Switching Back To Flat Pedals And How It Changed My Perspective of Clips Vs. Flats
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- čas přidán 25. 07. 2018
- The Flat vs. Clipless pedal debate has been going on for a long time. About a year ago I decided clipless was for me, but I kept hearing that I needed to give flats a try. After a few months on flats on my mountain bike, I'm ready to make a stance on and for all on the issue. Let me know what you think below!
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Wait for it...... wait for it....... andddd GO! Time to leave me your complaints below, what'd I get wrong this time 😂
Daily MTB Rider I never watched that clipless video because it made me angry lol
Your completely right man it’s 100% personal preference great video
Here's my complaint, boo on you for the clickbait. I did watch it though so I guess you were successful.
Nothing done wrong. There's a time and a place for both! "Both can help us be a better rider" that's the quote of the day. I use both depending on what I'm doing.
Well, no complains from me.
I was almost convinced to make the switch to clips, but I've been comparing pros and cons.
Like you say, it's a non issue.
Thanks for the feedback. I might try clips, but I love flats so much.
Right foot is running flat, left foot is using clipless.
I win the argument.
Trail Features hahahahhaha
I prefer LEFT foot clipless/ RIGHT foot flats. Fight me.
Crank Pushers ಠ_ಠ
...Let's dance. (ง •̀_•́)ง
Is it bad that I now really want to try this 😂
Daily MTB Rider your next pedal debate video...now should it be front foot flat or clipped?
Skilled riders use no pedals at all. Huge skills = run bike!!
One day I'll get there and totally make a clickbaity video about it 😂
find a prorider who doesnt need pedals :P
theres a video wheres phil kmetz ridesa trail for a few hundred meters, legs spread widely ;)
I use no pedals and I remove my seat and just use a seat post. I've been told I'm quite manly.
I’m a total weight junky so I just use my frame, fork, and wheels.
^ Great weight savings too ^
I just like the feeling of flats and riding through a rock garden and feeling like im about to die. Its exhilirating
Hahaha! That feeling of death will really get you!
Alex G that makes no sense.
You could ride flats a little bit more to learn the proper technique... or just stick with clipless. :)
You riding a hardtail? I think that's one area that clips really benefit you. On a modern full sus trail bike though, you should be able to keep your feet on with flats (good flats and proper shoes). If you can't do that, then you should switch to flats just to learn that skill, then it will improve your riding even when you're back on clips!
I'm new to mtb (but I race dirtbikes) and I'm surprised to hear that clipless is preferred in rock gardens... It's a safety issue if you begin to tip over. Trials riders don't use clipless, so if I'm not climbing hills all day, why should I?
It's amazing how fired up people get over other peoples pedal choices. Seems like an irrelevant argument to have. Let's all just ride and not be a snob about it haha. Great video Josh.
Thanks Kyle! People need to take a big chill pill!
Same with religion...
It's not so much about what they ride, it's about what they claim. Clipless riders make all kinds of claims that make many flat riders wonder if they should switch when in reality all their claims are BS! The biggest of them all.. "Pulling up to gain power"... it's absolute utter BS! You will never be able to apply enough upward force to equal anything near what your other foot is pushing down making any gain unlikely. They won't STFU and keep pushing new riders to go clipless. So that's the problem. If they would just STFU and keep their BS placebo effects of clipless pedals to themselves, everything would be fine.
@@MotoAtheist go ahead and think it ride with what you want but it's been proven that being able to pull up with clipless pedals gives a significant power increase. Physics massively disagrees with you
That's exactly what I was thinking. No matter what others think of say. You do what you feel best to do and what you are comfortable with. I ride clippless what others thinks is good for them...lol
Flats vs clipless reminds me of Canon vs Nikon debate in the Photography world. Stop focussing on what type pedals you use and just go have fun!
+1 Completely agree. The debate is only for arguments sake. People may have a preference and some conditions MAY favor one for certain riders, but neither is really any better or worse than the other for everyone.
sony is the real winner lol
SunnysShredLife LOL.
