Did It Make Her Faster? Anna's 30 Day Flat Pedal Challenge

Anna Cipullo from ‪@gmbntech‬ is a massive advocate of clipless pedals! She loves the performance benefits in pedalling efficiency, and being able to move the bike in awkward situations but does she have the skills to ride flat pedals comfortably in a variety of situations? In this video, Anna takes on a 30-day challenge to ride flat pedals every day!
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[@gmbn]

Do you ride flats or clips? 🤔 Would you try this challenge? Let us know 👇

[@SimonBauer7]

Flats, wouldnt try to switch.

[@MountainBikeKing]

I exclusively use clipless, they have so many advantages, learning to use clipless is more comitment than flats, anybody saying they arent worth it just haven't made the effort (to use clipless) which is often highlighted in their tired lazy arguments against them... clipless is a major learning curve boyond most casual riders, it's much easier to make excuses on flats rather than level up

[@ExplosiveNotes]

Flats and shoes with little bit of heel. I did ride toeclips as kid for couple months.

[@ghostprodk5265]

Magped Enduro 2

[@lukasvrana6388]

Flats on ebike and DH, I´m a little bit scared to clip myself to the bike if I need to escape from the bike sometimes :D

[@rong.9130]

While I am a flat-pedal evangelist, I know I won't convince anyone in an FB comment. Instead, I'll suggest that you take Ryan Leech's "12-Ride Flat Pedal Challenge", which includes detailed lessons on how disconnecting from the pedals helps connect you to the bike. For an even deeper dive, check out Pedaling Innovations' "Flat Pedal Revolution Manifesto", which includes some great testing from GCN debunking the efficiency myth. Or just go ride--that's good, too.

[@piast99]

As for now - flats for trail 100%. I am sure that it is much more rare that I hit the chin by flying off the pedal and it is much more often that I benefit from the confidence on steep or slippery surface. They say the wet roots are like dogs, and they bite you if the feel the fear. And I've moved to flats after years of riding SPDs when switching from XC to trail.

[@chad1433]

That trail looks amazing! One reason I switched to flats after really learning and riding since the '90s is physiology: the foot is a leaf spring with the toes and heel acting as spring points. A clippless pedal is like attaching a spring on only one end, so you get a "slinky" effect. Now we overcome that by compensating, but we arent using our legs correctly when being attached to the pedal. Flats seem weird until you adjust mentally and physically, but then you become a better bike handler. Living in CO, Vegas and Moab, I've had my share rif ocky crashes. Flats saved me some pain in the end. Plus, its good to learn new skills, always.

[@user-en3mk5tl3t]

Go to a pump track with a little hard tail and flats and practice pumping, this improved my riding technique and feeling where and what the bike is doing no end.

[@ThunderStruckMTB]

As a 56yr old dude who grew up riding with actual toe clips in the late '80s (you want to know real terror? Try that for a ride) I have only been riding flats since. Not all flat pedals are the same and same goes for shoes. Here in SoCal I used to be the only one on flats say 10yrs ago, but now it's easily 50/50.

[@thim8009]

I rode them, also.

[@d-mattik7088]

I rode clipless for many years but then decided to get some flats for slippery winter riding. I enjoyed the flats so much that i completely ditched the clipless. My technique improved loads, my feet a pretty much planted 95 % of the time and there are no more embarrassing sideways falls on tech climbs. As a bonus the footwear is more comfortable for my wide feet. Only downside is making sure my feet are in the correct position before dropping into the rough stuff

[@whirving]

I've ridden both, been riding and racing since 1989. It's clips for me, feel the same as her even after trying to adapt for colder rides. When I switched back it was such a relief.

[@bchearne]

Yeah, I don’t get the argument at all. Clipless is excellent, and I just don’t believe flats provide any benefit aside from slightly easier bail out. And I’ve never once bashed my shin with clipless pedals

[@gollz365]

I have recently done the same and made myself ride flats for a while having spent my life riding clips. And your initial thoughts were very much the same regarding being unable to adjust your foot position once weighted. I find myself getting knee pain after not much peddling because there is zero float for your foot position where I'm used to a few degrees of movement. Foot position is definitely vital on the flats.

