Flat Pedals Vs Clipless Pedals | Which Is Right For You & Your MTB?

[@moncier77]

Ridden both.... roadie and MTB, clipped in makes me feel like a part of the bike and I have trust in my ability. Dismounting becomes instinctively easy.

[@Awkward_Fox]

Especially in a wreck. I've crashed on my road bike whilst clipped in, and was one foot free before I was down. So the instinct is still becoming a thing for me, and I love riding clipped!

[@danielmay7266]

I can confirm this as I just got my first clips in December and I was able to easily unclip in like a week. Had to bail from my bike and being clipped in has never been a problem. Clipping in though is another story. Still need more time with that

[@nagylevi3827]

It's amazingly efficient indeed, the clipless pedal. However, I found that riding around town is not the ideal environment for such pedals. I actually ruined the resale value of my road bike by falling over at crossings and stops. It may become instinctual but the hardware wears out and, before you know it, you're on the curve, with your bike scratched and your shoes still in the pedals.

[@brettflower8058]

Ridden for ever, got my first clipless yesterday, all the boy's in the shop rave about them.. and yeah once I get used to them I can see why.. 🥴 stupidly I got a bit cocky and tried a fakie to 180 hop, it didn't work out, and I froze instead of trying to unclip that wasn't fun.. as for efficiency unreal

[@badsilver177]

After 10 years of XC riding clipped in I realized that I couldn't bunny hop properly on flats because i was doing it wrong. Then I spent the whole season on flats. That really made me engage the upper body a bit more and improved my riding in general.

[@joed899]

a lot of the DH lads say to change to flats in the off season for that very reason.

[@bucketheadacdc]

Flat pro: they're cheap, Flat con: they might not be cheap. Nice.

[@dogmanlol6998]

Clips are pretty much equal in cost if not cheaper in many cases

[@jevgeniardassov]

Clipless pedals also have a broad price range. My favorites shimano spd 530 go for about 40 euros, also they’re a go with a flat shoe because of the construction.

[@dogmanlol6998]

@@smallhatshatethetruth7933 they cost pretty much the same as flats

[@tomnutting3836]

Flat pedals: SHOULD be cheap.

[@1000stevenbl]

Yeah... I bought clip less with shoes at the same cost as my regular dety flats. Sooo yeah it depends on what you decide to get.. then again you could spend about $300 buying top end clips and shoes.. my thought is it all depends on how far you want to take it money wise.

[@brandont.9752]

Been riding clips for years. Just switched to flats to work on basic skills. Found flats much harder to climb in but it forces me to be more intentional about my riding. I’ll probably go back eventually but I’m enjoying the basics. It also helps me commit more on tech.

[@reallybigphilly]

So, not unlike wheel size: just pick one at random, then be smug about it :D

[@mstvir]

what you on buddy? 29r with clipless pedals is the best !!!!

[@gusmtb328]

@@mstvir agreed

[@xXxBRUTTOxXx]

@@mstvir I beg to differ, 26r with clipless is better and now I hate you

[@peterknight7880]

I tend to switch between the two. Flat pedals are for when I'm riding something challenging and expect to dab or bail, clips are for trails where my confidence level is high.

[@lukedegriselles3220]

Same here! Flats for most lift access park days and clips for long single track adventures, I swap pedals all the time.

[@themeactivity4259]

i have clips pedals with the other side being flat so i thinks that’s the best

[@HAFIZzainalHZ]

can we all rider just collectively agree to call clipless pedals as "clip pedals" for 2021 and beyond to avoid any confusion.

[@Awkward_Fox]

Clipped pedals are still a thing. So, there still needs to be a distinction... But I do agree that the term should change

[@HAFIZzainalHZ]

@@Awkward_Fox I'm new with bicycle. But i think the old clip looks more like a slot-in pedal rather than clip-in. 😂

[@charles_1523]

It's fun to confuse them :D

[@Pitstopcomponents]

@@Awkward_Fox Flat-clips

[@kennethkuhlman8864]

I agree, they need to be renamed. Maybe "Cleated" pedals since the thing attached to your shoe is the cleat.

