I’ve never realized that float is the reason I like clipless pedals more than flats. It puts my foot in the place I like but allows me to twist a little as I move my body around. Way to start the channel off with an enlightening video!
@@BigBrainParty that was my first thought too. I really only ride flats in the winter so I don't freeze my feet off, but maybe those would change my mind.
Neat video! Longtime rider who switched from XT Trails to flats a couple years ago after a knee tear. (I’m keeping up on PT to stave off surgery.) I prefer the mobility I have on flats but this has me clip curious again. I have a fresh set of XT Trails and cleats on the wall… it’s an easy experiment… you have me convinced I should give ‘em a try again, then try some Mallet-E’s. On the Crank Bros front I wonder if you’ve tried the Synthesis carbon hoops. I see you’re using SC Reserves, a traditional double wall design...
Really like the way this guy (Steve) delivers his channel. He doesn t tell us what we need just tells us what works for him, why it works and gives us enough informative info to experiment ourselves. No apparant hidden agenda except to inform Comes across really genuine . Refreshing
Excellent video! Long time SPD user myself, got me wanting to try something different now. Great way to kick off the new channel, looking forward to seeing more!
I had been using Shimano forever and was contemplating trying clipped in again. The float factor is huge and I may try Crank Brothers now. Thanks Steve, keep it up!!
Thanks Steve, this was a great discussion for your new channel. I started with crank bros egg beaters 12 years ago, and I have never looked back...or sideways for that matter. I just enjoy them so much, even in the gnarliest situations I can always get out of my pedals. I really like the low profile of the egg beaters, and I can tell it helps keep me from pedal strikes in technical terrain. One thing to add is that replacement cleats come with two lengths of screws. One time I didn't pay attention to that and started experiencing foot pain on long rides. It took me a long time to figure out that the long screws were too long for my shoe and created a pressure point that was only noticeable on long rides or long descents. Although brass, the cleats remain functional for a very long time, especially if you walk with some care in rocky terrain. I found it's best to replace the screws on the cleats before they become so worn you aren't able to get an allen key in for removal. Also, bearings on the pedals eventually dry out with lots of use and abuse, but they are easily serviceable. It's nice to see you looking healthy! This channel will be a great place for you to share your wealth of knowledge, looking forward to it!
My little brain switched back to flats 25 years ago and haven’t looked back (on my second pair of Ride Concept shoes) but your explanation of everything is so good 👌🏼 great start to the new channel.
Ineed the “Float”, as I have a bolt-on right knee, which I’m convinced the knee was not attached in straight or inline with my hip and other knee/leg. I use flats with 5.10 freerider, or Sam Hill shoes to MTB. So I can not only unclimbed as needed, but to clip back in especially as you come around a corner to a steep climb, where I would invariably miss clipping in, often stalling out and falling to the side. I use XT SPD on my road bikes, mostly to be able to not walk around like a duck on ice. I have my bolt-on knee cleats/clips positioned to point my foot out slightly, which is more comfortable, even though less efficient. This is a great vid. A lot of info.
Nice Eskar shirt! I actually came because the video landed in my suggested videos, staying for crank brothers and Eskar! I switched out to Crank Brothers in...2002 or so, I had some issues with SPD then and never turned back.
I got a number of hardtails complete and built. From your channel and your Patreon. Components have gotten ridiculous cost wise. Do some content on how an NX drivetrain or level or guide brakes etc can be great bike parts. I feel component’s like these are so advanced compared to anything I rode hard in the nineties. I just mean there is a lot of quality parts that aren’t the top price tag, but offer a lot of bag for your buck. I think it is worthy content because when you’re building your own bike, it can be out of people’s budget really quick when getting the top tier parts. Maybe the science behind why a best bang for your buck parts work well. Why there are good and not crap.
I had your epiphany over 20 years ago. SPD to crank brothers. Love zero float. One less thing to worry about. Crank Brothers Pedals are a standard that will never get old.
I run doubleshot on my XC bike and eggbeater on my road bike, carbon soled shoes make it so that the pedal platform becomes irrelevant but I still like having a true platform with raised studs for when I forget that the xc bike isn't meant to do "fun" stuff. Can't believe no one noticed the Cane Creek thing at the start of the video:)
I always cranked my spd pedal release because i hate float. I too love many things about flats but miss being clipped. I think im getting mallet e. Thanks for the deep dive on these.
Great break down. I'll have to try a setup like this to see if I'd go back to clipless. Just like you, I rode clipless for a long time, but then I went to flat pedals and have never looked back. I found out I like to move my feet around for climbing and descending, but the main reason for leaving clipless was not being able to unclip when I wanted to, especially for slow tech. Anyway, great break down. I'm so stoked on this channel!
Going to date my self here. Started with Shimano and traded with a buddy for his Onzas loved those pedals. Used some Ritcheys and Wellgos all SPD clones and now ride Crankbrothers. In my 30 yes of riding clipless Crankbrothers are my favorites then the Onza then the SPD. Love the geekout videos!! Love to see you do a live stream and talk about the evolution from the 90s to know. I think a lot of younger riders and the newer riders would love to hear the insight.
I have SPDs and HT T2s. Really like the feel of the HTs. They have little float, adjustable tension, and pins. I've found it easier to unclip with a low float cleat, as it takes less rotation to get out of the mechanism. Good info as always Steve.
@@mybadvideos I love them. Similar to SPD, but a very positive engagement feel. Very secure with minimal float. A little harder to get out of though. The Loam Wolf has a review of them that's about spot on.