So true Orbie! At the end of the day it's the user, not the product!
but canon doesn't gimp the video preview resolution through the USB feed like nikon does... :P
Ride clipless when using my xc bike. Flats when im on my enduro hardtail.
Exactly!
An accomplished rider should be able to ride both. While one may suit the rider a little more than the other, arguing clips vs flats is like a bunch of sommelier's debating which wine opener is best. In the end we're all drinking grape juice and getting drunk! Ride what ya got
Savant bringing the wisdom as always!
Keep both pairs of shoes and pedals with me all the time🤘🏼
I am by no means an accomplished rider but I use both. Clipless on my XC bike, flats on my trail bike.
I got the XC bike first so I was used to clips the first time I rode flats. Suffice it to say I had a bit of an "oh crap!" moment the first time I jumped off a little ledge and both feet came off the pedals mid-air...
Actually, the accomplished rider on clipless can already ride flats. Flats take no skill or ability whatsoever by comparison.
Wow, perfect timing to accidentally see this video in my feed. I switched to cliples for the same reason as you a few years ago. Loved it but now want to try flats. Thanks for the insight🤙
plastic toe cage...I remember when they were metal! I am getting old! +++for flats!
LOL! Just commented on your original posting and I stated basically what this video says! Kudos!
I've been a mountain biker since the late '80s. I started out with toe clips, and they were'nt too bad once you had them adjusted, but getting them adjusted always seemed to be a pain, so I eventually removed the clips and rode them as flats. Then I got a set of XT SPDs in '93, and after a short learning curve I was hooked. I felt turbocharged while climbing hills, and I wasn't bothered by with jumping with clipless. Now, 26 years later, I'm still riding clipless, but I do play around on flats when just messing around in the street and local trails. I do like flats for the short rides, but if the trail is a long one and there is gravel/fire road riding, and lots of miles, then it is lipless for me.
I agree 🤘 I've got both.... But mostly prefer flats (right now! 😂)
That's it man! It's all about using what you love and not getting stuck in one for too long!
The Crashing Dad of course Sheyn you would prefer riding with flats cause cough cough someone in town is riding an awesome purple flats =) @thecrashingdad
Alvin Enobio 😂 haha... We'll... I just picked up some Crank Bro's Mallet pedals to try on some trails I'm more confident on 🤷♂️
I think getting good at both could be beneficial 🤘
Jeremy R - adulting 🤷♂️🤦♂️
Same bro
Next video: "Why i removed my pedals and why you should too!"
Personally comes to the terrain I'm riding. Road bike = clipless, MTB = flats
That's the only logical answer !
Amen!
Before clipless came along, I was using road shoes with road cleats and double leather straps off road. I was completely locked in. Made me a good bike handler though.
Road biking in the city on clips is asking for it, but that's me
Well said! I use both. Still getting used to flats. Funny thing is, when I’m riding clipless I want flats and vice versa. Both have a place.
I really dig your perspective, I recently switched to flats due to my feet being uncomfortable after riding for a while and flats helped that a ton, it also helped me to progress in some skills areas that clipless allowed me to work around, jumping, bunny hops etc...it’s honestly a silly debate. I still use clipless if I’m riding for an extended time or road biking. I just found some downhill clipless pedals that support my feet better. Love your content sir
So stoked you love what I'm making man! Just trying to keep the peace and help people see the bigger picture!
I never developed the skill for clips. Picked up some lovely scars from trying them out for a month though!
Clips are a tough thing to learn, but super nice after a while!
Clips or clipless? They're not the same and this discussion is clipless vs flats.
Toe clips? Waste of time. Half-assed attempt that falls short of clipless. No reason to use them anymore.
I remember when clipless pedals came out and I was SO HAPPY! I couldn’t stand not being locked into my pedals and I was using road cleats and double leather straps riding off road. It forced me to become a good bike handler since I couldn’t get out of my pedals without reaching down to swipe the straps. Flat pedal riders are fortunate these days to have pedals with spikes and shoes with soft compounds that grip; but I still could not ride without my clipless pedals.