[@glennpettersson9002]

One of the clipless cons I have found is having my foot in the same position on the pedal for the whole ride. I find myself wanting to shuffle my foot forward or back to take the pressure off that same spot.

[@bladesmith5927]

You might need stiffer clipless shoes

[@ProfeTa6]

Rode flats for a while on the Enduro/Trail bike but was pretty accustomed to clips from the road and XC. Learned a lot of valuable skills with flats, mostly to be more active with the legs and body to properly position the bike. With clips you tend to "override" the bike's natural flow and momentum with your legs (pulling up, pushing sideways). Recently decided to put clips on the Enduro/Trail bike as well and was a lot more confident on fast chunky terrain and jumps because I was more connected to the bike. Long story short: Ride flats for your skills and fun, ride clips if you want to go seriously fast.

[@vaderlander7122]

This is why I switch pedals depending on what I feel like doing on my mtb :D

[@markc-aus]

All downhill enduro riders? Pretty sure a trifecta of EWS championships for Sam Hill on flats say otherwise. Flats all the way for me.

[@user-180-mand90]

I ride flats, but using Sam Hill as your reference is silly. He’s the exception. Nearly everyone in racing runs clips.

[@IvanHausVonSpreitler]

Good thing you have the skills and abilities of Sam Hill...

[@simonhouston8443]

Jack Moir also on flats - EWS & DH

[@eden4x4]

@@simonhouston8443 Jack Moir is not on flas. Maybe you mean to Connor Fearon

[@robin1987100]

3:21 i'd love to see how you got him in that position. Clip in first, then flip or somehow clip in like that

[@dsandhoff]

Yeah and backwards, too, with his left foot on the right pedal! 😃 I'd love to see him ride the trail that way, with the handlebar behind his back!

[@Z1E1K1E]

I alternate between flats and clipless to keep my skills well rounded..

[@JayBirdPhotos]

Good video and information. I've been riding clips for many many many years. One thing that was missed was the difference in release mechanisms. I personally use the Shimano multi angle release clips vs the standard clips that come for Shimano. Makes it a lot easier to get out if you get into a bailout situation. Takes away some of the con vs flats.

[@rtyrty-ss1mt]

Clips are the best thing to happen to my bike

[@willparsons32]

EMTB...I recently purchased my first electric mountain bike back in February and whilst waiting for the weather to improve, I ordered a new pair of flats. I wasn't sure if I was going to like the electric bike so I didn't want to spend a fortune on the pedals. I've put 150+ km's on the bike so far with the upgraded pedals. The first 130 km's were horrific because the shoe was inadequate (curved soul - running shoe with very poor contact points. I then upgraded to a new pair of VANS with a gum flat soul. The difference is remarkable although I still find the shoe slipping until the pedal is situated about mid-soul. Clips are probably a better option but so would be toe stirrups!

[@jimbertucci4766]

I love how at 6:17 your back tire washes out on the turn and you have your inside foot down for stability while you are in the middle of your flat cons bullet point about loss of efficiency and power...Ha Ha! I'm a flat rider with the ugly shins to prove it. Great video...Thanks!

[@jenko9606]

I will always be a flat pedal guy!!

[@roebbiej]

Ok

[@frontierfishingwithRyanMacD]

I run the Crankbrothers Stamp 2 (I believe).. 1 side is flat and the other side is clips.. I love having this dual feature but you still have to be sure that you aren't accidentally clipped in from time to time.. it's happened a few times when I didn't notice I was clipped in, but now that I know the motion to get out its not too bad!! Definitely takes time to get used too!

[@MrTeff999]

I've ridden both. For me, eggbeaters are the clear winner. So easy to get into and out of, and they won't rip-up your shins and calves the way flats will.

