testing to see if I can post photos properly!

test 1


test 2

Looks like it worked :D

So, you ride with flats, too? Or are those just for the pic?

I learned on flats but reluctantly will be swapping them for a pair of 959's when they arrive...but gonna hang on to the flats for the scarier trails! :eek:

The full & proper post can be found on the Santa Cruz message board. I couldn't figure out how to put text then photo then more text then photo again, so I ended up doing it as 2 separate posts.

Is this women's forum new??

Lol! I started on 959s and ended up going with flats. I got tired of the slow speed falls and I feel much more confident on flats. But, I'm in the minority on this :)

Yeah, this forum is new. Just popped up a couple of days ago.

BTW, excellent pic! I'll have to pop on over to the SC board to get the full story.

The full & proper post can be found on the Santa Cruz message board. I couldn't figure out how to put text then photo then more text then photo again, so I ended up doing it as 2 separate posts.

I haven't yet figured out how to post Photos, so, when you or anybody (willingly) get free time....walk me though it? p l e a s e ?

For some reason I keep "breaking" my clipless pedals> Tried Shimano and now Ritch

I learned how to ride on flats - didn't even have those stoopid "cage" things. I think learning the skills like bunny hops, rear wheel lifts, etc with flat pedals just makes you better at the skills - you really have to be aware of what your feet are doing to make the bike lift. When I go to my road bike (clipless, of course) it just KILLS me how easy it is to lift one/both wheels (of course, the weight difference is a factor too, but still...).

I'm an instructor with a local company that teaches women how to ride mtb's, and I gotta say that the girlz that ride flats end up being so much better.

I'm kinda dreading taking the clipless into the trails cuz I've picked up alot of my friends who were still attached to their bikes!! :p I'm switching because of "peer pressure" from my 24-hr team. They tell me it will cut at least 5 minutes off my lap time. So check back in September after the Whistler race and I'll tell you if it's true!!

I learned how to ride on flats - didn't even have those stoopid "cage" things. I think learning the skills like bunny hops, rear wheel lifts, etc with flat pedals just makes you better at the skills - you really have to be aware of what your feet are doing to make the bike lift. When I go to my road bike (clipless, of course) it just KILLS me how easy it is to lift one/both wheels (of course, the weight difference is a factor too, but still...).

I'm an instructor with a local company that teaches women how to ride mtb's, and I gotta say that the girlz that ride flats end up being so much better.

I'm kinda dreading taking the clipless into the trails cuz I've picked up alot of my friends who were still attached to their bikes!! :p I'm switching because of "peer pressure" from my 24-hr team. They tell me it will cut at least 5 minutes off my lap time. So check back in September after the Whistler race and I'll tell you if it's true!!
Yeah, I can definitely see how clipless would be better for a long haul like that. I wouldn't be surprised if you did gain 5 mins using clipless.

My rides are generally no longer than 2 hrs and I'm out to have fun so the efficiency factor vs. the confidence/fun factor definintely favors flats :)

That's awesome that you teach mtbing to women! Its so much more relaxing and fun with all women (not that riding with men isn't fun but its definitely more intense.)