Thanks for the clarification. I for one, never understood why the called pedals that you clipped INTO clipless.
No problem Chris! Happy to answer the question a lot of people have had
rah rah rah one is better than the other!!!!!!!! oh wait it doesn't really matter what everyone else is doing what really matters is that you are out riding your bike however you feel most comfortable.
Yes David you finally got it! That's what I want people to know!
Preaching to the choir, brother! 😀
Strange, I started on flats went clipless then back flats and hated it. Way more shin bashes with Flats
Hit the nail on the head... I continually switch back and forth. If I’m doing a more XC trail with a lot of climbing or sustained pedaling, I use clipless. If I’m going to the park, I use flats...no big deal
That's it man! Switching it up makes you better!
The only think that i would like to say is... THANK YOU for giving us all the best answer there is. The best pedal is the one that works for YOU! This cleared up so much and i think more people need to do what you have just done and say “It doesn’t matter”
You're welcome man! People need to be ok finding what works for them!
I really think it just depends what type of riding you're doing. I've used both and they're both great. It's easy to switch off depending on what trail you're going to anyway so it's pretty easy to just use what's best in any given scenario.
5:55 I know most people wouldn't want to disconnect from their feet. That would be a visit to the hospital.
When most rider start getting older (like me) their reflexes aren’t even the same level as 30 years ago. This time my best option is with flat pedal.
What?!
Started with clip pedals ˋ74,in the eighties Look pedals and later on spd sl and now i use Look S Track-skills
got better and better!
Would never go on flats,will ride clipless as long as i live! 🤙
Great perspective, presentation, and information!
Cool video man! I switch between both all the time!! More xc ride I like the feeling of being clipped in but on gnarlier stuff I feel more confident knowing I can just hop off my bike at anytime easily!
What you should really do is ride one pedal clipless and the other as a flat. That way you have the best of both.
My only real concern is that those things that go over your shoes are cages. Road, cyclocross and some mountain bike riders that ran cages had slotted cleats on the bottom of their shoes that would "clip" into the pedal. So when technology moved away from cages and cleats - it was called clipless. Now to make it more confusing, many people use the term toe clips to mean pedal cages. As well as that with both cleat/cage and clipless styles of pedals you clip in to your pedal.
Some more great information on the topic - thanks for sharing Gunnar!
Amen 🙏
So true me - me and you both know it's the rider not the pedals
Daily MTB Rider neither are superior. Just personal preference
Your videos are awesome! Helping me a lot! Thanks.
Well played my friend I agree I switch between depending on the trail, weather, what colour underwear I'm wearing or what's already on my bike I've chosen for the day. Ride what makes you happy
Going to flats allowed me to more easily ride with “Light Hands, Heavy Feet”. But definitely go with whatever keeps you riding!!
Flats really help with good form - that's for sure!
I noticed that you installed the Kona Wah Wah platforms, what did you think of them?
I'm happy to see someone out there understands where the phrase...clipless pedals...came from. Pedals with toe clips were everywhere in the 70s-80s. Basic bike history 101, nothing exotic or rare about toe clips and straps.
To get the best transfer of power the rider was to tighten the strap so it held your shoe firmly to the pedal. Of course this meant that you had to be quick on the draw and loosen the strap when coming to a stop.
LOOK imported the first clipless pedals, a design drawn from their ski bindings. If you've ever gone downhill skiing you have used a binding very similar to the first road clipless pedals.
99.9% Americans never snugged up the strap on their toe clips which makes them minimally effective at transferring power to the crank.
I been waiting this for so long...welcome back brother!!! 👍🏼
Haha thanks Greg - I'm just back for a hot minute though
You're not the boss of me! I"m sticking with clipless!
You keep this up and I’ll ground you mister! 😂
yess thank u finally someone relizes that they are both good and it depends
on the person
It's so true Tyler! And all the commenters seem to agree as well!
