Clips vs Flats: We settle the age old pedal debate
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- เผยแพร่เมื่อ 10 ก.ย. 2024
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Clips Vs flats - it's the debate that's been done to death, right? Well maybe not, because not only is it a question that will be posed by any new rider getting into mountain biking, but equally the pros and cons that typically get thrown around when discussing this topic are not quite as cut and dried as they seem.
So in this video I wanted to go through some of the points that don't always get considered when deciding on which pedal system to run, as well as clearing up the confusing nomenclature, and delving into the archive for a little history lesson.
I hope you enjoy the video and start to think about a few aspects of riding flats and clips that perhaps you'd not considered before. And if you're locked in to one particular system, I'd urge you to give the other option a try. Being able to ride both clips and flats confidently will definitely make you an all-round better rider.
And let me know in the comments which system you prefer, and why.
Thanks to Adidas Five Ten for the support to make this video.
We may earn a commission when purchasing through affiliate links in this description.
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Since I went to flats I have not had any serious crashes. That has convinced me. I'm not a racer and as I've gotten older I've realized there is no need to pretend to be. I'm out there to have fun and flats give me the forgiveness and confidence to do that.
I run clips. Xt spd race version i think (little ones). Ive been absoloutley loving them. I do run on the loosest setting and my feet can come out on demand. I also switched to the silver spd cleats which i had to buy separately. I was told the silver cleats are for mtb and black for road. The black cleats can only twist out where the silver ones can come out multiple ways.
I have been in 1 crash with them, i fully blame whomever was riding the bike with no hands on top of the 6" wide curb. And physics for what happened after the tire mistakenly rolled off the side of the curb rather than the end as intended. Maybe even a physicist!
I do hear you on wanting flats. My clip in pedals were for a gravel bike i was waiting for. I have since switched my mtb back. I think flat pedals are better for that "wild unkown" though im still new to clip in pedals.
I dont even get why the road clip system exists. Forcing riders to tip-toe on plastic/carbon/mini heel and a weird metal cleat, um no, no thank you.
Started off with flats, went to clip, went back to flat. Not changing again. Everything in this video is right. But flats are better, in my opinion.
Nah, unless you’re jumping regularly clipless is far better. Spent 3 years on flat, went clipless and never went back to flats. Clips are way better for fast chunky downhills.
Clips were a struggle at first, but now I feel so connected to my bike and I definitely climb stronger. Not for the novice, but they’re a game changer!
agree! but I’m a special case/ have lost most of t feeling in my feet(surgical mishap) so am SO happy I’m used to clip-ins from my road days
Clips were 0 struggle for me. Until riding no hands atop a 6" curb and rolling off it unexpectedly. Im not blaming the pedals for my crash, i doubt flat pedals would have saved me! You just cant fix stupid!
Im still new to clips, but im loving them. Im running them wide open with silver cleats. The ones that can come out multiple ways, not just twisting out like the black ones. The guy @ the store said if you go over the bars use silver. I went silver and over the bars, my feet popped right out!
I use both but most of the time on flats - I agree that we should be confident on either system.
Just watching crankworx and all the DH, I've come to the conclusion that clipless is better for racing enduro and DH, but that's about it. Flats work better for jumps, style, and casual riding. I never plan on racing, so buying clipless would have no point
A bit wrong there! 5:10 were a rock climbing shoe company and the Impact shoe was a rock climbers in-and-out shoe. ie They wore them while walking into and out of their rock climbing spots. The dotted rubber helped grip on Mohab rock ( I think). Intense literally just got them to stick the stealth rubber sole onto a shoe because the Aussie guys liked them. Loads of other people started bonding the stealth rubber soles to other shoes, which was pretty funny/ridiculous. I've ridden mainly flats all my life and have come from Bear Traps on BMX to clips on MTB XC, through to racing Scottish and British national DH's. Tons of people in the early 2000's (including myself) found the original 5:10s too sticky. They were a nightmare for foot placement when riding big pins.
Yes you’re right, just trying to simplify it a bit 👍
I can’t remember the last time my feet came off of my flats bombing gnar. With modern shoes and pedals and proper technique you shouldn’t be getting thrown off. Regardless of whether you are clipped in or on flats, you still should be pressing through the pedals to absorb the hits by bending your knees and not riding on top of the pedals to get bounced around like a pogo stick, flats force you to ride with this proper technique. Plus, as a non racer I prefer them for their versatility- i can adjust my foot position to put the pedal under the ball or the midfoot depending on what I am doing.
Just gone to flats after riding clipless pedals since starting MTB 14 years ago, wish I had done it sooner I'm so much quicker on Flats on the descents, I find it so much easier to steer the bike as I'm able to make micro movements with my feet without the fear of clipping out, flats all the way for me now.
