Platforms or clipless for DH racing?

cechinn · 04-19-2006, 07:55 PM

Hi guys,

I'm racing the Downieville DH on my Intense 5.5 and Shimano 959 pedas, and I'm also thinking about the Cougar Mountain DH. However, I'm planning on riding the Cougar race on my Stinky.

I currently have Jack**** Platforms and see some advantages in sticking a foot out in a tight corner, however should I roll with something like a Shimano 646 instead on the Stinky?

Thoughts?

FR4life · 04-19-2006, 08:24 PM

clipless might be good at fontana, but iono ask a local cause ive never been there. The cougar mountain course is really off-camber, flats would be good as you have to dab a foot here and there.

basikbiker · 04-19-2006, 08:55 PM

At cougar i would definatly recommend flats, the off camber slides into turns in the entire course is not too friendly for clips.imo

mudanoman · 04-19-2006, 09:24 PM

Cougar Mountain Classic's DH Course is definitely better suited for flats. See below:

Photo from last year's event with Pro DH winner David K going thru the final turns.

more photos: http://www.hubtv.net/downhill

Good Luck,

Ivan

PedalFaster · 04-19-2006, 10:12 PM

look... pro winner d k clipped in..... clip in to win

Raacerx · 04-19-2006, 10:52 PM

why is this is Rides, Races, Trail Maitenence and Events?

aside from that, its all personal. I ride clipless 100% of them time, whether its skinnies in BC or dirt jumping or Pacifica. I find it far more secure, way easier to sprint out of corners, keeps your foot on longer in corners, and for me takes less energy to flick the bike around. So essentially it saves energy for some people.

dustin RM7 · 04-20-2006, 12:33 AM

If you're use to clipless, great. But if you're not, go with flats at the CMC. I've ridden XC clipless for longer than most of the guys in this forum have been alive, but ridden FR and DH on flats. I tried the CMC DH course last year, first run, clipless and ate **** a lot. I'd try it with flats and then if you feel like you don't have to dab, go clipless. Again, if you always ride clipless, ride clipleess, but if you are use to flats, I'd go flats at least at first.

d

cechinn · 04-20-2006, 11:09 AM

Raacerx wrote: why is this is Rides, Races, Trail Maitenence and Events?

Yep, wasn't sure if this was the right spot to put this, but I figured it might be appropriate since I was referring specifically to the Cougar race.

I'm equally comfortable with both so it looks like Platforms might be the call with that Pro Photo.

Who's doing this race?

P.S. I believe RaacerX is Max. I've known Mike Ahrens for a long time having ridden and tested his first Apex's. He has nice things to say about you, and look forward to seeing you out there one of these days.

Raacerx · 04-20-2006, 12:11 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by cechinn

Raacerx wrote: why is this is Rides, Races, Trail Maitenence and Events?

Yep, wasn't sure if this was the right spot to put this, but I figured it might be appropriate since I was referring specifically to the Cougar race.

I'm equally comfortable with both so it looks like Platforms might be the call with that Pro Photo.

Who's doing this race?

P.S. I believe RaacerX is Max. I've known Mike Ahrens for a long time having ridden and tested his first Apex's. He has nice things to say about you, and look forward to seeing you out there one of these days.

Sweet! We should go riding sometime.

That picture of the pro...he actually is riding clipless pedals... you can see the cleat on his shoe and the pedal. Clipless pedals with platforms (646, etc) are nice because the popup system aides clipping back in after you dab.

C.MAC · 04-21-2006, 05:08 PM

I use Oakley Radar Locks with Mallets and the setup is unbeatable, and fun as well.