard in the rock. Yesterday I put on 8 miles of hard riding and fell twice while trying to climb really technical rocky stuff. I stalled both times when trying to hop/ lunge over a washout with rocks and fell over sideways and just could not get my foot out quick enough. This does not sound bad but even a short sideways fall like this sucks when you are sitting on and amongst pointy football/ basketball or bigger sized rocks.

Thanks!

Kevin

[JT Orlando]

The key to flats is having the right shoes. If you spend 100+ on a proper set of flats, spend 100+ on a proper set of shoes and have a proper ride. I too converted from clipless to flats and have never looked back. Before getting my first pair of 510s, I would occasionally slip pedals on rough terrain. Doesn’t happen anymore. My technical ability increased tenfold when I switched to flats. I’m a much better, faster rider now.

The only real downside is that the shoes with sticky rubber will wear out and lose grip. I’ve worn down 2 pairs of 510s all the way through the rubber sole in the past 3 years.

[Greg Heil ✓ supporter]

More info here: http://www.singletracks.com/blog/mtb-ge … ats-again/

And here: viewtopic.php?t=8400&p=48813

[gar29]

If you do decide to stick with clipless pedals, have you tried Egg Beater pedals? I have some of the same issues as you about being clipped out for the really technical sections. After trying quite a few different pedals, I settled on the Egg Beater Mallets. They give you a nice platform as well as the ability to clip in, plus are super durable. The thing I like is that you can’t set your release tension to high, making it hard to get out, their setup is self adjusting, I guess you’d call it?

[arcitek]

I have heard a lot of positive reviews about the egg beaters. I would try those except I am leary of trying out several clip pedals and spending that money only to wind up with flats. I think I am going to try switching over and seeing how much it impacts my ride. I ride so much more agressively when I do not need to really worry about factors out of my control such as whether or not I can escape the bike on something technical. Kind of like skiing. I was in Utah a month ago in the middle of a great tree run out of bounds and took a spill. For some reason the one ski did not come off and in the trees that can be a disaster. That stayed in my head for the rest of the day until I readjusted the releases again to my satisfaction. I know it is stupid but I seem to live by the "what you don’t know" or "ignorance is bliss" attitude. If I ride on flats, it is just one less thing to think about as I ride.

I posted simply to see if there was a kindred spirit who liked to ride technical and switched from clipped to clippless and did not regret it. My mind was kind of set and it only took one person to say they switched and did not regret it. 😕

Thanks for the responses. Now to figure out which pedals and shoes to buy.

[arcitek]

great links, mtbgreg1!

I think the one poster said it best in the one forum link…if you are riding XC and mostly minimal technical terrain, you cannot beat being clipped in. If you are mostly riding the more technical type of trails with rock gardens (up or down), doing bomber downhill runs, jumps, etc, than clipless may be the best bet.

I have been using clipped pedals for 3 years now out of the almost 23 years I have been racing and riding and I consider myself a pretty decent rider in hardcore terrain. I am sure there is much more skilled riders but I hold my own. If anyone is familiar with PA riding, I like some of the great technical rides found in Michaux, French Creek, Rock Springs and Wissahickon Park. I just do not think that simply putting more time into riding clipped or switching to another clipped pedal is going to alleviate that little voice in my head…

Thanks again and see you on the trails!

[Gdb49]

Just bought a pair of Straightlines flats and could not be happier, unbelieveable grip,and about a $100. Struggled with clipless in tech and big drops with less than perfect landings. Much more confidence with flats.

[tholyoak]

I’m using platform pedals with pins that cost about $35. I wear shoes that I got at Payless for about $15 that have a nice, soft grippy sole. The combination works great. I also wear "fisherman" style sandals sometimes and they work well too. The only problem I’ve had with the pedals is that they really hurt if you hit your shins on them.

[JT Orlando]

"tholyoak" wrote

The only problem I’ve had with the pedals is that they really hurt if you hit your shins on them.

This happens because of this:

"tholyoak" wrote

I’m using platform pedals with pins that cost about $35. I wear shoes that I got at Payless for about $15 that have a nice, soft grippy sole.

