[papalouie offline]

I recently replaced my flat platform pedals with spd pedals and found my confidence levels drop while riding on my favorite mtb trail. My average times per loop is about the same or a bit slower than what it was before I made the switch. Should I switch back to the flat pedals or continue riding with the spd's for a couple more months? I ride once a week for about 45 minutes on the trails. I use look pedals on my tri bike on the roads and have no problems with them. But then I don't need to balance on single track bridges, squeeze between trees, or ride up and down winding trails while clipped in. Sometimes, without thinking I need to drop my foot down, and if I'm clipped in, I don't have enough time to twist out and then, down I go.

[fat_billy offline]

Here we go again! Later,

[maddslacker offline]

You just need to practice more.

[klowe8828 offline]

adjust your tension way down, make conscious effort to plan your stops, wear some elbow pads, and learn to fall. I, as has everyone riding clipless, fought this about 6 months ago myself. Just commiting to a layover versus a full fledge herky jerky, trying to catch yourself, made things much better. you will see your average improve when you gain confidence. If your still struggling, consider Shimano PD-M324 which will allow you to ride clipped in, and in areas you struggle with confidence, unclip and pedal traditional. Having said that, they can become a crutch and hinder improving your skills if you always unclip before roots or something technical. They also have the down side of only having one useable side at a time, based on which system you are using. so if you are expecting to clip in, and the pedal is facing the wrong way, it offers an opportunity for error there too...just food for thought. Its a pain, you'll fall when its least cool, you'll have bruises on your rear, thigh, elbows, etc...but its all part of the experience.

[stumpyfsr offline]

Had exactly same problem 4 months ago. And now I'll agree with others that you need to ride more till your confidence will come back. Don't throw away your flats - you'll need 'em someday. But clipless will improve your riding for sure

[Fitch offline]

Yup, it's just the learning curve that comes with clipless. Make it as easy as possible to clip out of the pedal, and do this:

When on the couch, take your shoe and pedal and clip it in and out for awhile; it loosens everything up and helps make it more fluid, so when you're on the bike, it's easier to dismount. I also had to trim the tread on my shoe so there was no blocking.

But yeah, man! Just keep riding more and more, and practice unclipping! I fought it for a year, and now... I wouldn't ride down the street on my flats.

[Jared13 offline]

You don't have to ride with clipless if you don't want to. It will make riding "easier" though.

If you want to stick with the clipless definitely practice more. Ride around the block a few times or in a park or something to get comfortable clipping out. Riding on a trainer would work also.

[tnkasper offline]

You don't need to be clipped in. After riding years on flats (clipped in for commuting) I tried riding clipped in for mtn biking and I found that although my foot doesn't move on the pedal (can't 5-10s and Straightline pedals) I do flex and sort of roll my foot around on the pedal for balance.

I'm sticking with flats for mtn biking unless it's just straight non-techy single track climbing.

Here's some good info on clipless vs flats...http://www.bikejames.com/strength/top-3 ... dal-myths/ There's a lot more James has written if you look over on the side bar for must read posts.

Ultimately it's up to you and it does take time to get used too, but unless you're racing or climbing a ton they really aren't necessary. But everyone has an opinion.

[fat_billy offline]

Isn't it all singletrack climbing? Just asking. It is for fat people by the way. I'll stay clipped while I sip (beer). Later,

[JSatch offline]

Here we go again! Later,

well said. ugh!


flat vs clipless comes down to 2 things for me:
1. depends on the style of riding and/or terrain you are doing
2. are you riding for your own casual fun, or timed cardio workout (or kom at strava- don't get me started)

-i like to challenge myself sometimes making being clipped in dangerous
-my enjoyment for riding improved markedly when i took the time/distance computer off my bike.

so for me it's flats with good shoes (such as 5-10).
fyi- i was riding for years with the spd setup- except for an occasional climb there hasn't been a day i've considered going back to them. my crank bros mallets and shimano spd shoes have remained in the closet for years now.

