Yes! If anything, accessibility should be number 1 on that list. Imagine if normal folks weren't so intimidated by cycle racing culture. How many more people would get the cycling bug if they didn't have to worry about clipless pedals and shoes, or looking fat wearing super tight lycra, or finding the most aero components for their bikes. The world desperately needs more everyday cyclists, and marketing it solely as a competitive sport just turns people away.
@Thomas Forshey I make an effort not to tar all car drivers with the same brush because of the behaviour of a few. Give cyclists the same. Courtesy please.
'Been riding since '56. "Clipless about 15 years. Ruined my feet. Constant pain in the toes and balls of feet. Threw them away almost two decades ago. I ride much better. Efficiency? I could care less. I still ride close to 10,000 miles per year against the doc's orders. Flats or give up riding for me. Thanks guys, love you!
Same thing happened to me always get numb toes when clipped in tried different shoes even got a bike fit from a great bike fitter but couldn’t stop the problem even used pads to take the strain away nothing worked. switched back to flats so far no feet problems at all really helps me being able to micro adjust my position. flats for the win in my case 👍
Always flats for me, even for day trips on my road bike. I don't race, generally cycle alone, so speed is not an issue. Flats are essential for serious touring.
Shimano pedals for me. Flat on one side, spd on the other. You make great points I'm just comfortable clipped in. You guys seems like the type of people I'd love to run across on a tour. Stay safe!
@@shaybaneco Funn Mambas get good reviews. I have a set of PD-A530 which I do NOT recommend (not much traction on the flats, only ok for short trips in nice weather) but the EH500 and T8000 both look like they'd avoid the issue as they have pins.. both get reasonably good reviews too.
Finally an honest review on flat pedals! I'm so tired of searching for the difference between clipless pedals and platforms and can't find any difference... All the claims of the clipless pedals seems to be false and they try to sell you this dream that if you buy one of these clipless pedals you will be faster in some way. And even all the scientific articles that I read were published on journals that the impact factor most of the times is less then 3 (which means that the journal itself is not that good). I'm just so tired of all this weekend riders with a sh*t tone of money that miss all the joy of riding a bike and spend all their attention on buying the latest clipless pedals or the latest licra... I bet I would win against them in a sprint with platform pedals and normal clothes... (And I'm saying this because when I'm going to work I actually pass by them a lot of times and I make them eat my dust XD) Oh well all this just to say that I just loved your review on platform pedals and I feel the same as you, and I have the perspective of an every day rider that rides his bicycle all year to work always at maximum speed! AND FCKING LOVES IT!
PS: Your channel should keep sending videos like this, it actually makes me feel less anxious about FOMO (Fear Of Missing Out) which I get after watching all those nice expensive bike products reviews that they say that you NEED to have if you want to be a bicycle rider!
This is so awesome to hear. I started out with toe-clip and strap shoe, way back in the age of dinosaurs, then rode clipless for 40 freaking years, sometimes riding for a living. But a few weeks ago I set off with just my regular shoes and was astounded at how much better my feet felt. Also it was just a more natural process, and allowed me to get off the bike and go into a cafe without the usual clop, clop, clop of bike shoes. My love for this wonderful sport has been renewed!
Yeah. There’s this weird bias that you’re not a “proper” cyclist unless you go clipless at the very least. Fact is that whilst clipless can help professional athlete cyclist gain extra power, it’s only like an extra 2%. Most regular cyclist don’t have the right muscle development to even take advantage of the 2% (as the muscles you use pulling on the up stroke with clipless are different than those on the down stroke) so really for the majority of people clipless make very little difference save some psychological difference. I ride flats. I tried clipless but just didn’t find it useful enough to warrant the specialist shoes, carrying a pair of spare shoes etc etc. But if people wanna waste their money on that stuff in the hope it helps them 🤔🤷
I’ve been riding 3 years .. 150 km a week with clipless pedals. This year I’ve developed some massive patella knee pain to the point that I’ve been off the bike for2 solid months now.. physiotherapy is not helping me at all, after watching this I think it may have to do with my feet being locked in one unnatural position for so long.. our feet have so many bones and joints and ligaments because they are meant to move around in so many micro movements every step we take.. I think I’ll switch over to flats and test things out.. thanks guys ! I really miss my bike 😟
If your clipless cause you pain it's because they aren't adjusted properly. When properly adjusted your feet, leg, knee are in natural positions. You wouldn't throw away bike seats because the post was adjusted too high. Don't throw away clipless without getting them professionally adjusted to your personal physique.
I have the exact same problem as you. About 3 years of riding and my right knee started hurting. Nothing helped so i parked the bike for about 6 months. Tried again this week and sure enough the pain is coming back. I just switched out my pedals for flats and i will try it for a while to see if it was the clipless that was locking my leg in a bad position. Really sucks so bad, i want to ride but not if it is going to hurt. did you find a solution?
@@eddyg1794 Because you can pedal in circles. It's an entirely different thing. If you want to know just try it. It's not that difficult, not at all. If you try clipless you'll build up your hamstrings like crazy. But hey, if you'd just rather sit behind a keyboard and tell me why you don't want to know things, enjoy!
I am 21,000 miles/two years into my tour using flats from the beginning. I did a ride years ago down the east coast of the US using clipped in pedals so I have experience in both. Definitely like the freedom of moving my feet around depending on the ride. And how many things am I going to carry?? I agree with all of your reasons. Flats all the way!
@@radbikeadventure So far I have spent my time in SE and South Asia all the way down to Australia. On March 1st I rode into Cambodia from Thailand and that is where I have been ever since. I used to live in Cambodia for three years so I am comfortable here. My next big leg was supposed to be Northern China, Mongolia to Europe. The timing for that has passed so I will wait until borders open to decide where to head next. I need to start the China part in March/April so if other borders open before that I may try S. Korea, Taiwan, Japan, Sri Lanka and maybe re-do some of SE Asia. For now I just ride around Cambodia searching for ancient temple ruins. That can keep me happy for a long time. Where is you next tour going to be when the world opens up again?
I cycle toured from Buffalo NY to central Vermont this summer. 440 miles and 12,000 ft of climbing on flat pedals and crocs. No socks too. Loved every minute of it.
Been riding on flats my whole life, thought it was time to at least try clips. They lasted all of ten minutes before I turned round, went home and filed them in the box marked 'bad ideas'. Never to be used again. All the reasons you gave I totally agree with 👍
You really have to commit to clipless pedals to give them a fair shake. 10 minutes is nowhere near long enough. I ride both clipless and flats. Flats on my fat tire bike because of my winter boots. Come spring when I switch to my gravel bike I am back to clipless. Even than it still takes me a couple weeks, (riding almost every day) to get my position dialed back in. But once I do I really like it. You really have to be more particular about your bike fit/ position. I would imagine anyone first trying clipless would hate it within the first 10 minutes regardless of how long they've been riding.
I use both. I use clipless setup on my faster routes with less stops(except for coffee and desserts:)). But I am now loving the practicality and comfort of flat pedals. It seems like my feet is on its natural position all the time.
This is still great advice two years on. I was known amongst my roadie friends as the SPD guy, cos all of my bikes that had clipless pedals were of the mtb SPD variety. Which still works for me, I like being clipped in for riding my road bike, and for singletrack riding on my trail mtb. But all other types of riding, commuting & touring & what I would call ‘utility’ cycling, flat pedals make so much more sense. One tiny downside of only taking one pair of shoes on a tour is what happens when you have a wet day in the saddle, and you have to deal with wet shoes in the evening. I did a six-day mini-tour staying in pubs, and one evening had the uncomfortable experience of eating my evening meal with soggy feet cos my shoes were still soaked from the day’s ride. On that tour I did not even have ‘camp sandals’ cos not camping.
So glad to see some folk all for a flat pedal tour. Thanks! I’ve felt some pressure to do clipless but I’m reluctant because I love my flat pedals so much.
I changed to flat pedals about a year ago, and I've never looked back. It is simpler. I wear whatever shoes suit. With clips I always wore shoes that were OK off bike, but with flats anything goes. But the main reason was the flexibility to stop without having to be always being ready to unclip.
An alternative is to use either clips and straps (loose), or just shorty clips by themselves. They offer flexibility but also give you the ability to apply power through more of the pedal arc. Maybe not pulling up, but pushing and pulling back slightly. I found that a smaller amount of force over a longer arc gave me less fatigue on long hauls. Same overall power, but less torque (force) required to get it. Loose clips and straps also offer the ability to use different shoes, but not sandals. Glad people are finally getting that you don't have to comply with what real cyclists think is correct. They call us all "Freds" anyway.