[@SimonBauer7]

one thing: try to angle your heels downwards, gives you a bit more grip, makes it dig in to the pedals more. bigger pedals arent necessarily better, pin shape and lenght is also a huge factor, bigger pedals cause more pedal strikes.

[@Old_skool_quindog]

#gmbn I think Anna should do a 30 day HT on Flats challenge. I think this would definitely be worth watching🤙🤙👌😜

[@ehoss5933]

Came from a roadie background was exclusively on clipless pedals when riding MTB. When I finally tried flats I realised I had many bad habits and my feet came off my pedals when I tried hopping. Switched to flats fromt then on and found I developed better techniques and had a lot more courage learning things like wheelies, manuals, skinnes, etc.

[@chappo716]

Flats, that’s why I have scars down the back of my legs 😂

[@dennispikephotography]

So ironic that she was more scared on flats. Clips seem freaking terrifying to me. I crash way too much to be attached to the bike.

[@julianw5692]

With clips you come off the bike every time you crash, if you crash with more speed and force. 😂

[@CyberneticArgumentCreator]

@@julianw5692 So the multiple clips of a rider falling and being stuck to his pedals... never mind. You didn't watch the video, did you?

[@theymademepickaname1248]

​@@CyberneticArgumentCreatoryou don't understand humor, do you?

[@stanb1604]

I just place the ball of my foot slightly past the axle of my pedals for grip. Then adjust it accordingly when going downhill or doing jumps/drops which is toes down when jumping, heels down when going downhill. It just works.

[@UrsEnzler]

I switched from clipless to flats 2 years ago, and I won‘t go back. I like that I can change foot position. Makes descending less exhausting for the calf muscles.

[@reinholdachleitner2069]

Awesome video and pedal system analysis,Anna's head tube literally shines white in one of the video shots 4:05.💯👌🏻🚴‍♀️✌🏻

[@slowwerthensnot]

Depending on knee, ankle, and hip injury and or issues, flats can really be helpful…. Haven’t clipped in , in over 15 years

[@petermyers4409]

I ride both, even on the same bike. I think the different attributes of the different systems create a different feeling between you and the bike.Omce you're confident in both modes, there are takeaways from both experiences which help you get more out of riding. At least that's been my experience.

[@alexanderadcock4962]

My pedals do both. I can rotate them and clip in or ride flats. I use the crank brothers mallet shoes that sort of allows you to do both. I will ride with the flats on new trails or if it’s muddy/icy in case I need to stab a foot out. Now I ride a hard tail so I find clipless is less fatiguing on long rides.

[@BlackFlag94]

Everything you said, Anna... I feel it. I bumped into you on Day 1 while you were still on clips and we spoke about my transition from 2 years riding SPD to switching to flats. I have definitely improved as a rider because of it BUT its harder work riding flats and I look forward to switching back to clips. What happened to the timed runs???

[@mat2ca578]

I'm like you Anna I have ridden MTB with clip and clip-less for years. About 40 years. I ride both road and MTB for about 5K mile a year. At 65 and after a few very hard falls and fractured ribs on my MTB. I have done what you are trying and riding flats for awhile. I really do like the control when attached with clip-less but also am more willing to try more challenging trails or obstacles on flats (easy bail factor). It took awhile to work out foot location and how to move the bike around. Placing the the rear wheel where I want without clips, for me has been more about better balance on my bike.

[@Kimberlietriracer25]

Im not a mountain biker, but I do train in the winter on a mountain bike with flat peddles for my road and endurance racing. Like you said, they make me pay attention to how Im riding. I cannot be lazy. It also builds up a different set of muscles that I do not work hard during racing season when I'm attached to my bike.