Been running Time Atac for 20 years. Much preferred over SPD, easier engage and disengage and cleaning. But they do float, and I'd assumed that was a good thing. Having a fixed cleat is an interesting take on it, I hadn't considered that. Now I wanna compare to the Mallet!
Same for me...Time ATAC. Ran some SPD on a commuter bike and they worked, but definitely prefer the ATAC. Never really thought about the float, they just work for me.
Hi Steve ! Congratulations on the new channel ! I've been an HTP fan for years but your analysis is spon on. I personnally have been riding fs bikes for 2 years now and kept on watching HTP for fun but not as much as when I was riding hardtails exclusively. So I'm thrilled by the new horizons that channel opens :) I can't wait to watch you upcoming videos and above all, I wish you all the best ! 🤟
I personally had the exact opposite shift of mind. When I started mountain biking (not so long ago), I opted for Funn Mamba SPD-compatible pedals with a wide platform and pins that would keep my foot in place. Exactly with the same idea in mind - more control. But when I bought a gravel bike and set it up with smaller SPD pedals (LOOK X-Track) I realized how much I actually like that float! Now I have these pedals on my FS, my SS HT and I have no plans whatsoever to change anything in that regard. I also played with eggbeaters for a few months, but I just got sick of trying to make them work for me, as opposed to SPD which I can just put on and forget about.
Just found your new channel! I hope you find the same success as you did with the HTP channel any beyond. Thanks for the info. I am a big fan of the crankbro's mallet e's. I came from an XC side of things and had my cleats setup on the toes with my mallets. I then swapped to the ball of the foot ahead of the spindle and man, what a positive change! I look forward to following along with you. Great content per usual. Oh, also, I recently added the long spindle kit, for someone like me with bowed legs, it's a great addition.
I stripped a screw when servicing my SPDs. They're holding up well, but I figured I'd replace them soon because of that. Will take a look at the CBs first. Good luck with the new channel - I'll be doing my part with the watch-hours :)
I ride Crank Brothers with 6 degree easy release cleats due to prior knee injuries. A little float allows me to adjust as i ride so my knees don't hurt. But maybe I'll try the 0 float version of the cleat and see how it feels. I've also found you need to experiment with the shims and the metal shield, depending on your bike shoe. I removed the shim and added the shield and it works great.
Did you say Cane Creek Mallet-E? :) This is actually a timely video for me because I'm actually looking at going back to clipless, specifically with these Crank Bros pedals. I'm getting sick of my feet slipping off my flats on fast chunky stuff, but I still want to be able to easily unclip. You've convinced me to try them out. Thank you sir!
Yup, the brain fog is real. I totally messed that up. I highly recommend their mallet shoes with them. Great combo. Make sure to experiment around with cleat height and pin height.
Great video, really informative. I’ve clip less since ‘94 on Shimano and Time Attacks and with a new hardtail went with some Shimano M8120’s wish I’d seen this though. Actually wish I’d found the Hardtail Party channel before I got the new bike. YOU ROCK STEVE. Keep it coming!
Nice video, thanks for sharing your experience. Right now, I have SPD ME 700 pedals combined with GE500 shoes and so far I am happy. There is no rocking or vertical play. There is float, but I dont mind that. Have a nice day :)
Good video, thanks! I wish you have a great success with this new channel! I started with SPDs in the late 90's and early 00´s. Then had various CB Mallets and Candys over a period of ~10 years. Then went back to SPD's. I can say I like both systems and I'd happily ride either. However, I tried flats about 2 years ago, just to try them out...and I haven't looked back. There are some things I still like about clipless pedals, but I just find flats to be just more fun to ride. I may get back to clipless from time to time, to mix things out, but overall I think I am a flat-pedal convert. :)
Thanks for posting this. I never knew what the crank brother pedals were different from Shimano SPDs. I enjoy the float on the SPDs and tried flat pedals before. I don't enjoy flat pedals on a hardtail riding rough terrain and now I think I know why. Flat pedals didn't give me any float and hurt my ankles more than SPDs. SPDs didn't give me any pain.
Funn pedals are a flat pedal with spd compatible clipless. Get the same planted feeling you are talking about with the crank Brothers pedal. I have ridden with spd for 20ish years and swapped to Funn pedals a few months ago and love the planted controllable feel I get.
Great Video. I just realized last fall that I prefer the floaty feeling when reading my DH bike again. Being struck to the flat pedals wasn't my thing anymore. Switch to HT components clips on all my bikes now
I love my crank brothers exactly because the clear wear out and becomes super easy to unclip!! It gives me that locked in feeling with very little float but the boom at any moment I can unclip from the pedal and stick the feet out !! Plus you get the mud to clear off easy and I would also say that the spring of the retaining system holds up better over time than SPDS
Like my chicken wings…the stickier the better!! Ran SPD’s for 28 years and switched to platforms six years ago. Was surprised by the control and connectivity the pinned platform/sticky soled chicken wings provided. Great vid Steve, VERY informational. 🎉
I just started using crank bros as well. I'm still trying to get used to being clipped in since I used flat pedals for the past 5 years. Good luck with the channel.
100% with you on this, but I found an SPD pedal that does it too - the DMR vtwin. I paired them with fiveten clipless shoes as well. I believe the more recent Hope clipless pedals can also be set up like this too.
I don't use flat pedals or clipless anymore. I use Hustle magnetic pedals. I get most of the advantages of clipless but I can get out of them much easier. I have never crashed with these pedals, even while learning how to use them.
I ride the FUNN ripper pedal which is an SPD and I love it. I’ve tried the crank brothers but felt the release was too soft for my liking and aggressive riding style and feel the same about the Shimano pedal offering too much float. I do still enjoy riding flats on occasion as well but like the extra security of clips when racing.