Excellent video. I fully agree. Using flats is so much better for me for all the reasons you mentioned. There is at least one more advantage that I do not think you mentioned -- money savings.
I for sure needed to watch this video after multiple falls on my road bike clipped-in. I love my bike, I love riding, but not loving the injuries. THANK YOU for breaking this down and clarifying how stupid it is for me to continue riding clipped-in despite my disdain for it and my only injuries while cycling being caused by my being unable to get unclipped quickly. I appreciate you! *furiously googles flat pedals for road bikes*
This is exactly my experience and feeling too. I feel peer pressured by other road cyclists to use clipless but im tired of getting injured from falling when unexpected things happen on the ride. Im switching back to flats on my road bike. They can just deal with it 🤣
Great video, you two are awesome! Flat pedals with soft soled runners, one year 1700 klm mountain biking and i wore the soles out lol. Went with a MTB shoe specific for mountain biking. But touring around or gravel biking i wear what is comfortable!
I'm old school. I use standard pedals with toe clips. I can wear any shoe I want, I can adjust the straps to whatever tension suits me and I don't sacrifice the efficiency and inconvenience of having my foot moving all over a flat, uncliped pedal. I was taught to pedal on the ball of my foot, to use ankling techniques (similar to how you use your wrist when cranking a lever) and to maintain a cadence of at least 70 rpm. I've been riding now for over 50 years, have done racing, triathlons, touring and even done century rides on a tandem. I'm now 74 years old, have yet to sustain a major injury, my knees are in great shape and that pulling stroke when climbing a steep grade makes hills so much easier. I still ride regularly (between swim days) and I may be old school but I'm proof that sometimes sticking with the basics has long-term benefits.
After several years clipped in [knee issues], I now use flats with "no strap toe clips." This allows my foot to find "home" quickly but gives me flexibility to move foot side to side etc and my knees feel much better. Getting in and out quickly and the ability of my foot to push forward is obvious feature. Use any shoe and some benefits of both flats an clips!
I use the metal foot strap things that you attach to the pedal itself. I don't need any special shoes with it, but especially for hills it's useful for me. I'm a tiny person so my own body weight is sometimes not enough to force the pedals down when I'm going up hills, so having that option to clip in and pull up along with pushing helps me keep my balance better while still getting the force I need. I do have to be more careful with them, especially with shoes that have laces, because I have gotten stuck in them sometimes and just tipped over. It only tends to happen when I'm already coming to a stop, so it's not as much a worry for me out in the country, but if I'm in the city it's a terror to think if I tip TOWARDS traffic just as a car is trying to come up behind me and pass me... That said, because the straps attach to the pedals only one side, I can always opt to just pedal on the opposite side of the pedal and not clip in!
Great video! I love riding clipless because my feet are always in the same spot and feel more secure. That being said, I’m glad I found this video because I plan on touring Europe next year and I hate the idea of having to bring a 2nd pair of shoes to explore a town I’m staying in. I love the idea of just bringing a pair of sneakers to wear on and off the bike.
Use what works for you and don't worry about what other people think. I use spd pedals for normal riding. In the city my bike is a fixed gear and I have a adventure/gravel bike for exploring all the quiet dirt roads around here. I have a pair of cycling shoes that are comfortable enough to use most of the time. I wear a size 48 cycling shoe and a 12 or 13 wide street shoe.They are like normal shoes for walking. I will wear them to work today. When I have tried flats it just feels strange to me so I won't be changing anytime soon. I have been riding with cleats for 30 years with no injuries and few issues. My sister and one of my cycling partners only use flats. Again use what you want and be happy with that choice.
I personally use SPD, flat combo for my touring, commute and road biking. Same pedals for everything. Mostly I use flat for short trips, sometimes commuting, otherwise I use clips. It works for me, but honestly I see where you are coming from. When touring I sometimes use sandals for a session. But usually I just use casual touring/MTB shoes for everything. Touring and some casual road biking too.
I can't stand clipped in (clipless). We did a tour from Bordeaux to Bilbao in clipless and I changed back to flats as soon as i got back. Loving my flats now and this video really resonated with my experience.
Done flats, toe clips with straps and clipless. Back on toe clips with straps (but not too tight), a serious knee injury means I've got plenty of room for moving left/right and rotation but the toe clip keeps my foot at the correct position above the pedal axle. Nice to hear your points of view and that it's a personal choice. Going to try some flats soon. On a different note thanks for all the previous videos/advice - I've now got Ortlieb rear panniers and Blackburn cages on my forks. RAD on, love to you both and take good care of yourselves.
Live in Arizona and always ride in sands that have toe protection and when It gets cold just wear socks. And. ride flats, so easy to shift foot position. Thanks for the video
I totally agree, flats all the way. Touring means touring, not racing. I do my HIIT sessions to improve fitness, however, most of my long rides are simply to enjoy beauty of the people and landscape along the way. Thank you ladies! ❤️
I'm a flathead, but.... on my recumbent it's a must-have just to not drop my feet to the ground and instantly drive over it, and because it's not possible to use my weight on the uphill to hammer those pedals, i had to learn to pull with my other feet. Good points you have there, agreed!
I found cable stirrups that allow me to hook my heel in and use platform pedals on my recumbent trike. I’m not after top performance tho when I ride it, it’s my daily dog runner.
Excellent points. I couldn’t agree more. I’ve ridden clipped in on my road bikes for decades and if you don’t get it just right it leads to knee pain, foot pain, numb toes, etc. I will be moving to flats on my new gravel bike especially when I go touring. Mountain bike shoes are either just good for cycling (stiff) or cause foot pain (for me) if they’re flexible enough for comfortable walking.
Both is good. I ride clipped in but have the peddles that are clipped on one side and flat on the other. I like options. If I need to reposition for a whille I can just clip out and flip to flats without stopping. The shoes are a bit clunky but they look like regular running shoes so they don’t stand out. I have some crocks strapped on the outsiide of my gear, which weigh next nothing and are great for fording. Good video thanks.
Love it . Especially it's not a race .. me and 9 of my old high-school friends .. we're all retired . ride once a week to the local Brewery .. and it's definitely not a race . It's about the friendship we have had for more than 50 years ..
Great work girls👌... I think more and more people wil start use flats...i take Away my clipless on my road bike and replace them whit flats.. I save 40gram... Its not much but most benefit is that you can change foot position when you cycle to get the most effective posirion depend where... Up or down you ride.. I recomend use a shoe whit stiff soule on... And i take Away the spikes on the flats.. No need for that if you do road cycling.. Good luck.. Try by your self.. Have a nice ride boys and girls🙏🧙♂️
Many say those are the most dangerous to use but I also rock the toe clips on my 80s Fuji steel frame. Don't think i'm getting much advantage on the upstroke but i do like the way they feel/look!
I love this video as I was one of those casual riders who spent years on hybrid/fitness bikes like the Giant Escape/Specialized Sirrus and was put off moving onto an endurance road bike by the perceived need to only ride road bikes with clipless pedals. It is great to see such views as it gives me more confidence to choose what is comfortable to me as someone only riding for fitness and relaxation. I am now looking forward to riding my Giant Defy with my flat pedals!
I ride in my derry boots, in the pissing rain,not just dry feet but nothing to try to dry out and when you get to your destination dry footed, you now have dry shoes and socks, yes flats for touring.
Hahaha, so funny this popped on my timeline, I've just ordered some Race Face Chesters LTD in burnt orange to match my Kona Sutra Ultd that I'm picking up Saturday..... Much love from the UK 🇬🇧
I used to tour with flat pedals. But I had an issue with my feet constantly drifting from desired position on the pedals which led to some knee problems for me. Then I tried clips and now I dont have these problems any more. And using clips I can spin fluently more easily on whole stroke and pull on upstrokes which especially helps me on climbing because I can engage some "pulling" muscles for change. But like anything both have their downsides. Biggest downside of clips for touring I guess is that you have to carry spare shoes for distant walking :) As for comfort, there are comfortable clip shoes out there, so this is not an issue for me.
@@CommissionerManu From flat to clips. Now I cant image coming back to flats because spinning ("spin, dont mash to preserve the knees") takes complete new meaning when you are clipped in. It helps me so much, but everyone is different.
