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Downhill bikes

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Leafman
Posts: 2178 - Karma: 251
Cleats vs. platform pedals

What are the advantages of it? I'm thinking about switching over to it. I'm strictly downhill to, none of that freeride stuff.
Jan 13 2011 3:29PM
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KillaSeason
Posts: 3495 - Karma: 1,773
holy shit dude!!! Those look like theyd hurt like a MOTHER FUCKER!!!!!
Jan 13 2011 3:34PM
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Milksteak
Posts: 9948 - Karma: 842
.

I feel like I have more control without cleats.
Jan 13 2011 3:38PM
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CabDoctor
Posts: 602 - Karma: 9
I use clips because I do the opposite of what Duffgirl does
Jan 13 2011 3:39PM
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CabDoctor
Posts: 602 - Karma: 9
Oh whatever, you know I race mtn as well. Just concentrating more on road this season
Jan 13 2011 3:42PM
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chardi
Posts: 5040 - Karma: 59
cleats? i usually just wear sneakers when i'm riding a bike
Jan 13 2011 3:43PM
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KillaSeason
Posts: 3495 - Karma: 1,773
this
Jan 13 2011 3:44PM
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DutchhGutss
Posts: 896 - Karma: 124
Deff platforms if your downhilling..... That shouldnt even be a question!
Jan 13 2011 4:13PM
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k-rob
Posts: 14217 - Karma: 2,891
i don't even clip in on my $8000 carbon fibre road-racing bike. cleats are for fags.
Jan 13 2011 4:15PM
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Kirsakid
Posts: 1793 - Karma: 126
If you go to pinkbike there are tons of discussions about this topic. Personally i prefer flats because I am not good with clips and am at a level where it deosn't matter if you are good enough i suggest trying it to see if the added control and the ability to weigh and unweigh your bike helps your riding. But it is all up to preference.
Jan 13 2011 4:18PM
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CabDoctor
Posts: 602 - Karma: 9
pics or it didnt happen
Jan 13 2011 4:22PM
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UNREAL
Posts: 3989 - Karma: 23
Cleats give you better pedalling efficiency, and some prefer em for control, preference really.

But look at all the most badass World cup pros. The sickest ones use flats (and i mean overall swag, style, speed)
Fairclough, Smith, Hill, Blenkinsop, etc
Jan 13 2011 4:24PM
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Aenigma
Posts: 11256 - Karma: 424
I use clipless for trail riding most of the time, but I only downhill with platforms. I can definitely see a place for them in downhill, but I just ride for fun and crash a lot.
Jan 13 2011 4:28PM
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Leafman
Posts: 2178 - Karma: 251
hmm... well I feel that you could carry a lot more speed and pop a lot easier with cleats, and pinkbike sucks
Jan 13 2011 4:30PM
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k-rob
Posts: 14217 - Karma: 2,891
got it straight from my friend who rides for Giant. here's the bike, and the shoes i wear when i ride it. fuck cleats, next season i'm actually gonna replace those pedals with platforms.
Click for larger image


etienne, i don't think anyone has ever won the world cup with cleats on, because fags don't win world cups.


Jan 13 2011 4:47PM
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Dan.
Posts: 7201 - Karma: 1,126
IF, and this is a big IF, you have perfect pedaling form, then a clipless pedal doesn't offer an advantage. that's why some pros, as mentioned above, ride flats and still win races. However, the average racer is still in development and most definitely doesn't have a perfect pedal stroke, and a clipless pedal can offer the advantage of increased power through your pedal sweep, which can help overcome the second or two difference between a podium finish and 10th place. If you're riding recreationally, then use flats, its easier to do. If you want a faster ride, and to improve your balance and belief in your own ability, ride cleats. You'd be surprised as to how little, if ever, you need to clip out. it helps you learn your true limits.
Jan 13 2011 4:51PM
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CabDoctor
Posts: 602 - Karma: 9
First off you have Time Impact clipless pedals on there so nice try.

