Pedal suggestions for CX and Mtn. biking?

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I've been riding with Shimano M520s on both my CX and mtn. bike since I started riding...prior to getting road pedals I even had them on my road bike. But I don't love them. Maybe it's user error, but I really struggle to get clipped-in sometimes. Or I get clipped-in, but pop out easy 50% of the time on my left foot...the other 50% of the time that pedal won't release, which really sucks when I'm in the middle of a CX race and doing a rolling dismount. I had a hard fall today when this happened while approaching a barrier on a gravel road. Earlier in the race the same pedal wouldn't stay in the cleat while going through a windy single-track section of course. I have had this issue while mountain biking, too.

Is it likely something I'm doing or should I be checking out other pedal systems? My DH has had M520s on all of his bikes (mtn, CX, fat bike) and really likes them, but he is also a big, strong dude with beasty legs. I don't know how much a rider's strength or size would effect ideal pedal choice.

Thoughts...?

[Owlie]

Weird. Not that I've ever tried cross, but I've never had trouble with the M540s (effectively the same thing) not doing what I want them to in regards to releasing. I occasionally have issues clipping in, though.

I'd consider looking at different pedal systems, really. I find they require a bit of force to get my left foot out--any looser would mean I wouldn't be attached to to the pedal.

[Hi Ho Silver]

Have a look at the Shimano M530 pedals. The get a very good review ( http://www.bikeradar.com/gear/catego...il-pedal-45093 ) and supposedly are easier to clip into than the M520's. If unclipping is a problem, consider using the SH56 multi-release cleats, which are supposed to give more means of exit that the standard SH51 single-release cleats.

[bluebug32]

I've always used Crank Bros. Candies on my mtb and cross bikes. Double sided entry and they have some float. I've never really had a problem clipping in or out.

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I've always used Crank Bros. Candies on my mtb and cross bikes. Double sided entry and they have some float. I've never really had a problem clipping in or out.

I've been intrigued by these, too. I know they're really popular. I'd love to know more about the LOOK mtn. pedals that are pretty new on the market, but they've not been around long enough to have developed a reputation. I really like my LOOK road pedals.

[tzvia]

I use both Shimano (but not the 520/530) and Candy SLs on the commuter. I find that the Shimano is more of a pressure ramp-up/pronounced snap in and out, and the CBs are a bit less of a resistance then a softer snap. The tension to release feels a bit less. But sometimes starting from a light, I have to pull up a bit to confirm 'yea I'm in' because I did not feel anything snapping in.

If the issue is generating enough force on that outward heal movement, maybe the Speedplay Frogs would work. They require no effort to get out; just rotate your heal outward enough and they will 'fall' out. I've been intrigued with the design but been happy with XTRs and single release cleats so never tried 'em.

As long as there are no physical issues making that outward heal movement difficult I don't think the multi release cleats will make anything easier and increases the chance of unintentional release. The foot/shoe really needs to move as one, if your foot can move around in the shoe it will make release just that much harder so make sure your shoes are a nice snug fit.

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Have a look at the Shimano M530 pedals. The get a very good review ( http://www.bikeradar.com/gear/catego...il-pedal-45093 ) and supposedly are easier to clip into than the M520's. If unclipping is a problem, consider using the SH56 multi-release cleats, which are supposed to give more means of exit that the standard SH51 single-release cleats.

I've wondered about these. Are they essentially the same as the M520s, just with a body built around them? I have a feeling I'd have the same clipping-in/out issues if the mechanicals are identical.