[@rumls4drinkin]

I've always used flats, Dad made me try clips when I was young because he liked them but, even if getting out of them was fine, having to spin the pedal around to line it up to get your shoe back in was rather annoying.....it just made riding a chore and I don't always ride on the same part of my foot depending on alot of things, like coasting downhill it's just extra ankle strain toe riding if your standing up to absorb impacts...... Now if you are hitting HARD trails the lines are blurry sure, but the only time bouncing and grip ever came close to being an issue was hitting large sections of downhill rocks.....stuff that was too slippery to even break on....my feet weren't even touching the pedals for this one stretch but I just kept the bike where I wanted with my arms.....between me and the rocks..... I'd still rather be on flats though if one of my wheels slid out there..... I never did any racing or endurance or time trials but I did like my rough country adventure riding. Normally I just ride my bike to town these days, which has no need for clips either..... I feel safe riding rocky trails with no helmet, but even on a sidewalk in clips I don't like it.

[@charliefowler7700]

I run a shimano pedal with big pins and clips on the other side and have shoes with a flat bottom and clip section and they work a dream

[@chrisridesbicycles]

I‘m tempted to try clips again. I still have the shoes from my CC/Marathon days.

[@dougiegraham662]

Clip ins with a hardtail,if you want to go fast in chatter and bumpy stuff.Just started using them last spring,and got so many pb's...a few crowns too!

[@mikeb.2166]

Clip pedals for me for about the last 20 years but the ease of modern flats + a purpose built soft sole shoe designed to 'stick' to those flats sounds quite appealing now as I don't ride as much technical or aggressive trails as I used to.

[@samb2334]

A little advise if u want a flat pedal, don’t get the crankbrothers stamp 1 coz the spindle is too high so u get no grip at all. I’m getting the dmr v11 and the stamp 1s will be in the parts bin

[@WobbernelonBae_420]

I definitely like clips because they are super helpful on the uphill due to their ability to both push down and pull up on the pedals. You can get twice as much power and go much faster.

[@westhoefer]

kzbin.info/www/bejne/gYaokoFve7B6gqc

[@litenantjv]

I’m using flats at the moment because I’m trying to improve my scarse abilities. But I still prefer clipless because I feel safer in the descents and also I get more power uphill

[@4everfrankie449]

Roadie here. Recently started trail riding. I started with flats but couldn't keep my feet from bouncing off the pedals so I switched to clipless. After a few months of riding clipless I went back to flats and PR'd every segment the first time out. I somehow developed proper technique while riding clipless. Plus, the flats gave me so much more confidence in the sketchy.

[@Silidons91]

I'm a roadie myself too but just bought my first MTB, a trail bike. I went to a local trail which is mostly singletrack, and I kinda wish I had flats. Some of the uphills were SUPER sketch and I had to put my foot down. It's a pain in the ass to begin pedaling again with clipless (I was using SPD on the MTB) because you only get a split second of traction before you have to put your foot down again if you're not clipped in immediately etc. Also, when descending, the trial had a lot of very tight switchbacks, and I would have felt way more confident if I could have easily put my inside foot down. I still did, but then again I'm fighting the damn pedal to get clipped in again when going over bumpy terrain etc.

[@conorpeachey5315]

I run flats with really sharp long studs with vans because of the hexagon shapes on the sole

[@freemanadriv02]

Same here, waffle sole grips the studs nicely.

[@emmetfoster7430]

have u ever riden clipped in

[@conorpeachey5315]

Emmet Foster yes and I don’t the like the feeling

[@emmetfoster7430]

@@conorpeachey5315 alright yeah for some people it just isn't for them. O would say the benefits are more obvious on a hardtail as your getting bumped around all over the place

[@evelynm238]

Same. I feel pretty secure in my footing.

[@kips_ytc]

I thought we went over this years ago

[@leomolloy5067]

well they have to make a few videos for Crank-brothers every year

[@Leo_Inclan]

We go over it every once in a while. It's as if there were new people constantly entering the sport.

