[madgeronimo]

So, like, we're not XC riders, that's for sure. But we're not freeriders, either. We straddle the line. That being the case, I'm wondering where most of you guys fall in regards to being clipped in and riding on platforms. I'm clipped in, coming from XC, but I do keep my spd tension very very light--just strong enough to keep me clipped in during the rough stuff, but definitely light enough so I can clip out for the quick bail.

How about you guys?

 

[hardway]

I've always been a platform guy, but I just bought a pair of Malets and I'm trail testing them this weekend. So far they've been a snap to get in and out of, but I'm hoping I remember to do it I have to ditch the bike.

 

[JMH]

Both!

I use both depending on what I plan to ride. If I know I will be testing myself on technical terrain, I love flats. But IMO they suck on all-day rides or anything with lots of climbing.

JMH

The Shimano PD-M647s seem to work fine for me.

I found that running the standard clipless pedals didn't give me enough platform, and I was seriously thinking of switching to platforms until I got these.

They work great when I'm unclipped too

 

[peteblues]

I recently switched from platform to clipped in. For climbing, being clipped in helps a lot. For descending, it gives me additional control. When jumping, I also don't have to worry about keeping my feet on the pedals. Even when falling, I've clipped out automatically every time. So, generally, I like riding clipped in.
That being said, I have trouble clipping in quickly enough, so it's awkward when I want to do a jump or get into technical stuff from stillstand. For that reason, I might try the mallets someday, just to have extra control when I don't have time to clip in.

 

[oreo]

I couldn't imagine myself riding clipless. Too many quick and unexpected dismounts for the type of riding I do. Maybe my reaction time is too slow and need to get better balance, but regardless, there's always that little bit of extra time needed to get unclipped. Hence, the platforms...get some Five ten impacts with a decent platform pedal if you want to try platform. I've only heard great things about them.

 

[unfluid one]

yup riding flats and 5.10 impacts. works great so far. i'll admit i'm too scared to ride clipless... and i've seen ppl in my riding group fall off the trail trying to clip in mid trail.

 

[Stevirey]

Clipped?

Comming from years of being clipped in I've gone to platforms.I just did my first real bunny hop like 6" or so with flats.Live and learn.I'm as old as dirt..And I still don't know shite.

 

[madgeronimo]

Those are my pedals!

The Shimano PD-M647s seem to work fine for me.

I found that running the standard clipless pedals didn't give me enough platform, and I was seriously thinking of switching to platforms until I got these.

They work great when I'm unclipped too

I ride the exact same pedals. I love that they make them in plastic now. Not much weight penalty. And I can be unclipped for a little while if I have to start uphill or something and still feel relatively stable.

 

[Mojo Troll]

After 12 years of being clipped in. I'm on platforms and really enjoy them. In all fareness these days I ride about 50/50 between dirt and pavement. Mtn bike shoes with cleats attached are hidiously uncomfortable walking around in. With a hectic work schedule, gas prices etc.... I'm just glad to get to squeeze in a ride.

For epic rides or a lot of settle into the saddle and grind it out type climbing, clipped is great. Clipped in is much more efficient at keeping a smooth cadience (dare I say cadience in here).

The one thing I really enjoy about platforms is my jumping technic has improved tremendously. Reminds me of my old BMX days. Clipped you get sloppy and try to do all the work with your legs while jumping.

You'd actually be surprised how well a decent paltform and shoe hold your foot in. I've riden clipped forever and feel more comfy getting out of them than trying to get a foot off my platforms. Over time this well change I'm sure. HTH Good luck.

 

[onbelaydave]

I've been "AM" riding for 25 yrs

All in "clips/cages". I just bought my first FS bike 1 month ago and it came with clipless Shimano 520's. I've got them dialed as loose as they'll go but it's definitely a new learning curve. I can climb wayyyyy better, my feet are "locked down" on the tech stuff I usually ride and really let me feel the trail better.

I keep going back and forth, switch the pedals to platforms, or just learn the new skills. I've been riding the clipless for a month, now, and getting more confident using them w /every ride. But I still unclip way too often when I "think" I "might" have to unclip to avoid a fall and it's still in the back of my mind, always, and really hinders my riding. I'll keep trying clipless for this summer to give it the advantage of a doubt, or look towards a hybrid pedal.