Always ride SPD for walkability. Hit a root one time on flats. It bucked me off the saddle and pedals. When my feet hit the ground one pedal crunched into the back of my calf and bent my instep into the dirt, stopping the bike! You don't pull up on the pedals until you're out of gears and can top that otherwise impossible hill. Just feel safer with SPD.
In my 51 years of adult biking I never went clipless. I started with toe clips for biking to work and touring going to the grocery store etc. . When clipless came into favor I avoided them. Riding in street shoes gave me more options, One being I did not need to change shoes when I got to work, or going into a store to pick up something for supper. In the past year I have switched over to the wider platform peddle with spikes. It is suppressing how firm the shoe sticks to the peddle. I put long spikes on one side and short spikes on the other side . The best part of the wide planform peddle is the ability to move the foot around and prevent pinched nerves and the burn. I no longer have to dismount on long rides and walk the bike until the burning pain leaves. For me the bike has always been about transportation and not racing. I don't dress like a racer with my "team jersey" and clipless shoes. I dress like a tourist, with clothing that can go anywhere including my shoes.
You nailed the big five on flats. I thought the pain of clipped in was from six the decade feet, but it was the lack of mobility and flex. Our legs are not connecting rods of iron, except if you are a road racer, or a trickster mountain troll, on a slamming downhill for 30 minutes. When I took a spill dodging an sprung car door in heavy traffic, I swore off clips. My favorite cycling shoe is a wide toe box trail runner with a slim orthotic footbed. Winter in Wyoming is a GTX hiking shoe with gaiter and traction spikes in pocket. On flats. Found your channel via your interview with Russ on PLP.
You got me thinking that’s for sure . We are coming back to cycling after a 15yr layoff. Looking more for the fun rides and some light touring . This may be the ticket.
Thank you for this video. I just started cycling (seriously) in April of 2020. I have a Kona Sutra on order as I'm obsessed with the idea of bicycle travel. I constantly get told that I should be clipped in but I love my chester pedals and seeing you guys use the same ones (or similar) was reassuring that I'm not just loving them because I'm a newbie. Also, you guys are very funny and entertaining to watch.
We have done most of our cycle touring with clipped in pedals, but might give it a try riding with the flat side of the pedal next time. Thanks for the tips.
Thank you, guys; as a food courier, I hate my feet sliding while riding in the bad weather and thought Shimano's one-side clip pedals are an excellent choice to go, but you just got me; I will go for a FlatPedal. I am super excited about this tuning because it really sucks trying to act quickly and feet and legs going all over the place in traffic lights or just an inpatient car driver behind. Thanks!!
When I was road racing 30 years ago I was first using the original Look and Time Pedals. Now that I’m getting back into riding I plan on using flat pedals. My knees and feet need the ability to move around easily. I’m more concerned about comfort now that speed. I want triple crank and larger cogs in the back. Don’t want the 53-42 front with a corn cob cassette in the back anymore.
Thanks ladies, I got a pair of Race Face Chester's for Christmas and tried them yesterday and I know already that they are going to be great for my next tour. Also bought a new pair of flats and together they are great - just like you two. Take care and keep the great advice coming- Mike in the UK.
Power Grip Straps are a great middle ground. also great for fixed gears. PS I also have SPD sandals but w/ the Power Grips I can ride in my Tevas or even flipflops
Funny to see this video just now, while I decided to get away from clipped in pedals. I honestly love the freedom (comfort #1) more. Just 2 weeks ago, I bought myself Crankbrothers flats, just need to put them on my MTB for bikepacking adventures. Thank you guys! Liked it 😅
You two are spot on and inspiring! I just finished a 160 mile, four day tour of SW Pennsylvania and it was done on a 1987 bike with flat Fyxation pedals (no straps). For years I used rat-traps, but decent touring shoes are hard to find and for a quick, emergency dismount, it's not going happen. Many times on this tour, I had to simply stop, tucked tight to the edge of the road, to let a big truck go by and to catch my breath. I could not have done that with toe-clips. BTW, I do not recommend the Elverson, Lancaster, Coatesville area for touring. The roads are narrow, many with no shoulder, and there are big trucks everywhere. RAD-on!
I ride flats sometimes, but always migrate back to clipless on both road and mountain. But, if I ever went touring, flats seem like the natural choice. Anything but toe clips and straps which I suffered through in the beginning because back then we didn’t know any better.
I still have a recumbent bike, along with 4 other bikes. On a recumbent bike no question, you need click pedals. On my other "normal" bikes then it kind of depends a little. I have double pedals, so click and no click. I like that. You can change, all the time in a click can hurt my feet a little. Still the shoes have to be very stiff. So just normal flat pedals also have a benefit. For me, on a long trip on a upright biciyle, I like the double pedals. For normal day use, even little trips, no question, flat ones. Bye the way, the flat pedals you show, are also really hard. With a lot of pins.
I’ve recently got into touring, I use flats but found I get hotspots after long hours. Even moving position doesn’t relieve, more expands the area. Didn’t wanna do clipless just didn’t seem safe for me, so went halfway, I now ride strapless half clips, somehow, they’ve relieved hotspot issue and I find being able to partially pull up, especially when climbing hills, helps with momentum and rhythm. I use mountain bike touring shoes without the cleats. Can walk miles in these on and off tarmac so don’t need any other shoe.
Based on my body size, I'm 2m tall and 115kg heavy, I ride an ORTLER Wien bike with 70cm frame height. Finding the right position on a pedal is therefore a bit challenging. I found Shimano pedals with one side clip and one side flat. When I'm mainly touring gravel roads, I ride clipped and in town flat. Why? Because on gravel road my feet tend to slip forward all the time. The Shimao shoe I have, size 49 has a good profile allowing walking, flat and clipped riding. It took me ages to find this setup but is great. And yes, I also use slippers from time to time. But to repeat what you outlined in the video - it must fit your comfort. Thx for addressing this subject. Maybe you also make a video about gloves :-)
After a decade of riding clipped in... the main advantage was to look cool and that I know what I'm doing. lol I caved to peer pressure because everyone insisted it was just better. I do like clipless in the city, just to get into my optimal position when at a stop light but never felt more efficient beyond that. I felt more secure but rarely needed to feel more secure... slight preference for clipless pedals on a rainy day, maybe, but that probably just means I need better flats. I suppose I prefer being clipped in if I do a standing sprint as well but, that's not bicycle touring for the most part. Two more serious wrecks I've had, probably could have been controlled better had I been riding flats. It's not that I couldn't clip out, but that it was too late by the time I realized I needed to (both times I fell with the bike which could have been avoided and one of those times was directly onto my knee doing lifelong damage). So now being clipped in exasperates my knee pain, and even before that it's always caused numbness on daylong rides not being able to move my foot around. So yeah, consider me a convert. I'm still riding clipless on my dedicated road bike (for now) but I'm switching the rest of the stable to flats.
Agree with your points; I’ve fallen twice clipping in. The risk of never riding against n keeps me away from it. (I get the connectedness idea, but NO Chance.) Ordering for our family. We do like ya!
You both hit the nail on the head with this video. When I bought my road bike I got clipped in style pedals, as it make me feel like a "real" biker. They really pushed me into doing it at my LBS and online. I am glad I tried it but it is not for me. I would rather take the money I saved from not buying the extra clip in style pedals, every cyclist has at least 2 extra flat pedals at their house , and special shoes and take an extra day off work to go explore. Those road cyclist shoes are the worst thing to walk across a tile floor (like trying to order a Starbucks coffee and falling 2 times before leaving without even getting a coffee). Later I tried putting flat pedals on my road bike and it was a game changer. Don't think I will ever clip in again.
I've also got the SPD pedals clipless on one side, flat on the other... and I never wear my bike shoes, I stick to my Keen sandals. I even bought some clipless sandals that are of similar design, and I just find myself not wanting to use the cleats (and, YES, we ~like~ you a lot)
I went on my first bike packing trip a few weeks ago in clipless (spd) and after 5 days on trails I came home and swapped out to flats. I’m still getting used to them but I won’t be going back to clipless unless it’s road cycling.
I love your style! The racing culture has soured a bit of the overall cycling vibe for me. I find myself having to be careful about who I associate with in the cycling community, since that toxic racing attitude really bugs the hell out of me. I don't want to overstate things, but sometimes that pretentious mindset is just too much. Just get on your bike and ride!
