MTB clipless pedals vs flat pedals

[gummibear]

Read this (including the Manifesto PDF).

 

This man knows what he is talking about. He has trained some of the best riders in the world.

 

One of my favourite quotes from there:

 

"Everyday mountain bike riders are told by people at bike shops and trail heads that you can’t pedal nearly as efficiently or effectively without clipless pedals. Plus, every magazine and website you read has countless ads and articles touting clipless pedals and shoes, reinforcing the message that they are essential to mountain biking bad assery."

 

...and how true it is. A beginner can walk into a bike shop. The sales vultures instantly sell htem a 29er because "it's the best' and walk straight over to the shoe section to sell them some SPD's. I feel that this hinders the beginner's confidence during their early skill development. It also teaches incorrect technique for a lot of essential skills.

 

That manifesto makes for some interesting reading.

[Alouette3]

I when from SPD's to flats 6 months ago, not because SPD's gave issues but because I felt I was developing a poor technique i.e pulling my bike over a small jump with the pedals rather then learning to load the shocks properly. I hated the first couple rides on flats as my feet tended to float of the pedals but after 3-4 rides that went away.

 

My riding has only improved and so has my confidence on sum stuff. Give flats a go and make up your own mind.

I'm not even using 5-10's as they just too expensive, my NB skate type shoes work fine for now.

 

Oh and those "bear traps" don't count a flats!

[ThePubSA]

There is no VS/comparison flats all the way

[hayleyearth]

I've bolded and underlined your problem. Focus on fixing/eradicating that area and you'll be fine.

 

yeah, I was kinda shocked when I saw them on my crush's (dont think I need to name the man) build list as well...

 

Guess I dont have to like all his equipment....

 

[Mileage]

Patches better be right

 

My Neutrons and Five 10's arrived from CRC this morning!!

[divernick]

It's like riding SS vs Geared. You get to choose!

 

Use whatever you like. Personally I love my SPD's and can get my feet unclipped instinctively. They connect me to my bike and make riding technical sections easier.

 

As an individual, you'll get used to and learn to love whatever equipment you use, and make it work for you.

 

There's no wrong answer.

[Guest Omega Man]

yeah, I was kinda shocked when I saw them on my crush's (dont think I need to name the man) build list as well...

 

Guess I dont have to like all his equipment....

 

Excuse me. I'm off to the bathroom for a bit.

Edited May 29, 2013 by Omega Man

[Guest Omega Man]

I'm wondering what to do about this issue myself.

 

I'm going to this place in 37 days time. It's called Morzine. Details are sketchy but apparently they have these things called ski lifts there.

 

I'm wondering if I should take clips or flats. Last year I switched to clips after my trip. I'm not sure if I should switch now before this trip.

 

The clips will help over the rooty stuff but the flats are better on the wet days when you gotsta get yo foot out quick. Then there's the steep stuff. GULP!

Edited May 29, 2013 by Omega Man

[deanbean]

It's like riding SS vs Geared. You get to choose!

 

Use whatever you like. Personally I love my SPD's and can get my feet unclipped instinctively. They connect me to my bike and make riding technical sections easier.

 

As an individual, you'll get used to and learn to love whatever equipment you use, and make it work for you.

 

There's no wrong answer.

That's what I love about MTB, feel like riding flats, cool, put them on. If it's gonna be a day grinding up the mountains, use spuds, whatever floats your boat.

..and laugh at the expression on the faces of the dirtroadies, and pseudo hardcore mounties when i ride past them with my unshaven legs, with lycra and flats. :clap:

[mikethebike234]

When I started riding again a couple of years ago I started out riding flats cos thats what I rode when i was a kid but everywhere people seem to think that clipless are the bee's knee's, I keep getting told that I need to use clipless that it is so much better etc etc blah blah blah I have been shopping round the lbs shops and when I ask if they have any decent flats they look at me as if I am mad in the head you should use clipless they say and the only flats they have are either insanely expensive or complete rubbish...I ride purely because I enjoy it and it makes me feel like a kid again. As much as I love MTBing I am one shitty rider and I have really crappy coordination so put that with clipless will be a disaster. But the way so many people go on about the efficiency etc blah blah about clipless I always feel like I am missing something but after reading that article I don't anymore. Now if people would just stop trying to sell me clipless......

[patches]

I'm wondering what to do about this issue myself.

 

I'm going to this place in 37 days time. It's called Morzine. Details are sketchy but apparently they have these things called ski lifts there.

 

I'm wondering if I should take clips or flats. Last year I switched to clips after my trip. I'm not sure if I should switch now before this trip.

 

The clips will help over the rooty stuff but the flats are better on the wet days when you gotsta get yo foot out quick. Then there's the steep stuff. GULP!

 

For PDS I'd go flats for sure. Those gravelly fire roads. Wet roots in the forests.

 

Besides, you're not racing... so wear your fun shoes!

[Guest Omega Man]

For PDS I'd go flats for sure. Those gravelly fire roads. Wet roots in the forests.

 

Besides, you're not racing... so wear your fun shoes!

Yeah I reckon.

[DJR]

yeah, I was kinda shocked when I saw them on my crush's (dont think I need to name the man) build list as well...

 

Guess I dont have to like all his equipment....

 

 

Where do those saddles come from?

[deanbean]

Wtb saddles, probably custom.

[Guest Omega Man]

Wtb saddles, probably custom.

It's Greg Minnaar's bike. Defo Custom.

[gummibear]

Wtb saddles, probably custom.

It's Greg Minnaar's bike. Defo Custom.

 

Maybe we should all email them and they'll see the demand and make a few available to buy.