While toe clips have been around on bicycle pedals for quite a while, the introduction of clipless pedals greatly improved performance. They require the foot to be placed on the proper spot on the pedal and enable the cyclist to pull up on the pedal as well as push down. Clipless pedals also allow you to ride with lighter shoes. Several companies make excellent clipless pedals.
Shimano
It's pretty hard to beat the Shimano SPD (Shimano Pedalling Dynamics) pedal. The SPD system has a recessed cleat on the shoe, allowing you to walk in the shoe. SPDs have an adjustable float (horizontal movement of the foot in the pedal) and are easy to get in and out of. Shimano offers several SPD pedals for off-road use. Their lightest offerings come in the XC line, including the M970, M770, M540 and M520. For all-mountain use, Shimano offers the M647, M545 and M424. Versatile all-around designs include the A530 and M324. The M970 is the most expensive, at $200, followed by the M770 at $140; the others fall in the $50-$100 range.
Speedplay
The Speedplay Frog is another respected clipless system. The Frog is lightweight, in part because it only has one retention mechanism. The Frog is easy to get in and out of and has a free float system that is very gentle on the knees. The Frog is also very good at resisting dirt and mud. The Frog is available in three types: a Chrome-Moly steel, a stainless steel, and a titanium. The Titanium Frog, at only 206 grams, is extremely lightweight and strong. The titanium and stainless versions also won't rust. The titanium is expensive, at $250; the stainless costs $135 and the Chrome-Moly $105.
Others
Other popular clipless designs for mountain biking include the CrankBrothers Egg Beater, Look Quartz, and the Time ATAC. The Egg Beater is very easy to get in and out of (some feel it is almost too easy and have trouble staying in them, finding they can pre-release fairly easily), and is available in several versions between $60 and $110. The Egg Beater 4/Ti at $449 is the flagship. Made with titanium, it only weighs 167 grams. The Look Quartz has a very stable platform and the basic model, at only $110, is light at 250 grams. Look also offers the Quartz Carbon at $199 and the Quartz Titanium at $420, which weighs 198 grams. The Time ATAC has a self-cleaning design, but they are more expensive and heavy. The ATAC XS weigh 334 grams and cost $169. The ATAC XS Carbon weigh 338 grams and cost $234, but excels in difficult conditions, including helping shed snow and ice.
About The Author
Candace Horgan grew up in New York and moved to Colorado in 1994. She has worked as a freelance journalist for 12 years, and contributes regularly to the "Denver Post," "Mix," US College Hockey Online, and other publications.