Great video. I'm wearing clipless cause I fell more confidence on jumps and drops... I tried flat, and I realize that i must to develop greater awareness about my feet and legs.
I definitely felt my confidence increased and my fear of trying harder stuff decreased when I switched to flats for this season, I think I'll be sticking with them!
It's amazing how a switch of pedals can boost your confidence!
Did you get a new camera? The quality is way better!
I actually didn't! Just working on my lighting and settings! more!
I actually find my clipless setup much more confidence inspiring than the flats. The fact that putting my foot down is harder makes me not think too much about a line and just do it and that helps me overcome my fears. Plus, you can always unclip fast enough, in every scenario, every time, just think ahead and be concentrated and aware of what might go wrong. Also practise bailing and emergency braking! Of course you can cheat a little with clipless, but that's why you can switch between setups and practise a different skill every day! Have fun on the trails and stop being a keyboard warrior! (excuse my terrible english, i'm not a native speaker
I find the same thing - clips make me feel confident!
Great Video Josh!
I’ve always said that the best riders can ride confidently on either style pedal.
I’ve been riding clipless for the last few years, but last weekend I ended up in Downieville CA catching up with some friends from Santa Cruz. I didn’t have a bike or shoes with me but was able to borrow both. I had an insane amount of fun riding in a borrowed pair of flat sole 5ten’s! So much though that I decided to go buy a pair of flat pedals as soon as I got home. So this video couldn’t have dropped at a better time for me!
Keep the great vids coming, and hope to see you on the trail!
Thanks man, stoked you liked it! And glad you got to try some new shoes and switch it up!
I think clip(less)s helps me a ton with climbing techy stuff, and I much prefer the feel/security in the air. For me though, the brand is critical. My first experience with clips was on Crankbros, and I had a tough time with them being “too secure”. I was tired of getting stuffed up and not being able to get a foot down in time and falling over. A friend suggested trying SPDs with “multi-release” cleats, and I LOVE them. The adjustable tension is awesome, and those specific cleats release any time you’re not pulling straight up on the pedal. I haven’t had a single issue since I made the switch, and has been super confidence-inspiring for me.
Multi-release are awesome for being able to get out! Happy to hear you're loving them!
Went from 12 speed with clipless to SS with flats and I'm riding the super technical chunk so much better. I have a lot more confidence in my riding now. I'm a converted believer!
He's been converted! 😂That's awesome to hear you're enjoying it!
Just switched to clipless, so much better.
I love clipless man - always will
Daily MTB Rider Great videos man. Way to stay neutral. LOL
Thanks man! That's what I'm going for!
For your use*
Amen brother! It's all about just getting on the dang bike and having fun!
That's it man! More people need to jump on board!
You hit it on the nail, I use both and love them both.
yes! more and more people are catching on!
Amen!
Ty gets it! Thanks man!
I think with flats with pins you should stress to always wear shin guards even during cross country and not as aggressive as you are riding you can still slip. I have a large scar on my shin and I contacted cellulitis because of an infection that I probably got on the trail from the dirt. If I was protected that would not have happened. Just something I think is important to stress to your followers. Helmet and gloves and good shoes yes but even a small slip of the pedal can cause a major gash. Like your Vids!
The Gefster after two years of shinning myself, I have trained my legs to spread out as soon as I can’t feel the pedal. That puts my shins out of range of the pedal.
Shin guards are so uncomfortable though! I've had luck with great pedals for the last 3 months - let's hope to 3 more months without shinners
Yeah but how are people supposed to know your a mountain biker without scars all over your shins? 😂
Good one! Gotta love a guy with a sense of humor!
I agree with you man. There are advantages and disadvantages to both. Just ride with whatever you feel comfortable. Just as long as you’re riding, who cares which pedals you use!
So true CJ! You've caught the truth!
I have tryed both and you absolutely wright its the rider not the peddles. I ride flats as I sometimes get pain in my foot with clips and I have moved the cleat around. I have had fun on clips but I found the perfect foot placement on my flat and am loving it. People get upset with you about peddle I find strange, great video thanks.