I have never ridden clipless pedals ever, but I have bought the Stamp 7 Seagrave edition after a few years being on Race face pedals, and the Crank brothers pedals did not disappoint.
I went from Onza to Shimano to Time ATAC (all clipless beginning in the early 90s). I have been on Crank Bros Eggbeaters for a decade now and love the mud-clearing, easy clipping, light weight (I run 11 on MTB and Gravel) and easy rebuildability. That said, Eggbeaters only work well with very stiff-soled shoes. LIke my Sidis :)
I love Mallet E LS pedals and Mallet clip shoes. For all the same reasons you've mentioned. Also from SPDs. I still ride flats from time to time, but when I'm shredding on the full suspension in the roughest stuff, Mallet clip system for me, every time.
I was an early adopter of egg beaters, loving their simplicity and mud clearance…however, I started getting a bit of “hotfoot” occasionally due to no platform so I’ve been riding the “candy” model with small platform and no pins. I like a bit of float and think it helps avoid overuse injuries to knees, etc. Nice review!
Tried eggbeaters on my 05 Santa Cruz blur in 2006. Fell twice trying to unclip. Took them off and never tried any clipless pedal since. Yoshimura flat pedals are my pedal of choice right now. Great topic !
Unfortunately a lot of us riders can't afford all the different shoes, cleats and pedals not to mention we only have one bike so switching things out is a real pain in the you know what.
I got a Mallet DH for my e-gravel bike, for different reasons: Needed the widest platform, I can now wear winter and rain overshoes (I can't do that with flat pedals and pins all over) and it allows me to ride with both types of shoes, clipped in or flats for short commutes. SPD has that style too, but its cleat mechanism is too bulged up that's uncomfortable for flat shoes.
Really good subject matter. I ride Deity Tmac on my MTB’s mainly for that solid no-float, planted, control feel just like you talked about. I also use Crank Brothers Candy pedals on my gravel bike BUT lately I’ve more aware that because of the float and smaller platform that it kind of bothers me. I recently rode a technical loop in Moab on the gravel bike with the Candys and noticed that I didn’t like all the foot movement. So anyway great video and the subject matter really hits home with me because I’ve been thinking about changing a few things up and trying the Mallet pedals.
Nice wildcat , I got my frame last week , just waiting on brake hoses to come in . I bought a pair of old mallet dh (2012) that my lbs had laying around for cheap . I really like them on my fat bike in the summer time , I can climb much better , the problem I have is the Q factor of the mallet dh , on top of the Q factor of the fat bike , my stance feels too wide . So I’m thinking of getting the candy 1 or 2 . I personally like the float of the crank brother pedal , especially when cornering or going through tech sections .
Been on Time ATACs since 1996 on my first real MTB, a Trek 7000 SHX. I was sold on the float, the bonus is the harder you pull up the harder the pedal holds to your cleat. Flip the cleat over for more or less angle of release.
Steve, thank you for this incredible in-depth look. Your work is an absolute gift to bike nerds like me! 🙃 Speaking of nerdy topics, I'd love to hear your take on how the combo of a high stack and long chainstays influence a bike's handling. I imagine that this combination would make for a bike that is insanely stable in the corners - but surely there would be tradeoffs! Thanks again, loving the new channel already!
I prefer having float when pedaling, especially when climbing and off the saddle. I find that no float affects my knees. However, when pedals are leveled, I prefer being locked in with no float. Having said that, I ride flats but looking into clipped for DH at the bike park.
I rode spd's for a long time. Started them back in the 90's. I really liked them. I never got a chance to try any other clipless system. I switched to flats when my joint issues made it too difficult to disengage my feet off of the pedal. Wish I could have tried another clipless system. Still have my original spd mtb shoes from Shimano. Don't have it in me to throw them away.
Thanks for the insight! I recently bought a pair of Vans 114s in the hopes of increasing traction and reducing play. The waffle grips provide a wide possibility of foot position without sacrificing traction
Still in the same set of egg beaters since the early 2000’s, but on the third bike! I love the float on them and the super quick release; maybe my cleats are worn out, but they’re still as predictable as the day I first fitted them. Agreed about cleat placement too; just behind the ball of my foot.
Awesome 🔥nice work. I switched to flats from spd's back in 99 so i could play around on the bike more i like to be able to move my foot position around when fighting fatigue 🤘
Ran crank brothers for a while then got tired of having to replace cleats every month, and too many accidental unclips, at which point I was introduced to the wonderful world of HT pedals and have never looked back.
I like the float of Eggbeaters specially when standing on my Single Speed. I also like the ability to change foot position to deal with fatigue and joint discomfort.
It has been nearly 30 yrs since I began riding with clipless pedals. It was mid 1994 when I bought my first set of Shimano SPD's, and I have ridden clipless ever since. I even swapped from toe straps to Look pedals on my road bike, and now every time I ride a bike with flats of some sort, it's a bit disconcerting. A week ago, I did my first gravel ride on a set of flats using a low-cut hiking shoe. It took me a few miles to get the "feel" for being somewhat "disconnected" from the bike. Honestly, I will stick with SPD's on my Hardtail and the Look Keo 2's, but I think I am sold on flats for gravel. As far as cleat position, after watching a video on YT on bike fit, the individual (not going to plug another channel on Steve's) he recommended setting the cleats as far back as possible. I did this, and it made a big difference in reducing lower leg, ankle, and foot fatigue. My favorite SPD pedal are the Shimano M540, they're cheap, reliable, and I have never had a set fail.
