November 20 2009
Flats vs. Clipless Pedals
I never ride clipless pedals and I think that most riders should ride flats as well. Here is my take on the subject and why I think our sport should change their view on which option is best.
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Jo, UK said,
November 21, 2009 @ 3:02 pm
Same experience here - tried clipless once, and damaged my wrist within minutes in a fall. It didn’t heal completely for years. Since then I’ve been riding flats.
Getting five10 shoes and good pedals has been a revelation, as you say James.
However now I’m getting into xc and enduro racing, I’m concerned I’ll continue to be at a disadvantage if I don’t go clipless like everyone else (grr!). I was definitely very much frowned upon at a week-long race training camp earlier this year!
Although maybe I should worry about my fitness and technique before blaming it on the pedals!
Finally, as a tomboy, I think flats look more gnarly and hence cooler. I certainly don’t want to look like a roadie!
mtbstrengthcoach said,
November 24, 2009 @ 1:08 pm
I would say that it doesn’t matter what most riders think. I’ve caught some looks from riders in the parking lot around here when they see me in my baggy shorts, t-shirt and flat pedals. I love the look on their face when I hammer past them on a climb and leave them in the dust.
The small power increase is only worth it at the highest levels. Most riders are not advanced enough to worry about it. You can produce far more power standing than you can sitting and spinning circles with clipless pedals. Spend the time you would have learning how to spin circles getting stronger and increasing your standing endurance and you’ll probably end up faster in the end, despite wearing flats.
brad johnson said,
February 15, 2011 @ 6:13 pm
James, i saw some flat pedals recently with a big fat strap over the top to hold the foot in, they were made in Grand Junction. i assume you are familiar with them. what do you think of the product?
mr murray said,
April 3, 2011 @ 2:16 am
I was a xc racer and have always used clips, i’m now putting xc to the side to take up dh. I still ride my dh bike in clips, they dont hold me back and dont even think/ worry bout my feet being clipped in, its second nature now to pop them out, they are good for feet not coming off, acceleration an feels like ive got more control. The only prob is when i unclip on a corner its hard to clip back with your foot rattling all over th place.
Stephen Porter said,
April 18, 2011 @ 5:42 pm
Interesting viewpoint. As a newb, I’m getting it from all sides. This (and other similar) advice makes me think I’ll be returning my M647 SPD pedals and getting some good flats. Already have Five Ten Freerider shoes which should be OK also.
Mark DePonzi said,
September 13, 2011 @ 3:58 pm
James Great information. I came from a motocross back ground. When I started mountain biking the first thing I never liked was not being able to get away from the bike and now 6 years later I still feel the same way with the clip-less pedals. We had a big ride last weekend with MTBR in Downyville and its highly technical I do all right clipped on technical trails but its always scary because when I fall I have no idea if I can get away from the bike . I never had this feeling in motocross. My good friend Francis was on flats and I was impressed with his riding skills up hills . This was his first time on flats and he rode very well . So this opened my mind to trying them. My question is what are the top of the line flats and shoes to try ?
mtbstrengthcoach said,
September 15, 2011 @ 10:47 am
I recommend 5:10 shoes (nothing else compares) and if you spend $50-$100 on flats you should be fine. I like the Deity and Straightline brands myself but there are a lot of great options when it comes to pedals.