Stoked to hear you agree Stuart! We need more people like you in the world!
No! Clipless is the best! No! flats is the best! Shall I continue? Totally agree, ride what you like even if that means alternating. I'm on flats now and love them.
Get out there and just ride, Amiright?? Stoked that you get it Ken!
you forgot magnetic flat pedals, clip-less flat pedal in one, but to me none of the pedals on the market make any sense for my size apart from Catalyst pedals.
supporting the arch makes sense. it's actually quite simple for me, but not something everybody knows about. I wish this was more known, I am glad I found catalyst pedals, I always wanted them before I even knew they existed. they beat every pedal on the market.
Magnet pedals pedals with clip-less shoes make no sense, straps don't make any sense, but I still see some people still use them, with longer enough platform there is no need for a strap, or clip-less system.
it's just one of the things I though don't make sense, but I won't comment on all of that here. A lot of things make no sense in the industry and on some bikes.
but the past years we got a lot of good things, like proper pedals,dropper posts,proper geometry.......
It's a trade-off on mtbs. Road bikes are 100% clipless
I bike in a high-density urban landscape, cutting cars by inches and while still maintaining high speed --clipless is 100% stupid for those scenarios yet I ride a pure, slick tire, road bike. The difference is environment, not type of biking.
@@j.ballsdeep420 You do you, not me...
@@enlightenedidiot9552 -- So you ride clipped in a busy, high density urban environment?
@@j.ballsdeep420 I think it's stupid to ride a bicycle at high speeds in an auto traffic environment. Regardless of the pedals....
@@enlightenedidiot9552 -- Ah, gotcha. Well then that's an entire different argument and we're not talking about the same thing at all, so sure.... clipless all day then ✌ Not everyone lives in the burbs and I'll take a bike any day over a car as I always get places quicker than anyone in a car, but totally different convo.
Great video. I rode flats for years but after a few falls wanted to try clipless to see if it gave me more control. It did. I changed. Six months later I put on some flats for my son to take my favourite bike out and forgot to change them after the ride. Next ride I was back on flats (by accident) and loved it. I learned a lot from riding clipless for six months and will now interchange depending on terrain etc. Both help you learn different things. Any rider who tries both for long enough to be able to ride well with both will end up a better rider on either.
Thanks for the balanced perspective - so rare on the interweb 👌
Man, I didn't realize you got blasted in your first clipless vid.. sorry about that. Everyone is different, so what works for me might not work for someone else. I ride one clipless and one flat.
I got hit hard be people being ticked - but it's all good!
Manny Fonseca you're joking right?
Ian Holmquist Haha, yeah of course I'm kidding.
fancy equipment masks underdeveloped technique. i ride both
i used to ride flats and i switched to clipless and it’s been that way for about 3 or 4 months now. i’ve really wanted to switch back to flats because i’ve progressed as a rider which means i’m riding a lot more sketchy trails and stuff. nothing bad has happened yet in terms of bailing out in time. i switched to clipless because i would always get shinned after hucking jumps, and now that i’ve gotten well accumulated with how to jump without the fear of getting shinned i feel confident to go back to flats and try it out.
You should just try flats again man!
Daily MTB Rider I definitely will. Thanks Josh!
No worries man! That's what I'm here for!
I rode Time ATAC w/Sidi shoes since the late 90's. Late last year I decided to try flats because everyone was talking about it and it would be a challenge. I went with Chester pedals and later DMR Vaults with 510 shoes. After a month or so, I found I didn't miss the clipless and the flats felt as natural as my ATACs. The one unexpected benefit to me is my knees seem to hurt less. I'm 48, so for a younger person this might not matter. I now ride flats on my mountain bikes and I left the clipless on the road bike. I agree with you, I am no better or worse as far as capability on either choice.
That's great to hear the switch went well for you! More people need to try them to see what they're all about!
Saw a guy fall down a 50 ft cliff last week because who couldn't get out of his clips fast enough, he had to get airlifted out, pretty scary.
