Clipless vs. Flat Pedals - The Pros and Cons of Both

The age old debate of clipless vs. flat pedals rages on. Christina Chappetta heads out on a ride in Squamish to discuss the pros and cons of each pedal.
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[@obi-wankenobi9871]

A question that has been "answered" a million times, but what truly keeps all of us up at night, is: "How does the grim donut ride?"

[@yaacovr]

So true! I want to know!!!!

[@martinl.4696]

Where is it!

[@brianpark4]

@@martinl.4696 sitting in the office with flats on it waiting for the video crew to get back from Sedona. :)

[@MTBFreeks]

I'm pissed tf off about it lol 😂😂 Mike screwed us 😤 they need to put out another grim donut video

[@obi-wankenobi9871]

The hype for the grim donut review is so insane, that no matter how good the video is, people will be diasppointed by it, since the expectations have risen to be astronomical.

[@melwalshmtb9121]

Here's the truth:IT'S YOUR CHOICE!

[@melwalshmtb9121]

@@michaelmazani thanks

[@michaelmazani]

@@melwalshmtb9121 no problem.

[@maxbrock4477]

Heres the truth. I DONT KNOW WHAT TO RIDE WITH🤣

[@james-xq4ke]

Max Brock if you ride xc choose clipless. If you ride downhill/enduro I would go with flats. If your more of a trail rider it’s your choice. If your more on the downhill side of trail “you like jumps and drops” then I would go with flats. And if ur on the xc side go with clips. It’s all your choice but if you crash a lot flats are good 4u and if ur a climber and your more carful go with clips

[@EarlofBusterbrook]

@@melwalshmtb9121 thx for making it easier my man

[@Henkele]

I don't think that the grim donut viedeo is coming this year

[@lukaseifler7961]

youre absolutley right

[@th_js]

Yeah :(

[@skiahh]

As with some other commenters, your credibility is shot right from the beginning when you state that you can save as much as 30% with clipless pedals. To make such a claim you better back it up with hard data; timed runs showing that you are indeed, approaching 30% faster or 30% less fatigued at the top of a climb on your clipless pedals vs the flats. Otherwise, it's just repeating "what you heard on the interwebz" and has already been shown to be inaccurate. The rest is subjective. For me, I can jump better and push harder knowing my feet are free. Riding flats has been a big help to my riding and my climbing hasn't suffered in any noticeable way - times or fatigue - on both day rides and extended multi-day trips. So say these are your opinions and your verdicts based on your riding and how each makes you feel, rather than making claims about hard data/facts unless you're going to show or cite data.

[@joshsaunders7916]

I was thinking the same thing. There is no way I am 15% - 30% less efficient with flats. I ride both but prefer flats 80% of the time. I've never noticed much of a difference in fitness. Only differences is that I prefer flats on the gnarlier terrain at high speeds. foot out flat out.

[@abhinavsixfaces]

They even show a picture of pedals with clips and she says clipless pedals...

[@petertyliszczak3411]

@@abhinavsixfaces original pedals were flat. Then came "toe clips" which were metal or plastic pieces you slid your foot into and sometimes strapped down. Then came "clipless" which dropped the toe clip/cage and connected on the bottom of the foot. Her wording is correct, the name is confusing without knowing the history.

[@cdabcdefg12345]

fuck off

[@abhinavsixfaces]

@@petertyliszczak3411 hey thanks for the response. She says "this is what clipless pedals used to look like" then they show a picture of pedals with toe clips. Check the video at 0:39

[@markstang1965able]

What at pleasure. Just learning for road biking at 60yrs old. Thank you for your information.

[@locoplays2749]

It honestly just comes down to just what you feel more comfortable with and makes you improve on a bike and on the trail

[@katrinahase]

I love the climbing advantage of clipless pedals. I hadn't considered how they keep your foot in the right position as well for downhill. That's a frequent adjustment I need to make when I ride flats. Awesome riding and I enjoy seeing women mtb presenters!

[@barbbrazes869]

Great comparison!! Thanks!! Love your channel!