[@tobyehillier]

It's like sky broadband.... They're catering to new people and there's no benefit to those who've been around a while... Content is King and unless it's the Bois out having the craic, it's very difficult to keep a steady stream of unique content. Try it out.. Come to with an idea for a KZbin channel and then work out how to keep three videos a week of unique content going over ten years.... That's 1500 videos about MTB that aren't the same in any way. Could you do it? If you think you can you probably should cos you'll make a few squids

[@jeffedmisten6576]

@@Leo_Inclan LOL... Yeah who'da thunk it??

[@ericphillips9240]

When the started Mnt. Riding in the early 80’s we had rat traps “clipped in”. Switched to clip-less in the late 80’s and they were all most as dangerous but the riding in Whistler then was mostly XC. As the trails evolved so did my riding and taking crash’s and having the bike attached to your feet while trying to bail off an elevated skinny was problematic. Sticky shoes and flats elevated my riding. Some of my most painful crashes with clip-less was climbing up black diamond assent trail, and have full pressure on the clip-less peddles and having the rear wheel slide out and instant down on your shin/knee/hip in the rocks and roots.

[@ledged_up]

I ride hybrid pedals: flat on one side clip on the other. I prefer the efficiency of clipping for uphill, but generally unclip for long downhill sections because it feels safer to me.

[@hydra66]

flats plus decent shoes (not just trainers). I was on clips for a while until I went down hard clipped in. Major ankle sprain that took over a year to get proper healing pain and balance wise.

[@Designandrew]

This is what I worry about it’s the twisting motion it’s not good for ankles and especially knees I’ve had acl repair and got massive pain after needing to unclip quickly

[@sirhunter7623]

You really get used to clips with time so getting your feet of the pedal in time when you crash isn‘t a problem anymore. Also, if you don‘t set your clips too tight your shoes will go out of cleats when you pull hard enough. So this isn‘t really a problem imo

[@Meow-In-Trouble-Now]

totally agree, you have to bear with clips and it soon becomes instinctive to clip out

[@markush7001]

​@@Meow-In-Trouble-Now I test road a bike that with flat pedals (left my riding shows at home). I was "unclipping" every time I put my foot down.

[@brettflower8058]

@@markush7001 I balance with flats rather than taking a foot off

[@robinburt5735]

Balls! you can get double sided MTB pedals if you wanted, and MTB cycling shes work with normal flat pedals as the tread on them is extra thick. I don't advise double sided clip/flat pedals though they're a bit weird. Also it only takes about half a second to unclip compared to platforms when you're used to them (SPD user since 1996)

[@rabalajoie]

MTB gets a lot of newcomers for the past few years and I think that’s the reason why flats are so popular these days. Back in the day, everyone wanted to be able to ride with a nice set of Shimano SPD pedals and cleats.

[@richc2980]

Went back to flats after 5 years clipped in. Fun meter went back through the roof. RC shoes with specialized bennies pedals

[@ltrtg13]

I run clips. I have used Shimano, Time and various Crank Brothers. I currently use the Mallet 2 on my mountain bike. I also use Crank Brother Candy pedals on both my hybrid and road bike. I do have some flat pedals. I have the older Shimano Saint and the small Stamp 1. I don't use the Saint pedals as they make my feet go numb. I do prefer the Stamp pedals. When I bought the Saint pedals I use trainers to start with. They scared the living daylights out of me. I also felt I have no control over the bike. I then bought a pair of Five Ten shoes. They did help a little. I even removed the spacers on the Saints. I then bought the Stamp 1 pedals. These seem to suit me better. I have done some more technical riding which I felt more confident doing. I'm not sure if the Stamp 1 pedals been nylon means I get less numbness in my feet. When I do put my flats back on my mountain bike I fit the Stamps.

[@GrafRamolo]

Ride both, my answer is. It depends ;)

[@dyzoly]

Cost is actually lower on the clipless, shoes get worn down pretty quickly if you ride a lot, especially agressivly. Also a cheap SPD+shoe combo is going to work much better than a not much cheaper flat+shoe combo.