[@roryennis96943]

There is a lot of studies and data on the Pedaling Innovations website that contradicts most of the common beliefs about clipless pedals. It’s suggested that clipless pedals are only beneficial in situations when the body is otherwise supported or “sitting” and that the benefits of clipless pedals are completely nullified when standing, and other than keeping your foot there there is no actual power benefit to them. Also clipless utilize the ball of your feet as the main contact point which requires the shoes to be very stiff to transfer the power while a mid foot position that is more natural to a lot of us flat pedal lovers uses the arch of the foot to transfer power to the pedals as you would be while deadlifting in the gym. Very interesting stuff.

[@thelocalangler]

i started off riding on BMX and now progressed to MTB's, always on flats and i have never tried clipped pedals. i wasn't sure if i wanted to try it or not because most in my riding group rode clipped. one day riding from Canmore to Banff on a double black diamond trail i was following a buddy who was clipped in and i was on flats. we came to this section of a washout and he lost speed and lost his balance and was teetering on a small ledge and he tried to unclip but it wouldn't release and he ended up tumbling off the edge with his bike still attached. we all rushed down to help him out and he was in an awkward position where he still couldn't unclip till we got there to help. after this he repeated this situation i believe about 3 or 4 more times on this trip. after this i was convinced flat pedals was the way to go because i left un injured and he had cuts and bruises all over his legs, elbows and hands.

[@1Life_Dee]

Flat pedals for life ❤❤

[@kyliesmithnewzealandestabl2]

Hi Anna, I started on flats like you but got into XC in my teens and all the bikes sold back then had the old fashioned closed in toe cone with ratchet closing system haha. (No quick exit learn fast) I hated it at first and many embarrassing moments but created so much more power and got rid of that passenger fly off pedal scary moments. I did a similar challenge as you as my son rides flats does big jumps double blacks etc and I wanted to learn again as we hired bikes a few times at a bike parks and I couldn't change my pedals. I couldn't fully commit going over the jumps I was still getting it wrong. Only time I felt flats were good was riding tight slippery tree rooty sections so you don't keep smashing your knees down because you can put a foot out much quicker. I wished I also kept a bike with flats and rode both. I envy the kids doing stuff on their flats at jump parks etc. So I if I did it over again id have both bikes ride both 50:50 they both have their place.

[@TheAndyMaan]

I ride both and switch between them sometimes, I prefer using clips on a hard tail where I feel like my feet are more likely to get bounced off the pedals over rough terrain, as I’m a casual rider and not particularly fit I do like the added efficiency too. I still don’t feel fully comfortable on them though as I’ve ridden flats for far longer and I’ve had far more silly crashes and falls where I haven’t been able to unclip. If I had a full suspension bike I’d just ride flats all the time again to be honest.

[@user-rs4ru4tm3j]

Hi Anna, great video, and good on ya for giving them a decent go!! I changed to flats about 8 years ago after riding in clips since I started mtb'ing about 1994. Yes, it did take a bit to get used to, about a month, although I'd never change back. I found after all the years I rode with clips I'd get a tight/sore lower back on long climbs, flats fixed that instantly. I'm not a fast climber anyway, so I didn't notice any difference in speed getting to the top. Flats are definitely for me, and like you say, it's a personal preference thing for what feels best for you. Anyway, they're clips, not clipless, they've got clips, see they're even confusing to describe 😆 Cheers Marty

[@karlj1717]

I only ride flat pedals, long pin DMR Vaults with 510 free rider pros, started on trials bikes when I was 12 now do trials and MTB, just remember not all pedals and shoes are built the same.

[@shaunschneeberger6301]

Dmr Vault’s the best just bought the green camo pair

[@daledubose3032]

My son started out in BMX, as I did as a kid, and I insisted he stay on flats as long as possible. I really believe you learn better skills starting out on flats.

[@samjameswebb]

I use both. Left foot flat, right foot clipped in. Best of both!

[@mikedwiles]

That's an interesting concept that had not occurred to me. Thanks.

[@andiho]

Both on my Enduro-bike, one side of the pedal is clipless, the other side is flat. Clipless most of the time (uphill and light downhill) and flat for downhill and gnarly sections. Works perfect for me for over 35 years 😀🤘

[@ceriway380]

I try clip but got sick of not being able get my foot out or in the clips, so changed to flats ,but the shape is Critical for contack and comfort, but you can ajust the pins hight or even remove so you can move your foot around on the pedals easy,

[@doubleL_S]

If you cant ride flats are you even a good mtber ?

