clipless?

[Susan]

If you don't want to buy clipless yet and want an alternative to the cages you could get some BMX pedals - they are very affordable so you could give them a try (I think I saw them for about 15$ at my lbs).

[Catrin]

Good BMX pedals are awesome - but I would recommend a good pair like Sun Ringle ZuZu or something like that. Better quality BMX pedals allow you to adjust the height of the pins and there are more of them.

Please note I am just starting to learn mountain biking myself. I've been strongly advised that shin guards are needed when using BMX pedals on the mountain bike. They keep your feet on the pedals much better than regular platforms, but basically they are little meat tenderizers and can do a number on your shins... I have used BMX pedals extensively on my road bikes and I have a good number of scars on my calves where they have bumped my legs at lights - I do like them for road application though am returning to clipless for the added efficiency and stability in cross-winds.

Personally I am going to wait until I've a good foundation on the mountain bike before I move to clipless on that bike - however long that might take.

[nawny]

Thanks, everyone!

The cages clearly need to go. I'll see how I feel about the plain pedals...