3 things I've completely changed my mind about.

[@sethrasher3223]

Rich for President, a leader not afraid to change his mind!!! 😁

[@SemiSendy]

🫡

[@jeffwente9331]

I'm 54 and I'm going through these same revelations! ! We were the guinea pigs of all this progression. I started jumping ,because the trails had changed my style had to as well.

[@JB-1138]

I remember when nobody took mountain bikes on jumps. And then some years went by and everybody takes mountain bikes off jumps.

[@turntabillist]

Funny because I've been riding almost as long as you and these 3 things you talk about are exactly the same beliefs that I've always held to be true, and well, I was wrong! I now ride a heavy enduro bike equipped with flats, a dropper and carbon rims, and I am absolutely loving it. Now you've got to make another video tackling 3 more controversial issues: carbon frames vs. aluminum, E-Bikes, and AXS shifting... ;-)

[@mikeb3878]

As a lifelong BMX rider (riding for 43yrs) that switched over to riding mountain bike, I gave clipless pedals an honest try but went back to flats. After many many crashes on a BMX, I don't want to be attached to my bike in any way shape or form. It will always get the last hit in. Even after you've been laying on the ground for 20 seconds.

[@austinado16]

I'm 59. Started riding in '87 while in college, and still have my original Jamis Dakota. Took at HUGE break, and got back into it 2yrs ago, buying a $300 full sus Jamis Dakar on CL, just to see if I still enjoyed it, and if so, would I want to do it often. Goal was to add it in as cross training for long distance trail running, and training for annual R2R's at the Grand Canyon. Like you, I started out resisting the flats and the dropper. Everything I ride is steep techy climbs and steep fire roads on loose over hard. Clipless were a nightmare for me, and coming down with seat-in-the-stomach was getting old, fast. Went to the LBS and grabbed 5Ten Freeriders and a pair of e*thirteen plus, alloy flats, and it was amazing. Sure, I lost some power on the long climbs, but it was worth all the other benefits. I switched to a dropper next, and between it and the flats, my progression ramped up nicely. Quickly "outgrew" the $300 bike and moved to a more capable rig.

[@a8f235]

I only have flatties, but are now considering to opt in to have a choice. Often times I ride on tight and technical sections and I hit so much stuff with the pedals. It's just made me more conscious of what may be the right tool for what job. I feel flatties are best for flow trails, and clips for more techy sections. As pedals easily pack down in a backpack, I plan on just bringing along the option to swop while on the trail to test more back to back.

[@ktom300]

Clipless pedals broke my ankle, even after riding them for 10+ years. Flats gave me confidence to progress way beyond where I was before

[@RJ_Groot]

I was bullied into running clipless by an old goat that I used to ride with. He literally never shut up about it in the same way you described, he proudly told the story of how he didn't ride with a group because some new riders showed up on flats. He even claimed they were the only safe way to ride. I do still enjoy both flats and clips to this day, they both have pros and cons. I also have cleaned climbs and set some of my PR's on flats.....something he claimed impossible. I was glad to prove him wrong; there is always more than 1 way to do things. He also never used his dropper......needless to say I have advanced in my riding greatly by ignoring his decades of riding experience. Great video, being open minded is a game changer in all aspects of life.

[@bartmullin8018]

Said 'old goat' may have been wrong on certain things but, to Completely disregard his decades of cycling experience is the hallmark of youthful ignorance and arrogance. You're not re-inventing the wheel or doing anything we didn't do back in the day to one degree or another. As per his not using his dropper, so what? You don't 'need' a dropper in the first place; just one more thing to fail at the Worst possible time 100 miles from any type of civilization. Remember, K.I.S.S. (keep it simple stupid) is your friend on the bike. Also, platform pedals were common on MTBs early on. They just made a huge comeback semi-recently when folks realized you really don't need clipless pedals for off-road use and can actually do major damage to your knees if used over the years improperly adjusted. I wouldn't even use them for road truthfully. My platform shoes combined with the screws in the pedal and proper pedaling form/cadence methodology renders the slight loss of efficiency nigh moot. Lastly, you Don't keep an open mind to any and all things new. You keep a Skeptical mindset knowing the bike industry/whorish influencers are out to rip you off with the latest trendy, spendy crap and see what Actually works and what is utter garbage designed for Brainwashed Credulous Consumerist Fools with more money than sense.

[@RJ_Groot]

@@bartmullin8018 you sound like a pretty smart guy. I remember the history of clipless and even the old days of toe clips. I'm glad we seem agree on the clipless debate. I do prefer the flats too. The old goat in question would run up and down both sides of you about not being clipped in.....but clearly you would like to stand with him. I also agree with you on the bike industry. One thing I try to do is keep an open mind....understanding that an open mind can also be skeptical, and should be for that matter. As for droppers....if you are on a steep descent and your bike is equipped with one, then not using it is a little silly. It provides a safety advantage. If you don't have one it is ok, we all survived before they existed. But if you want to turn up your nose to the idea of the technology, you are really missing out. Have a good day.