[@isellonlineme]

I switched to flats after riding a DJ bike for a while. I’m 61 and rode toeclips then clipless and now flats as I prefer them for all types of riding 🙂

[@nigelrandtoul8646]

You're right Anna, ride what suits you. I tried both flats and clips, found pro's and con's for both, but settled on flats simply because I felt more confident and comfortable, probably because I'm ex moto. I actually tried one of each on my eeb, which enables you to pedal one legged, when restarting on steep uphill or when paddling with one leg in heavy tech. It worked ok, as long as my flat pedal leg was on the upslope and mismatched shoes looked weird... 😂

[@WaechterDerNacht]

Between all those clips of Steve falling over, there seems to be missing some clips of Matt - the OG of having trouble clipping in or out on GCN... Sorry, Matt!

[@davehunt6998]

I used clipped in for 25yrs and I tried flats when i bought me ebike and found that i couldn't get my feet in the right position, i adjusted the pin length to a point there were hardly any pin length and as a result no grip and was giving me knee pain. so i decided to come away from clipped in and go down the MAGPED route and problem solved and now racing Enduro with some good results Finishing 2nd overall in the Pedalhounds championship.

[@mitch_smith]

I rode clips exclusively for about 15 years. recently tried flats and fell in love. Suppose I did learn on and race a bit of bmx on flats though, in the 80's

[@R4D4G4ST]

My experience was exactly the same. A lifetime on SPD/CB clipless, and flats were just a miserable experience. I find I can escape from clipless faster, and I have so much more control over the bike. I played with flat pedals for about two years because everyone says they're "better" - But eventually I just went back to the pedal that enhanced by joy of riding. Clipless FTW!

[@qualm43]

flat pedal for life CREW.

[@SmartLittleFishy]

I tried flats when I got my trail bike, and found after a few rides I just couldn't. I'm doing the DoorDash on a pedal assist eBike and am on and off the bike so often I thought flats would be better. So after not getting along with flats on on my trail bike, i put them urban eBike. I returned to clip-less within a week of Dashing. I found using "easy release" cleats gave me the easy of getting unclipped when needed but kept locked in when I wanted.

[@69peterpumpkineater]

DMR Vaults with 5ten free rider shoes…used this combo for 5 years and never once came close to having a foot slip off the pedals. The only thing I find is sometimes slightly annoying is getting your foot back into the right spot if you do take it off, as it’s so grippy it’s hard to adjust your position! My local is all steep tech, often tight and twisty…there’s no way I’d ride in clips because you can’t get your feet out quick enough in those occasional times you need to dab. The only times I have fell off my XC bike was when I couldn’t unclip quick enough 😂 usually uphill…but those crashes can hurt, because you don’t expect them! Never on the big bike.

[@tom93r1]

I also recently experimented with flats after 20 or so years of clipless. In the end my experience is about the same as yours. The thing I'd add was that my pedal strikes increased a lot with flats and with the terrain I ride that's the primary reason I will primarily stay with the clipless.

[@matthewgillman5198]

Iv always rode flats and i tend to scoop the pedal with my foot to pull up on one side as i push down on the other. I run deity deftraps on all my bikes.

[@Onkelrico]

I feel exactly the same. Been riding clipless pedals since 1992 and never went back to platforms. Heck, I put clipless pedals on my stationary bike as well because I’m worried I might slip off if I use “normal” ones…😂😂😂

[@artvandelay1720]

I decided to try the 30 day clipless pedal challenge this year after riding flats for a couple years and my experience has been pretty similar to this. It's much scarier to ride because I may not be able to unclip in time if I get in a bad crash which makes me want to go back to flats. I haven't been able to get any power benefits either. If I pull up hard enough to add power, my knees start hurting quickly. I can't adjust my foot as much on clips when I ride as flats, which seems to be contributing to knee pain. I also never had trouble staying on the pedals with flats. Maybe I'll change my mind after 2 more weeks, but it doesn't seem like flats are for me.