At least two 2010 World Cups(gee atherton) and the Overall title was won on a bike with clips. and that's just this year
Jan 13 2011 4:56PM
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thesheik
Posts: 1488 - Karma: 18
yeah steve peat is a fucking homo who has never won a world cup...

its stupid to choose whether or not to ride something because the pros do it. you are not sam hill, and not using cleats is not going to change that. that said, i used to ride clipped in, and after like a year it became as natural as breathing. i switched like a year and a half ago, no real reason why, and you get it back pretty quickly. if you really wanna feel like the bike is an extension of your body, get clipped in. if you like to ride real loose and mash it, go with platform.
Jan 13 2011 5:01PM
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potato_man
Posts: 2158 - Karma: 89
platforms....i just custom-chopped up the soles on some old skate shoes and they are as good or better than my 5 10 shoes...cleats for DH just make me nervous
Jan 13 2011 5:01PM
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k-rob
Posts: 14217 - Karma: 2,891
don't know what point you were making with the pedal comment, i already said i don't clip in, and posted the shoes i ride in.

didn't know that, but CG and Brain Lopes never rode with clips and that's all i care about haha
Jan 13 2011 5:02PM
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k-rob
Posts: 14217 - Karma: 2,891
i said i don't think. dammit man, don't you understand, I'M NOT THINKING!
Jan 13 2011 5:04PM
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Leafman
Posts: 2178 - Karma: 251
I don't care who's won what and who rides clips, I think I'm gonna have a go at it now, I really liked being clipped in on my cross country bike so I figure it shouldn't be much diffrent
Jan 13 2011 5:05PM
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k-rob
Posts: 14217 - Karma: 2,891
fag.
Jan 13 2011 5:05PM
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thesheik
Posts: 1488 - Karma: 18
hahaha, fair enough. still better than pinkbike. that place is worse than aids. i went on there a few days ago, and just felt so bad for the 3 legit members.
Jan 13 2011 5:08PM
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k-rob
Posts: 14217 - Karma: 2,891
i stopped going on pinkbike in 2005 when i realized everyone there was a tosser.
Jan 13 2011 5:10PM
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thesheik
Posts: 1488 - Karma: 18
there needs to be a solid ns equivalent for mountain biking. i love vital, but the forums there ain't very active. i'm actually shocked at the average level of intelligence among pinkbike users. i didn't think anyone could be that dumb.
Jan 13 2011 5:25PM
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CabDoctor
Posts: 602 - Karma: 9
try http://www.ridemonkey.com/forums/index.php
Jan 13 2011 5:34PM
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all-i-do-is=ski
Posts: 700 - Karma: 248
I'd go clips, just what I like but everyone has their own preference,

IMO its winter lets enjoy skiing and think about biking when the snow starts to melt :P
Jan 13 2011 5:37PM
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thesheik
Posts: 1488 - Karma: 18
ugh that just reminded me how upsetting it is that my "season" isn't really a season at all. the day i can just go skiing without it being a big deal is the day i die happy.
Jan 13 2011 5:45PM
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ChrisSkisChronic
Posts: 1128 - Karma: 230
LEIK WUTEVAR SAM HILL DUZ.


but srsly, I ride flats for both DH and XC. I like being able to put my foot out if I get loose. That said, after riding with clips for long enough, you will develop muscle memory and you'll twist your foot out of the cleat automatically.

It's all personal preference
Jan 13 2011 5:55PM
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thesheik
Posts: 1488 - Karma: 18
ain't nuthin' better
Jan 13 2011 6:02PM
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all-i-do-is=ski
Posts: 700 - Karma: 248
this didn't use to be but is now a reality for me aswell, moving from BC canada skiing 3 days a week 20 minutes from my mountain to washington dc with no liscence and 2 hour drive to ski :( I feel ya
Jan 13 2011 8:48PM
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ski201
Posts: 127 - Karma: 10

  It's all about preference.  Personly I ride cleats when I'm riding downhill, mybe because I'm used too them because of Cross-Country.  Since I got used to them on my Downhill bike I can't imagine riding my bike with Platforms again.  I feel like I have more controle on my bike.

My 2 cents.

Jan 13 2011 8:54PM
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clark.
Posts: 308 - Karma: 14
Preference, but cleats give you much more control and power. So man up and go with them since you'll learn how to get out eventually.
Jan 13 2011 8:56PM
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Skittle.
Posts: 2537 - Karma: 718
i really wish i could be confident enough to use clipless for dh cause it gives you better stability and control over the bike, but it takes a while getting used to so i use clips. also, ive heard from friends who use clips that they have never had a problem with releasing in a crash.