A very good day to you both. Great video and perfectly expressed! I love being clipped in most of the time on my xc bike, but am planning a touring in Scotland next month and will most definitely be riding flats on the tour for exactly the reason you stated. One thing, I am looking at all sorts of pedals at the moment and wanted to ask if you found the RaceFace Chester pedals reliable. did they stand up to the test being a nylon composite pedal? They are very well priced too as some pedal cost a fortune. Many thanks
Now you have me rethinking things. Have been using pedals that are flat on one side and mtb on the other side. Once I hit about 55 miles and it’s hit out my feet sometimes start really hurting even if I go to the flat side. I’ve had to stop and take the shoes off for a few minutes when it’s really hot. Then all is usually ok for the rest of the ride. Recovery seems to be quick and the discomfort hasn’t lasted long after I stop. Found Bontrager mtb shoes that look almost normal and are comfortable walking in. I had a local shoe shop stretch them as my right foot a bit bigger than my left and the right would always hurt first. Planning a long ride later this year so maybe I try alternatives (like sandals) well before I go and see what works best? Thanks for this video!
Hey thanks for sharing! Or just try wearing sneakers (wide toe box if possible) with flag pedals and see how that feels for you. It’s been shown you really don’t lose power on flats so why not for the comfort!?
Another good video. I've been riding flats myself, and all your points are spot on; but as I'm now 67yo and beginning to develop some fragility in the skin of my lower legs, the traction pins on most flats have been giving me some problems. You Chesters look interesting in this regard; I switched to the new "Trail Grip" flat pedals from Look this summer, and find they're terrific with skin-friendly traction 'bumps."
Nice video! I am a new cyclist and i have a road bike for 3 months now. It feels so good with flat pedals. I tried clips and straps. They are a new experience. But are dangerous and not comfortable at all. A frend of mine buyed some expensive ones and he will buy flats now. We also crashed because of those shoes too. Pros are pros. We just ride maximum 100km a week. Usually not even 40. And we got traffic light like every 5 minutes. We just ride bikes... NO POINT! For some seconds faster you sacrifice so much! Flats forever!!!
It's also important to note that when it rains, with flats, I get to raise my legs as my wheels roll through a huge puddle of water to avoid getting legs wet
Ok, after watching this video. I am going to take my looks clips off my Cannondale road bike. And put some of these flats on.. and ordered some 30mm tires to replace the 30 year old 25mm tires. its more of a recreational bike now. I have just tried the Chester MT bike flat peddles. Did put a few holes in the back of my leg. Yes I am a Klutz. May file those screws down a little.
Maybe I should try some LOOK Cycle - Geo Trail Grip Bike Pedals - Flat Pedals. Would have already ordered them if they were not 3 times more expensive than the Chesters. or clones
You make some great points. I ride clipped in but its more because I have been clipped in for so long I feel more confident on the bike. I am now riding more for the enjoyment and keep kicking around the idea of flats. I will end up throwing a few bucks at a set of flats and give it a go for a while and see. Thanks for the video
Totally agree! I'm using Chester clones made by Fooker, which I bought a few years back. Next time I'm going to try to find some similar pedals made in the U.S. The large platform is much more comfortable for me. The sharp little spikes can be ground down, rounded or smoothed a bit and rendered less dangerous by using a Dremel tool or equivalent (Harbor Freight has several models; genuine Dremels are surprisingly affordable at Walmart). They are versatile little tools.
I run a duel pedal on touring bikes, platform on one side clip-in on the other. Works very well for me, but as you say we are all different. Those clip-ins are great for those long treks and climbing the platform side is great for just running around town.
I rode toe clips for 50 years. I never switched over to clipless. After years of touring with the feet locked into one position I have pinched nerves on the bottom of my feet that burn like fire after a few hours on the road. Last summer I switched over to flat peddles and love them. I can move the the bottom of my feet around on the large platform and avoid the burning. I have my flats set up with long spikes on one side and short ones on the other side. The longer spikes really lock the bottom of the shoe to the peddle for a firm grip. the short spikes are nice for getting off and on I tour in Kean leather sandals with socks most of the year. In winter I wear low cut leather shoes with a firm sole with a light wool sock. I don't bike in running shoes. When I tour I carry a light easy to pack moccasin with a rubber sole for camp, giving my feet a change, but good enough to bike to an ice cream shop.
Be curious to see what your winter shoes are! And happy to hear flats are helping with that pain. We really love being able to move our feet/toes around while riding.
Thank you! I've ridden with clip ins (well, double sided, one side clip one side flat) for all of our touring and this video has really made me reconsider that decision. One less pair of shoes to carry is a huge plus. Next tour - flat pedals! (and I just bought a pair of Keens with SPD clips thinking that was the ultimate answer! Keen doesn't make them anymore but thanks to eBay I found a pair in my size.) So great to have sensible advice from seasoned bike tourists.
#1 for me is that I can wear my keen shoes/sandals When you get off the bike in clipped in shoes even spd are not fun to walk in. I am a recent convert I used to be clipped in and take 1/2 a day at the bike shop trying to get them fitted and still! Hot foot so being able to adjust where my foot is, is amazing!!! I forgot what that even feels like! And with the right grippy shoe and flat pedal you feel connected
Did a Paris Bordeaux (el camino) on clips, hated it! remember taking only bulky cycle-cross kinda shoes (gravel did not exist then) and it was so heavy, now I've been 'flat' for ten years, I'm slowly riding thousands of km per year (also on a Kona), well, you girls rock. Please contact & come for a free Louvre comedy show if you're in Paris.
Preach it sisters...Man I love your videos....I ride with 5/10s and Race Face “Chesters” on my Trek SL5 Checkpoint....So nice to be “comfortable” on my bike....(Yes, I am a “real” cyclist ...lol)
A contentious issue perhaps, so let's go through your 5 points (or was it 6? 7? More? I kinda lost count). On points 1 to 9: I concur. You nailed it. Bang on. 100%. Each to their own and all that, but touring on flats is just the best option, as all your 11 points made clear.
I ride both clipless and flats. Depends on the bike ride I'm doing. Flats definitely for bikepacking, bikerafting for the simplicity and versatile of not having to carry/ pack multiple shoes. Clipless all the way for longer bike ride only days. I would raise an eyebrow over the comment that riding long distances is more uncomfortable clipless. If you find that to be the case it very well could be that your bike fit isn't dialed in which I find is crucial when you're running clipless because of the fact that your positioning is more limited. But I find for myself it's not how many positions available to me equals comfort it's the correct position. Once you find that sweet spot clipless helps you duplicate that position every time. But like you said do whatever is most comfortable for you.
Yes! If anything, accessibility should be number 1 on that list. Imagine if normal folks weren't so intimidated by cycle racing culture. How many more people would get the cycling bug if they didn't have to worry about clipless pedals and shoes, or looking fat wearing super tight lycra, or finding the most aero components for their bikes. The world desperately needs more everyday cyclists, and marketing it solely as a competitive sport just turns people away.
And the world would be better if people on bicycles knew what side of the road to ride on..........
@@tomcatt998 Left or right... "different strokes for different folks..." lol
@Thomas Forshey I make an effort not to tar all car drivers with the same brush because of the behaviour of a few. Give cyclists the same. Courtesy please.
@@thehairs1970 i am a cyclist
Then I don't understand your comment. Have I got the wrong end of the stick?
'Been riding since '56. "Clipless about 15 years. Ruined my feet. Constant pain in the toes and balls of feet. Threw them away almost two decades ago. I ride much better. Efficiency? I could care less. I still ride close to 10,000 miles per year against the doc's orders. Flats or give up riding for me. Thanks guys, love you!
64 years = lotsa bicycling 👍🚴♀️👍
Same thing happened to me always get numb toes when clipped in tried different shoes even got a bike fit from a great bike fitter but couldn’t stop the problem even used pads to take the strain away nothing worked. switched back to flats so far no feet problems at all really helps me being able to micro adjust my position. flats for the win in my case 👍
Always flats for me, even for day trips on my road bike. I don't race, generally cycle alone, so speed is not an issue. Flats are essential for serious touring.
Shimano pedals for me. Flat on one side, spd on the other. You make great points I'm just comfortable clipped in. You guys seems like the type of people I'd love to run across on a tour. Stay safe!
What model are you using?
@@shaybaneco Funn Mambas get good reviews. I have a set of PD-A530 which I do NOT recommend (not much traction on the flats, only ok for short trips in nice weather) but the EH500 and T8000 both look like they'd avoid the issue as they have pins.. both get reasonably good reviews too.
