I have been reading and getting advice on this board for several weeks now and finally decided to purchase a set of Crank Bros. Mallet’s and go clipless. I like how the Mallet’s have a platform to them and figured this would make learning a little easier.
Since purchasing them, I have been practicing clipping in and out whenever possible. I have been riding mostly on the grass, but then decided to do several road rides. While using the Mallet’s I have only fallen once (ok - twice) during the last several weeks. The first time was the day I put them on and then recently on a road ride at night (fell into the grass on the side of the road though).
During the "road incident" as my wife calls it, I learned a couple of valuable lessons. One was to practice clipping out more often and the other was the need for a helmet light as well as a handle bar light. (Came around a corner and did not see the hole!).
Anyway, today I decided to, "Go for it" and do a trail ride on the Mallet's. I completed about twelve miles of trails (5 XC and 7 single track) without falling over. I almost busted my a** a couple of times, however; I was surprised how quickly I have learned to clip out in a hurry.
Every obstacle I encountered seemed that much more exciting while being clipped in (oh s**t factor). It was easier to accelerate, go over obstacles and up hill with them on.
I did have one issue though. While riding back to the car the cleat on my right shoe came off. I attempted to put it back on, but the threads to the shoe insert were stripped so I had to ride back to the car on the platform of the Mallet's.
It seems, as I found out, that I did not tighten up the screws enough when installing the cleats (50 in lbs.). I did use blue loctite, but only tightened the screws snug, not tight.
The funny thing is though; it was on the way back to the car, on the platforms, that I realized how UNSECURE it felt NOT being clipped in. Going over roots, through sand and up hill was so different than being clipped in. I hated not being clipped in (yeah, the fear is gone).
On the way home, I stopped at the LBS get a replacement insert and an extra one to have just in case. The owner of the shop gave me two inserts and a new set of screws no charge (old screws were fine). This, of course, only fueled my need to buy something to satisfy my new addiction, so I did.
When I got home, I washed the Hoss and decided to leave the Mallet’s on from now on.
Gordi
Since purchasing them, I have been practicing clipping in and out whenever possible. I have been riding mostly on the grass, but then decided to do several road rides. While using the Mallet’s I have only fallen once (ok - twice) during the last several weeks. The first time was the day I put them on and then recently on a road ride at night (fell into the grass on the side of the road though).
During the "road incident" as my wife calls it, I learned a couple of valuable lessons. One was to practice clipping out more often and the other was the need for a helmet light as well as a handle bar light. (Came around a corner and did not see the hole!).
Anyway, today I decided to, "Go for it" and do a trail ride on the Mallet's. I completed about twelve miles of trails (5 XC and 7 single track) without falling over. I almost busted my a** a couple of times, however; I was surprised how quickly I have learned to clip out in a hurry.
Every obstacle I encountered seemed that much more exciting while being clipped in (oh s**t factor). It was easier to accelerate, go over obstacles and up hill with them on.
I did have one issue though. While riding back to the car the cleat on my right shoe came off. I attempted to put it back on, but the threads to the shoe insert were stripped so I had to ride back to the car on the platform of the Mallet's.
It seems, as I found out, that I did not tighten up the screws enough when installing the cleats (50 in lbs.). I did use blue loctite, but only tightened the screws snug, not tight.
The funny thing is though; it was on the way back to the car, on the platforms, that I realized how UNSECURE it felt NOT being clipped in. Going over roots, through sand and up hill was so different than being clipped in. I hated not being clipped in (yeah, the fear is gone).
On the way home, I stopped at the LBS get a replacement insert and an extra one to have just in case. The owner of the shop gave me two inserts and a new set of screws no charge (old screws were fine). This, of course, only fueled my need to buy something to satisfy my new addiction, so I did.
When I got home, I washed the Hoss and decided to leave the Mallet’s on from now on.
Gordi
