Learn About Pedals
Planning on doing any climbing?
Go Clipless... it's the only way to fly.
Consider yourself a huckster?
Then platforms may be the pedal of choice of
you...
Riding clipless pedals is
the best route to take
when you decide that you want that extra edge whenever you get
on your bike.
Consider these points:
* light weight (the lighter the
better)
* lateral movement(give fluidity when riding)
* power through the upstroke as well as down means twice as much
power and makes climbing a breeze (well, easier anyway)
* ability to recover better from possible falls or crashes (clipping
out, which becomes automatic, allows you to move away from the
twisting bike)
Clipless pedals should have what's called
float, and if they are mountain bike pedals, they will be dual
sided, not single sided. Dual sided refers to being able to clip
in on either side.
SPD pedals were designed by Shimano and
have been the standard for mountain bikers for years now. Your
choices are many... LX, XT, XTR, XC or DH platform etc. There
is an SPD pedal for every budget, but remember, this is one part
of your bike that take a lot of abuse, especially in the woods,
so choose the best you can afford.
Look style refers to the elongated, single
sided pedal system preferred by road riders.
Some stranger pedals have come around and
gain wide acceptance by cyclist- SpeedPlay is one such company.
Their system is very unique due to the amount of float, their
weight and size.
The prices for pedal systems vary, just
like anything else, depending upon the materials used, the over
all weight and the manufacturer. And, just like anything else,
you get what you pay for. Comfort, warmth, ability to withstand
being banged up and schlepped through water, in addition to their
price, are your key considerations.
When considering going clipless, remember,
you'll need to tack on the price of those "special"
compatible shoes. They too come in all sizes, shapes and materials
and colors... decisions decisions!! Although they are all awkward
to walk in, Road shoes in particular, will make you walk like
a penguin- but hey, penguins are cool, right?
Free ride finatics
are turning to platform pedals more and more.
The argument is that by riding platform, you are relying on skill
rather than technology when making your moves; ie hucks, launches,
big drops or steep, technical climbs. Platforms also allow for
quick escape when crashing.... hum... food for thought... Are
you more prone to crashing if you're riding plateform? The answer
will be different for everyone, but if you want to challenge yourself
even more than you already are, give it a try. But don't say we
didn't warn you!
And just when you thought you've seen
it all, here come the egg beaters.
A funny
looking, but excellent pedal for those with big bucks to burn.
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