Finally an honest review on flat pedals! I'm so tired of searching for the difference between clipless pedals and platforms and can't find any difference... All the claims of the clipless pedals seems to be false and they try to sell you this dream that if you buy one of these clipless pedals you will be faster in some way. And even all the scientific articles that I read were published on journals that the impact factor most of the times is less then 3 (which means that the journal itself is not that good).
I'm just so tired of all this weekend riders with a sh*t tone of money that miss all the joy of riding a bike and spend all their attention on buying the latest clipless pedals or the latest licra... I bet I would win against them in a sprint with platform pedals and normal clothes... (And I'm saying this because when I'm going to work I actually pass by them a lot of times and I make them eat my dust XD)
Oh well all this just to say that I just loved your review on platform pedals and I feel the same as you, and I have the perspective of an every day rider that rides his bicycle all year to work always at maximum speed! AND FCKING LOVES IT!
PS: Your channel should keep sending videos like this, it actually makes me feel less anxious about FOMO (Fear Of Missing Out) which I get after watching all those nice expensive bike products reviews that they say that you NEED to have if you want to be a bicycle rider!
This is so awesome to hear. I started out with toe-clip and strap shoe, way back in the age of dinosaurs, then rode clipless for 40 freaking years, sometimes riding for a living. But a few weeks ago I set off with just my regular shoes and was astounded at how much better my feet felt. Also it was just a more natural process, and allowed me to get off the bike and go into a cafe without the usual clop, clop, clop of bike shoes. My love for this wonderful sport has been renewed!
Same age 64 riding 40 years last 2 years flats free at last
Yeah. There’s this weird bias that you’re not a “proper” cyclist unless you go clipless at the very least. Fact is that whilst clipless can help professional athlete cyclist gain extra power, it’s only like an extra 2%. Most regular cyclist don’t have the right muscle development to even take advantage of the 2% (as the muscles you use pulling on the up stroke with clipless are different than those on the down stroke) so really for the majority of people clipless make very little difference save some psychological difference.
I ride flats. I tried clipless but just didn’t find it useful enough to warrant the specialist shoes, carrying a pair of spare shoes etc etc. But if people wanna waste their money on that stuff in the hope it helps them 🤔🤷
Your content is great and has inspired me to get riding again - did my first 100km ride last week :)
Good for you
I’ve been riding 3 years .. 150 km a week with clipless pedals. This year I’ve developed some massive patella knee pain to the point that I’ve been off the bike for2 solid months now.. physiotherapy is not helping me at all, after watching this I think it may have to do with my feet being locked in one unnatural position for so long.. our feet have so many bones and joints and ligaments because they are meant to move around in so many micro movements every step we take.. I think I’ll switch over to flats and test things out.. thanks guys ! I really miss my bike 😟
If your clipless cause you pain it's because they aren't adjusted properly. When properly adjusted your feet, leg, knee are in natural positions. You wouldn't throw away bike seats because the post was adjusted too high. Don't throw away clipless without getting them professionally adjusted to your personal physique.
I have the exact same problem as you. About 3 years of riding and my right knee started hurting. Nothing helped so i parked the bike for about 6 months. Tried again this week and sure enough the pain is coming back. I just switched out my pedals for flats and i will try it for a while to see if it was the clipless that was locking my leg in a bad position. Really sucks so bad, i want to ride but not if it is going to hurt. did you find a solution?
@@SingleTrackMined who needs that hassle if you aren't a pro?
@@eddyg1794 Because you can pedal in circles. It's an entirely different thing. If you want to know just try it. It's not that difficult, not at all. If you try clipless you'll build up your hamstrings like crazy. But hey, if you'd just rather sit behind a keyboard and tell me why you don't want to know things, enjoy!
@@SingleTrackMined Professional adjustment aren’t cheap though!
I am 21,000 miles/two years into my tour using flats from the beginning. I did a ride years ago down the east coast of the US using clipped in pedals so I have experience in both. Definitely like the freedom of moving my feet around depending on the ride. And how many things am I going to carry?? I agree with all of your reasons. Flats all the way!
Scott Sharick Woooo! Where is your current tour taking you??
@@radbikeadventure So far I have spent my time in SE and South Asia all the way down to Australia. On March 1st I rode into Cambodia from Thailand and that is where I have been ever since. I used to live in Cambodia for three years so I am comfortable here. My next big leg was supposed to be Northern China, Mongolia to Europe. The timing for that has passed so I will wait until borders open to decide where to head next. I need to start the China part in March/April so if other borders open before that I may try S. Korea, Taiwan, Japan, Sri Lanka and maybe re-do some of SE Asia. For now I just ride around Cambodia searching for ancient temple ruins. That can keep me happy for a long time.
Where is you next tour going to be when the world opens up again?
I cycle toured from Buffalo NY to central Vermont this summer. 440 miles and 12,000 ft of climbing on flat pedals and crocs. No socks too. Loved every minute of it.
Brian Kania Thats what we’re talking about!!! 🤘!
Been riding on flats my whole life, thought it was time to at least try clips. They lasted all of ten minutes before I turned round, went home and filed them in the box marked 'bad ideas'. Never to be used again. All the reasons you gave I totally agree with 👍
You really have to commit to clipless pedals to give them a fair shake. 10 minutes is nowhere near long enough. I ride both clipless and flats. Flats on my fat tire bike because of my winter boots. Come spring when I switch to my gravel bike I am back to clipless. Even than it still takes me a couple weeks, (riding almost every day) to get my position dialed back in. But once I do I really like it. You really have to be more particular about your bike fit/ position. I would imagine anyone first trying clipless would hate it within the first 10 minutes regardless of how long they've been riding.
I use both. I use clipless setup on my faster routes with less stops(except for coffee and desserts:)). But I am now loving the practicality and comfort of flat pedals. It seems like my feet is on its natural position all the time.
This is still great advice two years on. I was known amongst my roadie friends as the SPD guy, cos all of my bikes that had clipless pedals were of the mtb SPD variety. Which still works for me, I like being clipped in for riding my road bike, and for singletrack riding on my trail mtb. But all other types of riding, commuting & touring & what I would call ‘utility’ cycling, flat pedals make so much more sense. One tiny downside of only taking one pair of shoes on a tour is what happens when you have a wet day in the saddle, and you have to deal with wet shoes in the evening. I did a six-day mini-tour staying in pubs, and one evening had the uncomfortable experience of eating my evening meal with soggy feet cos my shoes were still soaked from the day’s ride. On that tour I did not even have ‘camp sandals’ cos not camping.
Soggy feet nooooo! We ALWAYS bring another pair of footwear
So glad to see some folk all for a flat pedal tour. Thanks! I’ve felt some pressure to do clipless but I’m reluctant because I love my flat pedals so much.
I changed to flat pedals about a year ago, and I've never looked back. It is simpler. I wear whatever shoes suit. With clips I always wore shoes that were OK off bike, but with flats anything goes. But the main reason was the flexibility to stop without having to be always being ready to unclip.
An alternative is to use either clips and straps (loose), or just shorty clips by themselves. They offer flexibility but also give you the ability to apply power through more of the pedal arc. Maybe not pulling up, but pushing and pulling back slightly. I found that a smaller amount of force over a longer arc gave me less fatigue on long hauls. Same overall power, but less torque (force) required to get it. Loose clips and straps also offer the ability to use different shoes, but not sandals. Glad people are finally getting that you don't have to comply with what real cyclists think is correct. They call us all "Freds" anyway.
Excellent video. I fully agree. Using flats is so much better for me for all the reasons you mentioned. There is at least one more advantage that I do not think you mentioned -- money savings.
I for sure needed to watch this video after multiple falls on my road bike clipped-in. I love my bike, I love riding, but not loving the injuries. THANK YOU for breaking this down and clarifying how stupid it is for me to continue riding clipped-in despite my disdain for it and my only injuries while cycling being caused by my being unable to get unclipped quickly. I appreciate you! *furiously googles flat pedals for road bikes*
This is exactly my experience and feeling too. I feel peer pressured by other road cyclists to use clipless but im tired of getting injured from falling when unexpected things happen on the ride. Im switching back to flats on my road bike. They can just deal with it 🤣
Great video, you two are awesome! Flat pedals with soft soled runners, one year 1700 klm mountain biking and i wore the soles out lol. Went with a MTB shoe specific for mountain biking. But touring around or gravel biking i wear what is comfortable!