[@ratiquette]

Definitely feeling more confident about my decision to move to clipless as I get back into MTB after years out of the saddle. I have an opportunity to kick my old bad habits as relearn the basics on a modern bike, and Christina's comments about being able to detach from clipless pedals quickly with experience has helped me decide to buy a set with my new bike. That way, I can get comfortable with them at the same time I'm getting comfortable with speed and tech again.

[@dano727]

Great video once again Christina !

[@BrettArmstrong1]

Thanks for the review. I enjoyed. I have just bought a Fat Bike and will ride mostly on the beach and gravel roads and single track stuff so I will use the flat option for now, but for more gravel roads especially with lots of hill I will go with the clip in pedals rather.

[@BrianVaughn]

A couple winters back I switched to flats and haven't gone back. One advantage for me with flats is I can wear those shoes even when I'm not riding. I now never have to worry about forgetting my riding shoes at home.

[@Adamas_83]

"Daddy, I want more Grim Donut, and I want it NOW!!"

[@SimplePleasuresMTB]

Brandon Sheldon All right Wonka, name yer price...🤑

[@THOELL2737]

I ride both I am always swapping even on the same trail. Definitely feel better climbing on clipless but tend to have more fun on flats and try di6 lines but the end of the day on the same trail more fatigued on flats but the fun factor is flats

[@Peanutdenver]

Nice vid Christina...It's cool you've joined the PB crew, congrats on the new gig.

[@advdogs]

Seriously, she seemed a lot less biased on this topic than most similar videos... and she's funny too!

[@Peanutdenver]

@@advdogs Yes I dig her style and humor good addition to PB.

[@Peanutdenver]

@Christina Chappetta You're welcome!

[@RocketMagnetUK]

I rode clips exclusively for many years on all my bikes now I just use them on XC and Road. When your used to flats you don't lose your pedal but clips take some unlearning and relearning moving with the bike properly so your feet don't bounce. As in this video the rider struggled with jumps when free riders clearly don't. IMO the main benefits for normal riders for clips is uphill as the technique is easier, you can get more power and spread the load to different muscles but if your not racing who cares? Ride what's best for your riding style and don't let anyone tell you what is most fun for you.... I always thought it was Toe clipless and "they" just dropped the Toe part hence the confusion for beginners.

[@HanSolo__]

When you have a single bike with the clips you still want to get some flat surface for your casual grocery ride. Because you will never gonna dig into a pile of shoes to find your plastic shells for clips. More like you gonna go out with your feet inside the favorite, and laziest pumas eva - already laced, of course. So those clips.. they are just crazy thick. I've just measured pair of mine clips in the road bike and those are TWICE as fat as crank brothers 50/50. So yup, be sure to rip every rock on the hill with modern trial bike's low bottom bracket.

[@Jameshhl]

As a newbie rider, everyone I know recommend using flat to learn proper techniques first. Will eventually give clipless a try when I am more experienced.

[@thomasmedeiros5722]

I got into mountain biking from road riding and racing back in the 1980’s. Actually used the original toe clip and straps. Been riding Shimano SPD for decades on all my bikes. For mountain bike especially technical riding I use the SH 56 M multi release cleat. I think back round and different experience can affect how you adjust to being clipped in. I also have been Alpine skiing and Alpine Touring so you become use to stepping into a binding and being connected to skis.

[@melwalshmtb9121]

Sam Hill, that's all the reason I need to ride #flatsforever

[@mrvwbug4423]

and he rides lines that would be unridable for 99% of us, hell he takes lines that even a lot of the other EWS riders won't attempt (ok so a lot of that is being an ex pro DH racer)

[@Slow.Smooth]

@@mrvwbug4423 sam hill is exactly why this topic is dead

[@bedetorrance5437]

Sam hill is the 1%, 99% of us should not try and do what he does.

[@Slow.Smooth]

Bede Torrance you ride clips huh?

[@advdogs]

Seriously, virtually all the rest of the EWS field is on clips, but this one superhuman guy....