That's no good at all! Stuff like that happens for both pedal types and it's always a bad thing
Is tat trek your temporary bike?
It is! I'll be making a video about it soon!
Magnifire i thought it was his full on bike and I was abt to frie the same comment.
Great video, and nice job ignoring the trolls! One thing to add - you can wear much lighter and more conventional shoes with flat pedals. That decrease in rotating mass helps make up for the possible loss of pull on the up-stroke.
Appreciate your thoughtful approach and narrative on this. No drama, just your opinion - nice! My skill level is nowhere near yours. I ride clipped-in most of the time bc I don't like getting separated from my bike riding the roots and rocks that are common to my local trails. When I work on skills, and have time to do so before hand, I switch to flats bc I know I need to learn to push through the pedals to get lift for hops and jumps, and to handle big curves. In those cases, when clipped in, I feel I rely too much on cheating with my cleats. In any case I'd say whatever gets you on your bike everyday is the best choice.
You nailed it - it's whatever gets you out there!
I agree with your comments, but your video's title says something else. You're not recommending flats over clipless here. Your video should say "Why I switched back to flat pedals, and my thoughts on it" or something like that.
I run flats on MTB, clipped in on RB. Tried clipless on MTB for a year, went back to flats and keep the clipless stored in case I ever feel like using them again. The important thing, is to develop the skills needed, not to rely on the equipment to keep you mechanically anchored in compensation of poor skills.
I hear what you're saying on my title - but I stand by it! I think everyone should switch back and forth to see the benefits and negatives of both!
I understand, but you've just said it better in this response, Josh. "I think everyone should switch back and forth to see the benefits and negatives of both!". I get the "use both and alternate them every so often" recommendation, but that's not what your title is saying. It's saying "Switch back to flats", period. I'm actually all for that since it forces riders to have better technique, but everyone is free to choose :).
Whether or not you change it, thanks for the response, and keep shredding!
lol can't wait to see your video about flats with your accurate title on your own channel, RGCastro7
RGCastro7 Props for pointing it out! I totally agree with you. It's nice that Josh talks about his experience on the bike with different equipment but it's just not ok for him to also title his videos like he's really qualified to give advice about how other riders should do their mountain biking. Especially when some time ago he supported the complete opposite side. This shows that he still has much to learn. And Josh if you're reading this, don't get discouraged. I have to say that it's obvious from your channel that you've learned so much and developed so many skills. Just be more fair when you're titling your videos to spare the time of your viewers. Thanks!
Panda, what are you on about, man? I'm not claiming to have "The Truth" on types of pedals. I'm telling him that, both in his verbal and written conclusions, his recommendation is that it's convenient to alternate pedal types once in a while, and his title transmits a different message.
If I were to do some sort of review on flats or any other topic, I'd be sure that whatever I place as my video's title reflects the opinion that I'll share in it. Like I told him, it's not a big deal, and I'm perfectly aware that he has every right to label things however he wants. Pointing out something that's inconsistent doesn't mean I'm a hater, o that I'm working against him/looking down on his work. I'm pointing out an inconsistency between what he's said verbally and in a written response to me in comparison to what he wrote for the title.
Now, since you're trying to discredit me because of what I believe has been written politely and as a constructive criticism, I hope you're motivated enough to let me know what it was that you didn't like about the way I presented my thoughts. You're welcome to head over to my channel and see that all videos have titles that are relevant and reflect whatever happens in them, though I warn you that none of it is particularly interesting. It's mostly for my own reference that I've uploaded videos of different sports, and some other academic stuff that I've had to use at some point or another.
Tried clipless for a ride... No thanks.
I hate the lack of feel of the whole pedal.
And fell over 2 times when stopping lol.
Why you even need clips if you can have Fivetens (Sam Hills, Impacts) and a good set of pedals?
Clips give me the feeling of complete connection with my bike and control - I can get 99% of the way there on flats, but there's nothing like clips for me!