I'm constantly swapping between flats and SPD. Mostly flats for huge jumps and any mission where there's a lot of bike pushing, especially on rocks. I like the float on SPD trail pedals for most riding. I only ride SPD DH pedals when I'm actually riding downhill, I find the pins to be a detriment for getting out during extra techy climbs if you have weight on them.
There’s a party in your brain and we’re invited? 😜 Good luck Steve, hope your new chapter in life is successful. Thought I was a bike nerd until I rode with you last spring.
I gave SPDs a try and the float was definitely one of the things I really didn't like when compared to a "floatless"combo of 5Tens and flats. Ended up going the opposite direction and ordered the Catalyst Pedals which have a huge platform, they're by far one of my favourite bike components
When I was younger I used Egg Beaters on my road bike because I hate road clipless pedals. But since I ride less on the road now I just use SDP's on the gravel bike to keep my bikes the same and avoid road riding as much as possible because I don't trust people driving. I never liked egg beaters on my MTB, always found them tougher to get into.
I'm all for the spindle behind the ball of the foot positioning. After switching to flats on the mtn bikes, I positioned my road bike cleats so that the spindle is behind the ball of the foot. I still have a pair of spds that haven't seen much use in a while. Crank Bros can send me a pair of the new pedals if they want and I'll be happy to give them a try. 😁
I started with SPD and wanted more side float so switched to Time Attack. They don't have float but I like them better. No vertical float. I got carbon body for durability more than the weight savings and glad I did. They have taken the punishment. I don't think I can ride SPD anymore.
I've been riding flats forever both on mtb and road bikes. 5.10s and Ride Concepts shoes with DMRs are a solid combo for me. I want to get into clipless at some point, but I fear the learning curve and question if the benefits will outweigh the time it takes to learn.
I've used both but Im back on SPD, I think it really depends on the style of riding, all mountain Mallet E, XC SPD. I think the biggest issue with the Crank Bros is wear over time I have a bucket of worn and broken Crank bros, but my original pair of 25 year old SPD are still usable.
Interestingly in the road world the pros have been moving their cleats back towards the centre of the shoe too. I remember Adam Hanson talking about it. He's a deep guy when it comes to research, going as far as making his own shoes to get exactly what he wants.
I started with mallets and put long spindles on. Then the mallet es when they x Came out. Now, the mallet trail is my favorite pedal along with easy release cleats.
I predominantly ride flats but have dabble with clipless. I’ve tried both shimano and crank brothers and I’m the opposite, I struggle to clip in with crank brothers and find it harder to get out partly due to the pins on the mallet e’s. I find shimano so much easier to clip in and out of and I like the float allowing me to adjust my footing. Knowing I can unclip easily is one less distraction on the trail. I’ve tried crank brothers easy release cheats and have still ended up being stuck and having an off, not the case with shimano. I listed the pins fully on my mallet e’s so might give them another try but at this stage I’m happier with shimano
The shim, for me, is for shoes where the pedal and cleat are not allowing contact. The shim ' raises ' the cleat so pedal has access to it. I find those is some times just one shoe.
i am high tension spd fan. When they are at high tension i can use them to operate the bike but lock out is a bit harder ofcorse. When you use to it they are the best and float get your frend.
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I've been riding SPDs for 20 years, more or less XC/trail style. I plan to try a good pair of flat pedals, it will be interesting to see how it feels to have zero float after all these years.
Shimano used to sell a zero float cleat years ago. Not sure why they stopped selling them. My only issue with the CB pedals is I want it to be difficult to uncleat, I don't want a food to come off mid jump doing a whip.
i like the most stick aproach since i dont have to think about my feet. One downside is on flats if i position my feet wrong it throws me off so crankbrothers might be the saving grace for me. Most stick and same feet position every time
I’ve never realized that float is the reason I like clipless pedals more than flats. It puts my foot in the place I like but allows me to twist a little as I move my body around. Way to start the channel off with an enlightening video!
I wonder if you'd like those flats with float in them.
@@BigBrainParty that was my first thought too. I really only ride flats in the winter so I don't freeze my feet off, but maybe those would change my mind.
I hurt my knees occasionally with flats because I am so used to the float on SPDs. I have to be very conscious of how I am twisting my knees.
Great distinction between the float vs non float. I ride flats but found this very interesting. Great job Steve!!!
Neat video! Longtime rider who switched from XT Trails to flats a couple years ago after a knee tear. (I’m keeping up on PT to stave off surgery.) I prefer the mobility I have on flats but this has me clip curious again. I have a fresh set of XT Trails and cleats on the wall… it’s an easy experiment… you have me convinced I should give ‘em a try again, then try some Mallet-E’s.
On the Crank Bros front I wonder if you’ve tried the Synthesis carbon hoops. I see you’re using SC Reserves, a traditional double wall design...
Really like the way this guy (Steve) delivers his channel. He doesn t tell us what we need just tells us what works for him, why it works and gives us enough informative info to experiment ourselves. No apparant hidden agenda except to inform Comes across really genuine . Refreshing
Thank you, I'm more interested in teaching than brainwashing/selling
I second your opinion. Steve is very informative
Agreed
Excellent video! Long time SPD user myself, got me wanting to try something different now. Great way to kick off the new channel, looking forward to seeing more!
I had been using Shimano forever and was contemplating trying clipped in again. The float factor is huge and I may try Crank Brothers now. Thanks Steve, keep it up!!