Click for larger image

Jan 13 2011 8:58PM
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jason...
Posts: 9006 - Karma: 780
flats all the way, clips are wack, cheater pedals and if you fall and dont have quick feet you're fucked.
Jan 13 2011 8:58PM
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Leafman
Posts: 2178 - Karma: 251
how are they cheater pedals? and how are they for whips and shit?
Jan 13 2011 9:33PM
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The_Cube
Posts: 847 - Karma: 211
platform
Jan 13 2011 9:35PM
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jamodeo
Posts: 3040 - Karma: 663
I whole heartedly believe if you use anything but flats on a Downhill bike you should be submitted to water torture and relentlessly mocked until you feel so bad about yourself you stop downhill biking and go get on a XC
Jan 13 2011 9:36PM
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Cufe.
Posts: 1950 - Karma: 262
I use flats, I have already broken bones because i didn't ditch the bike, if i had to twist both feet and then push the bike away... that is a second i don't want to waste. Have you ever had a bike land on you?! it hurts like hell. that being said, a nice pair of flats and 510's will hold almost as well as a cleat without the pain of having cleats.

also, 150$ for clip shoes + 100-200$ for good DH clip pedals is hard on the wallet.
Jan 13 2011 9:49PM
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ChrisSkisChronic
Posts: 1128 - Karma: 230
If you're serious enough about DH to use clips, you've probably dropped $5000+ on your bike and armor.
Jan 13 2011 10:01PM
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FUUUCK
Posts: 18426 - Karma: 4,888
if thats true, you're a dumbass

both for spending that much on a roadbike and not running clipless pedals.
Jan 13 2011 10:04PM
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ReetsAdeets
Posts: 1531 - Karma: 611

Obviously its personal preference. I usually use platforms when racing dh because it is what I'm mainly used to. That being said, if its a flatter course where I need to pedal lots, I use clipless. On my jump/slope bike I use platforms. When I race Super D, ride XC, or just trail ridie, I use clipless. Basically, if I'm going to need to pedal, I use clipless, and if I'm racing on steep technical stuff, or just jumping and hitting up the bikepark, I use flats. (Krob, your an ignorant dumbass-not only using clipless on your road bike, but for your general attitude towards them.)

Jan 13 2011 10:08PM
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FUUUCK
Posts: 18426 - Karma: 4,888
clipless does make you a faster rider, but if you don't want to dive in just yet get some 5.10 shoes. the sole is this super tacky soft rubber that sticks super well to mtb pedals.

Click for larger image
Jan 13 2011 10:09PM
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Cufe.
Posts: 1950 - Karma: 262
I have about 4500 in my gear, but i also have had a broken back that would have probably killed me if my bike had landed with me instead of being a separate entity. the only reason serious DH riders use clips is for racing so they can pedal more efficiantly and to potently do better though corners where you can cut. the difference between the two is perhaps a second on a long DH run. from my experience racing is more about technique then pedals. you will save more time putting the money for those pedals + shoes into lessons with a pro (eg. Mad March Racing) and working on your form though corners and in tech sections, those are where races are won and lost.
Jan 13 2011 10:15PM
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derpina
Posts: 2186 - Karma: 55
Off topic... kinda. Thought I would post fucked leg after my DH accident this fall.

Click for larger image

Wear pants.


Oh yeah, cleats FTW. That's what shin guards are for. Unfortunately, shin guards don't save everything.
Jan 13 2011 10:16PM
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smltownjibba
Posts: 246 - Karma: 7
a few years back riding with my dad he went straight over the bars (with clipless) in a real steep rocky spot. Broke some ribs and fingers, had to get his ring cut off. anyways, after that I've always gone platforms.
Jan 13 2011 10:18PM
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ChrisSkisChronic
Posts: 1128 - Karma: 230
Not exactly what I was getting at, but sure. 1 second can make the difference between 1st and 4th. I was remarking that compared to a $5000 bike, $300 for shoes/pedal isn't that bad.

ps, get a leatt brae if you're worried about your neck/back. Best investment
Jan 13 2011 10:21PM
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Leafman
Posts: 2178 - Karma: 251
Whats up with all these "if you crash etc..", I don't care about when I crash, when I do I just do, you guys need to stop complaining. All I want to know is the performance gain in clipless pedals
Jan 13 2011 10:23PM
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Aenigma
Posts: 11256 - Karma: 424
I was riding around with a supermachoawesome iron man guy a couple years ago and he was on his decked out xc bike with clipless pedals. Unfortunately he followed me off a hip at about 15-20mph, and I turned around in time to see him go straight into a 10" tree trunk with hands flailing and both feet clipped in. He ended up getting a big ring into his calf, so...bashguards are good, too.

And as long as I don't lift my foot completely off the pedal, my 5.10's feel quite a bit more solid than being clipped in.
Jan 13 2011 10:23PM
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Cufe.
Posts: 1950 - Karma: 262
I am saving for one, I took this season easy so I didn't die :P And I know clips are 90% personal preference, but when I owe my life to the fact I didn't use them... I have some Bias :P
Jan 13 2011 10:25PM
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