Captain Fastbastard Mayhem Posted August 22, 2018 Posted August 22, 2018 Yes, you can learn propper technique with either cleats or flats, it's just easier to learn improper technique with cleats. And fair enough, pro XC races and the majority pros in DH and Enduro use cleats - but they are racing and the best of the best - no use comparing them with the majority of us. Flats provide alot of confidence a good platform to build skills on when starting out on the mtb. They're also more fun...And much, MUCH easier to eject from when you run out of talent...
Grease_Monkey Posted August 22, 2018 Posted August 22, 2018 And much, MUCH easier to eject from when you run out of talent... Hahaha I still can't believe he walked away with just a bruised palm and a healthy bike!
Stevief Posted August 22, 2018 Posted August 22, 2018 Wish somone had told me to use flats when i started out . Go flats you can always switch to cleats if you feel the flats are holding you back.
Captain Fastbastard Mayhem Posted August 22, 2018 Posted August 22, 2018 Hahaha I still can't believe he walked away with just a bruised palm and a healthy bike!I know! Same as Malan and his yetitastrophe.
NickGM Posted August 22, 2018 Posted August 22, 2018 So, I'm a serious roadie, who committed to riding W2W 2018... I've been having some skills lessons but find the MTB terrifying!!Would it be advisable to find a pair of flat pedals and appropriate shoes to ride W2W with? Or, will be unable to manage the bike at all? My 2 cents: I've gone through 3 stages of MTB pedal choice:1. I started with flats, because I was scared of falling while being clipped to my bike2. I switched to cleats, because I started riding longer distances and became more confident on the bike in general3. I switched back to flats because I wanted to become a better rider. eg: learning to wheelie/manual while clipped in is not fun. You can approach technical sections more relaxed and you learn to use your bodyweight correctly. It forces you to drive you weight through your bottom bracket/crank. Heavy feet and light hands are key to developing good skills. Point 3 was a few years ago and I still ride in flats - and I always will I suspect. It made me a much better rider, but there is no doubt that pedalling efficiency is slightly better when clipped in. If it were me in your shoes (so to speak) I'd probably be clipped in. But that's because I'm comfortable being clipped in and I'm not that fit, so want every bit of efficiency I can get on a multi-day race. So that's the trade off in my opinion. Skill development vs efficiency. If there wasn't a tradeoff, then everybody would all be doing one or the other.
DieselnDust Posted August 22, 2018 Posted August 22, 2018 Yes, you can learn propper technique with either cleats or flats, it's just easier to learn improper technique with cleats. And fair enough, pro XC races and the majority pros in DH and Enduro use cleats - but they are racing and the best of the best - no use comparing them with the majority of us. Flats provide alot of confidence a good platform to build skills on when starting out on the mtb. They're also more fun... Ok I'll buy into what you're saying mostly because since I've been cycling since the age of 6 and learned on flats. I chose clipin pedals that allow me to move my feet to aid moving my hips.I can definitely identify with an adult getting into MTB and needing to learn how to connect with the bike and move the hips around finding flats a benefit
rorydewet Posted August 22, 2018 Posted August 22, 2018 why not use a mixture you get mtbs pedals with cleats one side and flats the other depending on the ride or even when on a ride the actual terrain you can switch between the 2 the best of both worlds so to speak
Grease_Monkey Posted August 22, 2018 Posted August 22, 2018 Ok I'll buy into what you're saying mostly because since I've been cycling since the age of 6 and learned on flats. I chose clipin pedals that allow me to move my feet to aid moving my hips.I can definitely identify with an adult getting into MTB and needing to learn how to connect with the bike and move the hips around finding flats a benefitHey, we agree on something haha Also learned on flats as a teen, dirt jumping and skate park riding mostly, all the while doing some road cycling with cleats. Stopped cycling for a few years and then got on the mtb/xc bike with cleats and have been riding with cleats for a few years now. Recently wanted to get back on flats for the Klipberg and Ezel Enduro just because the trails are much more rocky and I want to up my game technically, but after spending a day on flats I realised that my form has gotten so bad - I jump and the bike stays on the ground while I'm in the air, my feet slip of the pedals on rocky descents, and my pedaling is terrible - all the result of getting lazy on the cleats. Definitely going to spend more time on the flats in the coming weeks to get the form back... Good form can be maintained on clipless pedals, you just have to be more aware of it and make a conscious effort.