[@LanceT88]

Excellent and seldom mentioned point that clip shoes are stiffer

[@Stengell]

You talk about the flats like this is your first time with them.... maybe you should try them just a bit longer and build some experience with them

[@Stengell]

@Christina Chappetta Hi Christina, well i did assume you had some experience with flats, i think the video did show this ;-) but the video unfortunately just didn't present it in that way(verbally). Still you should properly ride them for at least a month to get in the grove and also try the difference between concave and convex pedals, that said the oneups are suppose to be pretty good as long as you don't take them to the shins :-p fyi.. you are a great rider/presenter keep up the good work

[@tolgaakyay]

We have the same helmets (100% Altec) which I'm very happy with my purchase :) I always use flats...

[@thetrailtrawler2602]

Flats all day and always!

[@Peanutdenver]

I race mx and just can't get over the idea of being tied to your bike via clipless. I'm sure there's a ton of dudes/dudettes who ride moto and understand this mindset/feeling. I guess I would try the clipless route once I get my pea brain wrapped around the idea, I'm not anti-clipless. Flats just feel like you're on big assed pegs on a bike with no motor.

[@thetrailtrawler2602]

Thunder Chicken I used to ride MX and grew up riding BMX and I have no idea why people want to be attached to the bike other than climbing being easier. I don’t like climbing though....

[@Peanutdenver]

@@thetrailtrawler2602 That's funny and so true. I with you on the climbing horse shit as well.

[@jakebeaudrie]

No amount of advantage climbing (I don't race and only climb cuz it's the only way to come back down ;) ) can beat the feeling of being able to bail easily. Getting the courage up to push the envelope was much easier once I knew I could ditch the bike easily if something went goes wrong. Flats For Life.

[@thetrailtrawler2602]

Jacob Beaudrie same! I don’t ever plan to run clips

[@thim8009]

Alot of people tell me to try clips, I started riding in 1984 and even had the stap clip original style, but I never felt like feet were coming off so I just stick to flats.

[@boneheadmck]

Do you mind that there is a lot evidence to challenge your assertion that you get more power on clipless than flat pedal;s? You state this as a clear fact when I’ve seen lots of tests where it is unclear at best. My climbing times are just the same on flats as clipless. It’s more of a personal feel preference.

[@ChuyR.]

I disagree i did the comparisson in the uphill part of my local trail and there was an improvement from flat to clips, some people just dont wanna put in the time to practice the full pull/push rotation on clips therefore there are no advantages for them when using clips.

[@rdot8419]

@@ChuyR. It's not so much a matter of time. It's already been scientifically proven that a clipless setup doesn't give you a huge boost in power as there are marginal gains during the pull stroke. Most of our power is generated on the down stroke while pedalling. There is also the thought that people who switch to flats wear regular sneakers which isn't ideal. There are a ton of different flat shoe options with different levels of grip and stiffness.

[@Big-T-]

More power? Maybe not but more efficient climbing by engaging the hamstrings for sure. Flats for life🤙🏾.

[@quithollerin7276]

Well, here, Christina seems to be all about the wattage, but I thought that that's what cycling is all about. I feel the same about braiding. If you want to ride in a straight line, there are plenty roads in town for you. And if you want to save energy, drive to top.

[@ChuyR.]

@@rdot8419 how was it scientifically proven? show me source? all i did was 2 laps on my favorita uphill track and did a better time with clips than with flats

[@justgo4033]

I haven’t been on clipless since the 90’s but I recently bought a hardcore hardtail and i find my feet getting bucked off on chunky / chattery stuff . Thinking of putting a pair on .

[@ed250256]

Obvious that she normally rides with clips and not comfortable with flats. My experience with clips is that I find that I tend to modify my riding to avoid having to un-clip resulting in less aggressive riding.....in my case they tend to deskill me.

[@evanoc12345678]

Can't stand the feeling of the float on clipless pedals especially when leaning into berms etc (Shimano spd) i feel like my ankle is gonna eventually rock too far and my cleat will pop out of the pedal , 510s plus decent flat pedals give so much grip it's crazy.