No joke, I'm so glad you mentioned Hill riding a track bike. Riding a fixie hands down helped me out riding MTB. Keeping it on the fixed side taught me to pedal over things. That translated well for MTB'ing allowing me to pedal in chonky sections where others just roll. Definitely a big help when I was on a hardtail.
I think riders early on should start with flats. They offer the ability to bail when things go wrong. That said, now that I've been riding for 7 years I wouldn't mind giving "clip-ins" a go. I would like to see what the fuss is all about. In the end though, I feel like I'll always be a flat rider.
Thanks for vid.
No problem, cool that you had a similar experience 👍
I use both, at one point I had only SPD's, recently tried crankbros instead of SPD meh. I still prefer flats overall
Quality edit! Flats for me on the mtb
Ha! Cheers! 🤘
I use both, clipped in on my spark for the efficiency of pedaling and flats on my enduro bike so I have confidence in dabbing when need to
As a moto dude who began riding MTB in 1987 and lived through the toe cage era (try that if you want to be terrified) I was never excited to try clipping my feet into a clipless (wait, how's that work?) pedal and have always ridden flat pedals. Had I begun the sport clipped in (to clipless pedals of course) then I would have the skills and would be riding clipped in today.... Pick a pedal/shoe option and try not to be a dick about it and have fun!
I started mtb’ing in 2018 in flats.
Joined the gravel craze about 2 years ago because I have a now 2 year old boy and wasn’t hitting the trails as much.
I want to try clipless to see if I like them and if I faster.
However, it’s kinda expensive for something I may not like…
Shimano PD-M520 30 quid + Triban GRVL 500 shoes 55 quid at Decathlon, more than enough to get a feel for clipless pedals and keep this set for a while if you're fond of it. And even if you don't like it, Decathlon has a great pro-consumer return policy.
I still ride Flats on my HT. The reason are the climbs. It happens quite a bit, that I suddenly "stand still" on a technical uphill. Then I have to walk a bit and try again to pedal up. I feel like with clipless pedals, I would 1: risk to fall on my side and 2: have trouble getting bike on the bike when it's steep. I wish sometimes I had clipless on the downhill technical singles so my feet would be more secure, but no pedal shin hit so far.
On ride clipless on my gravel bike. But sometimes I clip out, just to move my feet around a bit.
There is one major difference that was not mentioned... Clip-in shoes are (normally) stiffer, which makes them more efficient.
As a kid, cheap black rubber(?) flats. As an adult on roadies, actual toe clips. Yes, I'm vintage... Mtbs, I started with flats, but rapidly added toe clips. A friend got new fangled clipless, but I was scared of SPuD stacks (he had lots) if I couldn't release. Mind you, my toe clips were done up so tight my feet went numb.🤔 No chance of rapid or unplanned unclipping! 😂
Eventually I switched to clipless, and they were a revelation. My feet stayed on the pedals - even jumping. I did SPuD a few times, but normally magically releasing when needed, even crashing.
I'm staying clipped in with clipless 😂
Yeah toe clips were genuinely terrible. Did you try Power Straps? They were even worse!
From my experience all my friends and I rode bmx young and we like flats because we can control the bike well. All my old friends in work like clips for some reason and I will smash them on the rides
I used flat pedals, so I switched to clips, there were all the falls, insecurity, I went back to flat again because I lacked freedom of movement on the bike, and I mean the legs, we know that the movement of the legs alone, the knee out is not even close to what it is with flat pedals, in the end, I decided to give clips pedals a "chance" regardless of everything, mostly both options are good, you just have to give clips pedals a "chance" to overcome them that was my path to clips
Great video! I have been debating on new bike and was curious if I try flat pedals this time. This video convinced me to try it.
Glad to hear it! Be prepared to struggle at some point, but persevere and you’ll get the hang of it. 👍
I use both on the same bike. I run the dual sided A530 clip/flat pedals with added pins on the flat side, search for this video: Shimano PD-A530 Flat/Clipless Pedal - Long Term Review
There's also the EH500 pedals that are pre-drilled for pins. I have recently switched for a five-ten sole clipless show and that is really nice on the flats, great grip. But for the long road rides to/from the trails, I can clip in and ride like that.
Five Tens Freerider with Crank Brothers Stamp 1 are my preference for the light trail riding I do on my down country XC bike.
Just started clips and tbh I absolutely love it. For me It was a very easy transition from flats. Ive been on flats riding dh for 10 years and its nice to change up. Also I love not riding a steep chunky trail on my heals anymore!
I use both pedals, I see advantages on clipless as energy savers when terrain is fast and rough, I use flats on unpredictable terrain, mostly where I face wet, slippery, and slow terrain with closed angled switchbacks and big roots.
