SPD vs Normal?

[ccarty85]

Can anyone help me with my ‘pedal problem’? Basically, I’ve just got back into MTBing and I just dont know what type of pedals to go for? Although I am trying to hit as much off-road/trails as possible, I do have roughly a 10 mile road section of riding before I get to the Peaks.

So the question is, do I need SPD’s or shall I still with normals as I do feel a little more comfortable with them. Or do you recommend a pair of half and half pedals?

Also, I’m looking for a decet pair of shoes as well – any help on either of these questions would be awesome. Thankks guys.

[Steve Kish]

SPDs FTW!! 8)

[Gunner]

SPD’s Deffo 😉

[ccarty85]

what about the more technical trail/DH sections? Do i not need to get out of the pedals or is this more of a myth?

[SeanO]

what about the more technical trail/DH sections? Do i not need to get out of the pedals or is this more of a myth?

I can’t ride properly without SPDs after using for about 5 years, although many may say I can’t ride properly anyway 🙄

[lordmerchant]

This is one of THE great questions in the MTB world lol, your best bet is get some and gie them a try, it’s different for eerybody. Saying that mind I ALWAYS use SPD 8)

[Gunner]

Do i not need to get out of the pedals or is this more of a myth?

Beleive me, you’ll get out of the pedals quick enough 😆 😆

[ccarty85]

Just want to say a massive thanks for all your help. I do have a pair of Shimano PD-M525’s which are quite chunky/heavy (heavy duty?) or a much lighter pair of Shimano PD-M540’s…is lighter better or will the heavier set be better when i hit the mud?

Also, my mate uses a set of half-and-half (dont know the tech name!) pedals – one side SPD and the other side is flat – maybe this is too much and I should just stick my SPD’s on and get on with it!

Next – shoes!!!!!!!

[badblood]

Stick with the 540’s they clear mud better. You will have a couple of comedy offs when stationary at first but it is worth it in the end

[ccarty85]

cant wait for the ‘comedy offs’!! My mate recently had one himself – it was a stationary fall which was funny in itself, but what added more comedy value was the fact that he landed on his hydration pack, punctured it and got absolutely soaked in sticky orange juice – he wasn’t best pleased!

Right, Spuds it is then – you’ve convinced me! Now I just need the shoes! Its literally one question after another!Any recommendations or anyone selling a pair? Im at 45 Shimano, not too sure with the other brands.4

Thanks chaps!

[Abzz]

If you are not sure about them then why not buy a cheap pair from Lidl for about £18 first ?

I got used to them in about 3 months but still have the occasional “comedy off” 😆

[Steve Kish]

Try them loose first of all and see you you get on – they’re all tightness-adjustable.

I don’t get too many ‘comedy-offs’ but do get quite a few ‘falling off when refusing to give up trying to climb a hill-offs’.

[ccarty85]

will definately set them nice and ‘loose’ to begin with, thats great advice. Also glad to know that it wont be just be falling off!!Just got in from a fast(ish) bash around the Peaks and these trainers have to go!

Thanks again for your excellent advice, I’ll let you know what I think and what shoes I end up getting.

[Philg1984]

I just got a pair of spd pedals and they feel so strange! Gonna take some getting used to but should reap the rewards in the end.

First try with them I had to undo my right shoe and take it off as i couldn’t get it to unclip! Since i’ve set them on the loosest setting and will go out on a ride tomorrow to get used to them.

Will take my flats with me incase im really struggling.

[Gunner]

Will take my flats with me incase im really struggling.

Don’t, you’ll be fine. 😉