I used to race XC, and clipless pedals feel incredible when your legs are tired. On a long fire road, you can concentrate on using all the muscles in your legs to pull and push the pedals and it helps a ton.
You still can buy clipless pedals that also have the platform you can feel (although due to the harder soles, that feel will be much weaker).
Räuber Hotzenplotz you don't need clips
I tried using a computer once. No thanks, I miss the feel of pen and paper. I accidentally shut down the computer twice too lol. Why do we even need a computer when you can write everything down?
AMEN!!!!! It's all about riding and see what is best at the time and how you "feel"!!! LIVE-LIFE-LOUD!!!
You nailed it man!
I think you're correct, both have minor advantages and disadvantages. I recently switched to flats to give them a try and in most areas I find my riding to be no different. But, I rode clipped for so long I'm probably heading back that way for most of my riding. I'll get keep both and ride both!
clipless sounds right if you wear lycra and shave your chest
Clipless is best if you want to actually win and shread
jdeleau Every watt counts
@@Scolecite Yes, just watch pro racers they all have clipless except few guys.
GCN, yo!
@@elmeri9237 there are pros that dont??
U lose way more efficiency the feeling of sprinting in clipless is so much better than flats
It is great to sprint in clipless
Very timely post - I progressed exactly as you described - started on flats, switched to clipless, and now just recently started giving flats another go - I feel WAY more confident jumping and in slow tech but still find my feet slipping off the pedals occasionally which is frustrating - the jury is still out for me !
You and I are in the same boat my man! Keep trying both!
Flats and Clipless are both nice, but I prefer the natural way, pedaless. Just the feeling of gripping the crank with you felt really just feels good.
What about the people that use one on one foot and one on the other
I've never heard of someone doing that - it sounds crazy! You'd need two different shoes
Lmao this title
Haha you know me too well Ethan - it's flip flop time!
I prefer riding in flip flops so I'm a flats kind of guy. Can't find any flip flops with clips...
I swap around, and I largely agree with you. However, a point I think you missed is that flats can be better for learning some specific skills and ensuring you maintain good form for those particular skills. A good example of this is bunny hopping. Learning that skill on flats ensures you are not pulling up using your clip less pedals. Getting the right pair of shoes is probably as or possibly more important for flats than it is for clipless, though.
Flats are much better for learning skills - I can't disagree there!
Very wise and great advice
so you switched because of haters?
First view
You got it, and the first comment! Congrats!
i think ur 100% ryt about it just being a preference, at end of the day its all the operator!!!! i like being clipped in but def might try goin back to flats just to see if i have same feelings as u>>> thanx alot for the vid bro!!!!
Good point. It is more about the rider, and also what kind of riding you do. For instance, I love trying to clean very rocky, technical climbs, but I cruise the downhills and don't do big jumps. I had trouble with my feet flying off the top of flat pedals when really lunging up rocky ledges. But I also had awkward falls with clipless pedals, and they hurt my confidence. The compromise that worked perfectly for me was the Shimano M-647 pedal using the optional SH-56 multi release cleat. My feet stay on the pedals on techy climbs, and downhills. But dabbing is as easy as a flat pedal. And because the clip in mechanism rotates upward, they are really easy to clip into, which is great for restarts on techy climbs. If you jump, and throw the bike completely sideways, these might not work for you, as this might unclip your foot, but otherwise I have no problem with my feet coming off inadvertently. Your mileage may vary.
Agreed. I’m currently trying out flats after using clipless for 30+ years. There’s definitely a learning curve, I’m just trying to improve my skills. I’ll probably go back to my clipless eventually. Find the joy! Cheers 🍻
Thank you for your honesty .
Crank Brothers Double Shot 3, clipless and flats in one pedal! So you decide where and when to use which side of the pedal.
That's a great option for sure!
My road bike has minimalist mtb clipless pedals. My old hardtail has clipless pedals with a bit of a platform. My full sus bike has flat pedals. Instarted mountain biking with flats, changed to clipless and built up my confidence. Then after a crash which tweeked my knee (but almost certainly wasnt due to the pedals) i decided to go back the flats. I bought some dmr vault pedals and 5 10 impact shoes and my feet never move unless i want them to. I believe the time on clipless pedals taught me not to give up pedalling too early when I started to lose traction when climbing or thought i was going to stall, which has carried over to riding flats.