I'm old school. I use standard pedals with toe clips. I can wear any shoe I want, I can adjust the straps to whatever tension suits me and I don't sacrifice the efficiency and inconvenience of having my foot moving all over a flat, uncliped pedal. I was taught to pedal on the ball of my foot, to use ankling techniques (similar to how you use your wrist when cranking a lever) and to maintain a cadence of at least 70 rpm. I've been riding now for over 50 years, have done racing, triathlons, touring and even done century rides on a tandem. I'm now 74 years old, have yet to sustain a major injury, my knees are in great shape and that pulling stroke when climbing a steep grade makes hills so much easier. I still ride regularly (between swim days) and I may be old school but I'm proof that sometimes sticking with the basics has long-term benefits.
After several years clipped in [knee issues], I now use flats with "no strap toe clips." This allows my foot to find "home" quickly but gives me flexibility to move foot side to side etc and my knees feel much better. Getting in and out quickly and the ability of my foot to push forward is obvious feature. Use any shoe and some benefits of both flats an clips!
As always so much love !!!! thanks guys !! I threw my clippies away earlier this year too couldn't be happier now !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
I use the metal foot strap things that you attach to the pedal itself. I don't need any special shoes with it, but especially for hills it's useful for me. I'm a tiny person so my own body weight is sometimes not enough to force the pedals down when I'm going up hills, so having that option to clip in and pull up along with pushing helps me keep my balance better while still getting the force I need. I do have to be more careful with them, especially with shoes that have laces, because I have gotten stuck in them sometimes and just tipped over. It only tends to happen when I'm already coming to a stop, so it's not as much a worry for me out in the country, but if I'm in the city it's a terror to think if I tip TOWARDS traffic just as a car is trying to come up behind me and pass me... That said, because the straps attach to the pedals only one side, I can always opt to just pedal on the opposite side of the pedal and not clip in!
Great video! I love riding clipless because my feet are always in the same spot and feel more secure. That being said, I’m glad I found this video because I plan on touring Europe next year and I hate the idea of having to bring a 2nd pair of shoes to explore a town I’m staying in. I love the idea of just bringing a pair of sneakers to wear on and off the bike.
Use what works for you and don't worry about what other people think. I use spd pedals for normal riding. In the city my bike is a fixed gear and I have a adventure/gravel bike for exploring all the quiet dirt roads around here. I have a pair of cycling shoes that are comfortable enough to use most of the time. I wear a size 48 cycling shoe and a 12 or 13 wide street shoe.They are like normal shoes for walking. I will wear them to work today. When I have tried flats it just feels strange to me so I won't be changing anytime soon. I have been riding with cleats for 30 years with no injuries and few issues. My sister and one of my cycling partners only use flats. Again use what you want and be happy with that choice.
Totally agree ladies ! Ive used both and for long distance trips its totally flats with Solomon shoes was awesome!!
I personally use SPD, flat combo for my touring, commute and road biking. Same pedals for everything.
Mostly I use flat for short trips, sometimes commuting, otherwise I use clips.
It works for me, but honestly I see where you are coming from. When touring I sometimes use sandals for a session. But usually I just use casual touring/MTB shoes for everything. Touring and some casual road biking too.
I can't stand clipped in (clipless). We did a tour from Bordeaux to Bilbao in clipless and I changed back to flats as soon as i got back. Loving my flats now and this video really resonated with my experience.
Done flats, toe clips with straps and clipless. Back on toe clips with straps (but not too tight), a serious knee injury means I've got plenty of room for moving left/right and rotation but the toe clip keeps my foot at the correct position above the pedal axle. Nice to hear your points of view and that it's a personal choice. Going to try some flats soon. On a different note thanks for all the previous videos/advice - I've now got Ortlieb rear panniers and Blackburn cages on my forks. RAD on, love to you both and take good care of yourselves.
You ladies are so funny and have so much endurance on your bike tours
Aww thanks! Just gotta keep spinning (albeit slowly!)
Makes complete sense. I also use flats and cannot see the point of clipping in when touring around. Good video... thanks.
Love the channel. Flat pedals 4ever, friends.
Live in Arizona and always ride in sands that have toe protection and when It gets cold just wear socks. And. ride flats, so easy to shift foot position. Thanks for the video
I totally agree, flats all the way.
Touring means touring, not racing.
I do my HIIT sessions to improve fitness, however, most of my long rides are simply to enjoy beauty of the people and landscape along the way.
Thank you ladies! ❤️
I'm a flathead, but.... on my recumbent it's a must-have just to not drop my feet to the ground and instantly drive over it, and because it's not possible to use my weight on the uphill to hammer those pedals, i had to learn to pull with my other feet.
Good points you have there, agreed!
That totally makes sense. Never thought of that, great point for recumbents!
I found cable stirrups that allow me to hook my heel in and use platform pedals on my recumbent trike. I’m not after top performance tho when I ride it, it’s my daily dog runner.
Excellent points. I couldn’t agree more. I’ve ridden clipped in on my road bikes for decades and if you don’t get it just right it leads to knee pain, foot pain, numb toes, etc. I will be moving to flats on my new gravel bike especially when I go touring. Mountain bike shoes are either just good for cycling (stiff) or cause foot pain (for me) if they’re flexible enough for comfortable walking.
Both is good. I ride clipped in but have the peddles that are clipped on one side and flat on the other. I like options. If I need to reposition for a whille I can just clip out and flip to flats without stopping. The shoes are a bit clunky but they look like regular running shoes so they don’t stand out. I have some crocks strapped on the outsiide of my gear, which weigh next nothing and are great for fording. Good video thanks.
Love it . Especially it's not a race .. me and 9 of my old high-school friends .. we're all retired . ride once a week to the local Brewery .. and it's definitely not a race . It's about the friendship we have had for more than 50 years ..
iSSi Thump Pedals and Keen Clearwater CNX sandals for me. Super comfy and convenient. Donk on clipping in. Thanks for the validation. ☮
I like mine flats because all the reason you already mentioned.
Great work girls👌... I think more and more people wil start use flats...i take Away my clipless on my road bike and replace them whit flats.. I save 40gram... Its not much but most benefit is that you can change foot position when you cycle to get the most effective posirion depend where... Up or down you ride.. I recomend use a shoe whit stiff soule on... And i take Away the spikes on the flats.. No need for that if you do road cycling.. Good luck.. Try by your self.. Have a nice ride boys and girls🙏🧙♂️
U guys are incredible! Flat pedals are savvy, smart, and state-of-the-art! I ride with flats too!!!
Showing my age, but I been using old school toe clips with straps since the 70's. Best of both worlds with an unintentional cool retro look.
Many say those are the most dangerous to use but I also rock the toe clips on my 80s Fuji steel frame. Don't think i'm getting much advantage on the upstroke but i do like the way they feel/look!
I love this video as I was one of those casual riders who spent years on hybrid/fitness bikes like the Giant Escape/Specialized Sirrus and was put off moving onto an endurance road bike by the perceived need to only ride road bikes with clipless pedals. It is great to see such views as it gives me more confidence to choose what is comfortable to me as someone only riding for fitness and relaxation. I am now looking forward to riding my Giant Defy with my flat pedals!
Right on!! And also…ride on! On flats of course 😉
I ride in my derry boots, in the pissing rain,not just dry feet but nothing to try to dry out and when you get to your destination dry footed, you now have dry shoes and socks, yes flats for touring.
Hahaha, so funny this popped on my timeline, I've just ordered some Race Face Chesters LTD in burnt orange to match my Kona Sutra Ultd that I'm picking up Saturday..... Much love from the UK 🇬🇧
I did it! I gave you nice folks a thumbs up and subscribe to your channel. Keep up the good work.
Done both. Flats are sooooooooo much more comfortable on long days.
Extreme calf close up and excellent touring advice made me hit the subscribe button! Thanks ladies! 🇬🇧🇺🇸👍
I used to tour with flat pedals. But I had an issue with my feet constantly drifting from desired position on the pedals which led to some knee problems for me. Then I tried clips and now I dont have these problems any more. And using clips I can spin fluently more easily on whole stroke and pull on upstrokes which especially helps me on climbing because I can engage some "pulling" muscles for change. But like anything both have their downsides. Biggest downside of clips for touring I guess is that you have to carry spare shoes for distant walking :) As for comfort, there are comfortable clip shoes out there, so this is not an issue for me.