[@wgnwheels333]

I have shimano spds and changed to the multi release cleats ,alot easier to unclip

[@AlessandraGregori]

Clipless can be hell if you have knee issues and for me they are much more difficult to adjust than people think. Used clipless years ago on my roadbike and had no problems, after tearing my acl and going back to riding my knee would hurt. Bought a mtb some years ago, bought decent flats and am now using flats on my Gravel and mtb, and the knee pain went away. If you don't get your position right on flats it's not fun but even as a not so good rider, I enjoyed flats, and I knew when was doing things right, but could be tiring too. Have now blown both my acls, once again but can continue to do some cycling. I find that the fact I can move my foot position is a plus on the bike.

[@artvandelay1720]

@@AlessandraGregori yeah, you're not kidding. I ended up having to cut off the challenge early because I started getting a weird pain in my knees. I think the issue might be solved with pedal axel extenders, but the pain still hits much quicker on clipless than when I try to match the foot position on flats.

[@gopro_vlogs]

I have started on flats and have always loved flats but in 2020 I switched to clips for a year to try out and I liked them and since then I have been going between them and I think I have been riding my flats better since I got my clips but I am more confident on flats

[@gmbn]

Great to hear it's worked for you!

[@Rob_Champ]

I love flat pedals, I do alot of wild riding so I like being able to bail when i need to. Plus they just look cooler 😎

[@fredsirvalo1904]

I've been clipless since 1990 (road bike with Look pedals). I bought flats and put them on my commuter bike as a holiday gift to myself; I am finally tired of transporting "extra" shoes to work. I'm a bit worried about the first few rides after the Spring thaw. My LBS's mechanic friends had a good laugh at my fears.

[@fintancostello_ok]

I ride flats just because I feel like it’s more convenient being able to jump on and off the bike.

[@denfath5010]

Did you try any technical up hill sections?

[@fud1376]

Never tried clipless and never will...Ha!

[@ish474]

I think you came to the right conclusion in that whatever works best for you is the right thing but I know you have more skill riding mountain bike than me and I find it so hard to understand why you had trouble riding Flats the idea of not being able to move my foot around and not being able to adjust my position on the bike is why I don't like riding clips to me being locked into the bike is what makes me feel like a passenger and I've never had a problem with my feet coming off even wearing trainers. My biggest problem are rocks knocking my foot off the pedals, which is why I ride with composite toe shoes. If I were riding Clips in those scenarios it would be a lot more painful.❤

[@stevennguyen8250]

Hi, I would love to see you do a 30 day 3D printed saddle to see if they are the most comfortable saddle and do a Rev grip suspension grip 30 day challenge.

[@ChefChrisRoss1972]

I’m still with you I love clips as I do a lot of climbing and it really helps with that :)

[@bchearne]

It really helps me on super chunky downhills as well. No chance you’ll bounce off the pedals!

[@jokermtb]

I recently hurt my shoulder and to give myself a bit of relief in the handlebars, I swapped out my tried and true 25mm rise bar out for a 50mm rise bar. It certainly helped lessen my shoulder aches, but I also discovered how much I really liked the higher bar effect on handling. It was much easier to get into that attack position for cornering, and hitting downhills and jumps felt so much more natural. I kept thinking “high stack Dak” is really onto something….. perhaps running a 50mm bar (or 35mm bar since you essentially run a flat-ish bar on your enduro bike) might be an interesting 30 day experiment? The double-rise challenge?

[@mikedwiles]

I'm with you on the riser bars. I run the 50mm rise Deity. The ride position is a lot more comfortable and easier to move around on the bike. I'm a shorter rider and find that the reach on virtually every bike is too long. The rise also helps solve that issue.

[@jokermtb]

I had a laugh as my tall bar is now a touch higher than my saddle (don’t alert the style police), and I don’t care!

[@miggyclark1]

I tried clips for 2 months went back to flats, I have a design for a peddle that can be converted on the trail.