[@dash0173]

exactly. i tried clipless pedals for the first time a few weeks ago for literally 45 seconds. i stopped and nearly threw them in the trash. it's such a weird feeling and makes me feel like i dont know how to ride a bike anymore

[@jimlads]

not all clipless pedals are created equally. Crankbrothers for example you have a proper platform that you can dial in the amount of grip with pins / traction pads

[@ToysOmadnesS]

adza botchway so you actually never tried it ..

[@sidharthramasubbu3221]

@@dash0173 gotta spend some time in order to get comfortable

[@barrylee8196]

Not a true trial. You won't bounce with the correct mid foot riding and droped heels position on flats. Also 5 ten shoes longer pins and pedaling innovations pedals give great confidence. It takes a bit of time to go back and improves your riding.

[@antonioruiz6723]

Awsome review! Flats 4 life 🤘

[@jackofthetrees]

Good review sorta bias. Having experience with both pedals they’re both great in there own ways once your used to them. Clips are great for racing and endurance riding, where flats are great for getting loose and jumping. The whole climbing advantage of clips is less noticeable overall but the large up the have in flats is on tech climbs.

[@sandy_knight]

I prefer flats for tech descents. When you have to get going again, or even just dab, half way down a long, steep rocky descent, sometimes with massive vertical exposure on one or both sides, I don't want to add to the risk by maybe not clipping in first time...

[@kignacio]

That “15-30% energy savings with clips uphill” comment was a bit of a stretch. Great presentation nonetheless.

[@alvindiazmarquez]

Yeah, I was wondering how she measured that one!

[@lidge1994]

If GCN's guys say it's a couple watts difference, then anywhere but flat roads is less than 1%

[@stevenmonaghan9222]

Research current science tests, Clipless performance advantage is less than 1% not the 30% quoted.

[@allocke9446]

This was VERY informative. I used to use those old clip ins, straps, whatever they were, on a road bike. They were dangerous if you needed to bail.

[@LoamerMTB]

I ride clipless in the PNW but after a bunch of concussions I am trying flats so I don’t go to my helmet when I lose the front wheel. It’s different in a fun way. Gotta relearn how to ride again but it’ll keep things fresh.

[@toddramsay51]

Nice Transition!

[@alanw.4511]

I ride both. If the trail is flowy and fast, then clipless. If technical and tough with the chance of wipeouts I like flats. BTW, my feet have never ever slipped off the pedal on flats on the rough stuff. If I am going to wipe out or fall off a log I want to step off and jump off the bike easily and quickly. You really need both.

[@billylawson1964]

She sold herself on the clips before she even started the comparison 😂

[@syncros99]

I see a lot of videos like this and no one tells the "new to clip-less pedal mtbikers" is that the pedals are adjustable to make them easier or harder to get in and out of.

[@pink43560]

I changed back to flats after years of using clipless. Way more fun imo.

[@tomwallhead6950]

Weres the vid off the pinkbike enduro test ride????

[@Silverripples]

Spuds are great, BUT.... if you have very very very technical, very steep terrain, flats will give you more confidence. i had been riding spuds for 25 years and about 4 years ago returned to flats. decided to like it better.

[@spacecalander]

Love Christina so naturally cool :) Cost is a factor as well, you have to buy special shoes for clips, where with flats you can just run what you brung. lol

[@MTB_Rider_96]

I think it's all about speed - Speed, Speed, Speed! When I rode with clipless (about 6 years of riding) I had a few minor crashes that I contributed to not unclipping fast enough. Really wasn't a big deal because I came out of the pedals 99% of the time. But then there was the one time on a very fast and technical section where I crashed at high speed and my foot did not not release in time (we're talking 0.5 seconds too late) and it caused a sever hyperextension of my leg and tore my hamstring off my pelvic bone (Yes, It was more painful than it sounds). that was the end of clipless for me. The future technology is magnets - problem solved.

[@experiencewithmartin972]

I agree clipless can lead to that but i completely disagree that magnets are the future. I disagree because imagine how the magnet would require a certain amount of force to get your feet off the pedals - too much force can lead to you pulling the bike towards you when you don`t want that to happen (mid air dead sailor) and too little and your feet would all of a sudden come off the pedals when you are on a bumpy trail with high speed. Then there would be a surprise fall and you would get your ankles broken just because all of a sudden your feet went off the pedals "unexpectedly". Think of it like that. I think anyone would agree i have a point here.

