ION’s Rascal Clipless MTB Shoe Has Stiff Sole, But is Flexible Enough for Walking | Bike Flat Pedals

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For regular and technical trail riding, I use Shimano XT clipless and Specialized Comp Mountain Bike shoes.

Because they hold your feet in the right place on the pedals and keep them there, clipless pedals are more efficient than regular shoes and flat pedals. Shoes for clipless pedals have stiff soles, which also improves efficiency and comfort.

At just 140g for the pair, they’re phenomenally light thanks to carbon bodies, titanium axles, aluminium top plates and ceramic bearings. Clipping in is very easy thanks to a spring mechanism that stays open after you click out.

Hope Flats with fiveTen impacts. Made the change after a lifetime of toe clips then spds. It’s dramatically changed the way I ride for the better

You can get a basic pair of clipless pedals for less than£50 – and they’ll do the job. Spend more, and the mechanism will be fine tuned, giving a stronger grip in the cleat – which will be a welcome improvement for racers, but beginners might actually want a little more float.

The Stamps definitely saw the most damage of any pedals tested. Weighing in at 455 grams, they are reasonably light for their size. As with most Crank Brothers pedals, they are available in several different color, weights, and price options. The Stamp 3 Large pedals are the most affordable in this group, priced at $99.

They may not have the glitz and glamour of higher-end models, but the R540 pedals are almost indistinguishable from their pricier sibling when in use. The engagement is not quite as refined, and the alloy body adds a bit weight, but at this bargain price it would be hard to complain!

Gravel riders usually use shoes for XC riding or trail shoes that looks have a ‘cross country style’ as they are better for power transfer and are less bulky, these riders will pretty much always use clipless pedals, the shoes worn might not look dissimilar to ones work by their roadie cousins.

The main factor on grip for mountain biking is technique though. Pushing heels down resists most of the forces trying to unstick you – try riding in a standing position, weaving from side to side with your toes pointing down, then again with your heels down instead and you’ll immediately feel the difference in bike handling.

"I would also expect to see an uptick in a smaller platform pedal that has a higher quality to it," he said. "Currently platform pedal trends are for large platforms but this rule affects younger riders who will have smaller feet and won’t need an extra-large platform pedal. They will still want the traction of modern pedals so I would expect to see a few size options there."

Mavic Ksyrium Pro UST WheelsetWeight: F: 590g R: 820gSpokes: F: 18 R: 20Rims: alloy, 17mm internal width$RRP: $1,599 (including tyres)