Egg Beater Clip-In Bike Pedals
I recently purchased my first pair of clip-in bike pedals for my expanding mountain biking activity. With a bit of internet research I found that Crank Brothers Egg Beaters (www.crankbrothers.com) received positive reviews for ease of use and durability. The “Egg Beaters” are known for four point click in and efficient mud shedding. (The pedals are shaped similar to the kitchen utensil that one would whip eggs, hence the name.) I paid about $60 for the pedals (www.performancebike.com).
I chose a shoe based on price and one that seems like it would be comfortable while hiking. I chose the Shimano MT20D. I paid about $50 on the same site. The shoe was comfortable out of the box and thus far has held up well.
Installation
Not being exceptionally mechanical, I didn’t have any issue installing the pedals. A simple wrench removed the old pedals (a hex key would have worked as well.) The new clip-in pedals were clearly labeled left and right – so no brain power needed to be asserted. Once the pedals were installed on bike, the clips needed to be secured to the shoes, again an easy enough task. Per the instructions, I used a hex key and four included bolts to lock the clips into the bottom of the shoe.
The Egg Beater clips had an option for which degree to exit the pedal. I tried both, 6�° and 12�° release. I found that 6�° was simpler, similar to non clip-in pedals.
Practice
Clipping-in is easiest when you don’t over think it. The four point lock in allows for one to just peddle and the shoe will engage the pedal. (A click noise ensures you locked into pedals.) Exiting the pedal is done by turning the heel out, up, and away.
I was advised to practice clipping in and out of the pedals. I practiced by holding onto the frame of the garage door to keep my balance. Unfortunately, I didn’t have such a fluid dry run. The hard part is not locking in but getting comfortable to turning your heel out in time. When the brain doesn’t trigger in time, your leg and foot will lock in, which result in a slow crash to the ground. (After my shoulder and leg were sufficiently bruised, I moved the practice to the soft grass in the backyard.).
After I became comfortable clipping in and out, I took to the trails. I chose a short, three mile track that had a couple of technical hills, but all in all not difficult. I fell off the bike once on trail and that was because I had a brain lapse, didn’t remember to turn my heel out.
Upside
The clip-in pedals and shoes have made a significant improvement to my biking. I found that powering up hill was much easier. Sandy hills and rocks that were nearly impossible to conquer with out clip-ins became an after thought. My pedal strokes are more consistent and efficient; making mountain biking more enjoyable for just over $100. I found this to be well worth the investment.
