First clipless pedals?

[Frozen208]

Hey guys I have been looking for some clipless pedals, and I think I have almost decided on the Time Z Pedals, or the Time ATAC Alium pedals. I am leaning towards the Z's because of the platform. What do you guys think of these pedals?

[Chaos]

Times are the sh!t.
I actually have both, the Zs on my big bike - excellent feel with the platform. The ATACs on my trail bike, love those as well... If you're being a weight weenie get the ATACs if not then opt for the Zs. The extra platform on the Zs will allow you to still ride in sneakers if you ever forget your riding shoes. I forgot my riding shoes last week during the SART2 ride and trying to ride on the ATACs was a b!atch. So I only did half the ride then bailed... I know it would have been much easier on the Zs and I probably would have continued and finished.

[gurp13]

If I were buying new clipless pedals today I would look closely at the eggbeaters but would probably get Shimano. Change scares me.

[Pain Freak]

Clipless is overrated.

[Frozen208]

Well I am looking at the Time Z's beacuse of the platform, which should help some since I am still new to the MTB scene, and from the looks of things these are the least expensive platform/clipless pedals. Plus I was reading how they are easy on the knees, and I have a messed up knee from my hockey playing days.

Chaos do you have any trouble with the Z's clipping in or out, would you consider them first time user friendly? I was reading a review on MTBR, and a guy was saying he modded the cleats to make clipping eaiser.

And I guess the next thing would be to figure out what shoes to get, what brands are good? What shoes do you guys ride?

[Chaos]

Originally Posted by Frozen208

Chaos do you have any trouble with the Z's clipping in or out, would you consider them first time user friendly? I was reading a review on MTBR, and a guy was saying he modded the cleats to make clipping eaiser.

And I guess the next thing would be to figure out what shoes to get, what brands are good? What shoes do you guys ride?

As with anything new there is some time needed to adjust, but the Z's are a breeze to clip in and out of. I have read where people have filed down the edges of the cleats to clip out easier but i never felt the need to do this.
Shoes... I'd try on a bunch and see what feels comfortable. Also think about the types of trails you ride. If there are a lot of hike a bike parts I would opt for one of the sneaker type mtb shoe rather than the traditional XC type with stiff soles. It'll make hiking much more comfortable. I have a pair of Oakley Wrenchs and I absolutely love the way they feel. They replaced a pair of Shimano Comps.

[TURNERob]

I also run Time pedals on all 4 of my bikes. I use the Z's on my downhill/freeride bikes mainly because the extra platform helps when doing drops/jumps, it helps keep pressure off just the cleat area on your foot. If you don't do drops or jumps much I would just opt for the regular Atacs to save weight. Even the Atacs have a bit more "platform" than most other brands of pedals out there which is nice.

[dhshuttlemonkey]

Word of advice....practice clipping/unclipping on a soft grassy area for a while.

[dubjay]

My 2 cents - I would lean towards the Shimanos due to the adjustable tension. Start them off on the loose side. Get used to them. Tighten them up as experience builds.

Shimano has a few platform type models available as well.

[zuma_sicks]

Originally Posted by Pain Freak

Clipless is overrated.

I have been having this debate in my head for months now. I've heard that clipless gives better efficency during pedaling and much better ability to take to the air with the bike attache to your feet. However, if you are in the air and decide that you're going down, how quickly can one detach themselves from the bike to bail?

The idea of being attached scares me something fierce- but I'd love to be able to increase the air I get for hops, etc.

INPUT?

[dubjay]

Originally Posted by zuma_sicks

However, if you are in the air and decide that you're going down, how quickly can one detach themselves from the bike to bail?

The idea of being attached scares me something fierce- but I'd love to be able to increase the air I get for hops, etc.

INPUT?

Pretty quick. Probably almost as fast as if you didn't have clipless pedals. Releasing becomes second nature.

[zuma_sicks]

Originally Posted by dubjay

Releasing becomes second nature.

How long does it take to become 2nd nature? Is this a learning process?

[dirttorpeedo]

Originally Posted by dubjay

Pretty quick. Probably almost as fast as if you didn't have clipless pedals. Releasing becomes second nature.

your not going to be able to bail if your in the air,unless you've figured out how to twist your heels out.if you go over the bars your feet will naturally twist out,or in a crash.look at the bmx'ers they'er all cliped in and flyin',it's easy to learn,go for it!

[zuma_sicks]

So it's like ski bindings? A trip over the bars or a hard bail will twist out?

[Schecky]

Originally Posted by zuma_sicks

So it's like ski bindings? A trip over the bars or a hard bail will twist out?

It depends on how much ankle english you use, but most of the time, yes.
My vote would be for the eggbeaters.
Clipless is scary for a ride or two but you'll adapt quickly.

[gurp13]

It's funny. Now that I've been riding with clipless for 7 mos, I started riding my other bike commuting and it's got platforms. Every time I go to stop and get off the bike I twist my ankle to the side without thinking. You'll learn. Trust me. After you bruise the fizzuck out of your hip falling over a few times, you'll learn.

[Frozen208]

Well for better or worse I ordered the Time Z's. Now I have to buy a pair of shoes. Any brand recommendations, or shoes to stay away from?

Why do people say: "I have to go get a pair of shoes"? Unless you have one foot, which most people have two, you are not going to go buy one shoe so it is sort of implied that you will be getting a pair.

[Pain Freak]

Okay, go get a pair of shoe.

[dhshuttlemonkey]

Originally Posted by Frozen208

Well for better or worse I ordered the Time Z's. Now I have to buy a pair of shoes. Any brand recommendations, or shoes to stay away from?

Depends what kind of shoe and riding you'll be doing. If you want a skate style shoe, the 661 Launch is excellent. For XC, the most comfy shoe I had were the Sidi's but they are expensive. Try several and pick the one that feels good to you.

[ECOdork]

My experience is that Specialized shoes tend to have a larger toe box whereas those Sidi's run small. Even at a size too big the Sidi's just ain't doing it for me.