Instead of calling you all sorts of names, questioning your mental stability, and tying your ancestry to various farm animals, I'll just agree with you. After riding clipless for 20+ years and actual toe clips before that, I just bought a set of Kona Wah Wah 2's that I'm looking forward to trying. As a kid, I rode lots of BMX, then ramps & other features with flats, so I think I can adjust.
Thank you... I agree 100%... Just ride and enjoy it 😊
You get it Brian! We need more people like you!
Great info and presentation!
Totally agreed. Neither is better than the other... whatever is most comfortable or confidence for you. Always be the driver not the passenger and never be distracted by style
Great video, progression comes from trying new things and there are few things that can change the way you ride more than switching pedals. It's good to make yourself uncomfortable, that's when you grow...
My new bike came with flats and I'm trying It, after riding with clipless for a long time, and I really missed them, can fell my feet pulling up sometimes and I personally feel more confident being cliped.
Nice video!
That's awesome you were willing to try flats man! Nothing wrong with liking clips though
Thanks for the info! I've been riding my whole life with flat pedals. I've just ordered new set of clipless pedals. This would be my 1st time using it! Greetings from PH sir!
the reason why I use flats is that I use my bike as a functional tool that does not exclude me from doing anything else. I do not need a special type of shoe to ride a bike.. I use my bikes for exercise , commuting, shopping, etc. I ride to work, park my bike, then go to my work station . I ride to the supermarket , park my bike, shop for items, load my groceries on my bike ,then ride home. I wear the same shoes the whole time for each activity.
Was going to dislike this video until you said it doesn’t matter. I 100% agree and think the debate is just a waste of time. The facts are out there so just choose which works best for you!
So happy you watched the whole thing. Happy you agree!
stay positive, bro! you did it right. respect!
It all comes down to personal preference, and what You feel comfortable doing - not what everyone else thinks.
So many different riders say You should do this or that, but whatever they say You´re the one to be the judge of what works best for You - as long as You have fun, feel comfortable and enjoy Your riding.
Well said.
It doesn`t matter.
Bike riding is all about having fun and a good time-
there is no need for competing like pro`s for a special price of honor.
Whats wrong with having a good ride with friends in a nice day out?
Does it make a difference if that tour was in clippless or flats?
I think like you, you should use, what you want to and if clippless help you to perform better, why not.
Exactly the other way around.
There is no need for a bunch of referees to say what is better or more bad. Its your bike, your day out and your fun. Make the best out of it. You only live once.
YOu nailed it man - just go have fun!
Smashed the thumps up because you made the decision to do both. Personal preference I say.
I just hope you weren’t serious when you stated that you succumbed to peer pressure to make the change back to flats. Who cares what people say. I think it takes skill to ignore the haters.
Thanks man! I'm stoked you get the point!
I was watching this video as I was switching back to flats. The funny thing is, I started on flats went to clip less, then back to flats to revise my skills. Now I ride clip less on my enduro bike. However when I get a hard tail I’ll start on flats and the move to clips if I feel like it. I think they are both great, and that they both require skill that are a little different for each pedal type to ride.
Sounds like you have the right mindset! It's all about the switch, trying one and going to another! That's how we get better!
I learned on cage or clipped pedals, went to clipless for many many years. Switched to flats about 4 months ago, and for shits and giggles I tried clipless again. Hate clipless so much, I have more control and more confidence on flats.
Nothing wrong with that Dave! I'm just stoked you were willing to try both!
my feet use to slip off (using flats) on steep switchback climbs...and I'd wonder about using clipless pedals then.. (I'm an occasional roadie who rides clipless) but have since then "learned" how to keep my feet planted on the steepest of climbs and descents... Skills Learned.
It's all about keeping those heals down man!