[@stephenhislop4864]

As a rider that has joint issue's (hip/knee's/ankle fused and foot 20 degrees out). there is no way I can clip in. I had been chasing a larger pedal (width) and was talked into Pedaling Innovations. I am thoroughly impressed, in the pedaling Innovations pedals. As now clocked over 100kms in a week. Maybe review these pedals, against the latest clips?

[@InfiltrateIndustries]

Those Stamp Pedal Brothers are super grippy with the knobs. My feet only move/come off, if I really mess up the landing … on a CX bike.

[@Max-rs7cx]

Flats for Jibs and Jumps, Clips for technical gnarly riding and for Cross Country and Long Epic Rides.

[@ancientelevator9]

Just about to get into MTB, but for BMX I often had the issue that for whatever reason in the air I would push my rear (left) foot down, which would mean my front foot/leg (right) would would come up and off, thus losing balance and having very little control (*well dirt jumping, not park for whatever reason). For MX this never happened, not sure why, maybe it was simply because pegs don't move? Therefore I'm thinking I'll try clips.

[@PaulJoy]

I much prefer riding with Clipless pedals but even after a few months they still make me nervous. I got past the initial worries of falling when stopping etc and now unclip instinctively but if I go anywhere near a rut or on slippery mud I just feel like its going to end badly if I can't instantly dab my foot down. Also I'd never attempt a track stand or manual while clipped in so I think clipless is better for people that already have those skills than those still learning.

[@MTBfixHQ]

I ride XC on flat pedals and I have top ten lap times for our local trail which is heavily populated, this tells me for the average joe that it don't make a difference at all if you use flats or clips for efficiency, use what makes you feel more comfortable, its that simple... for me its flats. Biggest factor is you need a good pair of flat pedal shoes like the five ten's, the grip is so high I can't imagine needing more

[@robmayes9226]

Nice video but you missed the hybrids! I've ridden flats, clips and magnetic pedals and actually MagPeds feel the most planted, most in control on the rough stuff and the safest to get off of when you need to. As fun as flats but as efficient / planted as clips! Gooooooooo make another one with magnetic pedals.

[@stevethompson4493]

Love to see a review on Hans Rey’s clip one side flat on the other idea, it certainly makes sense to me, best of both worlds

[@diltd3989]

the side with the clip weights more causing that side to flip to the bottom, you have to basically stop if you want to clip in, it's pretty terrible.

[@stevethompson4493]

Thanks I haven’t had a chance to give it a go so that’s great information Might just be useful for trials riders

[@JustBens]

You can get off pedals in clips just as fast once your used to it... I had an OTB and instantly unclipped both and leapfrogged the handlebars.

[@beneadesmtb]

Watching this 2 years later, the crazy thing is... clipless shoes and flat shoes all cost around the same now, and same with good pedals, so it's more preference now as apose to budget dependencies. Going onto clips soon, try not to die on them lol

[@noma_es_sebas]

i use clips for pedals. i love it. i feel faster and stuck to the bike and i have them soft so tht my feet can come of easily. just found the right tightness and boom i was happy

[@JamesRobertMTB]

I would love to ride clips but have no trust in myself 🙈

[@McSchwabl]

I was riding flats for a long time, but I switched to clips and it is amazig. I never had the situation that I did not get out of it apart dfrom stopping at the car :))

[@waterhouse235]

Try multi release cleats 👍

[@stujm8376]

I ride both depending on what I’m riding, downhill or xc. Got to be honest it took me a while to get used to clips, but for uphill work you can’t beat them

[@MrAlec78uk]

Start off with flat pedals so you can get off in accidents put a foot down in corners and helps with learning skills like bunny hops and popping up over jumps then after your skills are tuned and confidence is good go to clipped to get more affishiant if you want to go faster like racing or longer rides, just remember being clipped in needs a profetinal bike fit from a bike shop or you can do alot of damage to your body if setup wrong.

