Mountain Biking: Pedals and Shocks
Serious mountain bikers will want to take a look at the pedal and shock arrangements on their bikes to make sure they are sufficient for the job. There are several types and styles of each, and this article will outline the basic models with their advantages and disadvantages, and which situation to use them in.
Pedals: There are two basic types of pedals that mountain bikes are equipped with for your consideration. Some bikes have platform pedals, which are a straight-across model that is great for a foot-to-rotation ratio utilizing maximum power. A basic mountain bike will come with straps and/or toe clips. Riders require no special shoes and can just slip their foot into the pedal or toe clip and ride.
Riders that do more serious or adventurous mountain biking, such as stunts or harder trails may want to look into getting pedals without clips. These pedals allow the biker to spin the pedals faster, and to put more power into each push. The clipless pedals do require special shoes, and operate along the same lines as ski bindings and boots. The shoes for this type of pedal have cleats on the bottom which lock your feet in when you step down on them. Like ski bindings, however, these pedals do not mercilessly cling to your feet in all circumstances. To get your feet out when you are done, you just slide you heels sideways instead of backwards and click out.
Suspension: Suspension systems are completely dependent on the type of mountain biking that you intend to do. A suspension system can be as simple as having fatter tires to absorb some impact, or a suspension fork.
If you are planning on doing some tougher mountain biking, though, you will want to consider buying some kind of shock. Shocks can be purchased in front or front-and-rear (dual) systems. Good suspension systems can make mountain biking a lot easier- with shocks, the wheels travel up and down with the ground, remaining in contact and reducing jolts.
Shock systems come in increments of 2”, with 10” dual systems for hardcore bikers. The thing to remember about shocks is that they add weight to your bike, and the heavier the shock or the more advanced the system, the heavier the bike. Some riders find that the extra speed and control they gain with a dual system is worth the hit that they take on weight. However, it will depend on the needs of the individual biker.
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