Your opinion,please

[xtc4me]

Hey guys,I'm new to mtb and am thinking of going clipless.Should I go with a platform like the mallet 2 c,or an acid 2 type which is smaller?Also,as far as shoe go,what would you recommend that does'nt cost $300+.All opinions welcome,and thanks in advance.

Tony

[natepac]

i've got a pair of shoes that I got at a LBS for around 75-80 bucks. Had'em 2yrs and they still are working great.

get ya some shoes and you can probably demo different types of pedals. several people have extra spd/crankbro just lying around

[egordon]

I have a pair of nike shoes worn 1 time size 10, if you can wear a 10 they are yours.. Nates right best to get shoes at a local bike shop so you can try them on.. The bike shop on Airport blvd in Mobile had a store closing 25% off all their shoes.. Performance Bikes I think was the name.. Have some SPDs and cleats you can try as well..

[xtc4me]

Thanks for the offer on the shoes,but I wear an 8.

[egordon]

Well if you decide to buy off the NET there are tons of shoes on close out 50-70% off with lots of 8's left.. seems the 9-11 go quick..

[Loggahead]

I bought a set of Crank Bros Mallet C's for ~$30 and spent ~$70 or so on some Adidas Hammers. I love the shoes and the pedals.

I would also tell you that the three pieces of gear that I got the most return on investment out of on the trail are the following:

1. Clipless pedals / shoes
2. Gooch protectors (chameois... spelling!? ie. padded spandex)
3. A good hydration pack (camelback or hydrapack)

I replaced my shorts and hydration pack recently and I actually purchased them from Bikes Plus. On some items, our LBSs are very competitive. However, I always check the following websites:

http://www.blueskycycling.com
http://www.pricepoint.com
http://www.performancebike.com
http://www.wheelworld.com

-logga

[xtc4me]

logga-thanks for the info

[natepac]

I have to second logga's 1st to selections. best bang for the buck.

[egordon]

The addidas shoes are pretty sweet.. One of those sites has the Adidas Adistar XC for $99 a $225 shoe.. all they had left was 9 down to 6 so they should still have an 8..