[@philwilkinson2213]

i switch between both, XC focussed rides i use clips, trail centre rides i use flats

[@xrssrx2441]

Flats for mtb and clips for road

[@Meow-In-Trouble-Now]

the issue around clips and crashing soon disappears when you get used to the clips, I can eject from my clips as quick as pulling my foot from a flat pedal plus I'm not slipping off on bumpy docents and always have the right foot placement on my pedals. But If I was into jumps, drop offs, tricks etc I would deffo use flats, horses for courses

[@Illsamustache]

I keep hearing people say in these types of vids that their feet are sliding around on flat pedals. I use flats (DMR V11’s), and with the screws, I’ve never once had an issue with my feet sliding around. Quite the opposite; I found my foot stuck in a wrong position and not able to quickly move it back after putting it down on a sharp turn.

[@andrewebling1961]

As someone who is currently going full circle and getting back into MTB, alongside road cycling, being clipped in feels more familiar and secure, which helps build confidence. That said, flats are a lot more practical off the bike.

[@psychonaut038]

I go for fun so flats. Even on my XC bike. I'm not a racer.

[@luxuryshine8507]

As an oldtimer...just 1 con on flats you forgot...the scars on my shins tells me enough x-) Then again flatpedals in those days were far wors on grip then the current ones. I love both actually, but mostly prefer clipless pedals, just because I'm used to them :)

[@richardlyon3]

Constant pedal to the shin made me switch to clips. I crash loads but have the clips adjusted so they're quite loose - I've never had a crash and still been attached to my bike, even in the most tame crashes. Love the clips!

[@ImGrungry]

I run OG clips, they’re super sketchy at first but once you get used to them it’s easy to get in and out of them

[@martinjacobsen593]

Im riding both, and choose on the day, what I will be riding on a given trail

[@MtHoodMikeZ]

Shimano PD-M324. Flats on one side, clips on the other. A compromise. I think I’m ready for straight clips now, however. I like being clipped in far better, and I’ve found I can almost always get out of them as quickly as I need. Almost always...

[@peterlange3085]

i have the same pedals... my bicycle shop owner recommended those for me

[@STIGRS]

Is it difficult to find the clip when wearing the clipless shoe? I haven't tried it myself. But my concern is that I need to find the right side up which might be challenging while riding on tough terrain.

[@MtHoodMikeZ]

@@STIGRS Truth is, it can be difficult at times. And annoying. Despite what I said previously, I went a different direction. I’ve gotten magnetic pedals - Hustle Bike Labs Avery REMtech Pedals. They’re pretty heavy and rather expensive. And kind of controversial. But I also find them to be a good compromise between clips and flat pedals. They work well as flats, and when you get your foot in place, they give most of the benefits of clips. YMMV.

[@gabkoost]

Flat gang. Unless you are a pro or a skilled competitive rider there is absolutely no reasons to get clips in a MTB. The pedaling efficiency is BS. This is not a road biking. You are riding over mud, dirt, rocks, creeks and all sort of stuff. Trying to make it sound like the negligible differences between the 2 pedals is an issue makes no sense. Sure, your feet would not jump around when going downhill and it might even help you in very steep climbs over obstacles. I will give you this one. But do you know what i prefer? To have my feet on the ground in a fraction of a second and actually being able to stop in a 25% gradient climb and just start climbing again because i don't need to clip in.

[@maikszczerbuk613]

So we had in our university a test running and we found out. Clips are marginally more efficient because if you really push hard and need it (we had a ramp test) the participants pulled which led to a overall increase of the power output, but that didn't hold on for long. The main difference is that the shoes are stiffer and thereby more efficient. Another point is the overall and rotating weight. So yes clips are more efficient but due to the nature of the design (kind of like carbon an steel)

[@stevesmith9082]

Does that hold true considering that most clipless pedals and shoes would be heavier than the flat combos?