[@bartmullin8018]

@@RJ_Groot I couldn't run a dropper post if i wanted to. I run panniers and a top-box out back; i have a Bikepacking rig with that Completely precludes a dropper post. Additionally, I Refuse to spend a ton of money for a seatpost; good droppers are Spendy(!). Also, I refuse to Mindlessly embrace new tech; it had to be proven over a long stretch of time before i consider it legitimate. And frankly, outside a handful of legit innovations, All the rest are trendy b.s. Metal frames Still reign supreme, f.s. bikes aren't a necessity, dropper posts are just one more thing to maintain or break, e-shifting/bikes are needless complications, Carbon is Cheap Chinese Plastic-unsafe(!) at any speed..., and things like watt-meters/Strava are an athema to the Core Spirit of the sport. And, as a new member of the 'old goat' club, i firmly know and believe the youngsters need to listen to our experience. We've been where they are now in the sport being fair game for the bike industry scammers and influencers. We may not Always be right but, we're right more often than not. These noobs are being blindsided by consumerist propaganda from the bike industry and haven't learned the Essential 10 Commandments of mountain-biking; one of them being the I.M.B.A. code of trail etiquette... All this 'rad' riding and bikes that encourage said style of riding Completely undoes any good trail-karma we've done and makes us a Prime target for the Hateful Old Hikers Club to Mindlessly generalize all of us as rude, entitled adrenaline junkies. That could Definitely get a Lot of trails shut down for our use(!!). For, one of the rules in the I.M.B.A. code is to ride in a way Respectful to other trail-users. Your local trail is NOT your personal race-track to be Shreddie Kruger on!

[@RJ_Groot]

@@bartmullin8018 Right on man! I just got back from 30 kms of snow covered singletrack on the fat bike. Whatever you ride and however you do it is ok with me. We all have different goals and motivations for riding and I can appreciate them all. I always say what works for me may not work for you. If we find the right formula for ourselves by different means then we're both right.

[@forestkan6653]

Love the perspective and attitude. I’m new to the sport so it’s easy to have an open mind but sometimes wish that some old heads would adopt this mentality. Approach everything with an open mind and pay attention to the results, not the preconceived notions.

[@SemiSendy]

100%! Cheers, Forest…. and welcome to the awesome world of MTB’s my friend. 🙌

[@TEAM__POSEID0N]

That pretty much sums up my experience. But I actually ditched clipless after less than a year of using them. I initially bought into the group-think about clipless and thought they would be a huge improvement. They weren't. They just felt like an unnecessary added complication. I missed the simplicity of the flat pedals that I used for casual riding. I stuck with clipless for a while, thinking that I just needed to improve my "technique" or something and get to a point where I was more comfortable with them. But there were times when I needed to free my foot faster than the clipless would allow, or felt like changing foot position on the pedal would be better from moment to moment, depending on the conditions. After less than a year, I switched to flat pedals and never looked back. Just for me personally they work better. Other people may have different experiences. But I enjoy flat pedals with ample space and they make riding more enjoyable...and I ride for enjoyment, so it's a done deal.

[@SemiSendy]

Yes! Nailed it. Staying open to maximum fun is everything.

[@guilhermetonon7267]

Change foot position in a pedal is like change hands position ( in that part that i dont know the name, Sorry. )

[@jimwing.2178]

Clipless was a huge improvement over the old-time pedals that came on mountain bikes. Modern flat pedals are a great improvement over pedals. The next evolution will probably be pedal-less ebikes. However, if pedal bikes survive, the next evolution will be longer pedals and the use of the mid-foot pedal position. This change has already started with the Pedaling Innovations Catalyst Pedals. The positive difference is huge for people open-minded enough to give it a fair trial.

[@joshcardenas8875]

Sounds like a old fart Bully GOAT. Has-been. Probably easily gets dusted now

[@sepg5084]

BMX riders always used flat pedals, never been an issue Doing a tailwhip on a dirt jump would be quite troublesome on clipless pedals. Clipless is more for road bikers.

[@justinkinkade2063]

I've rode flats since the 80s. Tried clips. Couldn't get over being locked to one spot on the pedal. I shift my foot many times depending on conditions.

[@andyamos8594]

The Dropper post, possibly the best off road feature ever invented! I'd choose one over almost all other features including suepension any day!

[@worldstallestmidget]

I use the dropper more the I change gears!

[@KlintonSilvey]

Every time I try to go back to flats, I just don't find myself enjoying it as much. Using Crankbro pedals compared to SPD was a big step-up in "get out quick" ability for me, though. I had lots of bad falls with spds due to not being able to unclip, but with Crankbros it's no problem. I keep wanting to like flats (then potentially go to magnetic), but for racing on really rough trails I actually feel safer clipped in.

[@kevinross7565]

1. Been running clippless too long to go back now 2. Droppers are awesome, but I could live without them. Mine gets used, but very rarely 3. Carbon wheels is still way too expensive.

[@johndef5075]

We must be separated twins. My thoughts exactly😅

[@jemez_mtn]

One of the few still using cages ('clips', I guess). To me it's best of both worlds... with loose straps you still have the security of not coming off the pedals, but can still easily get off quickly when needed without thinking. My Spank aluminum rims aren't the lightest, but I just couldn't stomach another $1k+ (at the time) on top of my $4k hardtail build. Maybe if I need a replacement.

[@jeffhildreth9244]

I use the "old fashioned" clips ( rat traps) on two of my bikes ( pre 83 road bikes) and flats on the other 4. I much prefer flats to the "clipless" or whatever they are called. Tried them decades ago and just not for me. I still have two pairs of Shimano in a box. Carbon bikes : I have one bought in 1992... I have put perhaps 100 miles on it since then and just gave away the other...big dough, bike disappointment. Give me lugged steel. Different strokes for different folks.

[@mountainbikingfortherestofus]

I totally agree with you about the pedals and dropper post. I ran clipless for a good 25 years with the same ideas you mentioned. Then a few years ago, after many, many crashes and injuries do to being clipped in, I went to flats for simple safety. But, low and behold, I have not lost performance benefits, excluding some technical climbing sections, and in fact fell more confident in my down tech stuff. And the seat post...this is simple. Dropper and disc brakes (I have been on the bike for a while) are by far the two best upgrades to this sport. I like you resisted but when I did cross over all I thought was "why did I not do this sooner? Have not had carbon rims, but that is more a function of the cost of a good set. Maybe one day. By the way, your videos are improving so much. Thank you.

