What pedals?

hippyboy

I'm a middle-aged guy that hasn't cycled for a couple of years and want to try to get back into it. I moved from London to the West Country and frankly I've lost my nerve on the lanes so I'm gonna sell my Pinarello road bike, get a hard-tail, and do a bit of cross-country. Can someone give me a bit of advice about pedal choice please? I've only ever ridden clipless pedals but I've seen a lot of pics in magazines etc of guys using platforms. Is there any reason for that? I'm really comfortable with clipless and think it'd feel odd not being secure on the pedal but perhaps off-road you need to be able to put your foot down quicker? Thanks in advance..........

V5ade

Hi, I'm also 'middle aged' (ish), and got back into cycling a few years ago. I've got these on all my bikes: http://www.bikeradar.com/gear/category/components/pedals/product/deore-xt-spd-pedals-32358
There really easy to get on with, and easy to unclip from. I've tried riding with platforms but didn't feel as secure or efficient.[/url]

Andy B

SPD: Shimano M520, work as well as the XT, but a lot cheaper (but heavier)

Flat pedals: Wellgo MG1, light, grippy & good value

Some folks prefer SPD's some prefer Flat's

You can unclip pretty damn fast when you need to from SPD's

konafiremtn

Hi i started riding seriously about a year ago, when i got my kona fire mountain (very good for a cheap hardtail ) i use flats because i dont like the idea of being clipped in and also when im trying something new, it adds confidence to be able to put your foot down. I would recommend a DMR V8 copy (something like VP-566) after 8 months of mud and rubbish they are still spinning despite almost no maintenance ... for some Trail stuff give Haldon a go

JamesBrckmn

wellgo b-54's are good if you want flats. 200g heavier than mg-1's but cheaper, stronger and grippier

bartimaeus

I am currently still using the V8 copies I put on my bike when I first got it and the trails were pretty muddy - wanted to avoid any comedy spd moments in the thick mud. I have some XT spds which have been sitting in a box for several weeks now as I quite like the flats. But the XT springs are all loose and ready to go, and as I've only had one topples-elegantly-into-hedge moment on the spds in my life (emergency stop) I'd better man up and get using them this weekend!

hippyboy

Thanks for everyone taking the time to reply. I guess it's basically a matter of choice, which is what I suspected. I just didn't want to invest in some SPDs only to be told 'no-one rides with those any more!'.

SPDs it is