[@gregallen9643]

Great content Anna. I spent my life riding flats and found clipless just in the last 2 years. For me, clipless was a revelation! A better way to feel more secure in my riding. At this time, I am in full agreement on your conclusion. I am curious however, how are the shoes holding up after 30 days? My guess is that the soles are tore up but could be wrong. After 2 years of riding clipless my shoes and clips are still in pretty good shape. Wondering if the flat shoes are in worse shape. Cheers and great video.

[@uldi1s]

And here's me riding only hardtails and flats whilst everyone around me is on FS and clipped😁 Never changing anymore. Tried FS and clips for a full couple of years and hated them so much that I stopped riding!

[@KenGilbert-yn4qz]

Depends on what you to ride the shoe-pedal combo. Have tried Shimano shoes, Crank Bros shoes and five-tens (Five tens win by a far mile). Have tried Nukeproof, Crank Bros and HTPA03A pedals (HT pedals win for grip by a far mile). Five ten-HT pedal combo is such a super grippy combo I would never bother going back to clips. Though you forgot to mention the battle scars on the rare occasion you do slip a pedal..................oh those pins hurt.

[@John_D2]

I did ride clips for a year...I don't like sitting at the top of a drop and trying to clip in before you drop...other than that they are alright. Flats are more fun to me.

[@s14tat]

I suspect the reason why you dont feel connected to the bike is probably because you arent pushing into your bars as much as you should be. Pushing into the bars allows you to lock into position like this \/ between your arms and feet. Its the same pressure as doing a bunny hop. You shove the bars forward to get the back wheels up in the air but the bike stays on attached to your feet even with flat pedals.

[@aliens1990990]

honestly i normally ride flats but i really love do love clips despite i always use flats for my off piste stuff. so many advantages

[@mikedwiles]

I have the opposite situation: Learned to ride with flats. Had a pretty bad shinner when trying to learn jumps. Got some clips and shoes. Wow, those things are nearly impossible to clip and unclip. After clipping and unclipping a bunch of times, I decided to give it a go. I looked like Steve. Rode around, clipped in and out. Decided to park the bike. Rode into the garage, pulled up to track stand, tried to unclip (initiate unbalance sequence). Went shoulder first onto the concrete. I am too afraid to try them on the trails as it would mean certain death.

[@johnnewman2472]

I thought it would have been interesting to see if Anna learnt anything from using flat pedals that would translate over and help her when she went back to clips. Did the experience with flats improve her riding on clips? After all the fundamentals are very similar. Riders still drop heels when riding with clips but can get away with not doing it if they are clipped in however the practice is still good and would help when returning to clips would it not?

[@kareljohannesvanschalkwyk1254]

Clips for ever for me. I have learned with clips and was advised to try flats, which I did for a few months, but couldn't ride as I used to and never got comfortable with riding flats. So clips it will be for me.

[@frankharradence5546]

I use clip less for all my cycling…..apart from off road; a replacement ankle joint means slower less movement on that ankle. In sudden foot down required moments it’s too slow to unclip and down I would go. So its flats for this reason off road, using ones from Hope, have to say that up to now no real probs, feel I have good control, power and can do a quick foot down when required. May try some Crank egg beaters…if I feel brave enough in the future.

[@tmill2001]

She's a screamer eh?! LoL!!

[@gregpragnell5246]

Whatever takes your fancy. Try finding a pair of EE width size 46/47 shoes with cleats without breaking the bank. I rode clipless and feel safer knowing I can bail easily on flats. Fun rider so no need to beat any records.

[@intrepidbiped]

I'm in the opposite camp having never tried clipless a single time. Seems scary to be 'locked' onto a bike. I'll have to try it sometime and see how it goes.

[@kennethcampbell7263]

Love watching Blake do a proper Can can, some people motocrossers I believe nack nacks but they look good, and in Blakes world flat are safer because it it is a choice between a massive crash or chuck you bike, you can chuck ya bike. That said however, if I was going to get into XC or enduro I would probably go for the over all stroke of being clipless. Good on you Anna and as I like to say own your decisions or go home! I'll have to hunt down your Hard tail challenge to find out how that went.