Alouette3 Posted August 22, 2018 Posted August 22, 2018 Started on SPD, moved to a decent pair of flats a couple years ago and haven't looked back. Road the W2W "race" last year with flats.... and 26 inch wheels.The reactions when people see it are priceless! At no point did I want to SPD's. Just to clarify. These are not flats! Get some decent flats. Best value at the moment in SA is probably the Shimano GR500. They on sale fairly regularly, between Chris Willemse, Evo bike and the like.
Alouette3 Posted August 22, 2018 Posted August 22, 2018 And don't worry about the shins to much. People carry on about it, but decent pedals don't just slip from under your feet. I've had very very few incidents, unlike those cheap bear traps you road as a kid, that slip for nothing and insert themselves under your skin.
Captain Fastbastard Mayhem Posted August 22, 2018 Posted August 22, 2018 why not use a mixture you get mtbs pedals with cleats one side and flats the other depending on the ride or even when on a ride the actual terrain you can switch between the 2 the best of both worlds so to speakNo. Those are, quite frankly, shaite. Reason being you need to ensure you get the right side when you dab / come off. In a pinch, that's not good. With cleats, both sides allow you to clip in. With flats, both sides allow you to get back on the platform. Witht eh duallies, it's a 50/50.
DieselnDust Posted August 22, 2018 Posted August 22, 2018 Hey, we agree on something hahaAlso learned on flats as a teen, dirt jumping and skate park riding mostly, all the while doing some road cycling with cleats. Stopped cycling for a few years and then got on the mtb/xc bike with cleats and have been riding with cleats for a few years now. Recently wanted to get back on flats for the Klipberg and Ezel Enduro just because the trails are much more rocky and I want to up my game technically, but after spending a day on flats I realised that my form has gotten so bad - I jump and the bike stays on the ground while I'm in the air, my feet slip of the pedals on rocky descents, and my pedaling is terrible - all the result of getting lazy on the cleats. Definitely going to spend more time on the flats in the coming weeks to get the form back...Good form can be maintained on clipless pedals, you just have to be more aware of it and make a conscious effort.Yeah once you have the technique you have to own it. Can’t get lazy. Have to maintain the feel of the pedal through the shoe. If you don’t then you’re getting lax
Alouette3 Posted August 22, 2018 Posted August 22, 2018 Here you go... just do ithttps://www.cwcycles.co.za/product/shimano-pd-gr500-pedals
DieselnDust Posted August 22, 2018 Posted August 22, 2018 The biggest problem with clip ins is that very few people have them set up properly to provide a feeling of security and connectedness. SPD’s are very popular and easy to get wrong. The height between the pedal body and the shoe lugs is never closed so often the clear is the only point of engagement leading to instability and foot rocking. The wider trail version with the platform offers better engagement on this front. Set the shoe up to engage the pedal and have a bit of float and you have the benefit of flats with the efficiency of clip in. That’s why I like eggbeater and candy pedals. TIME A.T.A.C. Isalso easier to set up
Sven137 Posted August 22, 2018 Posted August 22, 2018 If W2W is your first big event, go with flats and appropriate shoes. You dont want to do a big one and not enjoy because of being scared of buying some real estate. Then get some clipless pedals and get used to it on the mtb. You WILL fall and get used to it. Riding with clips mtb is a no brainer. You have to get used to clipping in and out in a moments notice. Good luck. Riding with flats is actually a no brainer.
Sven137 Posted August 22, 2018 Posted August 22, 2018 Started on SPD, moved to a decent pair of flats a couple years ago and haven't looked back. Road the W2W "race" last year with flats.... and 26 inch wheels.The reactions when people see it are priceless! At no point did I want to SPD's. Just to clarify. These are not flats!41TNIMGEKmL._SX466_.jpg Get some decent flats. Best value at the moment in SA is probably the Shimano GR500. They on sale fairly regularly, between Chris Willemse, Evo bike and the like. Which are the best value for money flats i can buy locally... ?
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