to clip in or not...

[mbr andy]

hi everyone,
I'm very new to all this mtb riding stuff and, at the momment at least, i'm only doing it for fun, nothing too serious you understand. I mostly enjoy cross country, single track type riding.
However I have a dilemma, to clip in or not to clip in?

I started out with a £70 bike from Argos (it did the job) but soon realised that it just wouldn't cut the grade if I was going to have any real fun. I'm now riding a Baracuda frame that I found in a bin (no really, I did). I've spent about £250 on refitting it with brakes and running gear ect.

Then came the pedals, I got a pair of clippless jobbies, fitted them and couldn't stay upright, every time something went wrong under my wheels I ended up sat in a bush, great fun for my friends who would also fall off laughing at me.

So at the momment I've still got the pedals fitted to the bike but just wearing normal trainers so therefore don't clip in, and stay upright more.

So does this mean that I'm never going to be able to realise my full potential for fun, or am I infact just a whimp who has no inner ear ablity at all? Is it worth trying the clippless pedals once more, or should I just put them in the bin?

Andy. Cannock, Staffs. UK

 

[triguy98]

If your pedals have a tension adjustment screw, set it to as loose as it goes. Also check and see if you can adjust the release angle by swapping cleats. A more shallow release angle is better. Clipless def. have a learning curve. Once you get it, youll be better off.

 

[Rocket_Man]

hi everyone,
I'm very new to all this mtb riding stuff and, at the momment at least, i'm only doing it for fun, nothing too serious you understand. I mostly enjoy cross country, single track type riding.
However I have a dilemma, to clip in or not to clip in?

I started out with a £70 bike from Argos (it did the job) but soon realised that it just wouldn't cut the grade if I was going to have any real fun. I'm now riding a Baracuda frame that I found in a bin (no really, I did). I've spent about £250 on refitting it with brakes and running gear ect.

Then came the pedals, I got a pair of clippless jobbies, fitted them and couldn't stay upright, every time something went wrong under my wheels I ended up sat in a bush, great fun for my friends who would also fall off laughing at me.

So at the momment I've still got the pedals fitted to the bike but just wearing normal trainers so therefore don't clip in, and stay upright more.

So does this mean that I'm never going to be able to realise my full potential for fun, or am I infact just a whimp who has no inner ear ablity at all? Is it worth trying the clippless pedals once more, or should I just put them in the bin?

Andy. Cannock, Staffs. UK

I would try 'em again!!! I just got some Crank Bros. Eggbeaters...LOVE THEM... likewise fell a couple of times. Check into seeing if there is a different release point to change to...or tension adjustment. There is a learning curve also...People told me up to a month of constant riding?? It took me about three falls, then I decided to practice. What I did was clipped in one foot, pushed off, clipped in the other, rode for 10-15 feet, slowed down and released one foot, stopped, released the other...REPEAT, using the other foot. Now it is like I never knew any different way to ride

 

[mbr andy]

Thanx for all your advise and replying so promptly.

I went out yesterday, did about 25km, with the clipless shoes on again to give them another go. I seemed to get on with them much better, only fell off once and that wasn't cos of the shoes but more to do with speed, gradient, unstable surface oh and **** rider, but the clipped in idea certainly felt better.

I'm going to have a closer look at the pedals and see if I can slacken them off a bit, I'll let you know how I get on with them.

Thanx again.

Andy
Cannock. UK

 

[SLCKev]

If you haven't already bought clipless pedals, you might want to look at the Time ATAC. Great for newbies or experienced riders, don't clog up with mud, easy in and out.

 

[IdahoohadI]

I have been riding for about 4 yrs and just 2 months ago switched from clipless to flats. I like the feel of the flat pedals much better. You don't feel attached to the bike. I have fallen a number of times because my clipless pedals did not disengage.

Although I like the way clipless pedals keep my feet in place.....I think I will stay with flats.

Also since switching over I have found I am much more willing to try stuff like "wall rides" "log rides" hoping over stumps and just going down rock faces I would of never dreamed of trying before. I think it's cuz I can "bailout" if needed

 

[Digibike]

I have been riding for about 4 yrs and just 2 months ago switched from clipless to flats. I like the feel of the flat pedals much better. You don't feel attached to the bike. I have fallen a number of times because my clipless pedals did not disengage.

Although I like the way clipless pedals keep my feet in place.....I think I will stay with flats.

Also since switching over I have found I am much more willing to try stuff like "wall rides" "log rides" hoping over stumps and just going down rock faces I would of never dreamed of trying before. I think it's cuz I can "bailout" if needed

Interesting point, I started riding again last year after a decade off the bike. My new bike had clipless and I fell a few times and got more used to them, but after 6 months of riding with clipless I'm still intimidated to try things because I worry I'll be trapped attached to my bike! Maybe I should try some flats?

 

[Rocket_Man]

Interesting point, I started riding again last year after a decade off the bike. My new bike had clipless and I fell a few times and got more used to them, but after 6 months of riding with clipless I'm still intimidated to try things because I worry I'll be trapped attached to my bike! Maybe I should try some flats?

I guess I have the opp. feeling on that. I feel I have more control over myself and the bike. I do understand the "bailout" option...but I think I would like to try and land it.

 

[IdahoohadI]

I guess I have the opp. feeling on that. I feel I have more control over myself and the bike. I do understand the "bailout" option...but I think I would like to try and land it.

Trust me, I try and land EVERYTHING I attempt. It's just a few times I have let the bike "go" and was able to jump off the back.

Like I said before: I attempt WAY more stuff than before being "clipped in".

I guess it comes down to personal choice. When I race this summer I may put back on the clipless set up. However, when i go out singletracking I will always go with flats.

Besides now I can wear cool shin/knee guards............SWEEEEET

 

[mbr andy]

thanx again everyone who has replied...

I was out at the weekend and tried the clipless again... It has to be said I did get on better with them than I have in the past. Only provided one momment of entertainment for my mates, and to be honest I had a good laugh about it myself.