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Post by Mark Y. on Dec 12, 2012 13:47:43 GMT -5
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Post by dgaddis1 on Dec 12, 2012 15:17:21 GMT -5
I skimmed the article, but didn't see any big advantags to flats other than you can take your feet off easier, and they don't lock you feet/knees/ankles into a set position, which is good for folks with joint issues. Did I miss something?
I rode flats for a while when I started. I had BMX'd for years, so I knew how to ride flats. But, ultimately I switched to clipped in to keep my feet on the pedals at speed in the rough (especially when a little water is involved). I don't feel like they hold me back any - there's nothing I wont ride because I'm clipped in. There is a learning curve, but that's expected. My first ride clipped in was a night on Modoc. I fell a lot hahaha.
But, to each his own. Ride what you like.
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Post by Mark Y. on Dec 12, 2012 15:23:27 GMT -5
He doesn't purport that flats have much advantage, just that there is NOT that much extra advantage to clipless for the weekend rider; and that new riders should spend a year or so on flats until their bike skills catch up to take advantage of the things clipless does offer.
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Post by pat656 on Dec 12, 2012 16:12:17 GMT -5
I run both (SPD trails and some VP flats) and actually like the flats more. I've ridden Moab clipped in and Baker's Dozen with flats. Just depends on what I feel like riding with that day. The right shoe really helps on flats though; I've got some 5.10 Impacts and they are great! Sticky, stiff, comfortable, and a lot easier when you have to hike a bike. The only time I wish I were riding with clips is on long climbs or mellow XC stuff.
If you feel like switching, go for it! You might end up liking it more than you think.
Patrick
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Post by quickag on Dec 12, 2012 16:59:54 GMT -5
Coming from a road/track background I couldn't imagine riding anything technical unclipped. Maybe I'll try one day.
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Post by Angela on Dec 12, 2012 17:58:59 GMT -5
I've been clipless for over ten years now and only occasionally end up riding flats (never by choice). Totally prefer riding clipless for a wide variety of reasons: - the ability to pull up on the pedals when riding up long hills
- the ability to ride nearly anything without the worry of my feet slipping off the pedals as has sometimes happened on flat pedals on crazy downhills with lots of rocks or roots
- very rarely ever have to clip out unless I am stopping
- never think about clipping out anymore, it is such an automatic thing almost like typing on a keyboard
Agree that if a person is moving to clipless they should first master basic mountain biking skills but as soon as they are comfortable give it a try. It certainly isn't for everyone but I am totally sold on my Eggbeaters pedals that Seenvic introduced me to many, many years ago! The only wrecks I can ever remember due to being clipped were those inevitable ones when I first started with clipless pedals and came to a stop and forgot to clip out - as I said, now it is such an automatic reaction I just never think about it. The article is interesting though and just shows there is more than one way to do just about anything! |
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Post by Mark Y. on Dec 12, 2012 19:08:19 GMT -5
I think my issue would be finding a flat shoe to fit my wide foot. It is tough enough to find cleated.
Angela, clipless doesn't necessarily cause falls for me ( it did in the beginning), it just makes the falls a little harsher because when I do go down, it is usually quicker than I can get unclipped. That means I go all the way down rather than maybe getting a foot out to regain control.
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Post by Angela on Dec 12, 2012 20:21:51 GMT -5
Mark - This may not be a factor at all but .....Daniel had to adjust mine in the beginning because it was hard for me to unclip - so he adjusted them all the way out (but not so far I'd have random unclipping). I still have them on that same setting after all these years. It does take a little more force on my Keen biking sandals but I've adjusted to those as well. I say as long as a person is riding his/her bike and having a great time.....whatever works best for them is great!  |
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Post by chaosx44 on Dec 12, 2012 21:28:11 GMT -5
My girls know im gonna chime in on this. I hate clipless pedals and frankly I grow weary of the clipless pedal Nazis who insist on suggesting what they think is best for me. I tried them and I reached a point that I no longer enjoyed riding. My problem with them was the mental barriers it created. No way was I trying anything remotely uncomfortable. I feel like my skills have improved greatly since switching back to flats and I have no intentions of giving them another try. My feet almost never leave my pedals and i don't give a shit if I'm last to crest the hill. Being comfortable and confident on my bike is my only consideration on this issue. Riding flats doesn't make you an inferior mtn biker.