[@jimwhite8497]

@Christina Chappetta, what helmet were you rockin? Looked pretty sweet!

[@Hihopeyouhaveawonderfulday]

Been riding clips for the last decade. Just got back into riding flats. Clips are faster and more business, but flats are more fun and playful. Being clipped in let’s you forget about your foot getting bucked off. This allows you to focus more on what’s in front of you and to ride faster downhill. Everyone keeps bringing up Sam Hill, but I believe he would be even faster on clip less pedals and he is a beast.

[@Arturojaroto]

Hey! Can you tell me what mount are you using for the gopro right behind your feet? Is it 3d printed?

[@Arturojaroto]

@Christina Chappetta Thank you soo much! I'll try the sticky mount and see. Awesome riding btw!

[@melwalshmtb9121]

Anyone that rides flats but wants a bit more energy saved on the climbs, some advice I have is to try out an oval chain wring. It feels strange for the first minute or so but you get used to it and it definitely helped me on climbs

[@mrvwbug4423]

lower gearing helps too, SRAM and Shimano 12 speed with their 50 and 51t cassettes climb like a dream (though some of the higher end 2x and 3x setups from before the era of 1x had comparable climbing ratios), you can tractor up stuff that you might have to take a run at with taller gearing.

[@gherrera6665]

Have you tried the MegPeg pedals?

[@abadatha]

I've been playing with the idea of building my own clipless shoes, because no one but maybe Lake makes the 10EEEEEE shoe I need, and I'm not spending half my hardtail on a pair of shoes.

[@Amphibax]

I always ride flats mostly because I use my bike also for commuting and just getting around town so I don't have to think about my shoes or even taking a spare pair

[@thomas-cheng]

I noticed on flats, that if you pedal smooth, you save a lot of energy. Also, keep your heels down on the technical descents will keep you planted. If you put your heel up to pull on the upstroke, you can get similar efficiency. All this means flats require more skill and better handling of your bike. Everyone that I Know that broke their collar bone was a clipless rider.

[@danielriddell441]

I was fully clipped in on the pedals then get some 50/50 Welgro flat/clipped pedals and a pair shoes that worked for both types. I clip in for uphill and pedalling stretches then flip the pedal and go unclipped on the sketchy bits. Took a few rides to adjust to them but now I'm really happy with them. Best of both.

[@mdjak3686]

My fat bike came with clipless. I like them except my shoes are very hard to get out. Pedal has a screw adjustment it I can’t budge it even with penetrating oil. Is there a trick to it?

[@steezymtb5876]

It's funny how every single thing she says one should be aware of when riding flats is just a basic skill, which you should always do regardless of the pedal type. Goes to prove how clipless pedals teach bad habits. 😂

[@mtbboy1993]

I use a very different flat pedal setup, my bike setup, geo,sizing, saddle position, foot position is all different. I use Mid foot position with Pedaling Innovations Catalyst flat pedals, I am 181cm, use A Size Large Geometron G1, I use a Fabric scoop shallow race saddle the tip is above BB. it all makes a big difference compared to a older geometry, and the ball of foot position with tiny pedals. That you can't drop heels with catalyst pedals is a myth, you can, if you have the mobility to do it, I have. but the pedal is much more stable to ride with, and you can notice is easily by doing a big drop. I have ridden with Mid foot position for many years, I have tried to ride with ball of foot but it felt wrong, unstable, but I use size 43-44 shoes so all pedals on the market are too small for arch support, but that's there Catalyst pedals come in.

[@pinoylowbudgetproductions7290]

I am not really familiar with clipless shoes and what their materials are, is it safe to ride those clipless shoes that look like flats on flat pedals?

[@klamauk]

Grim donut vid, did levy die or why didnt you upload it yet?

[@tomwallhead6950]

I agree

[@xmazurx]

I was instantly skeptical of her performing this test when she said jumping feels different. That makes me think she has forgotten some basic bike handling. Am I wrong?