[@maikszczerbuk613]

@@stevesmith9082 shoes maybe but pedals not. Since we tried high performance shoes we found that a. Pair with clips weight around 750g in high end quality 1000g for lower end Pedals as pair for. Flats are around 500g in high end 800-900 for normal. Heavy use 1kg + in budget

[@simonweedy4683]

Great video, just the sort of thing - being relatively new to MTB - I’ve been looking for. Opted to keep with the flats that my new bike (cube analog 2021) came with, assuming that once I got used to riding that I’d automatically switch to clips soon enough. So far I’ve been fine using some old trail running shoes on the flats, and after asking around I find that opinions vary, just like with the pros and cons put forward here. I go out generally once a week, and while the routes and trail are nothing too dramatic - this is the Netherlands after all - there’s enough variety for me to sometimes think clips might be better. I do like the ‘freedom’ of flats though. In a nutshell? Still not sure.

[@samclarke9254]

Don't think you mentioned that you can adjust the tension on clips. I have mine set low on the MTB so I can dab or bail out easily but tighter on the Road bike (I use the same pedals & shoes).

[@Kaspurr84]

Can you adjust crankbros pedals though? I ride shimano spd and adjust as loose as they go for MTB

[@samclarke9254]

@@Kaspurr84 I use Shimano, but I think if you just have the Crank bros egg beaters, there is an option to have a 15 or 20 degree release angle . Wear is also a factor in how easily they release. With Crank bros pedals things like spacers and pin height, shoe rubber, will affect how easy it is to clip in & out.

[@rayglasscock9667]

For extra security use the old rat trap on flats. Get out real quick still go have yourself a coffee. And even making a set not impossible basically, alloy jigsaw, drill hammer the sort off gear you'd find in most workshops .

[@qozmiq]

How many versions of clipless vs flat videos can you guys make?

[@Stargazer1091]

The biggest con to flats is that the shoes wear out much faster. I need a new pair of shoes every half year while with clips you can just change the cleats

[@psychonaut038]

I slam rocks with my five ten freeriders and after 3000km they are still fine.

[@cooldante11]

I use my flats for my daily commute and wear the shoes all day and mine are still fine after 3 years

[@urbanmanc]

If you’ve got any joint issues, knee, ankle, hip then clipless are a nightmare . They will confine your joint into an often painful and damaging position. Using flats you can position your body where it’s pain free, you can also move your position whenever necessary

[@markc-aus]

Very true. I switched to clipless for a very short time. Switched back to flats for this very reason. The discomfort in one knee outweighed any positives of clipless.

[@urbanmanc]

@@irfuel BOLLOCKS , are you saying EVERY injury is the same, where restricted movement of a cleat will relieve that condition, total garbage. Clipless STILL clamps you in the same limited position when the rider may need require a wide range of movement BEYOND the restriction of cleat movement. Being clamped in the same position only exasperates wear and tear on the same points.

[@itarry4]

As you both seem to have worked out it depends on the rider and their issues.

[@liquidSpin]

Rumor has it that there is one person who rides flats in the EWS. A legend by the name of Sam Hill.

[@LaurentiusTriarius]

After years, decades of research, let me present you the 20$ shanmashi tank... It's flat, adjustable pin, 3 bearings 374g magnesium body... It's perfect but I still ride the chromag dagga, since it's perfect"er"... I hope it is for 10x the price. That's the story of MTB components

[@eepiii97]

Clips 🙌

[@grahamsheley6705]

My trick for clips is to put the tension all the way down and then there is enough movement caused by falling that I always come out.

[@900schutter]

dmr vault flats and an oval chainring for the efficiency

[@andymarn]

I’m no pro chasing every second so flats for me. Way more fun. 😁

[@AFugax]

Started flats...then regular trips to Moab and it’s chunky janky awesomeness moved me to clips. Will never go back (except for snowy fat biking). With that said...clips have ruined me when it comes to jumps and wheelies!

[@Life_with_G]

Really good vid guys. Keep it up

[@GodWeAreLegend]

There is an alternative to the Clips! CHECK OUT MAGPEDS! They have REALLY strong magnets at the pedal and a small metal chip you put on your usual clipshoe. These things work well and are a lot less scary than Clips! Yet not so strong and quite heavy

[@aslam7952]

Yes, can you guys do a review of these pedals?