[@derekcote2686]

I rode strictly clipless on MTB since the 90s (flats when I was a BMXer though). I recently experienced a really bad heel fracture and thought I would switch to flats - temporarily - to help me regain confidence and allow me to save my $%# when necessary. Guess what? I love flats. I love to be able to adjust my foot position in response to the terrain. I'm not going back...

[@astonsolly3793]

I ride flats! I recently tried clip ins and couldn't get the hang of it and would make me crash more because I'd get off balance and couldn't unclip fast enough.

[@smitchell2409]

I've had basically the same experience. Friends swearing flats are better, and every time I give it another try, I just end up going back to my clips. Trying desperately to adjust my foot position with the pins acting like velcro, feet lifting off the pedals on climbs and feeling less confidence on fast technical stuff. I've just been on clipless so long, and I see no benefits at all with flats. Ride what you like.

[@45graham45]

The pins on your flats are too long if you cannot move your foot position at all. Get shorter pins or use washers to shorten the ones you have. Clipped sound like a right ball ache to set up.

[@doughaley-6216]

Great video. Definitely flat pedals for me.

[@WorkLessRideMore]

Flats for life.

[@phillipharriott8632]

Flats all day long for me for my kind of riding. Have never tried clips but I could see them being a big advantage for for super rough tracks which I don’t really ride very often anyway. Flats to me are the most organic or natural place to start.

[@lisapet160]

14:41 Try the "King of All Exercises: The Kettlebell Swings". It must be canonic for general physical preparation "hardstyle swing", NOT crossfit or softstyle (competitive). Getting instructions and learning the technique should not count as a part of 30 days challenge. Technique is simple and not following it is even easier. Once you all set from hinge to breathing pattern and vertical plank, and get idea about proper apparatus weight, go for 30 days, 2-3 times a week EMOM (every minute on a minute): 10 sets of 10 swings, with waiting for the next minute start. You can practice Kettlebell Deadlifts during the first week of preparation to the challenge, this will help. Increase repetitions to 15 or even 20 if you feel you can do it. Don't upgrade the weight till 20 reps per set are easy, come back to 10 reps if the weight is upgraded. It will hardly jeopardize your winter cycling since swinging is about posterior chain. Please don't ignore "breathing under tension" pattern and share if it translates to your technical climbs.

[@carolinelief9132]

Same here, not an experienced mtber but i feel more fixed on flats than clips

[@KDog2264]

I ride flats. The one thing I noticed watching the video. Is Anna you were riding with your feet fairly flat on the pedals your heels barely down. On flats I think it makes a big difference on your confidence, wether your heels are down or not.

[@denistuohy6420]

I can't use clips, l keep falling over 😅

[@dfiler2]

A bike needs to be configured for switching to flat pedals. Normally this means lowering the seat and moving it a little forward. This is due to flat pedals needing to be positioned more toward the middle of the foot compared to clipless which are more toward the ball of the foot. The pedals themselves also can benefit from as much setup as clipless. Pin length is a personal preference as well as how many pins and where they are placed. I like at least two short pins in the middle of the pedal. Though many people use pedals without those central pins. Then there is the choice of shoe. The softness of the sole varies quietly a bit. Downhill and enduro riders like a softer, grippier sole to better secure the foot. But this provides less float so harder compound shoes are popular for other reasons. 30 days probably wasn’t enough time to learn how to ride flats. It needs to be instinct to really compare it to clipless if you’re used to clipless. The same is true when switching to clipless. It takes a while for clipping out to become instinct.

[@peatfitzpatrick4998]

Really honest appraisal. I'd be the same but the other way round. I've nearly always ridden flats so clips worry me - how can I put my foot down when I need to? It has been pointed out to me that if I rode clips then I'd learn not to need to put my foot down. So my conclusion is that it isn't being able to ride one or the other that makes you a better rider but being able to ride both...