Just wondering, did you switch from flats to clips, or flats to clipless? I’m curious about clips as a middle ground myself tbh
@@CommissionerManu From flat to clips. Now I cant image coming back to flats because spinning ("spin, dont mash to preserve the knees") takes complete new meaning when you are clipped in. It helps me so much, but everyone is different.
@@wordpress4373 thanks, that’s pretty great to hear! Recon it’s worth giving them a try then at least, cheers mate! 👍
Agree, flat pedals and a pair of keen H20 sandals.
Always ride SPD for walkability. Hit a root one time on flats. It bucked me off the saddle and pedals. When my feet hit the ground one pedal crunched into the back of my calf and bent my instep into the dirt, stopping the bike! You don't pull up on the pedals until you're out of gears and can top that otherwise impossible hill. Just feel safer with SPD.
In my 51 years of adult biking I never went clipless. I started with toe clips for biking to work and touring going to the grocery store etc. . When clipless came into favor I avoided them. Riding in street shoes gave me more options, One being I did not need to change shoes when I got to work, or going into a store to pick up something for supper. In the past year I have switched over to the wider platform peddle with spikes. It is suppressing how firm the shoe sticks to the peddle. I put long spikes on one side and short spikes on the other side . The best part of the wide planform peddle is the ability to move the foot around and prevent pinched nerves and the burn. I no longer have to dismount on long rides and walk the bike until the burning pain leaves. For me the bike has always been about transportation and not racing. I don't dress like a racer with my "team jersey" and clipless shoes. I dress like a tourist, with clothing that can go anywhere including my shoes.
You nailed the big five on flats. I thought the pain of clipped in was from six the decade feet, but it was the lack of mobility and flex. Our legs are not connecting rods of iron, except if you are a road racer, or a trickster mountain troll, on a slamming downhill for 30 minutes. When I took a spill dodging an sprung car door in heavy traffic, I swore off clips. My favorite cycling shoe is a wide toe box trail runner with a slim orthotic footbed. Winter in Wyoming is a GTX hiking shoe with gaiter and traction spikes in pocket. On flats. Found your channel via your interview with Russ on PLP.
You got me thinking that’s for sure . We are coming back to cycling after a 15yr layoff. Looking more for the fun rides and some light touring . This may be the ticket.
Thank you for this video. I just started cycling (seriously) in April of 2020. I have a Kona Sutra on order as I'm obsessed with the idea of bicycle travel. I constantly get told that I should be clipped in but I love my chester pedals and seeing you guys use the same ones (or similar) was reassuring that I'm not just loving them because I'm a newbie. Also, you guys are very funny and entertaining to watch.
We have done most of our cycle touring with clipped in pedals, but might give it a try riding with the flat side of the pedal next time. Thanks for the tips.
Definitely try it! Riding road clipped is still fun but for touring, I just love the freedom of riding flats.
Thank you, guys; as a food courier, I hate my feet sliding while riding in the bad weather and thought Shimano's one-side clip pedals are an excellent choice to go, but you just got me; I will go for a FlatPedal.
I am super excited about this tuning because it really sucks trying to act quickly and feet and legs going all over the place in traffic lights or just an inpatient car driver behind. Thanks!!
By the way, can you make unclipped bike shoes? I like sneakers, but I am unsure which options are possible with rainproof and cold weather resistance.
@@tunamia4469 Hi ! We actually have a video coming out tomorrow that talks all about footwear we use and like (even in cold weather!). Stay tuned!
When I was road racing 30 years ago I was first using the original Look and Time Pedals. Now that I’m getting back into riding I plan on using flat pedals. My knees and feet need the ability to move around easily. I’m more concerned about comfort now that speed. I want triple crank and larger cogs in the back. Don’t want the 53-42 front with a corn cob cassette in the back anymore.
Mark Owsley Yes good call. Having those extra gears is a huge relief when a hill comes into view! 😊 ⚙️
a good comfy pair of hiking boots is great
You can push/pull on flats too. I do it on climbs quite often.
Thanks ladies, I got a pair of Race Face Chester's for Christmas and tried them yesterday and I know already that they are going to be great for my next tour. Also bought a new pair of flats and together they are great - just like you two. Take care and keep the great advice coming- Mike in the UK.
Power Grip Straps are a great middle ground. also great for fixed gears. PS I also have SPD sandals but w/ the Power Grips I can ride in my Tevas or even flipflops
Funny to see this video just now, while I decided to get away from clipped in pedals. I honestly love the freedom (comfort #1) more. Just 2 weeks ago, I bought myself Crankbrothers flats, just need to put them on my MTB for bikepacking adventures. Thank you guys! Liked it 😅
You two are spot on and inspiring! I just finished a 160 mile, four day tour of SW Pennsylvania and it was done on a 1987 bike with flat Fyxation pedals (no straps). For years I used rat-traps, but decent touring shoes are hard to find and for a quick, emergency dismount, it's not going happen. Many times on this tour, I had to simply stop, tucked tight to the edge of the road, to let a big truck go by and to catch my breath. I could not have done that with toe-clips. BTW, I do not recommend the Elverson, Lancaster, Coatesville area for touring. The roads are narrow, many with no shoulder, and there are big trucks everywhere. RAD-on!
I am riding my XC MTB, gravel bike and of course steel tourer on flat pedals.
I ride flats sometimes, but always migrate back to clipless on both road and mountain. But, if I ever went touring, flats seem like the natural choice. Anything but toe clips and straps which I suffered through in the beginning because back then we didn’t know any better.
That was fun
I might even give flat pedals a whirl
I still have a recumbent bike, along with 4 other bikes. On a recumbent bike no question, you need click pedals. On my other "normal" bikes then it kind of depends a little. I have double pedals, so click and no click. I like that. You can change, all the time in a click can hurt my feet a little. Still the shoes have to be very stiff. So just normal flat pedals also have a benefit. For me, on a long trip on a upright biciyle, I like the double pedals. For normal day use, even little trips, no question, flat ones. Bye the way, the flat pedals you show, are also really hard. With a lot of pins.
Great Points 👉
I’ve recently got into touring, I use flats but found I get hotspots after long hours. Even moving position doesn’t relieve, more expands the area. Didn’t wanna do clipless just didn’t seem safe for me, so went halfway, I now ride strapless half clips, somehow, they’ve relieved hotspot issue and I find being able to partially pull up, especially when climbing hills, helps with momentum and rhythm. I use mountain bike touring shoes without the cleats. Can walk miles in these on and off tarmac so don’t need any other shoe.
Based on my body size, I'm 2m tall and 115kg heavy, I ride an ORTLER Wien bike with 70cm frame height. Finding the right position on a pedal is therefore a bit challenging. I found Shimano pedals with one side clip and one side flat. When I'm mainly touring gravel roads, I ride clipped and in town flat.
Why? Because on gravel road my feet tend to slip forward all the time.
The Shimao shoe I have, size 49 has a good profile allowing walking, flat and clipped riding. It took me ages to find this setup but is great.
And yes, I also use slippers from time to time.
But to repeat what you outlined in the video - it must fit your comfort.
Thx for addressing this subject.
Maybe you also make a video about gloves :-)
Thanks for sharing! Yes, a video about gloves and hand position is a good idea
After a decade of riding clipped in... the main advantage was to look cool and that I know what I'm doing. lol I caved to peer pressure because everyone insisted it was just better. I do like clipless in the city, just to get into my optimal position when at a stop light but never felt more efficient beyond that. I felt more secure but rarely needed to feel more secure... slight preference for clipless pedals on a rainy day, maybe, but that probably just means I need better flats. I suppose I prefer being clipped in if I do a standing sprint as well but, that's not bicycle touring for the most part.
Two more serious wrecks I've had, probably could have been controlled better had I been riding flats. It's not that I couldn't clip out, but that it was too late by the time I realized I needed to (both times I fell with the bike which could have been avoided and one of those times was directly onto my knee doing lifelong damage). So now being clipped in exasperates my knee pain, and even before that it's always caused numbness on daylong rides not being able to move my foot around.
So yeah, consider me a convert. I'm still riding clipless on my dedicated road bike (for now) but I'm switching the rest of the stable to flats.
Agree with your points; I’ve fallen twice clipping in. The risk of never riding against n keeps me away from it. (I get the connectedness idea, but NO Chance.)