Thanks Steve, this was a great discussion for your new channel. I started with crank bros egg beaters 12 years ago, and I have never looked back...or sideways for that matter. I just enjoy them so much, even in the gnarliest situations I can always get out of my pedals. I really like the low profile of the egg beaters, and I can tell it helps keep me from pedal strikes in technical terrain. One thing to add is that replacement cleats come with two lengths of screws. One time I didn't pay attention to that and started experiencing foot pain on long rides. It took me a long time to figure out that the long screws were too long for my shoe and created a pressure point that was only noticeable on long rides or long descents. Although brass, the cleats remain functional for a very long time, especially if you walk with some care in rocky terrain. I found it's best to replace the screws on the cleats before they become so worn you aren't able to get an allen key in for removal. Also, bearings on the pedals eventually dry out with lots of use and abuse, but they are easily serviceable. It's nice to see you looking healthy! This channel will be a great place for you to share your wealth of knowledge, looking forward to it!
Went from knee pain and Shimano SPD to Crankbrothers Candy pedals and have never had pain again! So much better...
My little brain switched back to flats 25 years ago and haven’t looked back (on my second pair of Ride Concept shoes) but your explanation of everything is so good 👌🏼 great start to the new channel.
So many nuggets of info in here! Cool to hear about your foot position as well, I’ll have to experiment with that on my next ride!
It'll take a little getting used to, but I think you're going to like it
Ineed the “Float”, as I have a bolt-on right knee, which I’m convinced the knee was not attached in straight or inline with my hip and other knee/leg. I use flats with 5.10 freerider, or Sam Hill shoes to MTB. So I can not only unclimbed as needed, but to clip back in especially as you come around a corner to a steep climb, where I would invariably miss clipping in, often stalling out and falling to the side. I use XT SPD on my road bikes, mostly to be able to not walk around like a duck on ice. I have my bolt-on knee cleats/clips positioned to point my foot out slightly, which is more comfortable, even though less efficient.
This is a great vid. A lot of info.
For what it's worth, i just gotta say it again . . . I think your insights and presentation are the best of the internet on mountain biking! Thanks.
Thank you so much. Im working on an upcoming course that i think youll love.
Nice Eskar shirt! I actually came because the video landed in my suggested videos, staying for crank brothers and Eskar! I switched out to Crank Brothers in...2002 or so, I had some issues with SPD then and never turned back.
I got a number of hardtails complete and built. From your channel and your Patreon. Components have gotten ridiculous cost wise. Do some content on how an NX drivetrain or level or guide brakes etc can be great bike parts. I feel component’s like these are so advanced compared to anything I rode hard in the nineties. I just mean there is a lot of quality parts that aren’t the top price tag, but offer a lot of bag for your buck. I think it is worthy content because when you’re building your own bike, it can be out of people’s budget really quick when getting the top tier parts. Maybe the science behind why a best bang for your buck parts work well. Why there are good and not crap.
I had your epiphany over 20 years ago. SPD to crank brothers. Love zero float. One less thing to worry about. Crank Brothers Pedals are a standard that will never get old.
I run doubleshot on my XC bike and eggbeater on my road bike, carbon soled shoes make it so that the pedal platform becomes irrelevant but I still like having a true platform with raised studs for when I forget that the xc bike isn't meant to do "fun" stuff. Can't believe no one noticed the Cane Creek thing at the start of the video:)
I noticed!!
Oh, and I’m already loving the possibilities of this new platform for you. Good stuff!
I always cranked my spd pedal release because i hate float. I too love many things about flats but miss being clipped. I think im getting mallet e. Thanks for the deep dive on these.
Great break down. I'll have to try a setup like this to see if I'd go back to clipless. Just like you, I rode clipless for a long time, but then I went to flat pedals and have never looked back. I found out I like to move my feet around for climbing and descending, but the main reason for leaving clipless was not being able to unclip when I wanted to, especially for slow tech. Anyway, great break down. I'm so stoked on this channel!
Rode SPDs for a almost 10 years. Switched to flats maybe 15 years ago and never looked back
Going to date my self here. Started with Shimano and traded with a buddy for his Onzas loved those pedals. Used some Ritcheys and Wellgos all SPD clones and now ride Crankbrothers. In my 30 yes of riding clipless Crankbrothers are my favorites then the Onza then the SPD. Love the geekout videos!! Love to see you do a live stream and talk about the evolution from the 90s to know. I think a lot of younger riders and the newer riders would love to hear the insight.
I have SPDs and HT T2s. Really like the feel of the HTs. They have little float, adjustable tension, and pins. I've found it easier to unclip with a low float cleat, as it takes less rotation to get out of the mechanism. Good info as always Steve.
I've been curious about HT for at least a year now..
@@mybadvideos I love them. Similar to SPD, but a very positive engagement feel. Very secure with minimal float. A little harder to get out of though. The Loam Wolf has a review of them that's about spot on.
Love your videos and expertise. Congrats on new channel. SPDs forever though broke to many CBs in my time.
Been running Time Atac for 20 years. Much preferred over SPD, easier engage and disengage and cleaning.
But they do float, and I'd assumed that was a good thing.
Having a fixed cleat is an interesting take on it, I hadn't considered that.
Now I wanna compare to the Mallet!
Same for me...Time ATAC. Ran some SPD on a commuter bike and they worked, but definitely prefer the ATAC. Never really thought about the float, they just work for me.
Hi Steve ! Congratulations on the new channel ! I've been an HTP fan for years but your analysis is spon on. I personnally have been riding fs bikes for 2 years now and kept on watching HTP for fun but not as much as when I was riding hardtails exclusively. So I'm thrilled by the new horizons that channel opens :) I can't wait to watch you upcoming videos and above all, I wish you all the best ! 🤟
Time Atac 28 yrs & lovin’em
hey man thanks for this video you answered all questions I've been looking for. Bog props 👏🤙
Great video Steve. Look forward to the content you are going to provide us with this new channel.