Riding both styles. Clipless on the ebike and flats on the trail bike. The reasoning was exactly what was said here: clipless for e bikes give more ability to move the bike around and reduces pedal strikes. Im running the HT enduro style clipless and Chromag flats.
I’m just glad decent shoes for flats exist now. The 2FO is as good as the five ten if not better. Before the shoes and pedals existed, you were limited to Vans and Odyssey Triple Trap BMX pedals 😂 - thus clipping in was the only real option.
I like flats, however, I bought a hardtail (first time since the mid 90's) and found my feet getting rattled off in chunky or rooty sections. I use clips for that now. Love mixing it up
I recently got the Garmin Rally power meter for my road/gravel bike and have done a few more xc style rides with them on my mtb. I know technique plays a major part, but I was noticeably not getting bounced off my bike on the rocky sections, and I was able to continue pedaling up rocky climbs because I wasn't forced to hold my feet to the pedal so they didn't bounce off. I would say that the ability to pull up on the pedal stroke also produces objectively higher watts while reducing strain on my quads, but I for sure don't maintain that throughout the whole ride. Climbs do feel a bit easier because of this, but I'm also 2 months into living in a hilly area now and progressively getting stronger, so hard to say if that's really the pedals acclimating to the new terrain.
I've had a subtalar fusion on my left ankle. It's now difficult to unclip with that foot. I generally use flats on all of my bikes except my road bike.
I’m a big fan of flat pedals and used them for years, but for the last 10 years or so my riding is mostly cross country and trail and clips are much more efficient for this. If I was riding how used to, like jumping, aggressive trail riding also trials and street riding I was once into I’ll would certainly be back on the flats. It’s just a tool for the right job 👍
Dmr v12s and fiveten mid pros..lethal indestructable combo, sticks like glue to each other with only small lift to reposition, the mid pros take full hits to rocks with workboot protection to that delicate foot joint..and there dead light..after decades riding..its a perfect mix for me for freeride, enduro,dh 😊
I use clip for road bike, but for mtb I have tried to use clips, but not feeling confident, switched to flats and cant keep foot on pedal. Need to work that out.
After swapping between the two for many years, I've settled on clipless pedals for everything. I prefer the control and engagement with the bike that they offer.
Did you mean to call them ‘clueless’ pedals? 🤔
@@MBRmagazine Haha, no, sorry; will edit. Nice video BTW.
I don't want anything that could delay me jumping clear of my hefty, 26.5 kg full fat eMTB. Stealth rubber, sharp, long pins and toes pointing to sky, heels to the floor and I'm gripping on the rockiest, gnarliest chutes without my feet coming off including at Dyfi Bike Park where I was sending steep tracks with huge drops and large jumps, not once did my feet come off.
As a recent convert. Clip in pedals are better. Why? My feet stay there, right there, everytime. No hustle shuffle, no rearranging that foot incessantly, and no wondering about foot position.
The downside. I heard a youtuber describe it best. With clips you get clip in anxiety: feeling a bit on ice skates until that free foot clips in @ a light. VS flat pedal anxiety: feeling like your foot is in the wrong spot/angle.
Ill take the clips plz. Mtb style, I hate road shoes. A shoes main function is to serve as an interface with the world, not just the bike. If i cant see myself walking in it, I cant see myself purchasing the shoe.
I ride both equally well
Loving your modesty! 😂
I like flats but being clipped in I feel more secure my feet don’t bounce off the peddles , and a jump park flats all the time .
Those Five tens free riders are 🔥
Almost as if other shoes don't exist. Specialized 2FO are grippier, whether that's a good thing or not. 5.10s are often too heavy especially when wet and their clipless shoes are garbage, not made well at all. Anyway, it's all about getting the best out of each pedal, a lot of people try clips but don't adapt to get the best out of them and give in. I like both and ride accordingly to what's on the bike, but I do prefer clips. I do feel power transfer is better with clips and the stiffer shank in the shoe, this is most noticeable with less fatigue on long climbs, and more confidence with sprint power transfer, and loading up for jumps and bunny hops. Knowing your foot won't bounce of the pedal is the biggest benefit I would say. The debate goes on, and on, and on
Used to ride clipped/toe straps, but after ripping a few off - I've stuck with flats. Until you you can comfortably ride clipless with wellies I'll be giving them the swerve.
I like that this comment references a technology from 30 years ago, before SPD. Hahaha
Cool vid👍
I'd prefer flat
Thanks 🙏
Ridden both and for me, it's clipless on anything but a DJ, I mostly ride DH and would never want to ride flats there, it's too easy to get your feet knocked off on big impacts and it makes you ride too heavy, where clips you can float the bike more over things. I say ride whatever you like, but for me, it's clips.
Great video! Thanks 😊!
Thanks!