[@Falasi4]

So much has changed since I was doing BMX in the 80's I've just learned to try new stuff but with a wait-and-see approach to give the tech a little time to work out the bugs and have the price drops after the initial hype. In Oct I rented an eMTB and rode an entire day on it with things I wasn't used to like longer suspension (more than 100mm), dropper post, tires wider than 2.2", etc... and just ordered my own eMTB - should be in this weekend (I'm predicting monsoon rains) Seems like eMTB are refined enough to be worth having and I may even run flat pedals on it and save the clips for my XC bikes.

[@bradsanders6954]

Due to bodily constraints, I had to abandon SPD's after using them since the first year they came out. My 16lb roadbike, gravel bike, Mt bike all have flat pedals. Roadbikers have a hard time seeing how this works, but flats have never slowed me down one iota. Ive gotten stronger and stronger and now more often than not I'm at the front or off the front in groups of my peers. In 4 years my feet have never flown off the flat pedals.........PNW pedals, and a couple pair of shoes that stick really well and I am more than good to go.

[@pauls3616]

I held similar beliefs. I started riding shimano 737 clipless pedals in 1991 and never even tried flat pedals until 2008 when I bought a dirt jump bike. I only ride flat pedals now. Same with dropper posts. I didn’t get one until I bought a new bike in 2018 and now I feel that dropper posts are one of the biggest innovations in the sport. I remember the saddle in the stomach scenarios and the total lack of control going down something steep. Thanks for the video.

[@tinshield]

737’s we’re so good back then

[@SemiSendy]

Loved those 737’s!

[@chrisconnors7418]

When I bought my fat bike, it had flat pedals. I thought they were ugly and was going to change them out when other pairs came in stock. By the end of the first week I realized how much I liked them, and they gripped my boots even on rough terrain/snow/ice.

[@dukeofmtb]

Modern flats are really something else now. I feel super secure on my Deity TMACS. Pedal choice can make a huge difference though. In my experience, many composite pedals feel flexy on really technical or high speed DH trails. Higher end aluminum flat pedals are worth the extra cost since they'll typically perform better and last longer with more aggressive riding. Composites are perfectly fine for mellower singletrack though.

[@SemiSendy]

TMACS are wildly secure. They are my definite go to’s for flats these days.

[@bradsanders6954]

I used the giant sized Catalyst pedals for a good while, thinking my feet needed the support due to issues with feet/ankle....but now I use PNW composite pedals and no problems. I only wish there was a sticky/stiff/light set of flat pedal shoes............for gravel or road a stiffer shoe would be great.

[@dukeofmtb]

@bradsanders6954 I've seen those too. I don't think I'd ever want to try pedals bigger than Tmacs though. I don't mind composites for most riding. It's only at the bike park when I don't feel quite as secure in them, specifically on technical trails.

[@bradsanders6954]

@@dukeofmtb The Catalysts are big, and heavy. They do sell well but once I tried PNW pedals I was sold.................I get a kick out of roadbikers reactions when they see my flat pedals..........but now a days I can hang at the front on most any climb, I dont even think about having flat pedals.

[@dukeofmtb]

@bradsanders6954 Just looked them up. They look pretty grippy. 😁👍

[@maxwellcunningham8908]

If you wanna enjoy flats to the fullest get a nice set of aluminum flats. My go to is Chromag daggas. They have way more grip.

[@stolimano3723]

Been riding for 30 years. I used to think the same about flat pedals but switch to them for a few months each year to keep on top of good technique. I’ve never had a set of carbon rims but knew that the dropper post would be a game changer before I even owned one- just from lowering my seat manually. I always keep an open mind when it comes to new tech. One of my mates couldn’t see the point of disc brakes on a mountainbike when they first came out

[@SemiSendy]

Bring back rim brakes! 🤌 -No one ever

[@323johnnybravo]

Never thought I’d be saying this but iv been coming around to Ebikes after riding a friends on a trail. Ridiculously fun lol

[@SemiSendy]

No question, I’ve never had a bad day on an ebike. They are a total blast.

[@petersilie2432]

I came to some comparable epiphanies from the other side. As someone who grew up on a BMX, I always frowned upon clicks because of the reasons for which you praised flats. It took me some years to accept them as a useful tool when riding fast in very chunky terrain.

[@TheAngryHusky]

I went the opposite on pedals. I only rode flats for years, but once I got faster I started having trouble staying on them through chunk and due to the size of them I got a lot of pedal strikes. So I started practicing on clips. I had issues with the Shimano SPDs but then I switched to Crankbrothers and that’s all I run now.

[@LinzWelch]

I did the same thing to my husband about clipless when I dragged him out riding with me, I started in 2004 and got him his first bike in 2012. When we got him a new bike in 2016 he was like: you're wrong. I'm riding flats and that's that. So I tried it his way and bought myself some flats and WHOA yes, never doing clipless again. But yes to my defense, when I started there wasn't any flats really even the downhill pedals has clip components, everting else was plastic. And OMG yes same about the dropper. I remember being so proud of myself when I bought a quick release collar and dropped it before a long decent. Now I have a dropper post I frequently for get to use it unless it's a long decent haha!

[@pauleddy5146]

Ha! I'm old enough to remember telling someone that if you wanted suspension, get a dropper post. You see, I'm even more ancient than most doggedly rutted old guys. But, after much contemplation, I allowed myself to get a full suspension bike. Nice, but immediately bought a hardtail. Much more comfortable with that increment than all in. Riding rigid for so long the trail felt so vague. More comfy, but couldn't read the terrain. The happy medium is a nice 140mm fork on a 65 degree and 434 outback. The steep seat angle was the greatest improvement at 77.5 and reach is 455. I like this bike, no, 27.5+ w/cushcore & love this bike. I can do + or 29er. For the pedally tight stuff I ride on the daily, this is perfect. Traveling? Got both! Still have my rigid(s). Used as an extra in the yard or a ride for someone used to old geometry roadies. Can't ride hard on them anymore, too much armpump. But 26" wheels are easy to wheelie!

