[Badassbassangler]

Although I still need a drivetrain for my first 29'er (Rigid 3x9 K Monkey), I recently had thoughts on platform pedals.
My thoughts were spurred by riding with my newbie wife and old Highschool friends that slowed me down, (as I'm used to being clipped-in with suspension)...soooo...I now like that the slower riders make me slow down to the point that I have to pay attention to technical prowess.
That being said, how do you like platform pedals for a rigid 29'er? Maybe off topic, but I could never get the hang of riding a wheelie on a 26'er. Are 29'ers any easier?

 

[kristian]

I'm biased (I haven't used clipless for 8+ years), but I really enjoy flats on both of my 29ers--even the SS. If you go flats, itis important to get good shoes. There is a reason why 9 out of 10 downhillers prefer 5:10 shoes: they really do stick to your pedals the best. Get the thinnest pedals you can too. The thinner the pedal, the less likely you will blow off of them when you go up something technical. I like pins that screw through the pedals instead so screwing into them.

Riding flats on a 29er is just like a 26er. You need to focus a little more on the climbs, but you have more ability to maneuver on the bike (especially when you need to get OFF the bike).

Good luck!

 

[bsieb]

A smoother faster spin is possible with clipless if that matters to you.

 

[Rod]

As Kristian is biased toward platforms, I am just as biased toward clipless. You won't find me on a trail without them. I do not race downhill. I am just a guy that likes to go fast, race occassionally, and be in control of my bike. I have heard great things about the 5:10 shoes, but I am very satisfied with my clipless pedals and I know I won't switch back. Different people have different riding styles, needs, and terrain so take my post with a grain of salt. I know some people just don't feel comfortable being clipped in.

 

[Huskywolf]

Clipless if you like climbing steep and technical hills. Really is a must if you love climbing IMHO. Clip in and feel the power!

Platform if you don't like hills.

Hybrid pedals also might be good if you wanna go clipless on serious rides or cruise with family in tennis shoes.



Just my biased opinion.

 

[Carloswithac]

I'm honestly afraid of clipless on a mountain bike. I stick to platform on my MTB.
I have these in orange.

On the road bike I do love my Speedplay Zeros.

 

[djrez4]

If I did nothing but shuttles and lifts, I'd be on platforms. I like being clipped in for the climbs.

 

[octavius]

i still believe going clipless was the single best 'innovation' i ever adopted in cycling (way back when the first ever shimano spd was introduced).

fully understand its totally down to what/were you ride but for me its perfect.

 

[Love2bike1234]

I really like clipless - makes me feel one with the bike.

 

[JonathanGennick]

That being said, how do you like platform pedals for a rigid 29'er?

I like flats. But you have to go with what *you* like. And if you like flats, be prepared for an continuous and lifelong barrage of comments and questions from other riders insinuating that you are doing it wrong and asking when you are going to see the light and ride clipless. :madman:

 

[MX283]

I find flats to be more fun, so I ride flats with 5.10 shoes.

I find 29ers more difficult to wheelie.

 

[Pauldotcom]

I will never go back to flats. Clipless pedals make me a better, stronger rider. I love them for climbs because I don't have to worry about slipping. I love them for technical rocks n such. As far as being affraid, once you get used to them, it's second nature.

 

[Rod]

I like flats. But you have to go with what *you* like. And if you like flats, be prepared for an continuous and lifelong barrage of comments and questions from other riders insinuating that you are doing it wrong and asking when you are going to see the light and ride clipless. :madman:

I'm sure that's true. If you fall outside of the mold with anything in life you will be asked questions and people will insinuate that your way is what. I think it really depends on your riding style and personality. If I hit big jumps or needed to bail off the bike I would definitely ride flats or if I was uncomfortable on my bike. I do a lot of climbing and a lot of riding from point A to B so clipless works for em.

 

[SS Hack]

You might try both; this topic comes up about every week and we've never had a definitive answer yet. The only thing we know for sure if that "you'll never ever be able to climb with platforms", unless of course you're one of the guys that can ...

 

[tednugent]

I prefer to be clipped in (for both my mtb and road bike)

But... why not try one of those shimano pedals that have both?

 

[socal_jack]

With 5-10s and flats(actually like the concave with plenty of pins in the middle) on my RIP9 or GT Peace 9R SS, I can climb anything a clipless can, there is no slipping but if I want to re-position I can. The only difference in climbing is on the occasional uphill bonk, I'm free when I want to be, unlike the guys I ride with though it has provided amusing moments(EDIT: to be fair they usually manage to get unclipped). Conversely if you do screw up with the newer platforms, they are merciless and until properly trained you will get a nice meaty shin or calf burger(did get some before I discovered 5-10s, Sam Hill or Impact Low are awesome).

 

[Pauldotcom]

Ive NEVER had a problem getting unclipped, NEVER!

 

[thomllama]

one side clip, one side flat..

the Wellgo's are WAY cheaper than the Shimanos, lighter, and WAY stronger!!!

I actually prefer the flats except when in a bouncy area.. I have the clips super loose so I can get out without issue, but they hold my foot in place so I don't get that meat tenderizer leg!! :thumbsup:

 

[Badassbassangler]

Thanks for all the posts. I've been clipped in for quite some time now and thought I might be missing out on some type of "Nirvana" when I start to ride rigid.

I have to say that I've never seriously ridden a MTB without at least "Toe-Clips" HAHA! Google that young whippersnappers!

My final conclusion is...just as it always is...try both:thumbsup: Nothing like a field experiment to occupy a sunny afternoon. Thanks for the pedal and shoe faves.

Peace out, beer and bike maint. is in my near future.

 

[Thor29]

The funny thing is that I love clipless for going downhill and not so much for technical uphill. When flying at a high rate of speed through bouncy terrain, the clipless pedals keep your feet in contact with the bike. I even use clipless when riding DH. But when I am climbing slow technical stuff, lose traction, and stall out, I can't unclip fast enough to get my foot down.

Platform pedals are awesome for commuting so you can wear regular shoes. They are also great for doing crazy stunts where you might need to bail out. (I jump with clipless but I don't do flips or anything crazy). They offer a margin of safety for riding wheelies too. But for 95% of all mountain biking, clipless pedals rule. But so what? It's all about fun, so use what you like.