[Greg Heil ✓ supporter]

"jtorlando25" wrote

[quote="tholyoak":12sr4npm]The only problem I’ve had with the pedals is that they really hurt if you hit your shins on them.

This happens because of this:

"tholyoak" wrote

I’m using platform pedals with pins that cost about $35. I wear shoes that I got at Payless for about $15 that have a nice, soft grippy sole.

[/quote:12sr4npm]

Oh snap

[JSatch]

as per mtbgreg1, this is an old topic. good reference links.

as per jtorlando25, i also switched from clipless to flats and will never look back.

for competition, clipless gives an edge not only on up-stroke, but hopping things. but for recreation and hitting areas that will give you some worries clipped-in, flats are funnerer.

fwiw, before committing to flats i switched from candys to mallets. the platform allowed me to get it going prior to clipping in, but the contact surface of the mallet is not the same as a real flat. so yes, you can clip out in tech sections, but i don’t think you will get the grip of flats w/ 5.10s or tevas. and it’s those sections you want the grip. coming off a jump and your foot slides out? been there. not fun or funnerer.

[Gdb49]

"jtorlando25" wrote

[quote="tholyoak":1cp3uzsr]The only problem I’ve had with the pedals is that they really hurt if you hit your shins on them.

This happens because of this:

"tholyoak" wrote

I’m using platform pedals with pins that cost about $35. I wear shoes that I got at Payless for about $15 that have a nice, soft grippy sole.

[/quote:1cp3uzsr]
Actualy laughed out loud when I read your post- thank you.

[Schell21]

I switched to flats not to many moons ago and love them. 5-10 impacts and forte pedals is my set up and it really feels like I am clipped in a lot of the time. Working on my bunny hops and what not right now.

[gar29]

Great, thanks…. Now I’m thinking of going out and buying a new pair a shoes to try with the flats I keep on my spare bike. LOL, what the heck, its only money, right? 😏

[Liquidmantis ✓ supporter]

After ~15 years on clipless, last season I switched to Canfield Bros. Crampon Ultimates and a pair of 5.10 Sam Hill shoes. I absolutely love the change and have no interest in going back. With this combo I have effectively the same attachment to my bike as I did with my Times. Obviously I can’t really pull but by pointing my toes I can still get a smooth spin if I want.

[gar29]

So I’ve noticed everyone seems to love the Sam Hill FiveTens. Is there a particular model that works best? A checked Amazon and realized they have a decent selection of different models. I was a bit surprised to see they are over $100.

[JT Orlando]

Right now is a good time to buy FiveTens from Pricepoint.com. My roommate finally hooked himself up with a pair this week.

I highly recommend Freeriders or Spitfires. They’re just more comfy than the other 510s I’ve had (and I’ve been through a couple pairs of different models.) Pricepoint is selling white tiger Freeriders for only $79.99 right now and only have a few sizes left in stock: [url:c91ngyf8]http://www.pricepoint.com/Brand/Five-Ten/Five-Ten-Freerider-Shoes.axd[/url:c91ngyf8]

They’re also selling the Spitfire model for $89.99 (Plus $10 off for their promo they’re running right now.)

[JSatch]

"gar29" wrote

So I’ve noticed everyone seems to love the Sam Hill FiveTens. Is there a particular model that works best? A checked Amazon and realized they have a decent selection of different models. I was a bit surprised to see they are over $100.

initially people went towards waffle bottoms (as in vans) to hold the pegs, but with the advent of 5.10 rubber (designed originally for mtn climbers) that started the new direction. not only better sticky rubber, but lasts a heck of a lot longer than the vans waffle soles too. so 5.10 modded their ascent shoes that bikers were using to be more bike specific.

the model depends on the riding you’re doing. if you are doing hard core dh, the impacts have more protection from getting shredded. sort of body armor for your feet. if you’re not wearing body armor, this may be overkill. otherwise any of the other selections in the 5.10 bike section are good with basically the same pin holding rubber.

i have a pair of these and they work great (and i paid more). and they are lighter than my impacts.
http://shopfiveten.com/P-4059040010041/ … QgodUWAA3A

the signature models are fancier, but don’t seem to add much if anything other than bling. not that that’s not important. the sam hill i believe is a version of the impact model, for example.

