 Don't like them. My friend had them and they didn't seem good at either being clip in pedals or flats, they were always the wrong way up. My friend had them and they also ripped her legs to shreds as they were so sharp. Probably not a problem if you wear pads.
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I've always rode with SPDs, first on road, then went straight to SPDs on the mtb when I got it a year ago. I spent 3 weeks doing a lot of walking and keeling over at the slightest root or stone, but perseveered (sorry for the spelling!). Now I couldn't imagine riding without them. I feel that riding clipped in is so much safer. You always have contact with your bike and can choose when to release yourself. There have been several occasions where I would have had a really nasty bail if I were in flats and slipped from the pedals, or got bounced off unexpectedly. Keep trying with them, they are definately worth it in the end. Good luck!
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| Edited: 29/08/07 12:52 |
 I suspect those dual sided ones are only good for commuting, or for learning for a short time on while you get confidence. I put the plastic things (you know the ones that come with SPDs) on my pedals the other week so that I could practice bunny hops and trackstands with flats, and they were really annoying as they always end up the wrong way up! I also think if you have them the flat way up because you are nervous about clipping in on a particular bit but have cleats on your shoes they would be very slippy?? I've heard people who are a bit nervous about SPDs say they like the DH style clip in pedals with the cage around them, but I had some for a while and didn't find it helped really (i.e. didn't find them any easier to ride unclipped in than normal ones)
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 I use the Crank Brothers Mallet C on my mountain bike. They are a platform with a centre spindle that allow you to clip in whichever side up they are. They really are the best of both worlds and even though they are a bit wider than normal platforms, don't be put off as, they have never hampered me on my usual off-roading and I wouldn't be without them now. I was very nervous initially about spds but I was finding that most of my falls were because my foot had slipped off the pedal at the crucial moment so, for me, spds are much safer. If i'm feeling really nervous on a tricky uphill i'll just unclip one of my feet in anticipation and use as a platform and they are still pretty 'grippy'!
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huh debs in kendal , i am just jealous that you live in Kendal, maybe i should change my log in to claire in crappy flat cambridge!!!
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I've just gone back to using spds and had the springs loose. I found it harder to get out of the pedals because there was a lot of movement before they came out. Tightend up the springs a bit and can get out of them a lot easier. I always find my foot comes out when I'm falling off, funny that i'nt it!
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What type of cleats do you have? I've just moved onto SPDs and my boyfriend uses them and was winding me up saying that I'd fall off all the time. I haven't fallen off once and love them. I have the Shimano Cleats SM-SH56, which are multi directional release, so I can get out of them whenever I need to. He uses the single direction ones, (SM-SH51) which only release if you move your feet in a certain direction and I reckon are far harder to use.
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Hi
I have the multi directional ones - getting on a little better after a ride on the moors - just finding it hard to get my feet out if peddling up a rocky section of a slope and i need to put my foot down - might try tightening them up a little as suggested by Jack - can see the logic here, will give it a go - thanks for your support everyone!!
We are off to Marshall at The Worlds in Fort William tomorrow - is anyone else there?
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