 

[RobNC]

Try Shimano 646/647 and soft soled shoes

another vote for shimano 646/647 pedals, and try using "lower-end" shoes with a softer sole. Best of both worlds. Another bonus to using "low-end" shoes is that most of them come with laces, so you get a better fit with them than the "high-end" xc race velcro/strap things, and you can usually get them for under $50.

I tried platforms and Vans for while and while I loved the way they felt unti I rode through rock gardens aorother technical terrain, and climbing with them sucked. The older I get the less I can stand the pain of adding to the scar tissue covering my shins from my mispent youth spent on skateboards.

 

[gunfodder]

All my serious mountain biking is done while clipped into Mallets. The big platform is great when you have to clip back in going up or down a steep hill. I ride platforms on my city bike though. I improved my trackstand immeasurably on the platforms, as well as my bunny hop. My wheelie still needs a lot of work though.

 

[trailadvent]

tr

All my serious mountain biking is done while clipped into Mallets. The big platform is great when you have to clip back in going up or down a steep hill. I ride platforms on my city bike though. I improved my trackstand immeasurably on the platforms, as well as my bunny hop. My wheelie still needs a lot of work though.

Im with GF Mallet Ms better control efficency the list goes on falling clipped in dosen't stop ya crashing it may help prevent a crash cause you have more control but then thats a state of mind, clips are like Ski bindings, never had a problem coming out when Ive crashed with Crank Bros or Times, Shimano well Im anti the big S so I won't flame them.

Whatever floats ya boat but if ya don't try you'll never find the benefits, choose wisely and enjoy.

 

[Tarekith]

I use both, depends on what I'm riding, only takes like a minute to swap pedals. Mallets when I have to do any amount of climbing or XC type stuff, 5050's when I'm going to be hitting a lot of drops or jumps. But I can use either for either type of terrain if need be.

 

[xdefx]

I switched from platforms to clips this year. I am using Time ATAC Alium pedals. I am also using them on my commuter, so I know how they feel. It took some getting used to, fell over a number of times just forgetting to unclip. But I have to say that now, I am getting out no problem. But, as peteblues mentioned, getting back in quickly is more of a problem. I try and find a tree to lean on instead of stopping and popping out. It's really helped me pull through some tougher sections, as I am less likely to just dab my foot. Being clipped in I will give the effort a little longer before I bail (unclip and walk). I did need to play around with my shoes a bit (Pearl - Vagabond M3) to get the right tension on the straps. If I made them tight, they hurt my feet. I am cool now, rode about 5hrs last weekend, no foot pain.

 

[SuperNewb]

I only use shimano clips for where I ride. Going platform doesnt really offer that great of an advantage for the few stunts I bother riding. I have mine set to be as tight as to be able to bunny hop without the pedals likely to let go. I have no issues either when needing to unclip in a rush, its like as soon as Im about to fall or such I'll be unclipped naturally.

 

[kristian]

New Years resolution: No more clipless

It's interesting on this thread how many people used to use one and have switched recently to the other format.

For me, it's been a gradual shift from clipless to platforms. I broke my leg pretty bad a few years ago in a crash where I would have walked away if I had been on flats. From there on out I've been riding flats on anything with a big descent but I couldn't manage to give up the Mallets for technical riding. My technical climbing skills suffered without them.

Finally this year, I gave away my Mallets and haven't used clipless at all (other than commuting). It took a little time, but I'm finally to the point where I can climb anything on the flats that I used to be able to climb clipped in. In the beginning of the summer, I bought a pair of Five Ten Impacts, and as others have mentioned, they are silly grippy. I'm glad I learned how to climb on flats with regular skate shoes because it helped my skills, but the Impacts make keeping my pedals a whole lot easier. I will never go back to clipless, and I really hope that Five Ten never stops making mountain biking shoes!!!

 

[MikeTheSpike]

Time Control Z with FR/DH clipless shoes. Great control, easy to clip in and out, nice heal float and easy on your knees.

I can jump bunnyhop unclipped, they give so much support.

 

[namaSSte]

fell over a number of times just forgetting to unclip.

sounds like user error.

 

[BelaySlave]

SPD's for the majority of my riding regardless of terrain. Platforms for when I hit the ski resorts in the summer.

I will also now use platforms during the winter since I can't find a winter shoe that I'm happy with. So now I'll just use my insulated boots and platforms for when the temps get into the 30s and 20s.