Can anyone recommend platform pedals that wont make me bleed like a pig? :)

[dirtyBird]

I know I should switch to clipless but I want to get a little more comfortable off-road. In the meantime, I want something a little better than the stock platforms that came with my bike that are shredding my shins.

If this isnt possible, which platforms, would you recommend regardless of what they'll do to my shins. Thanks.

[walsh]

Shin guards (http://www.pricepoint.com/detail/13013-536_SSOVS4-1-Clothing-14-Protective-Gear/661-New-Veggie-Shin-Wraps.htm) are as cheap as new pedals and may come in handy in the future.

I know I should switch to clipless but I want to get a little more comfortable off-road. In the meantime, I want something a little better than the stock platforms that came with my bike that are shredding my shins.

If this isnt possible, which platforms, would you recommend regardless of what they'll do to my shins. Thanks.

[dirtyBird]

I might just do that. For some reason I prefer not to be clipped in, or clipped out, or clipless, (okay so I forget the term and dont feel like lookin it up to seem smart) and would rather use platforms. Shinguards might be the best bet.

But down the road, if I start hitting up Gambrill, the Shed, and whatnot, will I want to be locked in to my pedals? Again, I forget whats its technically called. :)

Is there anyone here that rides alot that uses platforms? Or are you all clip.. you get the idea. I really need to go look up that term again. :)

[CRAIG2]

FWIW, I know very, very few XC riders, casual or otherwise, that choose to use platform pedals over clipless pedals. Anywhere. I could probably count the number that I've seen using platforms on one hand, and still have fingers left over.

[TrailVictim]

Go for the Time Z Control pedals. You can learn to use clipless but still have the platform if needed. I picked up a set for my 12yr old and he loves them.

[CRAIG2]

Good choice - and they shouldn't shred your shins too badly.

[dirtyBird]

FWIW, I know very, very few XC riders, casual or otherwise, that choose to use platform pedals over clipless pedals. Anywhere. I could probably count the number that I've seen using platforms on one hand, and still have fingers left over.

I believe that. I tear my shins up every ride. I sorta got used to it. I think Ill pick up some clipless pedals this weekend. I guess t was a comfort thing that I could put my foot down when I wanted to. This is probably just a progression that I need to make. Besides, I'm running out of bandaids.

[dirtyBird]

Go for the Time Z Control pedals. You can learn to use clipless but still have the platform if needed. I picked up a set for my 12yr old and he loves them.

Thanks for the tip. I like these alot.

[Brizn]

I kinda like those Time Z pedals myself...and I think BlueSkyCycling has 'em on sale, fyi.

Don't forget about the platform/spd pedals that Shimano, Wellgo, et al make.

[redneckp3ngu1n]

No good pedals will keep your shins in prestine condition. Ive heard crankbros 5050s are good if you change the stock pins out for longer ones. Also look into speedplay derrilliums ( think thats how they are spelled) They are lighter than 5050's and are suppose to be really nice for 80 bucks.

[redneckp3ngu1n]

Go for the Time Z Control pedals. You can learn to use clipless but still have the platform if needed. I picked up a set for my 12yr old and he loves them.

Also look into crankbrothers mallets. Same idea but i like their design better.

[CRAIG2]

Or just go for the Time's. They've been around longer, and they're just about nuke proof. They laugh hysterically at logs, sand, snow, ice, mud, and evil rock gardens. You really can't go wrong with them, and they'll last forever.

[dirtyBird]

Im gonna suck it up and get a pair of clipless pedals. Definitely looking at all of the recommendations you all have given. Thanks again, my shins appreciate it.

[CRAIG2]

You won't regret it, well, you might the first few times you go out - until you get used to the 'feeling' of them. Find a soft, grassy area, and and practice clipping and unclipping several, several times until it almost begins to feel natural. Almost, because on your first day out with them, it won't. You might feel 'stuck' to your bike, and that can be a little unsettling. Just relax, though. Really. Remember to twist your heel outwards to 'unclip', rather than pull up or off the pedal like you would with a platform. It can be tough to engrain that motion, but once you do, you'll NEVER go back to a platform pedal. And you'll be amazed how much more efficient a pedal stroke you can develop going clipless. It's just feels sooo wrong everytime I get on a bike with platforms, or even toe cages. Good luck!

Craig

[Brizn]

Or just go for the Time's. They've been around longer, and they're just about nuke proof. They laugh hysterically at logs, sand, snow, ice, mud, and evil rock gardens. You really can't go wrong with them, and they'll last forever.Hey Craig, seriously...the Times are pretty solid, eh? I'm shopping.

[CRAIG2]

VERY solid. I beat the crap out of mine. I think I still have mine laying around if you'd like to try them out. Just let me know.

[punga]

I like the CB Mallets. They hold up well in the winter (that's when I use them, most of the time, they live on my wife's bike). And like the others, you can use them to clip in when you're ready to start learning.

punga!

[saxman]

If you're a newcomer to clipless, I'd recommend going with the SPDs, either the Shimano 520/540 pedals. They are very forgiving and easy to get in and out of.

Last year, I was a newbie to clipless after riding for eight years, I finally switched to clipless. It was pretty nutty for the first couple of months, but I eventually settled in. Now, I'm so comfortable on clipless that when I ride platforms I feel as unconformtable as I do when I don't have my seat belt on in the car.