[@christopherrusso4461]

This channel is going places. Great content and insight

[@SemiSendy]

I appreciate that!

[@trevorsowers2202]

I went from clips to flats and have avoided clipless like the plague LOL. I had a spring mounted from my frame to my seat post back in the 90's and I believe it was called "Hite Rite" but unfortunately it sucked, but I was in love with the idea of a dropper post and I'm happy we finally have good ones. Since I like bikes to be simple machines I'm also avoiding electronic shifting and full suspension. As for E-Bikes.......well I like cycling and I'm not interested in a motorcycle

[@SteepDownHIll]

When i started mountain biking...in mountains...in the west, it was very understood that clipless pedals are for roadies who think they want to try mountain biking and dropper posts were IMMEDIATELY recognized as the biggest invocation in mountain biking since rear suspension. I believe Pink Bike also said something similar in an article as well.

[@johnreese3762]

Great advice, thanks!

[@johnbuntin7188]

56 and still riding. Came from BMX background flats only for me on trails. Road bike either or. Thanks for your video.

[@SemiSendy]

Keep on crushing, John!

[@ericphillips9240]

Next you will have to try a light weight electric mtb. Sub 20 kilo. At 67 years old, “Mnt-biking since 84”the Rise H10 has changed everything. Where I ride is not truck-drop friendly, and lots of the climbing is black diamond. “I don’t do bike park either”.

[@andym436]

I had the same belief on flat pedals. My opinion was that they are for people who want to get their feet off quickly… beginners and freeriders. I was an early adopter of dropper posts. I’m still on the fence with carbon rims. I have a bike with them and another without. After seeing a friend break a carbon wheel a few days ago, I’m still having a hard time accepting them. The item I was slow to adopt was tubeless. I saw too many failures in the early days to switch. Once I finally did, it’s been great.

[@SemiSendy]

Tubeless is definitely a big one I still see people dead against that’s also really made my MTB life much better.

[@PiotrLYRRE]

My wife started to enjoy biking after checking spd's, actually 😄 She learned how to use them in two or three days with ease.

[@shellderp]

Funny enough when I was like 10 I thought it would be cool if the seatpost could drop down. Kinda stunning it actually happened

[@MichaelVLang]

I’ve seen enough riders trying to jump on flats have their feet slide right off to switch, even though I think any jumps or drops are asking for trouble. Better bike control with clipless imo. I keep tension real loose.

[@JD-oe5uc]

Then you don’t have good pedals or shoes to start with. Most freeriders/downhillers at least start with platforms and personally I rarely slide off. I unclipped more often out of my clipless than I slide off my platforms. If you unclip in a sketchy section you have no control anymore, while with a platform it is much easier to put your foot back on the pedal. Clipless give you a fake feeling of bike control, because you are attached and can get away with bad technique (like ‘bunnyhop’ for example). Flats gave me much more bike control! (And I have ridden clipless for about 10 years).

[@MichaelVLang]

@@JD-oe5uc Do you see in these videos when the rider's feet slip off the pedals on a hard hit? That doesn't happen with clipless.

[@brettjohnson9453]

I had to replace my clipless shoes recently and made the choice to go back to flats. The biggest reason for this was not specific to my riding but because my 6 yr old has just started riding and the frequent starting / stopping meant flats were a more practical option.

[@SemiSendy]

The practical on/off makes perfect sense. I hope your kiddo is having fun out there!

[@brettjohnson9453]

@@SemiSendy Cheers mate, they love it when in the mood to ride. They were so stoked when they first 'sent it' over a 4 inch ramp in the back yard 😁

[@Alex_Abdullayev]

Nice video! I Def was guilty about clip less; flats are a great way to ride too! Hey come to Bham next weekend and check out RideBHM grand opening November 19th. Cool little DH bike park we got over here!!

[@SemiSendy]

Not sure I can make it for opening, but I’d love to come check it out soon. Hope it’s an awesome opening! 🙌

[@thetom5520]

I changed from carbon rims to aluminum ones some weeks ago. Never destroyed a rim and I like the feel of aluminium ones better. One thing I changed my mind is that short chainstays are better than long ones. The benefit is better traction and stability. Just learned this 2 days ago 😀

[@finroddd]

In regards of flats and droppers - totally agree, I use them both with pleasure. I would use carbon wheels as well - but they are just too expensive compared to alloys. I have nothing against carbon wheels except the price.

[@SemiSendy]

Love that handle!

[@thezonemtb]

Good video and very impressive on holding the squat like you did while talking about rims.

[@mtb_alan]

Good stuff, Rich! Open-mindedness pairs well with open spaces. 🤘🏾

[@SemiSendy]

Thanks, homie! Open minds = damn good times 🤘

[@XCBen]

Hey Rich, nice points. I had Jackie on flats for a while until she actually told me she was ready for clipless. Myself, I am wanting to go back onto flats to get some lost skills back. My next set of wheels are going to be carbon for sure. Great video buddy.

[@SemiSendy]

Gotta polish up that technique here and there, or at least prove to yourself you’re not losing it. 😂

[@johndef5075]

30 year mtber. Clipless is not a problem. Dropper I havent found necessary. Used to riding without one. Only 1 situation in last 2 years where I would have wanted 1. Unnecessary weight to me. And carbon rims dont add enough value to offset cost. Never had problems with aluminum. What I find funny is all the carbon has led to porky bikes. Even 8k bikes weigh up to 35 lbs. 25 lb. bikes were considered porky when I started. My 26" aluminum full sus frame with average wheels weighs only 27 lbs. And according to Strava Im going just as fast as all the overbiked people out there. Important thing is to have fun. Dont follow every trend. Remember IRT bikes were considered cutting edge at one time......