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Post by beckyl on Dec 12, 2012 21:40:31 GMT -5
I'm glad you spoke up, Heather. I feel the same way when people push me too hard to try something real technical that I'm uncomfortable with. Keep being true to yourself and your ride.
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Post by Catalyst on Dec 12, 2012 21:43:44 GMT -5
Give it a shot for several rides like the author suggests. I rode clipless for a while, but like choas, went back to flats. My feet are more comfortable, I'm more confident on my bike and it's just more fun. I've ridden rocky, fast terrain in Colorado, Moab and Pisgah and have never had any issues my feet coming off the pedals. I just wear plain old cross-trainers. |
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Post by Mark Y. on Dec 12, 2012 23:17:32 GMT -5
The comments here are bearing out the author's contention; that there is no right or wrong, both styles are just fine; with both having their specific advantages. I think Heather nailed it talking about the mental barriers they can create for some lesser experienced riders.
Again, his whole thrust was to say that clipless has its advantages, but they are overblown for the average rider.
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Post by oddcouple on Dec 13, 2012 7:44:06 GMT -5
Its about power not control.You are losing about half your power not riding clipped in.
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Post by dgaddis1 on Dec 13, 2012 8:43:36 GMT -5
Its about power not control.You are losing about half your power not riding clipped in. That's not what some experts think. Yes, you can pull up on the pedal clipped in using your hamstrings, but it's not efficient because the hamstring isn't ment to do that kind of work, it's ment more for simply getting your foot out of the way. When you walk pushing your leg down (extending it) is what moves you forward, your hamstring (and other muscles that 'curl' the leg) simply moves your foot back in front of the other foot, in other words they move the leg, but don't propel the body. That's how your body is designed to work. Studies of elite cyclists have shown they aren't really pulling up on the pedals, they're simply unweighing them. That's the claims of the author of the article Mark linked to anyways. It's nice to have that option of pulling on the pedals when you need extra power (like cleaning a steep section or trail) but doing it long term (like an entire ride) will wear out faster and not actually make you go faster, is the claim. But I agree, ride whatever you like. I don't care what pedals you use ;D |
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Post by seenvic on Dec 13, 2012 9:20:50 GMT -5
To each his own, I say.
But I'd stop riding if I had to use flats. I'd rather have clipless than any suspension, front or rear. I have no BMX skills and didn't start riding til I was 25 or so. The folks I see slaying it with flats can jump my car with their bike with flat pedals on it. They have BMX skills from a lifetime of riding.
Same way I couldn't imagine skiing w/o being attached to the ski.
YMMV. And nothing wrong with that.
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Post by wooglin on Dec 13, 2012 13:05:20 GMT -5
That's a whole lot of verbiage for a non-issue.
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Post by brianW on Dec 13, 2012 17:20:55 GMT -5
I personally would get rid of my suspension and gears before I got rid of my clips. But taking something from AT thru hikers, "hike your own hike"' how about ride your own ride.
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Post by Angela on Dec 13, 2012 17:22:29 GMT -5
But wouldn't it be great, on all issues where there can be more than one view, if there could be a good discussion like this one. People presenting their points of view and/or facts in a civilized, respectful way! Gives a chance for people to potentially learn something new or just food for thought. I personally like it a lot and would like discussions like this in other areas of life - civilized discussion backed up with facts and/or opinions pertinent to a particular point of view! |
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Post by wooglin on Dec 13, 2012 17:48:33 GMT -5
But wouldn't it be great, on all issues where there can be more than one view, if there could be a good discussion like this one. People presenting their points of view and/or facts in a civilized, respectful way! Gives a chance for people to potentially learn something new or just food for thought. That's crazy talk. |
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Post by Angela on Dec 13, 2012 17:50:43 GMT -5
I know but I can dream can't I??  One of my fav quotes "Don't believe everything you think"  |
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