[@paradox963]

Yes, some of the techniques used with flat pedals to compensate for not being attached to the pedals can cause problems on clips, like the scoop you do to keep your feet on, on a jump is unnecessary on clip and will cause the rear to lift to much, this was happening a lot to a friend of mine who was a long time flat rider who switched to clips, as soon as he learned to relax his feet and not scoop cause there was no need for it the problem went away. This is what always bugs me when people say clip teach bad habits, there are proper techniques for things like bunny hops but there are subtle differences most of which have to do with compensation movements to keep your feet on the pedals with flats.

[@Klips005]

Nice! Dual peds are getting lighter and still pretty durable...at first I thought I would use them temporarily and then just pick the one I used most and buy a single, but theeeen I realized I like switching between the two depending on what I'm doing. So I'm sticking to a high end dual ped...for now; def more comfy on long distant flats however, unless landing a jump where clips feel a tad nicer I guess.

[@villimagg]

You mention bouncing off the flats in rocky or rooty sections. I never experienced that. I think it might come down to rider weight and suspension. And if you use large threaded pins or shorter, or non threaded and what shoes you wear. I use large threaded pins , 5-10 shoes and in full ride kit I weigh over 90 kg, and I've mostly ridden 160/170 mm travel enduro bikes. So I think it definitely comes down to all those aspects wether you experience bouncing off the pedals or not.

[@hardtailparty]

I think a lot of it comes down to foot position too. A lot of people ride with their foot too far back on the pedal. The ball of the foot should sit AHEAD of the spindle. To me, dropping the heels is not the right way to get traction on flats.

[@anthonywalters7434]

I have never had problems with that. I ride a hardtail and I’ve hit some nasty rock gardens without any issues. I found that dropping my heels and putting my weight just behind the ball of my foot helped.

[@anthonywalters7434]

hardtail party I sort of combine the two, plus staying loose if you’re on a hardtail helps (I learned that the hard way). Just being fluid makes it so much better.

[@mrvwbug4423]

using threaded pins and even just hiking shoes (I need to get some proper shoes) I've never had problems coming off the pedals on my hardtail. On my 140/150 travel bike, my feet are even more secure.

[@villimagg]

@Christina Chappetta that'll be great. A must for this topic and could clear up some understandings and misunderstandings, or just would be very informative. But never the less, this was a great video.

[@JoeyG333]

Best part about switching from clips to flats is doing an accidental superman when you try to pull up on your feet

[@timbne]

Thats what happened to me

[@marko6706]

@@timbne me too😂😂😂

[@th_js]

I did that and somehow landed it perfectly

[@Sirjames9699]

Can I sort by video host so I can watch all of Christina’s videos?

[@colinkelly279]

I just NEVER feel like I am gonna get out of em when I run into a spot. Stickin with flats, even though I have two sets of clips and shoes. I wanna like em, I just cannot get comfortable with the feel

[@jackshuttleworth6570]

Colin Kelly maybe you have them too tight. I have clips and once you get used to them you clip out like a champ.

[@paradox963]

It's all just muscle memory, I came to MTB from road riding and had been on clips for years, if I need to my foot is out and on the ground with out even thinking about it, it just takes time and practice, like learning how not to shin yourself 10 times a ride on flats LOL

[@jimwhite8497]

I run Shimano XT Trail pedals with SH51 cleats. I have the spring tension on the lowest setting. I also position my cleats just about as far back as they'll go in the slots on my shoes. I think the biggest thing with clips, is training your heels to go straight out rather than up and out when trying to get out of your pedals. I'm the opposite. I wanna love flats... My buddies ride flats... With flats, I can't seem to keep my feet on the pedals in the easiest of techy climbs. I think I keep forgetting to drop my heels...

[@gavib6602]

What was that first trail she rode?

[@SimplePleasuresMTB]

510 free ride pros, Deity TMAC pedals....basically clip ins🤘🏻

[@mtbboy1993]

8:37 With Catalyst pedal you don't get the folding down effect mentioned here.

[@TurntBucket]

Get a flat rider and a clipless rider and have them discuss what they think the pros and cons are. This is biased/less informed to have a clipless rider talk about both and have no flat rider representative. Also, someone who rides one way all the time cannot just jump on a new setup and tell you about it. It takes months or years to understand important nuances and movements.