[@tristatetrifecta]

i havebeen riding mtb and freeriding since the mid 90s .. NEVER wanted to go clipless for mtb comin from bmx. I have clipless for my road bike

[@rwogmtb-ridingwitholdguy]

Excellent insight, I'm still a hold out against carbon rims, the high cost of entry is my barrier, as for me it isn't just one bike but the fleet for the family. I know your point that in the long run they aren't more expensive, but the start up is. I actually just bring a backup set of wheels with us on trips, and cushcore has greatly reduced our wheel carnage. Great video as always.

[@SemiSendy]

Thanks, RWOG 🤘

[@JoshuaMarcAragon]

I got into seat posts almost immediately. Carbon rims with I-9 hydra hubs completely changed the way my enduro bike rode. They keep their line so much better due to the stiffness and the high engagement of the hubs has helped me to get over so many more technical features. I still can't get into flat pedals though. I have tried and tried. They make no sense to me unless I am riding around the neighborhood.

[@mtbjoser]

What internal width are your rims? Thx

[@JoshuaMarcAragon]

30 mm.

[@mtbjoser]

@@JoshuaMarcAragon Thanks! I've been considering switching to carbon rims but also maybe going from 30 to 35mm width. I'll research more. I've heard about them keeping their line better

[@mrmagoo.3678]

I'm on DMR V12's Mag/Tit and I wouldn't swap them for any other pedal, realy easy to refresh/service these and get them feeling like a brand new set in minutes.

[@motojaymo6653]

Great content! 😎👍 2 out of three ain't bad. I was damn near pedal shamed into going clipless and even after a tumble off of a slick wooden bridge onto some logs it still took me 5 years and a new bike to go back to flats. Smh. Was like you with droppers. Never knew I needed it until I bought my first full suspender that came with one. Completely changed my riding forever. I'm still a hard pass on carbon wheels though...carbon frames and bars too. Not sure what kind of failures you were having with aluminum wheels but I have seen some pretty spectacular carbon wheel and frame failures that resulted in a very long and expensive walk back to the truck, most not covered by warranty. Now let's really blow up the comments and talk about e bikes! Lol!!!

[@SemiSendy]

E-Bikes….. I don’t hate them! Not one bit. 🤘

[@motojaymo6653]

😜👍

[@EricHorchuck]

Great gripper pedals have been around since the '80s. Have you ever heard of the Hutch Bear Trap Pedals? I had them on my first mountain bike a loooong time ago. Just don't forget the shinguards! 😬

[@FullFledged2010]

For me its always been the exact opposite. I hates spd pedals right from the get go. And I always (even before dropper posts) had my seat in a low position even if it meant getting tired with climbs. Than again I came from trial/street riding so old habits I guess 😅

[@dadventuretv2538]

Well said. It’s funny though what you said about flats- I always felt just the opposite- that clipless pedals are for people who can’t ride without being able to pull on the pedals with their clips. But I learned they have their place too. So just goes to show about preconceived notions right? Toss em. Lol. And Droppers!!!!! 😍 Man having spent so much time in the 90s either having to raise and lower my seat, initially without even a quick release, or work around a stupid high seat, I put one on as soon as I could. What a game changer. Best invention in mtbing imo, well maybe next to disc brakes. Haven’t tried carbon rims yet- maybe next ride or next break. Always keep an open mind- it’s what has made what we ride the amazing machines that they are. 🤙

[@SemiSendy]

Exactly right!

[@dadventuretv2538]

@@SemiSendy my next thing to try now that demoes are back is a purpose built mullet- like a new Bronson or Nomad. Love my 27.5 front and back setup (tried 29ers front and rear and other than on an XC bike don’t like em) but as I get older (50) and fatigue becomes a real enemy, I could really appreciate a slightly larger front wheel that would not require quite as much movement on my part to get up and over or in holes when I get tired. As Im getting more into black and double black techs I could really see a Nomad as a purpose built rig for those days- slacker, bigger wheel up front, coil for supreme plushness. Might be just the rig to give me that extra safety net I’d like when riding those trails that my current Bronson V3 can handle but is a bit more on the edge on. Ride on! Your neck of the woods looks like it has some sweet trails.

[@alancirwin]

Love your approach

[@cmuralhas]

I for one am always for trying out new ideas and innovations of mountain biking. Some I will like and use and some I won’t but I always give it a go and granted that some innovations - like 29” wheels were for me - are horrible at first try. It took time for industry to adjust to riders inputs and adjust bike geometry so that 29” wheels felt good and not have many drawbacks and now they are incredible in modern bikes. So my point is, innovations always need to have opportunity and time to become really good, otherwise they die and we may have lost something truly outstanding.

[@Rawkus919]

I realised last year that endurance bikes can pedal bloody well along trails.

[@eric9432]

Mountain biking is one of the only hobbies/sports I have ever been part of where people are so against change. Everyone wants the latest and greatest yet somehow wants everything to stay the same. Blows my mind how set in their ways mounting bikers can be.

[@SemiSendy]

This is exactly why I felt it was important to make this video. Early iterations of anything will rarely, if ever, be perfect. I gave AXS a go for 6 months and ended up switching back to cables. There were too many cons for me that made me go back, but I still think it’s a cool technology and I look forward to seeing how it evolves going forward. Just because I don’t currently care for it doesn’t mean I should immediately adopt a negative opinion of it. I just might love future version of the system. One of the things I really enjoy about doing bike and component reviews is the importance of being as objective as possible. Just because something doesn’t fall into my category of favorites doesn’t mean someone else won’t love it.

