pedal advice

[Burner]

Lynn, I've got a set of those 545's that you can have if you want to try them, but like others are saying I'd try the crank bros Mallets or the ones Jose posted.

[Waldo]

Originally Posted by ShinKen

u saw my petals right? go get em!! they rock!! +++ CrankBrothers - 2006 +++

these petals unclip sooo much better than the smarties ever did!! The smaller (than the mullet) platform really helps to support and dont get in the way of the rocks as much!!


these ones will fit your bike like a glove!!

Those are works of art, and if they engage/release easier than Candies or Smarties, I could get interested...but their web site says they are not available in the U.S.!
Why, Brothers of Crank, why???????

[SAR_boats]

Originally Posted by Waldo

Those are works of art, and if they engage/release easier than Candies or Smarties, I could get interested...but their web site says they are not available in the U.S.!
Why, Brothers of Crank, why???????

More than likely they are not available for the same reason why you can't buy a Scott Genius over here: Patent Infringement.
Someone (probably Time but don't quote me on that) already has a US patent on a pedal that is similar to that.
Either that or they like seeing their customers drool

[sheclimbs]

thanks for all your input. I'm going to give Matt's 545's a try until I get a little more comfortable and then see if I can't work my way up to the Candies.
Jose, those pedals you posted would be really nice on my red Turner

[OMR]

I've been a happy XTR (700 & 900 series of pedals)user for the last 12 years... prior to that it was Grafton Performance death traps (hey, they worked so well, you never came out!) but, I've never had a problem with the XTRs in all their continually evolving models... several of my friends have switched over to the Cooks (lighter) but I've never felt the need to change.

OMR

[ShinKen]

Originally Posted by SAR_boats

Either that or they like seeing their customers drool

I think this is more true than anything else




in case anyone is looking for these things I heard some shops are stocking em now!!

[dubjay]

Originally Posted by Waldo

Those are works of art, and if they engage/release easier than Candies or Smarties, I could get interested...but their web site says they are not available in the U.S.!
Why, Brothers of Crank, why???????

I think they're available in the US now. Some of the online retailers have them - and BTI seems to carry them as well, so any bike shop should be able to get them for you.

Bicycle Technologies International - Acid-1 platform pedals, grey

Speaking of clipless platforms, are there any that actually keep your foot well planted while not being clipped in?

From the few that I've tried (545, DX), if your foot is anywhere near the middle, you'll clip in anyways - and if you aren't clipped it, your footing isn't really secure. Maybe it's my shoes? (PI Vagabonds)

[Keith B]

Crank Bros all the way. No issues with dirt ingress or mud. Simple light. No need to adjust release settings. Easy to get in and out of. Customer service is second to none and they're based just down the road in Laguna Beach.

[mtnbikej]

Originally Posted by Waldo

Those are works of art, and if they engage/release easier than Candies or Smarties, I could get interested...but their web site says they are not available in the U.S.!
Why, Brothers of Crank, why???????

Crank Bros. Acid's are available. We have 3 sets at Switchback Cyclery.

[sheclimbs]

Originally Posted by Neccros

What else is nice about the shimanos is you can run them loose or tighter depending on your preference..... If I recall correctly, the candys tension in the pedal is non adjustable...

haven't tried it yet but, how do you adjust the tension on these? Is it pretty self explainitory?

[Keith B]

With Crank Bros pedals you can install the cleat 2 different ways round giving a slight release angle or high angle. I use the slight angle and have never had a foot accidently come out and it comes out first time with a slight twist. Personally I tried Shimano and hated them. If you get the tension wrong your foot comes out and if you dont its a struggle and thats when they're clean. Go Crank Bros lynne and support CA whilst you're at it ;-)

[allison]

Originally Posted by Keith B

With Crank Bros pedals you can install the cleat 2 different ways round giving a slight release angle or high angle. I use the slight angle and have never had a foot accidently come out and it comes out first time with a slight twist. Personally I tried Shimano and hated them. If you get the tension wrong your foot comes out and if you dont its a struggle and thats when they're clean. Go Crank Bros lynne and support CA whilst you're at it ;-)

A co-worker just got a road bike and they put Eggbeaters on there. I thought it was weird for a road bike (I use them, but I'm using mountain bike shoes and use CB's on my mountain bikes!). She was having problems clipping in and out, and I suggested she check the cleats to ensure that they were set up for "easier". She switched them yesterday and was impressed! It makes a big difference and she's happy with the pedals.

[2wheel_lee]

Originally Posted by sheclimbs

haven't tried it yet but, how do you adjust the tension on these? Is it pretty self explainitory?

Yes, there is an adjustment. You use a 3mm hex wrench on both sides. You can see a little indicator, but I usually count clicks. First, back the each of the screws all the way out, then turn them all in the same number of clicks until the tension is where you want it. Much more user friendly than having only two choices. Currently, I have three bikes set up with this type of pedal, and all three of them have different settings for the different riding styles of those bikes.

[jcampbell]

I have been a firm believer in the Time pedals. They have a very very nice dh set or caged set. What's nice about them is the easy in and out, same type of deal with the pro cleats and the sport cleats as some others out there. The Time pedals also offer alot more float than a similar Shimano, which helps when decending. You get the feel you are not clipped in because the float of the pedal allows more movement that is required while decending. Crank Brothers (which I have yet to try) designed their pedals very similar, but since I never tried them, I can't comment. To me, Shimano's feel like they came from Walmart. If you are going Flat non clip... EASTONS are second to none. Almost too tacky in some situations.

[Ladd Jasper]

Quote is from an older thread, but the sentiment stands:

Originally Posted by Ladd Jasper

Borrow before you buy, Bret. I really wanted to like the Candy SLs when I first got them, but never fully came around. I had always used SPDs and thought I'd try something new. Guess I got accustomed to the positive, adjustable clip mechanism of the Shimanos, 'cause I never could get comfortable with the comparatively generous float of the Candys. Granted, this very feature is what draws so many to the Eggbeater style in the first place, but it just wasn't for me. Give 'em a good spin on varied terrain--they will feel much different.

As far as mud clearance, the Candy pedal and cleat beat the SPD system hands down. The Shimanos truly suck in that regard.

Lynn, hold onto your Candys. Once you borrow Burner's SPD's and get used to them, switch over to the CB's (if you're still having doubts) and get comfortable with them. You'll then be in a much better place to decide. These two pedals' clip systems both feel and perform completely differently from one another. Pedals are such a personal preference, only riding them can truly convince you.

It's a big step, but a beneficial one. Whatever style you ultimately go with, you'll soon wonder how you ever managed before.

[sheclimbs]

Thanks for all the feedback guys, and to all the rest of you I've possed this question to in the past...got up on Saturday feeling confident. The Candies were already on the bike so I decided to just go for it. Headed up into the SM's, did 23 miles and felt great. With the rain on Friday and the wind on Saturday it was another picture perfect day, you could see for miles in every direction. Didn't hit anything super technical but now I feel better about hitting some familar technical trails too.