[@johnkatakowsi9907]

Flats to the end !!! The ability to move around on your bike which makes you not only better biker but teaches you way more options to attack a trail is tantamount to a exceptional ride!!! wearing cripples is liken to a safety bar on a coaster ride!!!!

[@TCK71]

Always rode with clips, tried flats, hated them, straight back to clips for both MTB and EMTB.

[@deadweight1020]

I switch between both. Flats make me feel 'in the bike' while clips make me feel 'on the bike'. I use whatever mees my need for the ride.

[@1edkihm]

@3:06 Blake can jump in slow motion...it's like a super power but I think it starts with flat pedals. That's why I'll stick with flat pedals.

[@russelllazenby4435]

I'm with you. Mountain bikings hard enough without having to constantly contort your feet to keep them on the damn pedals. Clip in and commit!

[@MarioV73]

Unless you're getting into XC, every trail, endure, or downhiller should start with flats. With the proper flat pedals, having large platform and longer metal pins, the grip between the shoes and pedals is pretty amazing. With flats, the rider can use his foot in sketchy turns or recover from near falls. Flats are also way more comfortable to do your hike-a-bike, if needed. And, flats are cheaper than clipless. I also see way more stationary falls with clipless, possibly resulting in injuries should there be elevation exposure, than in flats. Oh wait, flats don't have that issue.

[@joet2463]

Coming from a BMX/Freeride background on the 80’s it was flats, I made the switch to clipless pedals when we started MTBing and thought I’ll never go back. Then 14 years ago, while doing a slow, rocky technical DH that road many years cleanly, my 26” wheel got hanged up, couldn’t clip out, crashed and dislocated my elbow. I was off my bike for months. Through those months, I realized at my age, I don’t heal as fast and that riding my mt-bike on the road/trail is a huge part of my health and wellness. Once my elbow healed, I bought a Stumpjumper Evo 29” wheels and switched to flats. The switch to flats was easygoing for me and the riding feeling felt like I was 12 years old! All those skill of riding my BMX flat pedals paid off and I have never went back. I truly feel I’m a better rider on flats on the trail.

[@junka1975]

Does anyone else think Anna just wanted a good reason to splishy splash through the puddles, see that smile on her dial, except maybe on the washout. She was having a good time. Me personally, I won't try clips, my balance isn't good enough for them on the bike and I like being free to move off the pedal. I agree with Anna, bigger pedals feel better to me under foot for extra support.

[@justinh7099]

i want that ohlins setup dayam.

[@altabajacalifornia]

I actually find it surreal to use flats outside of a race setting. Foot position is the main reason why I always go flat pedal. I also feel my whole lower body has more mobility when not attached to the pedal. With proper tech you can blast through rock gardens no problem on flats same goes for jumps and corners. I feel like I corner a lot better on flats for sure because I adjust my foot position depending on the corner. 15 year rider here first five years clips and the rest flat , probably won’t go back.

[@billderas3420]

Having been attached to my road bike via clips since the sixties made me go clipless on mtbs back in the eighties for my cross-country racing. Hard to change; so, my pristine flat pedals and shoes remain on the shelf...where they belong.

[@JeffMTBinVA]

How old were you when you came to mountain biking Anna? I wish I had started in my 20s or even early 30s when I was more care free and healed easier. I might would be like Blake by now 😂

[@ImaCullen]

Rode mtb my whole life on flats. She looks better than me already!!!!

[@toddstiers3814]

I went from clips to flats at age 45 when I decided to focus on bike skills - I went back n forth since, now at 53 I am fluent. Flats made MTB a 3D activity - the weighting, pumping and jumping world came alive with flats. Also MORE climbing power - feet further back/centered and even toe out I found a more natural foot position that made my roadie self cringe! Don’t give up! Soft bikes get flats, racers the clips ;)

[@toddstiers3814]

I Did break an ankle in flats (dumb fall), and wore pads on my Achilles to protect from spiking (I hit my calves vs shins), but I love my 5-10s and my Sido dominators both!

[@CyberneticArgumentCreator]

I didn't realize people clipped in outside of race bicycles. I grew up riding on flats in the early 90s and never once had to use any sort of clip-in.