[@doctajuice]

I was at windrock end of September and saw you out there filming at the crank sisters event... Hyped to see what that footage turns into that was a super fun weekend!

[@SemiSendy]

I was out there filming for Caroline and Sram. There’s a reel on Caroline Washam’s instagram page from the footage. Go check it out!

[@doctajuice]

@@SemiSendy certainly will!

[@MudmanDH]

Very nice video, agree 100%.

[@the_trooper_72]

Hey, I'm new to your channel and I just wanna say, it takes a bigger person to admit that they are wrong about something! Respects to you for that!! I enjoyed the video and will look forward to seeing more in the future!!.. Peace bro 😎👌🏻🙏🏻

[@SemiSendy]

Thanks, Nick! Welcome to the channel 🤘😎

[@AsecretheKarting]

What confuses me the most about MTB is that clipless pedals have clips.

[@SemiSendy]

This confuses everybody. There’s is a reason for it though. Before “clipless” designs, there was a “toe clip” design. There’s a good chance you’ve seen them before. They are basically just a cage made of plastic and straps that are attached to a traditional flat pedal. The straps allow you to adjust the tension for different sized shoes and you just slide your foot into them. Clipless pedals allowed you to have an attachment point to the pedal without having the toe clip, leading to the name “clipless”.

[@drakulie]

Shawn at N+1 is awesome. !!👍

[@thomasmiddlebrooks5169]

I’ve embraced two of the three mentioned here fairly early in their existence but I admit not giving flats a try since the bmx days. I know I would quickly adapt but I like my time and eggbeaters.😄

[@SemiSendy]

I was a die hard eggbeater guy for years.

[@kofalin]

Same happened to me with 29’rs (I’m 5’4), and god I was wrong, especially because my local trails are mostly flowy stile

[@drescherjm]

As a 50 year person who does a few thousand miles a year on trails for the last 20 years I get extremely frustrated looking for pedals. I have no use for clipless pedals or ones that are as low a weight as possible. I just want ones that will last 5 or so years and are low maintenance and have a good grip to my new balance cross trainers that I wear while cycling.

[@eloyduran4470]

Good POVs..dropper & flats are a must but I just can't do carbon wheels, bars & cranks. I've seen those 3 components become the most busted items year after year.

[@Greg41982]

I tried going to flats this year. They are nice, but my technique is crap and I just can't live not clipped in apparently. I definitely could never go back to not having a dropper post though. It could weigh 10 pounds and I'd still have one.

[@Paganiproductions84]

i only ride flat pedals on both my xc hardtails

[@michaelmann3636]

I’m interested to know if you still have your V2 Ripmo and if you do do you think the V2S rear triangle will work on the V2 ❓

[@lifeintheriver342]

I use flats but I've started considering going up to clipless, not sold just thinking about it. I've seen a carbon rim explode in a way that really puts me off the concept. If your rim buckles, you may walk away. If your rim explodes.... And I wish I could fit a dropper post into my frame because they are amazing

[@jakeheyerdahl3467]

I know this is not what this video is about but I currently have a ripmo v2 and a Hightower v2 (with a 160 fork) and it looks like you’ve ultimately settled on the ripmo as your daily driver. Do you think you would ever give the Hightower another chance or are you won over by the ibis?

[@Rawkus919]

I love flats. Proof being there are lots of riders, far better than me, riding flats.

[@dogface7966]

I used to ride clipless until I separated my shoulder. After that accident I went to flats so I could still ride and not think about the chance of not getting unclipped in a situation. I have never went back. I personally don’t see any advantage from flats to clipless. I believe I ride harder and more agile when on flats. For me there isn’t a reason to go back. A lot of people are amazed to see someone riding flats on the trails I ride.

[@Dilberto88]

I’ve been on clipless since day one. I’m now re-learning to use flat pedals, because on a 50 pound ebike, I need to get off the pedals faster than my muscle memory can have me unclip. I accidentally was clipped in during a dead start, Turbo launch and the experience was absolutely harrowing. My current problem is jumping on flats. My feet seem to leave the pedals in the air and this is where I miss being clipped in. I’m not into Rampage style Superman air and needs tips on staying planted on such a heavy, powerful beast.

[@SemiSendy]

Sounds like clips are definitely the right call, Zachary. If you were relying on clipless designs to hold your feet to the pedals during jumping, that's a red flag that your technique is off. Learning on flats is exactly what you need! While I can't teach you how to jump in the comments section here, I can say that your issue indicates a lack of properly preloading the bike enough into the face of the jump. When done correctly, the bike will have enough upward momentum to maintain contact between the feet and pedals.

[@Dilberto88]

@@SemiSendy - thanks. I also heard pointing both toes down and bucking the heels backwards will provide additional lift and help keep the pedals attached

[@BJJandBS]

Ibis and SC are coming out of the same factory now BTW.

[@mestengo22]

Disagree on this video flat pedals are ridiculous & hey I will admit that I was wrong going clip ins if it doesn't pan out with my expert rockhopper but its like these short stems. Mine came with a 60mm +6° & it cramps me up. Going to try a 90mm -6° just my body type needs to stretch out to even go fast 60mm feels cramped & bizarre but again if I'm wrong I'll switch back. 30+ years of hardtail xc & I'm getting pretty long in the tooth & so far im still blowing doors on these faddish new trends. Be that as it may i never have gone balls out flying thru the air (getting videod) & im just not willing to risk getting injured. I see 5-6k mountain bikes scoff @ me then wow these younger ppl are left in the dust. Nice video tho tks & cheers from Mestengo

[@TrailBreaker]

Great topic! How can anyone be AGAINST droppers today?😅 I get everything else though. I rode clipless for over 20 years before going against the conventional wisdom with flats for my skills progression. I’ll never go back!