I personally had the exact opposite shift of mind. When I started mountain biking (not so long ago), I opted for Funn Mamba SPD-compatible pedals with a wide platform and pins that would keep my foot in place. Exactly with the same idea in mind - more control. But when I bought a gravel bike and set it up with smaller SPD pedals (LOOK X-Track) I realized how much I actually like that float! Now I have these pedals on my FS, my SS HT and I have no plans whatsoever to change anything in that regard.
I also played with eggbeaters for a few months, but I just got sick of trying to make them work for me, as opposed to SPD which I can just put on and forget about.
I don't even own a mountainbike. I'm a roadie, float is the GOAT and cleats all the way back baby!
Just found your new channel! I hope you find the same success as you did with the HTP channel any beyond. Thanks for the info. I am a big fan of the crankbro's mallet e's. I came from an XC side of things and had my cleats setup on the toes with my mallets. I then swapped to the ball of the foot ahead of the spindle and man, what a positive change! I look forward to following along with you. Great content per usual. Oh, also, I recently added the long spindle kit, for someone like me with bowed legs, it's a great addition.
I have the same Crank brothers set-up. It's great, feel totally in control all the time!
I stripped a screw when servicing my SPDs. They're holding up well, but I figured I'd replace them soon because of that. Will take a look at the CBs first. Good luck with the new channel - I'll be doing my part with the watch-hours :)
I ride Crank Brothers with 6 degree easy release cleats due to prior knee injuries. A little float allows me to adjust as i ride so my knees don't hurt. But maybe I'll try the 0 float version of the cleat and see how it feels. I've also found you need to experiment with the shims and the metal shield, depending on your bike shoe. I removed the shim and added the shield and it works great.
Did you say Cane Creek Mallet-E? :) This is actually a timely video for me because I'm actually looking at going back to clipless, specifically with these Crank Bros pedals. I'm getting sick of my feet slipping off my flats on fast chunky stuff, but I still want to be able to easily unclip. You've convinced me to try them out. Thank you sir!
Yup, the brain fog is real. I totally messed that up. I highly recommend their mallet shoes with them. Great combo. Make sure to experiment around with cleat height and pin height.
Great video, really informative. I’ve clip less since ‘94 on Shimano and
Time Attacks and with a new hardtail went with some Shimano M8120’s wish I’d seen this though. Actually wish I’d found the Hardtail Party channel before I got the new bike. YOU ROCK STEVE. Keep it coming!
Nice video, thanks for sharing your experience. Right now, I have SPD ME 700 pedals combined with GE500 shoes and so far I am happy. There is no rocking or vertical play. There is float, but I dont mind that. Have a nice day :)
Good video, thanks! I wish you have a great success with this new channel!
I started with SPDs in the late 90's and early 00´s. Then had various CB Mallets and Candys over a period of ~10 years. Then went back to SPD's. I can say I like both systems and I'd happily ride either. However, I tried flats about 2 years ago, just to try them out...and I haven't looked back. There are some things I still like about clipless pedals, but I just find flats to be just more fun to ride. I may get back to clipless from time to time, to mix things out, but overall I think I am a flat-pedal convert. :)
Thanks for posting this. I never knew what the crank brother pedals were different from Shimano SPDs. I enjoy the float on the SPDs and tried flat pedals before. I don't enjoy flat pedals on a hardtail riding rough terrain and now I think I know why. Flat pedals didn't give me any float and hurt my ankles more than SPDs. SPDs didn't give me any pain.
It could also he the hardtail hurting your ankles. Suspension is definitely easier on the body.
Funn pedals are a flat pedal with spd compatible clipless. Get the same planted feeling you are talking about with the crank Brothers pedal. I have ridden with spd for 20ish years and swapped to Funn pedals a few months ago and love the planted controllable feel I get.
Great Video. I just realized last fall that I prefer the floaty feeling when reading my DH bike again. Being struck to the flat pedals wasn't my thing anymore. Switch to HT components clips on all my bikes now
Mindblowing. Thanks for another great video! Looking forward to the next one.
I love my crank brothers exactly because the clear wear out and becomes super easy to unclip!! It gives me that locked in feeling with very little float but the boom at any moment I can unclip from the pedal and stick the feet out !! Plus you get the mud to clear off easy and I would also say that the spring of the retaining system holds up better over time than SPDS
Like my chicken wings…the stickier the better!! Ran SPD’s for 28 years and switched to platforms six years ago. Was surprised by the control and connectivity the pinned platform/sticky soled chicken wings provided. Great vid Steve, VERY informational. 🎉
I just started using crank bros as well. I'm still trying to get used to being clipped in since I used flat pedals for the past 5 years. Good luck with the channel.
Went to flats from the Crankbrothers Mallets. So after this video I think I'll give them another shot. Thanks Steve for the info.
100% with you on this, but I found an SPD pedal that does it too - the DMR vtwin. I paired them with fiveten clipless shoes as well. I believe the more recent Hope clipless pedals can also be set up like this too.
I don't use flat pedals or clipless anymore. I use Hustle magnetic pedals. I get most of the advantages of clipless but I can get out of them much easier. I have never crashed with these pedals, even while learning how to use them.
Time platform pedals on the lower float/easier release setting. Incredible bearings durability and ease of clip in.
