clipless pedals

[VwFix]

I have been doing a lot more all mountain stuff lately with a lot of climbing. I heard that clipless pedals help with climbing efficiency quite a lot, so what do you guys suggest is a good pedal to suggest to someone who never rode clipped in and will be doing some light freeride while riding with them.

[MCSinCO]

I have been researching this too and the forum at MTBR was suggesting Time Z over CB Mallet for relaibility...but CB is bringing out a new Mallet for 2008, so I am thinking about the New Mallet...for 2008 it has set screws.

[VwFix]

Also what type of shoes would you guys recommend, i was looking at the regular vans style spd, shoes since i can always use them with my platforms also.

[in the trees]

I've used Mallets for 2 seasons without any trouble (owned 3 pair). The only problem occurred when I slammed one pedal into a rock hard and bent a retention bar. CB warrantied it even though it was completely my fault. Last season I made the switch to the Acids and I really preferred them to the Mallets. Lower profile, lighter weight, and easy to engage.

Although I may not be the most aggressive rider, I feel pretty comfortable with the clipless in most riding situations. And I like the feel/connection of clipless. I've done some rides recently with flat pedals and it feels like you use a completely different set of muscles in your legs with them.

toby

[mandown]

i'm happy with my shimano DX shoes when i go clipless.

i'd say to get two pairs of shoes, one for flats and one for clipless. for clipless, you want a stiffer sole, which doesn't always work as well with the flats when you switch back over.

[VwFix]

good point, mallets do look nice since the do have a decent platform, for more support and be able to ride a little unclipped.

[SquadraCorse]

Depending on the kind of riding you do, the shoes are a big factor. Freeride for me involves a lot of hiking. I was running a shimano spd shoe with a really stiff soles. It absolutely murders your feet trying to climb up a grade with your bike. If you don't do a heap of hiking you'd probably be alright, but when I find something cool to session I usually hit it, then hike back up and hit it again. If you find yourself doing any kind of climbing off the bike, opt for something with a softer sole.

[VwFix]

yeah that is defiantly something to consider.

[BmxConvert]

I use the Time Z control pedal and love it. The z-control lacks adjustable spring tension like some of the SPD style pedals have but its not needed. I love the z-control for it's large platform and long term durability plus the ease of service. We don't have a whole lot of guys running the CB pedals around here, everyone is running either the Time Z's or an SPD pedal. Most people running the SPD's just wanted to try a cheap pedal rather than springing the $80 for the Time's and not liking being clipped in.

If you live in an area thats muddy often, do not get the SPD style. Your cleats will clog the pedal with mud/dirt if you should step off, which not often does someone do an entire ride without stepping off once(to stop and clear the trail or get some water or what not).

-Kevin

[ire]

I use shimano DX without a problem. Funny thing though, when I go out to the bike park I run flats so I can hike better

[mattmatt86]

08 Mallets are the way to go. CB did a lot of research and talked to riders to redesign and make the new mallets even better. And as stated above, CB's customer service is some of the best in the industry, they stand by their products and will warranty most parts even due to rider neglect.

As far as shoes, I do a good bit of AM riding on my shops Enduro Test Bike so I prefer XC style shoes for adjustability and tread design for hiking and pushing the bike. I've had great success with Specialized Pro MTB shoes.

[G-spot]

Pedals---Mallet C's
Shoes----661 (skate type)

[VwFix]

sounds like o8 mallets is the choice for me.