Nice 5ten ad
All true, but flat pedals saved me from at least a handful of nasty crashes. In fact I had no serious crashes for years. No amount of extra speed makes up for that, at least for me.
Makes sense!
Flats😊
Nice ad for Adidas.....please next time mention it on the title
There’s a pop-up message at the start that says ‘contains paid promotion’
@@MBRmagazine didnt saw it
Just an ad. Start to finish. Nothing new here. Click bait to be sure
I just wear my trainers.😂
Never bought a pair of shoes specifically for cycling in my 50 years on 2 wheels.😊
Im not racing anyone tjough, just having fun and using bike to get around.
I don’t know how you ride with your cleats so far back?….and, did I miss it? The most glaring issue with clips, your tied to the bike in a crash. You can’t step off in a topple off situation. You can’t take a dab as quick.
With a platform clip-in pedal, like the CB Mallet DH, you can mimic the foot position of a flat pedal. This lets you really load the bike through turns and for grip while improving foot stability. The more you get used to riding in clip-in pedals, the more natural and instinctive it becomes to release. To the point that it's very rare that you get locked into the pedals in a crash or an emergency dab, even if the chance still exists.
Never rode flats, never want too.
You're supposed to put AD on the thumbnail...
It says paid promotion at the start
Can we all end the "clipless" madness: it's "flats" and "clips". spread the word...
The hellcat pro's look like bowing shoes...😂😂😂
5ten production quality has lost its quality since being sold to Adidas. This is part of Adidas general lower quality in the last 10 to 15 years. I was a Adidas and 5ten fan but after 5 pairs with both brands I've gone with other brands. I'm a flat pedal rider but I just can't ride mountain bikes clipped in. On road I'm happy to ride clipped in and love the power.
Dont see many options on boa flat shoes most of them are clipless boa.
Yeah there are not many, but the benefits are more marginal for flat shoes and you pay quite a lot extra for the privilege.
@@MBRmagazine i use flats and found rc shoes great boat flats on diferent prices and option. 5 10 do not offer boa on flat neither fox shoes as well
Vaude makes Boa Flats. They're great. But the rubber compound is not as good as Five Ten.
Sweet 5.10 ad.
Good vid. I’m 100% flats, I’d like to try clips, but the amount of £££ for a new set of pedals and shoes … nah.
Yeah they are a lot more expensive.
there's no right answer it's all about preferences. at the end of the day, who cares if some go with flats or some go with clipless. they're not riding in each other's shoes. shouldn't even be an argument
Well, there are objective, very real differences, whether those differences suit you or not is the thing
@@jonbrettell4944 I didn't say there weren't differences at the end of the day it will end up being the rider's preference. you prefer one style pedal over the other. Who am I or anyone else to tell you that you should use regardless of the reasons. It's what you feel comfortable with. The same can be said for 29 vs 27.5 vs 26 inch wheels.
@@akrabano I don't think anybody is telling anybody what to use
Shimano pedaling dynamics. Nudge, nudge, wink, wink. Say no more. How can you ride if your feet come off the pedals?
who'd have guessed the mountain bike industry would arrive at the conclusion that we need both, so double the spend? LMFAO...
I alwaays named it Clip pedals anyway... i don't care to be honest...=P i still prefer platform anyway
also i always used platforms and never tryed clips ... but not because i despise them but in fact of fearing them... first maintenance, cost and shoes etc ... second i may like it and can't return so extra investments.. .third, the feeling of being clipped in the pedal makes me fear of falling of the bike... i don't know ... its wierd
I like clipless but my feet get tired faster since they really can't move around. Now I ride 100% flats wearing a $50 pair of Nike outlet mid top fashion shoes with a nice stiff shank in them. 1000 miles and the soles aren't even worn. I'm no downhill racer at 65 years old. MTB shoes are WAY overpriced and overrated IMO. Wear whatever is comfortable and works...
Half of this video is just advertising and history telling. Just like many others which you said not to copy. You could do better than that.
Clipped, because I'm an old fart and refuse to be shite on more than one pedal system
😂
Wish someone had made this content before 🙄. Subject has been talked to death
Next week; hardtail vs full-suspension! Only kidding…
I wear sneakers.
The world is flat 😊
Flat pedals for those that know how to ride. Clips are for squids😮
Squids like 99% of the World Cup downhill circuit, the best XC and Enduro racers, and riders like Braydon Bringhurst? 🤷♂️
Flat pedals win medals - except clips have won way more medals.
@MBRmagazine Soon the sport will get another Sam Hill, and all those clipped squids will get smoked. Maybe Sam has a kid that could finally put an end to this madness😮
@@royayersrules These days it's like every corner on these DH courses are dished. So clips probably are better for that...
Ha! That would be amazing! He does have a kid, so maybe!
Clipless, not clips.