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    Mountain Biking

    Will pedals help stop this?

    I am new to mountain biking and trying to figure this one out. I picked up a Norco HT2 a couple weeks ago and so far have upgraded saddle and grips. I have loved getting out and learning on the easy trails but my feet have slipped a couple times and the pedal ends up catching my calf. I keep seeing people recommend new pedals for better traction…but I can’t help but wonder if this will fix my problem or if I am having another issue and better pedals will just cut me worse when it happens. Any suggestions?

    by JustAGuyCalledChris

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    17 Comments

    1. Stiller_Winter on

      Any middle-range (price) flat mtb pedals with mtb shoes (at the photo it looks like running shoes)

    2. AbbreviationsReady36 on

      Different shoes will make a big improvement. You need a flat bottom shoe like a mountain bike specific shoe or even a skate shoe like vans, dc or similar

    3. just4lukin on

      I didn’t feel like switching to clipless and basically just had to learn to, uh, not let my feet do that. Sorry probably not super helpful.

    6. skycake10 on

      Agree with the advice of better shoes to start. Better pedals with metal instead of plastic spikes will make you less likely to slip, but they’ll also hurt a lot more if you do slip.

    7. Otherwise_Mud1825 on

      Possibly, but the replaceable stud type pedals dig into your leg when your pushing your bike anorl. So maybe just get used to it, battle scars, etc. 😁

    8. doods_elixir on

      You need pedals and shoes. A great, affordable pedal is the deity deftrap and Five Ten freeriders are the gold standard for shoes. The freeriders have a wider toe box as well. If there’s an REI near you, good chance you’ll be able to try them on there. Check shops by you too. You can usually find deals on them online. The Deftraps are $50 and freaking rock. Large, super grippy platform with replaceable pins

    9. IndecisiveFireball on

      Grippier pedals and a good pair of mtb shoes will drastically improve your experience.

      For shoes, 510s made by adidas are on sale frequently but there are plenty of brands. Ride Concepts are also popular. Pearl iZumi, Shimano, Giro, and Fox all also make mtb shoes – just make sure you’re getting flat ones if you choose flat pedals!

      For flat pedals, look for either composite or alloy with screw in pins. Look for OneUps, Deity, RaceFace Chesters, PNW Loam, Crank Brothers Stamps, DMR Vaults, just to give you a starting point. There are lots. Just be aware you might end up with pedal bites to the shin instead of your current problem! Just something you have to get used to.

      You could also go clipless but I find flats easier as a beginner.

    10. evilcheesypoof on

      Spiked flat pedals with mountain bike shoes like Adidas Five tens will keep your feet from slipping, they’ll feel pretty glued on.

      BUT, if you so happen to lose your footing still, you’ll have much worse scars than that 😁

    12. iarebaboon on

      On top of what everyone has said, the more you ride and improve your technique the less that will happen. But it will happen. Signs of a decent ride in my book 😋

    14. bobbybits300 on

      Race face Chester pedals can be a good budget option to upgrade to.

      Tbh, if you’re still pretty new, I’d just get some Five Ten shoes or similar and hold off on new pedals. They’ll give you a lot more grip so you’ll lose footing a lot less and if you still do, it won’t be any worse. Any upgraded pedals with metal pins do a lot more damage to the shins lol. They’re really helpful though when going very fast through chunky stuff.

    15. Biologicalleh on

      Pedals with more grip and good shoes will stop you slipping off as much but also gouge your leg more when you inevitably do slip a pedal

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