I ride the FUNN ripper pedal which is an SPD and I love it. I’ve tried the crank brothers but felt the release was too soft for my liking and aggressive riding style and feel the same about the Shimano pedal offering too much float. I do still enjoy riding flats on occasion as well but like the extra security of clips when racing.
I strayed from SPDs once with a set of Onaz HO pedals. That was the last pedal experiment for me. 😂
LOL I hear that! I still have a scar from an Onza-pedal-related incident.
I have never ridden clipless pedals ever, but I have bought the Stamp 7 Seagrave edition after a few years being on Race face pedals, and the Crank brothers pedals did not disappoint.
I went from Onza to Shimano to Time ATAC (all clipless beginning in the early 90s). I have been on Crank Bros Eggbeaters for a decade now and love the mud-clearing, easy clipping, light weight (I run 11 on MTB and Gravel) and easy rebuildability. That said, Eggbeaters only work well with very stiff-soled shoes. LIke my Sidis :)
I love Mallet E LS pedals and Mallet clip shoes. For all the same reasons you've mentioned. Also from SPDs. I still ride flats from time to time, but when I'm shredding on the full suspension in the roughest stuff, Mallet clip system for me, every time.
I ride crank brothers mallet trails. The trails in my area is geared to xc, light trail application. I normally use flats in the mountains.
I was an early adopter of egg beaters, loving their simplicity and mud clearance…however, I started getting a bit of “hotfoot” occasionally due to no platform so I’ve been riding the “candy” model with small platform and no pins. I like a bit of float and think it helps avoid overuse injuries to knees, etc. Nice review!
Great video and well explained concepts! Thanks
Great video - glad to be here 🤙
Tried eggbeaters on my 05 Santa Cruz blur in 2006. Fell twice trying to unclip. Took them off and never tried any clipless pedal since. Yoshimura flat pedals are my pedal of choice right now. Great topic !
I’ll have to try the zero float cleat. I’ve only tried the float cleat but your argument about control makes sense.
Unfortunately a lot of us riders can't afford all the different shoes, cleats and pedals not to mention we only have one bike so switching things out is a real pain in the you know what.
That's why i try to share my experiences with all the neat things i get to try.
Thank you@@BigBrainParty
Very insightful! Great nerd stuff going on here, please proceed and good health to you mate!
Excellent job explaining. I'm like you. I like to be "locked" in. And, it is all about control for me too.
Cool that you started another mountain bike channel🤘🤘
I got a Mallet DH for my e-gravel bike, for different reasons: Needed the widest platform, I can now wear winter and rain overshoes (I can't do that with flat pedals and pins all over) and it allows me to ride with both types of shoes, clipped in or flats for short commutes. SPD has that style too, but its cleat mechanism is too bulged up that's uncomfortable for flat shoes.
I have Crank Bros on all my bikes
Road and mtn. One pair of shoes to rule them all!
Bruh, I love my 510s on flats! Closest thing to clips out there
510s used to have different compounds. They're not as tacky now.
Really good subject matter. I ride Deity Tmac on my MTB’s mainly for that solid no-float, planted, control feel just like you talked about. I also use Crank Brothers Candy pedals on my gravel bike BUT lately I’ve more aware that because of the float and smaller platform that it kind of bothers me. I recently rode a technical loop in Moab on the gravel bike with the Candys and noticed that I didn’t like all the foot movement. So anyway great video and the subject matter really hits home with me because I’ve been thinking about changing a few things up and trying the Mallet pedals.
Nice wildcat , I got my frame last week , just waiting on brake hoses to come in . I bought a pair of old mallet dh (2012) that my lbs had laying around for cheap . I really like them on my fat bike in the summer time , I can climb much better , the problem I have is the Q factor of the mallet dh , on top of the Q factor of the fat bike , my stance feels too wide . So I’m thinking of getting the candy 1 or 2 . I personally like the float of the crank brother pedal , especially when cornering or going through tech sections .
I'm still using Kona flat pedals i bought back in 2010🤘🤘
Been on Time ATACs since 1996 on my first real MTB, a Trek 7000 SHX. I was sold on the float, the bonus is the harder you pull up the harder the pedal holds to your cleat. Flip the cleat over for more or less angle of release.
The plus side of times, is I still have pairs from the 90’s going strong. Crank Bros. last about 2 seasons.
Steve, thank you for this incredible in-depth look. Your work is an absolute gift to bike nerds like me! 🙃
Speaking of nerdy topics, I'd love to hear your take on how the combo of a high stack and long chainstays influence a bike's handling. I imagine that this combination would make for a bike that is insanely stable in the corners - but surely there would be tradeoffs!
Thanks again, loving the new channel already!
I have plans for topics just like that.
I prefer having float when pedaling, especially when climbing and off the saddle. I find that no float affects my knees. However, when pedals are leveled, I prefer being locked in with no float. Having said that, I ride flats but looking into clipped for DH at the bike park.
I rode spd's for a long time. Started them back in the 90's. I really liked them. I never got a chance to try any other clipless system. I switched to flats when my joint issues made it too difficult to disengage my feet off of the pedal. Wish I could have tried another clipless system. Still have my original spd mtb shoes from Shimano. Don't have it in me to throw them away.
Thanks for the insight! I recently bought a pair of Vans 114s in the hopes of increasing traction and reducing play. The waffle grips provide a wide possibility of foot position without sacrificing traction
Still in the same set of egg beaters since the early 2000’s, but on the third bike!
I love the float on them and the super quick release; maybe my cleats are worn out, but they’re still as predictable as the day I first fitted them.
Agreed about cleat placement too; just behind the ball of my foot.