[@SemiSendy]

The dropper is maybe the best innovation we’ve ever seen 🙌

[@johndef5075]

Ive been riding 30 years without one. Next year will make 31😅.

[@michaelwhite5834]

@@johndef5075 I have one but haven't used it in years. I can't quite imagine why people think they are so necessary. I guess if I lived in mountains, maybe, but the fact is that i did live and ride in mountains for many years. I think in 10 years of living in Utah I might've lowered my seat once or twice when going down a 3000 ft descent, but that's about it. Maybe it's me.

[@cutlaps]

There is no way I could live without my dropper 🤣

[@SemiSendy]

They'll have to pry mine from my cold dead hands! 💀🤌😂

[@consentofthegoverned5145]

I can't believe you resisted dropper posts. The worst dropper is still better than any fixed seatpost.

[@johndef5075]

If you like unnecessary weight.....

[@consentofthegoverned5145]

@@johndef5075 Well, sure, use handlebars, brakes, knobby tires and pedals if you like unnecessary weight. The dropper post weight is unnoticeable and is the single most useful addition to mountain bikes in the history of their development. They are in fact the only thing invented for mountain bikes- every other aspect has been borrowed from other vehicles.

[@DaveCM]

I was mountain biking well before the dropper post. (I'm 53.) I crashed a couple of times because my shorts got caught on the back of the saddle as I tried to move back forward. So, I thought a dropper was the best thing invented. Of course the early ones kind of sucked. As for carbon rims off road, I had the same thought process as you. I ended up going with carbon wheels after damaging two alloy wheels in a two month span.

[@viperdemonz-jenkins]

have been riding for 30 plus years myself and could never get into clipless pedals, prefer some chesters and a decent pair of skate shoes.

[@thebikenoobmtb]

Informative vid Bro.

[@jmyers314]

Hey Rich. As usual, great video and thanks for the insights. Those brown pants look super comfortable. Who is the manufacturer?

[@SemiSendy]

Thanks, Jason! Glad you enjoyed the Vid. The pants are the HandUp AT+ pants. They are really comfortable, well priced and even decently warm. I use them for riding days when it gets below 50*f. They make nice everyday pants as well. Bonus, you can use my SEMI$ENDY code for %15 off your entire order.

[@ckoleske]

How do you like the float x?

[@SemiSendy]

Still messing about with it, but definitely a great shock.

[@jonathanhowson6420]

I would disagree on the 1-2 alloy rims to make carbon stack up. A 471 or a 511 is £80 and the SC Reserve are £600 a rim. I run both, but I would say a bigger advantage for carnon is they generally stay true better than alloy. After buying a second hand bike with a rear 471, I have to say I am massively impressed.

[@SemiSendy]

Reserves are also one of the most expensive options. Two of the 511's with labor and we're well over the cost of WAO's or SX310's here in the states.

[@jonathanhowson6420]

@@SemiSendy fair enough. In the UK, Reserves are around £600 and an Enve with a lifetime warranty is £1200. I found a wtb carbon rim with lifetime warranty for £400 but that was on a deal. Thats still 4-5 471/511 rims before you are even on cost and you need to pay for the wheel build if you damage either carbon or alloy. I have broken a reserve and a zipp 3moto in the last 18 months on the rear of my enduro. The second hand 471 is riden on the same trails, but probably slower as its on a 150mm 27.5 bronson, but still only has scratches and chips from rocks no dings and still running tubeless. My big 29er enduro bike has rovel carbon rims and they have stood up to everything. The hubs are terrible, so will be swapped out for Chris King soon.

[@lindsaymcpherson4744]

Mine was training never trained in a gym or did weights just rode downhill tracks then went racing did OK but see now how I could've benefited from a decent gym program .

[@SemiSendy]

100%! I really wish I had understood the true value of general strength training when I was younger.

[@wingcobra]

Now let’s talk about E bike. We use to think we’re not old yet and not going to needed but was I wrong 😝

[@Eric.V.]

I’ve never thought one type of pedal is better or worse, just different. However, I’ll never understand why so many people are scared to even try clips?! 🤷🏻‍♂️

[@vartaxe]

the bike looks sexy! what are the full specs?

[@ianmangham4570]

I was wrong once ,think it was in the summer of 75 .

[@longdang2681]

When it comes to new tech/innovation I like to classify them into two categories. 1. Performance improving 2. Comfort improving Much to the dislike of the biking industry(and other industries outside of biking) the money making performance improving techs don't pick up as fast as they want. People like to prioritise comfort over performance. I can never see myself using clipless pedals because it's inflexible and therefore a pita. Similar thing with disc brakes, they are unforgiving and only worth it if you must have the extra braking performance due to wet weather/cargo. Similar with battery operated brakes/gears, for me it's no thanks to new tech that requires more maintenance. These techs are pushed because they make the biking industry money and slow adopters are called dinos(holding back improvements). These techs I believe don't deserve widespread adoption(niche tech). An example of a comfort tech would be sealed ball bearings. They can be considered more consistent but inferior in top performance to the older loose ball bearings. Their biggest advantage is that they require much less maintenance. They are more expensive but offer comfort at the expense of performance. I can see them taking over all but the cheapest bikes(and maybe top performance niches). Riding bikes needs to be more fun and less of a chore. Regulated exercise is not a chore. Maintenance is always a chore.

[@bartmullin8018]

You are greatly in error about hydraulic disc brakes. They are an all-round improvement and not just for inclement weather or conditions. They are very sensitive but, that's not a bad thing. They have killer one-finger power plus modulation to just scrub speed or gain some terrain control. Just learn proper braking/riding technique and you'll realize just how amazing they truly are.

