Best Pedals

[Dr. JEKYLL]

do clipless really make that much of a difference. If so which are to better ones?

[Bear]

Clipless makes a huge difference.

Some love it.

Some hate it.

Some use it for some riding, but not all.

Eggbeaters, Times, Speedplay, late-model high-end Shimano, all seem to have very devout fans and fair track reckords.

If you've got the shoes for it, you may ask around to see if someone would lend you a pair for a couple weeks before taking the plunge.

BIG discussion will ensue, to be sure.

[marzjennings]

do clipless really make that much of a difference. If so which are to better ones?

I use 'em, love 'em.

Be prepared to fall down A LOT in front of friends, who will laugh, and strangers, who will also laugh.

[Bear]

Be prepared to fall down A LOT in front of friends, who will laugh, and strangers, who will also laugh.

note: 98% of these falls happen under 1mph, like when you're stopping and you haven't gotten the habit of unclipping "down" yet.

I've yet to have my Eggbeaters not release when they needed to ( e.g.: during a crash ) but I have had Shimano SPDs fail to release ( they were worn, nearly "out", to be fair, but still not happiness inspiring ). I've never ridden the high-end shimanos as they have been outside my price range ( I don't like to spend much more than 100 on a pair of pedals ).

Time's and Eggs and Speedplay seem to have the best anecdotal "mud" record, with the recent top-end shimano's coming on strong. But that's, like, not scientific or anything.

[data]

It's almost a personal experience, like buying an entire bike. I started with low end SPD's, when they wore out, switched to egg beaters, or leg beaters as I call them. Did not like them at all, had funky releases and I had several bad falls, one into cactus. Went with Time ATAC's and have been happy ever since!!

[Weeg]

It's almost a personal experience, like buying an entire bike. I started with low end SPD's, when they wore out, switched to egg beaters, or leg beaters as I call them. Did not like them at all, had funky releases and I had several bad falls, one into cactus. Went with Time ATAC's and have been happy ever since!!

Ditto Data

TIME ATAC Carbons (with 2 back-up pairs) on the DEAN and I love them

[Gufra']

I agree with both Data and Weeg. Time Atacs are the way to go. But I recommend setting them up with the 13 degree release instead of the 17 degree. I got my Times about 2 1/2 years ago and had been using Shimanos and Shimano knock-offs for several years before that. I set up the cleats with the "race" set-up (17 degree) and I kept having problems getting my feet out. After 2 or 3 rides of falling over whenever I had to dab, I switched to the "recreational" set-up of 13 degrees. The difference is which foot each cleat is mounted on. Trust me the 4 degrees make a difference.

But as for safety, I have never had a problem with my feet staying attached to the bike in a wreck, which is a whole lot better than clips and straps. Plus when the trails get rough it's nice having your feet locked in rather than bouncing around on platforms. Plus I hate to admit it, but I can't bunny-hop without the clipless

[troyktx]

I agree with both Data and Weeg. Time Atacs are the way to go. But I recommend setting them up with the 13 degree release instead of the 17 degree. I got my Times about 2 1/2 years ago and had been using Shimanos and Shimano knock-offs for several years before that. I set up the cleats with the "race" set-up (17 degree) and I kept having problems getting my feet out. After 2 or 3 rides of falling over whenever I had to dab, I switched to the "recreational" set-up of 13 degrees. The difference is which foot each cleat is mounted on. Trust me the 4 degrees make a difference.

But as for safety, I have never had a problem with my feet staying attached to the bike in a wreck, which is a whole lot better than clips and straps. Plus when the trails get rough it's nice having your feet locked in rather than bouncing around on platforms. Plus I hate to admit it, but I can't bunny-hop without the clipless

I made the switch last fall to Time Z Control pedals, and, while the transition hasn't been totally smooth (yes, I've fallen a few times ...), the increase in power and control has made it well worth the trouble. FYI, if you do choose Time, Speedgoat.com sells custom Time shaved cleats which are ideal when you're just starting out. Think they run $25 a pair, but make it even easier to unclip ... than setting up with the 13-degree side of the standard cleat.

[TMaster]

I also have the Time Z pedals, they are ausome!!! first pair of clip-ins, but they work great! I switched the cleats around one day so the harder angle was on to get out. I couldnt unclip my feet on hills, so I had to put them back to the easyer way to get out. Ive had them for a year and they still work like new.