[@michiganstate149]

There aren't any studies that actually prove clipless=more power. They might feel like it, but at the same time you are doing more work and exerting more energy so it's basically the same.

[@mrvwbug4423]

even GCN, while using flats on a road bike (which is a comical sight) had virtually no difference in performance

[@franmcgowan4068]

Clipless = more power. Clipless NOT= more efficient.

[@chrism2983]

Just ordered my first pair of clipless for climbing 👍🏻

[@mtbboy1993]

The only reasons my foot can come off a flat pedal is if I mes sup really bad, my hips, feet, elbows,shoulder, all at once or in some of them in some combo or even alone can throw my balance off, and cause a crash. but otherwise I feel safe with flat pedals, and Catalyst pedals have a longer platform so feet are more stable. but I always ride with knee, shin pads, unless it's very warm, and I am riding carefully at a easy trail or bike path. I doubt I could clip out of a clipless pedal in a steep technical climb when my hip(s) misslign and I am falling sideways, but with flat pedals it's easy to bail.

[@mrsmartypants_1]

5 10’s and Semenuk Cromags. Have always ridden flats because when I started mtb’ing folks told me I’d learn better technique. When I imagine clips now my brain envisions a dark dank jail cell in Bolivia. Flats bonus: Jumping off my bike; leaning bike against wall; walking into bar and ordering a nice cold brew without the town drunk looking down and scowling like I just walked in wearing 9” pink stiletto heels. Clickity clack.

[@SeatTimeClips]

I don't care about the pedals, I just want to try to keep up with her on those trails!!!

[@Robin_Hood381]

Don't like the idea of being attached to my bike during a crash. Most crashes happen in a split second where you won't have enough time to de-clip; especially on the steep fast stuff. Although I did experience coming off the pedals on rough features when I first started off, I have developed the proper technique to where I feel comfortable on flats even down the gnar for the most part. I'll stick to flats.

[@ravenjack3173]

What bike are you using

[@contentbalance5350]

so the point is *its your choice* nothing is better its just skill.

[@Hihopeyouhaveawonderfulday]

For sure

[@mackturtle82]

15-30%? Where did you get that number?

[@plmtb3694]

Love her, good presenter

[@kelbyhunter6852]

I'd pipe

[@padude131]

Dam girl, you were flying!! Very fun to watch. Are you a pro rider?

[@dianelabelle2982]

Is it tubeless ready

[@vellotrol]

2:30 The oval chainring eliminates that up and down motion smoothing it out evenly, try out people.

[@ShadLife]

Actually we didn't call them clipless back then, we called them toe clips. Clipless was called clipless because there was no longer a toe clip which was replaced with a mechanism that your shoe locked into. So it is still a clipless pedal because it doesn't have a toe clip.

[@wogahboy]

Wouldn't that make a flat a clipless pedal?

[@ShadLife]

@@wogahboy It would, but then how would you differentiate between a clipless pedal and flats? So yeah, it's messed up, but a clipless has a mechanism to lock your shoe in (which has to have a matching cleat on it) and a flat or platform pedal doesn't.

[@wogahboy]

@@ShadLife hmmm

[@wogahboy]

@@ShadLife as with everything people are lazy and they don't want to say toe clipless pedal. Lol

[@ShadLife]

@@wogahboy 🤣

[@jonroley7382]

Both have their place, is there a 100% right or a 100% wrong answer to the timeless flats vs clipless debate? #flats #clipless #justrideyourdamnbike

[@anthonysei]

Clippers felt secure on chunky DH trails. But flats are more confidence inspiring on technical rock uphill climbs. I can't ever click out fast enough

[@WildOutdoorLiving]

Pretty certain that the Grim Donut rides best with flats. Prove me wrong Pinkbike!

[@paul_hd1875]

Gawd it's a tough one... I think that part where she mentioned losing focus because her foot was moving around on the flats pedal is what makes me go back to clips every time. The freedom on flats is so great...the shoe offerings are way better too... but that once or twice when your foot gets knocked off... or you go through a rock garden with your feet planted all wonky... are such a deal breaker..