[gar29]

Thanks for the input, guys! I wear size 13, looks like the sale shoes are basically out in my size. I’m pretty used to that, though. I can rarely find shoes at the LBS.

[Gdb49]

"jtorlando25" wrote

Right now is a good time to buy FiveTens from Pricepoint.com. My roommate finally hooked himself up with a pair this week.

I highly recommend Freeriders or Spitfires. They’re just more comfy than the other 510s I’ve had (and I’ve been through a couple pairs of different models.) Pricepoint is selling white tiger Freeriders for only $79.99 right now and only have a few sizes left in stock: [url:2y1a62ev]http://www.pricepoint.com/Brand/Five-Ten/Five-Ten-Freerider-Shoes.axd[/url:2y1a62ev]

They’re also selling the Spitfire model for $89.99 (Plus $10 off for their promo they’re running right now.)

Thanks for the heads up on this deal, just bought a pair of the Freeriders!

[JT Orlando]

"Gdb49" wrote

[quote="jtorlando25":2c5vs184]Right now is a good time to buy FiveTens from Pricepoint.com. My roommate finally hooked himself up with a pair this week.

I highly recommend Freeriders or Spitfires. They’re just more comfy than the other 510s I’ve had (and I’ve been through a couple pairs of different models.) Pricepoint is selling white tiger Freeriders for only $79.99 right now and only have a few sizes left in stock: [url:2c5vs184]http://www.pricepoint.com/Brand/Five-Ten/Five-Ten-Freerider-Shoes.axd[/url:2c5vs184]

They’re also selling the Spitfire model for $89.99 (Plus $10 off for their promo they’re running right now.)

Thanks for the heads up on this deal, just bought a pair of the Freeriders![/quote:2c5vs184]
Sweet! you won’t regret that purchase I promise!

[targhee72]

Hey Brother Had The Same Feeling You Did About Being Clipped In. There Is A Mountain Bike Trainer In Grand Junction Co That Will Show You The Pro’s Of Flats…He’ At Bikejames.Com….Its A Real Eye Opener also At Mtb strength training systems..Ride Safe

I switched back to platform pedals and have become even better on my bike not to mention being able to adjust my foot positioning for comfort and need. As for slipping issues with the correct pedal you will have zero. I use the specialized Bennies platform pedal, they have a huge contact area, not heavy and use many pins for grip. You can ride these with any shoe and have no issues slipping off of them dry or wet. In fact once I started riding with my five ten shoes I had to make sure to completely lift my foot off of the pedal to adjust it’s position. You can point your toes strait down or heels all the way back and stay suck to these pedals. The best switch and purchase I ever made hands down.

[GTXC4]

I got a nice clip-pedal/shoe Shimano setup at the beginning of the year. Practiced, and I liked it. Rode at a place by the in-laws where there were downed trees after a storm and cleared every single one of them. I thought/felt that some aspects of the clips were nice. BUT, it felt that I sacrificed all other aspects just for being able to pull the bike up higher off the ground. Not too mention, my shoes were so close to the bike. Didn’t feel natural. So after a couple of months, I ditched them.

I put my platforms back on and now I’m researching for some great ones (actually looking for opinions around here). Flats are just better, in my opinion. I ride with people who have clips and I have no issues keeping up, much less passing them. Your skill level and technique become much better than that of those who ride only clips. My cornering for one, has always been much faster in flats than clips just to give you an example. As for hopping, bunny hops, whipping the tail …etc, you’ll get that part down through practice. Besides, it’s more fun riding flats and although I didn’t wreck in my clips… I didn’t want it to be worse because of it. I’ve been pretty successful, lucky, and/or blessed with my evasive skills to not eat nature on the way down. I think you should go to flats.

[Gdb49]

I absolutely love my Straightline Flats!!! Add 5-10 shoes and you mine as well be clipped in- it’s that good.

[SC Michael]

Flats are the way, the truth, the life for shredding… 😄 Anything else just doesn’t do! 😉

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