Awesome 🔥nice work. I switched to flats from spd's back in 99 so i could play around on the bike more i like to be able to move my foot position around when fighting fatigue 🤘
Ran crank brothers for a while then got tired of having to replace cleats every month, and too many accidental unclips, at which point I was introduced to the wonderful world of HT pedals and have never looked back.
I like the float of Eggbeaters specially when standing on my Single Speed. I also like the ability to change foot position to deal with fatigue and joint discomfort.
It has been nearly 30 yrs since I began riding with clipless pedals. It was mid 1994 when I bought my first set of Shimano SPD's, and I have ridden clipless ever since. I even swapped from toe straps to Look pedals on my road bike, and now every time I ride a bike with flats of some sort, it's a bit disconcerting.
A week ago, I did my first gravel ride on a set of flats using a low-cut hiking shoe. It took me a few miles to get the "feel" for being somewhat "disconnected" from the bike.
Honestly, I will stick with SPD's on my Hardtail and the Look Keo 2's, but I think I am sold on flats for gravel.
As far as cleat position, after watching a video on YT on bike fit, the individual (not going to plug another channel on Steve's) he recommended setting the cleats as far back as possible. I did this, and it made a big difference in reducing lower leg, ankle, and foot fatigue.
My favorite SPD pedal are the Shimano M540, they're cheap, reliable, and I have never had a set fail.
I'm constantly swapping between flats and SPD. Mostly flats for huge jumps and any mission where there's a lot of bike pushing, especially on rocks. I like the float on SPD trail pedals for most riding. I only ride SPD DH pedals when I'm actually riding downhill, I find the pins to be a detriment for getting out during extra techy climbs if you have weight on them.
There’s a party in your brain and we’re invited? 😜
Good luck Steve, hope your new chapter in life is successful.
Thought I was a bike nerd until I rode with you last spring.
I gave SPDs a try and the float was definitely one of the things I really didn't like when compared to a "floatless"combo of 5Tens and flats.
Ended up going the opposite direction and ordered the Catalyst Pedals which have a huge platform, they're by far one of my favourite bike components
When I was younger I used Egg Beaters on my road bike because I hate road clipless pedals. But since I ride less on the road now I just use SDP's on the gravel bike to keep my bikes the same and avoid road riding as much as possible because I don't trust people driving. I never liked egg beaters on my MTB, always found them tougher to get into.
Great information! Thank you Steve!
I'm all for the spindle behind the ball of the foot positioning. After switching to flats on the mtn bikes, I positioned my road bike cleats so that the spindle is behind the ball of the foot. I still have a pair of spds that haven't seen much use in a while. Crank Bros can send me a pair of the new pedals if they want and I'll be happy to give them a try. 😁
I started with SPD and wanted more side float so switched to Time Attack. They don't have float but I like them better. No vertical float. I got carbon body for durability more than the weight savings and glad I did. They have taken the punishment. I don't think I can ride SPD anymore.
I've been riding flats forever both on mtb and road bikes.
5.10s and Ride Concepts shoes with DMRs are a solid combo for me.
I want to get into clipless at some point, but I fear the learning curve and question if the benefits will outweigh the time it takes to learn.
I've used both but Im back on SPD, I think it really depends on the style of riding, all mountain Mallet E, XC SPD. I think the biggest issue with the Crank Bros is wear over time I have a bucket of worn and broken Crank bros, but my original pair of 25 year old SPD are still usable.
Shimano has excellent durability, that's for sure. It's amazing that their pedals remain mostly unchanged decades later.
Great video! I wear the same 5 10s with the high ankle protection. I love them and all MTB shoes should have some ankle protection.
Interestingly in the road world the pros have been moving their cleats back towards the centre of the shoe too.
I remember Adam Hanson talking about it. He's a deep guy when it comes to research, going as far as making his own shoes to get exactly what he wants.
I started with mallets and put long spindles on. Then the mallet es when they x
Came out. Now, the mallet trail is my favorite pedal along with easy release cleats.
I predominantly ride flats but have dabble with clipless. I’ve tried both shimano and crank brothers and I’m the opposite, I struggle to clip in with crank brothers and find it harder to get out partly due to the pins on the mallet e’s. I find shimano so much easier to clip in and out of and I like the float allowing me to adjust my footing. Knowing I can unclip easily is one less distraction on the trail. I’ve tried crank brothers easy release cheats and have still ended up being stuck and having an off, not the case with shimano. I listed the pins fully on my mallet e’s so might give them another try but at this stage I’m happier with shimano
The shim, for me, is for shoes where the pedal and cleat are not allowing contact. The shim ' raises ' the cleat so pedal has access to it. I find those is some times just one shoe.
Just started usingclipless spds at my 50s…, still too scaeed of them. Will try those crankbros
i am high tension spd fan. When they are at high tension i can use them to operate the bike but lock out is a bit harder ofcorse. When you use to it they are the best and float get your frend.
I've been riding SPDs for 20 years, more or less XC/trail style. I plan to try a good pair of flat pedals, it will be interesting to see how it feels to have zero float after all these years.
First one and I’m already hooked on BBP👍
Shimano used to sell a zero float cleat years ago. Not sure why they stopped selling them. My only issue with the CB pedals is I want it to be difficult to uncleat, I don't want a food to come off mid jump doing a whip.
I haven’t got back onto clip-less pedals since my road days. But I’m interested in trying them out again.
i like the most stick aproach since i dont have to think about my feet. One downside is on flats if i position my feet wrong it throws me off so crankbrothers might be the saving grace for me. Most stick and same feet position every time
I love my Mallet Es!
Great video!