[@drappennen5704]

Clear as mud. Cheers 👍🏻

[@tobyehillier]

What about the Hans Rey way? Dominant foot is clipped in, the other foot is flat

[@louiswright235]

you can take your cleats out and ride with clip shoes without clips, it only works with dh or enduro shoes

[@Sy-T007]

Flat pros: 1: it wouldn't try to kill you 2: it wouldn't try to kill you 3: it wouldn't try to kill you 4: it wouldn't try to kill you 5: it wouldn't try to kill you

[@barbbrazes869]

Thanks! Great info!

[@ninoroldan2448]

you ride the pedals, not the other way around. love my clips!

[@robinshoroscope]

I personally think he's wrong about the crashing part. I ride clips and yes there's a bit of a learning curve but even during my very first crash on clips, my feet came out, and I didn't have to think about it at all. they came out just like they would on flats. and I've never had a crash *because* of clips either

[@Necrocous]

I use clipless on road and mtb. Works best for me.

[@spockpardo8999]

Just started riding clip less and its great specially for climbing and rough downhill sections. I like Shimano spd

[@matthiasmangion1120]

LOVE YOUR CONTENT MY G

[@Phen0mable]

Depends when and where

[@letsgo_inc]

I will ride flats until I die. Being able to get a foot out or bail saved me multiple times last season. If I get bounced off the pedals, I messed up.

[@Itz_aiphaaaa]

Also in our park where we built a small mtb trail there is no need for clips!

[@tnlonnie03]

I ride with flats and I rarely slip off in the gnar. I ride clipped in on my gravel, but I’m not sure I would want to be on rocky technical slow speed climbs. That would be the toughest and scariest time to be clipped.

[@theelias7909]

This. As long as you drop your heels properly slipping is a non-issue. I will say though technical climbs are where clips have a clear advantage. I can clear climbs in my clips that I can't on flats

[@tnlonnie03]

@@theelias7909 I need to improve my track standing ability before I try clips. I had a good friend who broke his arm on a technical climb when he got hung up on a rock, lost his balance and couldn’t get unclipped. It’s just another area I need to improve.

[@hjalteholdgaard3814]

@@theelias7909 What you are saying is only partially true, on a hardtail, even if you have five tens and really good pedals, your feet are much less secure and for me, switching to clips really made me more confident on the rough. And yes i do drop my heels sufficiently.

[@waterhouse235]

I ride clips, as I'm just 10stone, and my feet will not stay put, also flats and flat shoes can be just as expensive as clips, I also started on multi release cleats, they helped me get into clips alot easier!

[@ExcelInstructor]

i had basic flat pedals, and i utterly hate them(now) when i bought a bike in 2015 after 15-ish years of not having a bike, they were great, so i started to looking into clipless, but i cought a brake, some1 wanted to throw away as garbage 10x11x1cm deep pedals with pins in them. so i took it and changed my pedals to those big platform ones, since then my shoe slipping off ended. and currently idont see the reason to buy clipless,

[@Robin_Hood381]

Flats all day. Don't like the idea of being attached to the bike in a crash (I doubt you'll have enough time to unclip). Also, in worrying about a pedal strike on a trail with exposure and rock gardens on clips ; also, if you hop off your bike on a steep climb, with flats you can just hop back on your bike and start pedaling again.

[@lividmatter4862]

There is no difference in efficiency, though riding with clipless might cause the rider to not put power down *as* efficiently as when using flats (Because it is easier to put power in directions other than straight up or down) The reason why road cyclists do use clipless however is because it _allows_ for a higher power output than can be achieved with flats, because you have the ability to put power in the upstroke.

[@jeff-w]

Clips suck if you wheelie over cause you can't get off and land flat on your back with the wind knocked out of you. But for climbing the extra power and use you get from your legs makes them worth it.