[Mikey1969]

Hey guys,
Looking for a little bit of opinion and advice here. I'm planning on finally getting off my butt and enjoying some of the mountain trails here in Utah. I've got a nice bike, but I am looking for some feedback on what to do in the pedal category. Previously, I've used Power Grips before, and absolutely loved them. I really am not excited about traditional style clips, nor am I excited about clipless pedals. I don't plan on doing world record technical riding, or anything like that, and I plan on still riding the bike around town.

I don't really know about the clipless pedals, because I don't like having to wear dedicated shoes around if you decide to stop for some lunch or a beer after your ride, and I also want to keep the price under control. I just want to make sure that I'm at least partially on the right track with the Power Grips.

So how about it guys? Is anyone out there familiar with Power Grips? Do you guys think these will be good enough to give me the benefit that clips give you, but will still be easy to manage? I like the extra power I get from clips, but I also like not having my foot slip off the pedal and having the thing spin around and chew up my calf... That's always a lot of fun...

[ruggedscotsman]

I've never been a fan of rat traps or power straps. I find it annoying to have to flip the pedal everytime you want them, and I've slipped out of rat traps a couple of time while trail riding. I would suggest a cheap pair of SPD pedals and some shoes that are for mixed use....something with a chunky sole, and a casual style so you can wear 'em to the bar or the grocery store without having to bring a second pair of shoes. If you like, there are flat adapters that some bike shops us for demo-ing bikes with clips. I've seen a couple of folks using these when they don't want to use their clips for a short in-town ride. I put a little over 2 years of use (including daily commuting) on an old pair of wellgo pedals that were just about the cheapest spd option when I got them, and they held up great. Combine that with a cheap mtb or casual style shoe that has good drip and you'll be set.

[RoadHollow]

I've always been a fan of bring what makes you happy . And have been schooled far to many times in my decades of riding by folks on lesser equipment .Also resisted moving away from my old Bear Trap's myself. The attributes of clipless peddles far out way peddle straps . One is that they are lighter , Smaller profile "so you wont clip rocks and roots"as much , much easier to get in and out of , and the soles of cycling shoe's are stiffer and offer a much better platform to stand on . Trade off is that i throw a pair of socks and shoes in the car .And the bike shoes today are designed so nicely that i truly dont care if i wear them regardless of how many stops i make . This is just information and has no emotional attachment . Because as a local ride leader in my area , I always tell everyone who joins in my rides to bring what you have, leave the ego at home . lets ride the wheels off of it .

[Brent]

After trying all and I mean all the alternatives I quite honestly found the shimano SPD pedals do the best job as far as power transfer staying in place over rougher terrain and just over all riding comfort,I found the learning curve on them to be quite short and getting in and out becomes second nature very quickly.A wide selection of shoe are available even some models that are easy to walk around in at the bar after a ride.Good luck deciding and enjoy the ride.

[rwhitlow]

I love my eggbeaters. We don't have much to climb, but it helps when I do.

[mikebike]

SPD pedals... you can use a recessed MTB shoe or Keen makes some nice cycling sandals which I own and use and look like reg sandals -- good luck

[gs46]

I prefere my Forte' platforms...not a clip-in guy.

[tke440]

I love my spd pedals...I couldn't ride trails without being clipped in. Just make sure they are loose enough to clip out quickly. Probably be upgrading this year to "egg beaters".

[Noel]

Back when I mountain biked I used the power straps and found them to be excellent I had all the control I needed and they where easy to enter and exit. I am glad to hear they are still in use. I think that there are double sided pedals that are platform on one side and clipped on the other.

[RoadHollow]

I've ridden on all them at some point . I love Times but to rich for my blood , Been on Egg Beaters now for several years and love them . Secure and stable and very easy to get ot of . Only down fall is that they are very sensitive to being clipped against rocks ,