Clipless pedals for downhill

alexwalton2003
alexwalton2003 Posts: 6
edited March 2008 in MTB beginners
High i was just wondering is it worth having clipless pedals for downhill use?
regards

Comments

  • nicklouse
    nicklouse Posts: 50,673
    if you want to.

    personal choice. So do, Some do not.
    "Do not follow where the path may lead, Go instead where there is no path, and Leave a Trail."
    Parktools :?:SheldonBrown
  • WillGTJumper
    WillGTJumper Posts: 505
    Depends if you have much experience of downhill and/or experience of clipless pedals
    www.southwestbiking.tk

    Please join
  • alexwalton2003
    alexwalton2003 Posts: 6
    i have experience with clipless pedal sets but as for downhill im pretty new to it all
  • dirtbiker100
    dirtbiker100 Posts: 1,997
    i'd rather not with nastier crashes common but up to you really
  • alexwalton2003
    alexwalton2003 Posts: 6
    Yea ive had a few falls. I prefer to wear them most of the time but was just making sure i wasn't beein stupid and end up with broken legs!
  • artillerydave
    artillerydave Posts: 715
    Steve Peat uses them I believe.
  • dave_hill
    dave_hill Posts: 3,877
    He certainly does, Crank Bros Mallets IIRC.

    It's all a question of practice really. If you've got your spring tensions set correctly there's no reason why you can't unclip almost as quickly as lifting your foot from a flatty.

    I think that the major objection to clipless pedals from the DH camp is actually re-engaging once you've clipped out. Imagine bombing down Fort William, unclipping on a corner to give yourself a prop, then you come haring out the other side, desparately trying to get your cleat clipped back in again and before you know it it, whack! You're on your arse.

    I know it's horses for courses but I'm always amazed at the number of people who give up to clipless pedals really quickly - if you start off with multi-release cleats and the spring tension wound right off they're a piece of cake.

    But that's just me, I've been using SPDs for so long now I find flatties difficult to get on with! I guess I like the securely strapped in feeling and the ability to pull on the pedals as well as push
    Give a home to a retired Greyhound. Tia Greyhound Rescue
    Help for Heroes
    JayPic
  • HixX
    HixX Posts: 90
    What determines how the SPD will release, is it the cleat, the pedal or both. I have the Shimano M520s, can you release these only by your heel to the outside?
    Oohhh me legs hurt !!
  • nicklouse
    nicklouse Posts: 50,673
    both. there are cleats which release at different angles and you can also play with the tension of the pedal.
    "Do not follow where the path may lead, Go instead where there is no path, and Leave a Trail."
    Parktools :?:SheldonBrown
  • omegas
    omegas Posts: 970
    The only difference I have seen between the Shimano multi release and standard cleat is the front underside of the cleat has an angled edge rather than parallel (and they have an M stamped on them)

    For anyone starting on clipless pedals it’s worth the extra outlay of £10 for multi release cleats until you get used to them as your shoe will disengage with a good pull upwards.

    http://www.chainreactioncycles.com/Mode ... elID=10969

    You can play with the tension on the pedal adjuster so that you stay clipped in on the upstroke but slack enough if you need to dab your foot in them panic moments
    http://www.pinkbike.com/photo/1844902/
    http://www.pinkbike.com/photo/1844919/

Categories