[bikeit420 offline]

I have ridden clipless for 30 or more years. I tried riding without them and it was foreign to say the least. I do have a beater that has flats and it is fine with the right shoes. It really depends on terrain, I think. I believe the learning curve is well worth it. I have much better bike control with clips and can motor up just about any hill. Generally, I cover more ground and cover it faster with clips. The only time I have trouble is at slow speeds. If I'm motoring, and bail, I always get my feet out. Go for the clipless!

[trouttrunnell offline]

I spent last summer as one giant scab. I had road-rash on some part of my body at all times and usually on many different parts. If I didn't come home with blood dripping from my knee, shin, elbow, hip, etc....I considered it a great day. But, I stuck with it and finally learned to clip out really well all of the sudden. I wasn't even paying attention, but all of the sudden I realized I didn't have any fresh wounds anywhere! I can ride injury free nearly every time out now and not even think about it. I personally gain a tremendous advantage when I ride clipped in. I'm a converted roadie, and my pedaling style uses a lot of pull up as well as pushing down, and clipless allows me to do that really well. I have so much more power and endurance with them it's amazing! One thing that surprised me though. I used to clip out and stand on my pedals as I came into a hairy technical spot, just in case. Now, if I can't get clipped in as I come into one I'm freaking out that i'm going to slip off my pedals and do the old top tube smash! I tried the SPD on one side/flat on the other side pedals and it just made everything harder. They were always flipped the wrong way and I was looking down and fumbling with them. Not good. I use Crank Brothers Egg Beater style pedals and I love them. They don't have any tension adjustments to fiddle with and you have tons of float from side to side which helps my knees immensely. My SPD pedals held me in a fixed position too much for me and I had lots of knee and hip pain that didn't even exist before I used them. I guess what I'm trying to say is this: Depending on your pedaling style and riding style, you may find that the short term pain is worth it in the long run for the advantages you gain from being locked in with your bike. Or you may decide that it isn't for you and you like flats better, and that's totally cool. Do what feels right to you and don't worry about what anyone else thinks. You are the one who has to pedal up that damn hill!

[JSatch offline]

...But then I don't need to balance on single track bridges, squeeze between trees, or ride up and down winding trails while clipped in. Sometimes, without thinking I need to drop my foot down, and if I'm clipped in, I don't have enough time to twist out and then, down I go.

most people here seem into climbing, 29ers, xc, etc. if that's your thing, go spd. also helps with bunny hops.

if your riding involves skinnies, bridges, rock gardens, g-outs, gaps and drops, for freeride and dh flats are the preference, by a wide margin. at speed or landing a jump you simply do not have time to clip out when things go south, and when they go south they go south fast.

stating, i prefer clipless or flats without mentioning the type of riding you are doing is assuming the person asking is doing that same style of riding. i don't care how fast or skilled you are at unclipping, your chances of getting injured increase if you're casing a jump or misjudge a corner or rock garden at high speed clipped in. you're not gonna take a speshi demo for a 4 hr xc climb-fest or a hardtail xc race machine for fr or dh. no different here. each has its area of preference.

[Jared13 offline]

Here's some good info on clipless vs flats...http://www.bikejames.com/strength/top-3 ... dal-myths/ There's a lot more James has written if you look over on the side bar for must read posts.

I think this is a much better article. James is very passionate about his pro-flat stance and he can come off as abrasive at times.

you may find that the short term pain is worth it in the long run for the advantages you gain from being locked in with your bike.

There are advantages to being locked in, however, there are disadvantages being locked in also.
Riding with flats and clipless and racing clipless will make you a better racer. Riding just with clipless and racing clipless will still make you a better rider with increased fitness, better handling, etc etc just not as good if you did some training rides with flats also.
Riding with flats forces you to be more connected with your bike. It will improve your pedal stroke and when you clip in, you'll have amazing power and speed. (http://www.leelikesbikes.com/sprinting-with-clips.html)

However, if you're riding just to ride, rock whichever pedals you want and enjoy the ride!

[klowe8828 offline]

i thought about this thread twice Monday. 2 seperate times i was travelling at a high speed through FATS and my SPD pedal dug into the groove as i was riding a narrow kind of washed out part of trail. Had I been on flats, that pedal would have dug, foot would have kicked off, and the boys would have been smooshed by the bar, before i did some acrobatic maneuver just to end up on my face.