[@longdang2681]

@@bartmullin8018 Disc brakes require more maintenance than rim brakes(especially the hydraulic ones). In return they offer better performance. My point is I don't want to trade maintenance for better performance when rim brakes perform well enough for me. More importantly, there is currently a constant push to move everyone to disc brakes under the 'you don't know what you are doing'. It's because I don't know what I am doing that I need the simplicity of rim brakes. Shouldn't it be a case of let those who like disc brakes have disc brakes, and those who like rim brakes have rim brakes?

[@bartmullin8018]

@@longdang2681 You just need to learn better braking technique and up your riding skills in general. The 'extra' maintenance isn't needed that often and your logic sounds like what I've heard from the ignorant Roadie camp without the side of weight-weenieism they always include. It's super simple to learn disc-brakes anyway; only use one finger, embrace finesse, practice proper 'trail vision', ride looser, hover your braking fingers over the brakes as needed, and make sure you have your reach/brake tuning proper and you're golden. Lastly, if disc-brakes weren't legit, motorcycles would Still be running drum-brakes. And, since they've been Proven in the moto world and then DH/Freeride world, they got a proper vetting for application in all cycling generes.

[@longdang2681]

@@bartmullin8018 'You just 'need' to learn better braking technique and up your riding skills in general.' The bike industry 'needs' to learn to offer more choices rather than pushing for one brake fits all. Riders are not modified to fit their bikes, it's the bikes that are chosen to fit their riders. I'm no weight weenie(ride a heavy steel bike) so I don't know why you like to compare me with with ignorant roadies weight weenies. Or do you just like calling anyone that doesn't share the same views as you, ignorant. Nobody cares what motorcycles use because I'm not a motorcycle. Motorcycle use full crash helmets, do you cycle with a full crash helmet? Full crash helmets are proven to be safer for motorcyclists. Instead of making stupid comparisons with totally irrelevant examples maybe you could tell me why I should put more time into maintaining a disc brake that offers me absolutely zero benefit from the way I ride my bike?

[@bartmullin8018]

@@longdang2681 Motorcycle tech cobbled to clunkers was what started the sport and it has continued to this day to influence the sport. They're our big brother whether you like it or not. There are moto companies selling components now too, Renthal, Fox, etc. Why you persist in a skill-retarding mindset being Willfully ignorant of the benefits of disc brakes mystifies me. I told you what you need to do practice-wise and it's proven wisdom/fact. You can go faster, safer, and have far more control in all situations. Rim-brakes are an archaic joke; i NEVER see them on my local trails. Hell, Most of the CX and road-bikes I've seen all run disc brakes(!). You're fighting a Losing battle btw; your next bike will have disc-brakes, you'll learn then by necessity, and realize the error of your ways. Not all tech the bike industry 'pushes' is bad... As per your feelers re. being compared to a roadie in certain ways, it's true. Many a roadie will Still sing about archaic rim-brakes and argue 'til they're blue in the face they don't need them when disc brakes at 40+mph down a mountain road are especially relevant from a safety/speed control perspective. No risk of overheating your rims and popping a tire or tube for one...

[@mudkayak6305]

im afraid to go to carbon frames, not because im worried they'll fail on me but more so because i will probably beat them up too much riding over rocks and stones and crashing into them as well as trees and boulders. Do carbon frames hold up as good as Alu, will mfg warranty a cracked chain stay or hole in the top tube cause i dropped my bike into high exposure gnar?

[@SemiSendy]

It really depends on the bike manufacturer and what you did. Most of these bikes aren’t super fragile, and I can tell you I’ve seen as many or more full failures on aluminum bikes as I have carbon ones. I’m not saying they are better for everyone, just offering up my perspective. One of the often overlooked bonuses to carbon is that a crack can most often be repaired and return to trail use stronger than ever. That’s not the case with aluminum. There are tons of high quality aluminum bikes these days to choose from. Both have their pro’s and con’s.

[@NathanKlinglesmith]

Pinned flats and pedal specific shoes haven’t been around that long??? Do you know when Shimano DX pedals came out? And have you heard of Vans ??

[@SemiSendy]

Van's have been around since the 60's, and the DX's were released in the early 80's. Known in BMX, they weren't really in the view of the MTB world though. Clipless was adopted as "the way" in the MTB community. The tide didn't really start to turn until the early 2010's.

[@tabby4kyeet589]

I like doing crankflips and no footers flats for life

[@SemiSendy]

🤘

[@darrinkulyk9560]

I Ride Black Trails In Vancouver 😎 And would Never Ride Clipless .... Personally I Think They Are Dangerous 😎 Flats With 5/10s ONLY

[@andrewdegnan7300]

Flat pedals with pins fairly new ? I was using Shimano DX with pins over 40 years ago, as were most BMX’ers. MTB industry just took too long to evolve (look at geometry of early MTB (ie same as road bike) instead of looking at 26inch BMX racing cruisers.

[@petersilie2432]

I respectfully disagree regarding carbon rims. Not because of their obvious benefits, but because they are currently impossible to recycle. I like to sometimes swap out runs to try out some new improvements. Asymmetry, bigger width, lower height for more vertical compliance, different wheel sizes ... and so on. The material of my discarded aluminum rings can perfectly be re-used. Cracked carbon rims are nothing but land-fill for the next dozen millenia. :-(

[@SemiSendy]

In a perfect world, this would be true. However, much aluminum that goes to recycling doesn’t actually become “perfectly re-used”. If you’re frequently replacing for the sake of trying new things, in many parts of the globe that aluminum doesn’t make it full circle, and creates more trash than not. It would be nice if that wasn’t the case though. Cheers.

[@stuartthomasson5027]

Went from riding in Chamois to thong. “it’s like having your best friend in a silky hammock”. Don’t judge unless you’ve tried it 😂