Ordering for our family. We do like ya!
You both hit the nail on the head with this video. When I bought my road bike I got clipped in style pedals, as it make me feel like a "real" biker. They really pushed me into doing it at my LBS and online. I am glad I tried it but it is not for me. I would rather take the money I saved from not buying the extra clip in style pedals, every cyclist has at least 2 extra flat pedals at their house , and special shoes and take an extra day off work to go explore. Those road cyclist shoes are the worst thing to walk across a tile floor (like trying to order a Starbucks coffee and falling 2 times before leaving without even getting a coffee). Later I tried putting flat pedals on my road bike and it was a game changer. Don't think I will ever clip in again.
Rode from Waitangi to Wellington with flats and crocs.....best choice so comfy
I've also got the SPD pedals clipless on one side, flat on the other... and I never wear my bike shoes, I stick to my Keen sandals. I even bought some clipless sandals that are of similar design, and I just find myself not wanting to use the cleats (and, YES, we ~like~ you a lot)
I went on my first bike packing trip a few weeks ago in clipless (spd) and after 5 days on trails I came home and swapped out to flats. I’m still getting used to them but I won’t be going back to clipless unless it’s road cycling.
I love your style! The racing culture has soured a bit of the overall cycling vibe for me. I find myself having to be careful about who I associate with in the cycling community, since that toxic racing attitude really bugs the hell out of me. I don't want to overstate things, but sometimes that pretentious mindset is just too much.
Just get on your bike and ride!
A very good day to you both. Great video and perfectly expressed! I love being clipped in most of the time on my xc bike, but am planning a touring in Scotland next month and will most definitely be riding flats on the tour for exactly the reason you stated. One thing, I am looking at all sorts of pedals at the moment and wanted to ask if you found the RaceFace Chester pedals reliable. did they stand up to the test being a nylon composite pedal? They are very well priced too as some pedal cost a fortune. Many thanks
Now you have me rethinking things. Have been using pedals that are flat on one side and mtb on the other side. Once I hit about 55 miles and it’s hit out my feet sometimes start really hurting even if I go to the flat side. I’ve had to stop and take the shoes off for a few minutes when it’s really hot. Then all is usually ok for the rest of the ride. Recovery seems to be quick and the discomfort hasn’t lasted long after I stop. Found Bontrager mtb shoes that look almost normal and are comfortable walking in. I had a local shoe shop stretch them as my right foot a bit bigger than my left and the right would always hurt first. Planning a long ride later this year so maybe I try alternatives (like sandals) well before I go and see what works best? Thanks for this video!
Hey thanks for sharing! Or just try wearing sneakers (wide toe box if possible) with flag pedals and see how that feels for you. It’s been shown you really don’t lose power on flats so why not for the comfort!?
Another good video. I've been riding flats myself, and all your points are spot on; but as I'm now 67yo and beginning to develop some fragility in the skin of my lower legs, the traction pins on most flats have been giving me some problems. You Chesters look interesting in this regard; I switched to the new "Trail Grip" flat pedals from Look this summer, and find they're terrific with skin-friendly traction 'bumps."
Nice video! I am a new cyclist and i have a road bike for 3 months now. It feels so good with flat pedals. I tried clips and straps. They are a new experience. But are dangerous and not comfortable at all. A frend of mine buyed some expensive ones and he will buy flats now. We also crashed because of those shoes too. Pros are pros. We just ride maximum 100km a week. Usually not even 40. And we got traffic light like every 5 minutes. We just ride bikes... NO POINT! For some seconds faster you sacrifice so much! Flats forever!!!
I needed to read this. Great insights.
Great video!
It's also important to note that when it rains, with flats, I get to raise my legs as my wheels roll through a huge puddle of water to avoid getting legs wet
Ha good point! I totally do that too
Ok, after watching this video. I am going to take my looks clips off my Cannondale road bike. And put some of these flats on.. and ordered some 30mm tires to replace the 30 year old 25mm tires. its more of a recreational bike now. I have just tried the Chester MT bike flat peddles. Did put a few holes in the back of my leg. Yes I am a Klutz. May file those screws down a little.
Maybe I should try some LOOK Cycle - Geo Trail Grip Bike Pedals - Flat Pedals. Would have already ordered them if they were not 3 times more expensive than the Chesters. or clones
You make some great points. I ride clipped in but its more because I have been clipped in for so long I feel more confident on the bike. I am now riding more for the enjoyment and keep kicking around the idea of flats. I will end up throwing a few bucks at a set of flats and give it a go for a while and see. Thanks for the video
Totally agree!
I'm using Chester clones made by Fooker, which I bought a few years back. Next time I'm going to try to find some similar pedals made in the U.S.
The large platform is much more comfortable for me.
The sharp little spikes can be ground down, rounded or smoothed a bit and rendered less dangerous by using a Dremel tool or equivalent (Harbor Freight has several models; genuine Dremels are surprisingly affordable at Walmart). They are versatile little tools.
I run a duel pedal on touring bikes, platform on one side clip-in on the other. Works very well for me, but as you say we are all different. Those clip-ins are great for those long treks and climbing the platform side is great for just running around town.
I rode toe clips for 50 years. I never switched over to clipless. After years of touring with the feet locked into one position I have pinched nerves on the bottom of my feet that burn like fire after a few hours on the road. Last summer I switched over to flat peddles and love them. I can move the the bottom of my feet around on the large platform and avoid the burning. I have my flats set up with long spikes on one side and short ones on the other side. The longer spikes really lock the bottom of the shoe to the peddle for a firm grip. the short spikes are nice for getting off and on I tour in Kean leather sandals with socks most of the year. In winter I wear low cut leather shoes with a firm sole with a light wool sock. I don't bike in running shoes. When I tour I carry a light easy to pack moccasin with a rubber sole for camp, giving my feet a change, but good enough to bike to an ice cream shop.
Be curious to see what your winter shoes are! And happy to hear flats are helping with that pain. We really love being able to move our feet/toes around while riding.
Thank you! I've ridden with clip ins (well, double sided, one side clip one side flat) for all of our touring and this video has really made me reconsider that decision. One less pair of shoes to carry is a huge plus. Next tour - flat pedals! (and I just bought a pair of Keens with SPD clips thinking that was the ultimate answer! Keen doesn't make them anymore but thanks to eBay I found a pair in my size.) So great to have sensible advice from seasoned bike tourists.
after going threw the mill ur VERY RIGHT LOL GREAT SHOT
Great video because of solid reasonings for your choice of cycle footwear on tour. Thanks for posting!
#1 for me is that I can wear my keen shoes/sandals When you get off the bike in clipped in shoes even spd are not fun to walk in. I am a recent convert I used to be clipped in and take 1/2 a day at the bike shop trying to get them fitted and still! Hot foot so being able to adjust where my foot is, is amazing!!! I forgot what that even feels like! And with the right grippy shoe and flat pedal you feel connected
Did a Paris Bordeaux (el camino) on clips, hated it! remember taking only bulky cycle-cross kinda shoes (gravel did not exist then) and it was so heavy, now I've been 'flat' for ten years, I'm slowly riding thousands of km per year (also on a Kona), well, you girls rock. Please contact & come for a free Louvre comedy show if you're in Paris.
Preach it sisters...Man I love your videos....I ride with 5/10s and Race Face “Chesters” on my Trek SL5 Checkpoint....So nice to be “comfortable” on my bike....(Yes, I am a “real” cyclist ...lol)
A contentious issue perhaps, so let's go through your 5 points (or was it 6? 7? More? I kinda lost count). On points 1 to 9: I concur. You nailed it. Bang on. 100%. Each to their own and all that, but touring on flats is just the best option, as all your 11 points made clear.
Interesting for starting people
I ride both clipless and flats. Depends on the bike ride I'm doing. Flats definitely for bikepacking, bikerafting for the simplicity and versatile of not having to carry/ pack multiple shoes. Clipless all the way for longer bike ride only days. I would raise an eyebrow over the comment that riding long distances is more uncomfortable clipless. If you find that to be the case it very well could be that your bike fit isn't dialed in which I find is crucial when you're running clipless because of the fact that your positioning is more limited. But I find for myself it's not how many positions available to me equals comfort it's the correct position. Once you find that sweet spot clipless helps you duplicate that position every time. But like you said do whatever is most comfortable for you.
I find being clipped in to to save my heel. A cycling shoe properly distributes the pressure and the heel does not flex which can be painful.