[@saywhaatnow]

Now out Jason Lucas in clips!

[@mtbboy1993]

Pinkbike had a post about Catalyst pedals back in 2016: www.pinkbike.com/news/pedaling-innovations-catalyst-pedal-review-2016.html by Paul, but now he works for Nicolai, I have a Nicolai / Geometron G1 👌

[@Jim-qo4qn]

Hi

[@jamesmorwood6373]

I went back to flats because my clipless shoes were worn out and I have to say I was way less confident in my climbing ability, especially technical climbing

[@Sheppy99]

I just started riding clipless and there's no question they are better than flats. The pedaling is easier, you can keep pedaling over chunky stuff without getting your feet kicked off the pedals, you're more controlled when you do drops and jumps cause again your feet are stuck to the pedals. But their biggest drawback is always going to be crashing and the risk of getting more seriously hurt. There is no getting around it and anybody who tells you there's no difference between crashing with flats vs clipless is lying to you. Some have told me you're less likely to crash with clipless and I tend to agree with that assuming you're comfortable with clipless. But we are all going to crash eventually and not a matter of if but when. It's part of the sport.

[@rdot8419]

This was going to be a biased video front the very beginning. She admitted she hadn't ridden on flats in a long time. I've ridden both and flats take more technique that you don't use, or forget to use on clips. My feet have never bounced off a pedal on even the toughest of trails with proper technique.

[@alexstewart3308]

And I think that’s what it’s all about ! Ride what gives you the most confidence and what works best for you!

[@paranoidandroid4270]

Flat pedals: recommended by 10 out of 10 emergency room doctors!

[@jackshuttleworth6570]

Used Carbon not when you get an infection from your rusty pins or when you come in with you shin split open and you can see your bone😂 clips or flat I don’t care. I run clips for trails and flats for dirt jumps and bmx

[@paranoidandroid4270]

Riding with Jack Ouch . I’d probably agree with you if that happened to me. I guess I’ve been lucky so far.

[@jackshuttleworth6570]

Used Carbon it hasn’t happened to me but it has happened to someone I know.

[@brysonpresson7910]

I ride both

[@advdogs]

One thing that really keeps me away from flats, is descending really rocky, chunky, bouncy stuff. I don't have a whole lot of ankle flex, and it's almost impossible for me to stay on the pedals. When I'm clipped in, I don't have to focus so intensely on keeping my feet from bouncing out of place. The only real downside I've found with modern clips is riding into super technical features that I'm unfamiliar with not very comfortable with yet; like some of the double black diamond stuff around Moab and whatnot.

[@TheRyguy79]

This video would have been great if she compared pedals on the GRIM DONUT.

[@willshawyer7280]

Where is the grim donut!!?

[@alansmith4734]

I like your helmet!

[@benasquith26]

Its a 100% I think

[@melwalshmtb9121]

I'm still terrified of trying clipless pedals, although I'm thinking on doing a tone of enduro this year, does anyone that had this same feeling before they switched to clips have any advice for me? 🤘

[@linkon7605]

It’s really not that bad, I switched when I was a little kid and never looked back. If your really scared of it you could try multi directional release cleats which will let you take your foot off by pulling up or to the side vs unidirectional which you can only take out by twisting to the side (I prefer these because my foot never pops out when I don’t want it to). If your pedaling up to hit your trails then I would definitely recommend switching just because of the efficiency when pedaling, another thing I’ve found is that on a hardtail you get bounced around a lot more by rock gardens and roots and with clippless pedals it helps you keep yourself in control and stay on the bike. A lot of people are scared of crashing with clippless because they think they will be stuck on the bike but in my experience I subconsciously unclipped before hitting the ground or the direction I’m going vs the bike unclipped my feet and it’s not a problem. Hope that helps you out, have fun on the trails.

[@mrvwbug4423]

Well you definitely don't need clipless to be competitive in enduro, a certain Aussie has proven that many times over.

[@haydenstacpoole7987]

Bet the grim donut looks better with flats, but how would we know until....