Clipless Pedals Vs Flat Pedals - Which Is Faster? | GCN Does Science

[@jessetheseal]

I went from flats to clipless on my road bike last year after 20 years of riding. I haven't found any speed increases (I've never owned a power meter so I know my information is incomplete). The main thing I've found is that I save so much time on long rides not having to stand there and be lectured by some dude at every single rest stop/control. I must save 15 minutes a ride in rest breaks.

[@innocentiuslacrim2290]

That is actually very funny. I had 1 cafe stop on my yesterday's 100 km ride. One other cyclist stopped there also and we had a brief chat. During the chat i was pointed out that the tires on my bike were very wide and I had platform pedals. The discussion was in good nature and he clearly was a faster rider so I do not mind being given advice, but still your comment was a nice touche ;-)

[@LisaGoldfarb]

yeah haaa. I ride with toe cages on my flats and I keep getting this lecture as well.

[@innocentiuslacrim2290]

@HaramiLonda for me it takes around 5 hours. That particular route also passed through one city and that always drops the average speed. For a stronger rider it could take 3 hours or so.

[@preshx18]

In next 5 weeks I am participating for my first ever ironman 70.3 never have riding bike since only 3 months. Never wore cleats. Planning to do IM without cleats will I be less competitive.

[@innocentiuslacrim2290]

@@preshx18 I really do not know. People who use cleats keep on preaching about them, but studies show that they would mostly benefit during short sprints when it is hard to keep feet on pedals when doing max pushing in brief time period. I would say that if you have not used cleats before, there really is no reason to change just before a competition. If you want to test it, it is better to do it when you have time to get accustomed to a different type of riding.

[@gregprouse1173]

I went back to flats simply because I got sick and tired of sounding like I was crunching stones under my feet whilst looking like a 18th century Dutchman wearing clogs.....no matter what you wear they are uncomfortable for more an 10 mins plus who wants to wear the same shoe day in day out when you ride a bike. Another big thing is having the freedom to jump on and off wearing what you like and the convenience whilst running errands. The bike for me was a vehicle of freedom not just exercise....but also have massive functional benefits during daily tasks. Now I have happily gone back to flats Im much happier for the aforementioned reasons. My love for cycling was dwindling when I started taking it more seriously thus getting the shoes....restricting my freedom of movement, having to wear lycra all the time (I still do sometimes partially here and there as it keeps me warm and dry), then getting on strava making me feel not quite good enough as I became obsessed with time and speeds....ever comparing myself to others.....I felt like again I was at work as my ego started taking over with the ever pressure to race or join a club. For me personally the bike is like a modern day horse - it gives you the freedom to explore and be with nature and free like a child whilst not feeling like you have to push push push all the time. People today always have to either make hobbies like work or a money making venture or something organised like a group ride or club. I remember a time when a hobby was to enjoy only with no pressures.....now I have gone back to the fundamentals therefore my love of biking has come back and every ride is like those beginning rides when I first started out as a kid. I finally found my peace with cycling again and will never look back :)

[@roysandoval5779]

Best comment so far.

[@gregprouse1173]

@@roysandoval5779 Thanks buddy really appreciate that

[@bonbonflippers4298]

Wow that's some awakening to reality! Its the same mentality I went through about weight lifting! Same fundamentals about being serious and always comparing yourself with someone better! The true is to enjoy for what it is, not worry about the person who just passed you or strava.

[@GPadugan]

I regret that I have but one like to give this comment. Well said and so true!

[@beryl762mm]

well said!

[@marekkozub8957]

I use flat pedals on road bike, because I feel more safe. In fact, it saved me few times from falling, because I was able to put my foot down, without even thinking about it. I don't race, so I don't care if I'm less efficient.

[@KBKriechbaum]

I use a big rock that i sit on all day. Its way more safe than riding a bicycle.

[@johnbull5394]

Interesting that people find they have to think to remove clipless. I was expecting that when I switched from toe straps to clipless the time would come when I'd forget to twist and I'd be stuck in a pedal, but it never happened to me for some reason! Perhaps I'm just lucky?

[@paths2go]

when you are used to clipless you don't have to think

[@arnavshah8131]

For me it was the I opposite. Flat pedals fucked me over. I was riding fast down a hill when my foot slipped off and the back of my ankle got jammed between the road and my pedal. I landed on My shoulder and fucked it

[@Kefford666]

I don't have clipless but I have the toe clips/straps you get with a budget bike. Last year I was cycling down the road, got sideswiped by a car that didn't see me and diverted into a concrete bollard. Right foot was guided straight towards the bollard like a battering ram and broke my big toe. Still hurts to stand on that foot :/

[@mathiasjobst5936]

As a clipless mountainbiker for me flats have the advantage of changing the foot position depending on terrain. For example when I ride down a trail standing, I like my foot position a little bit to the center of the foot - this feels more stable and is much more relaxing and comfortable on longer descents. And of course you can easier get off the bike in an emergency.

[@kishascape]

Even more important if you ride a sporty like roadbike where the tires slip on everything. Leaves, sidewalk cracks, puddles, little bit of sand on the road.

[@kishascape]

Even more important if you ride a sporty like roadbike where the tires slip on everything. Leaves, sidewalk cracks, puddles, little bit of sand on the road.

[@DJJPlus4]

The obvious advantage the flats have is that you can quickly put you foot on the ground as some mentioned below. Certainly helps in traffic, around curves, etc. Ride in traffic in my local area and you will have a new appreciation for flats.

[@nikilk]

DJJPlus4 while riding around the city it’s a huge benefit being able to touch your foot on the ground quickly. I have had a friend on clipless pedals fall a bunch of times coz he couldn’t get his feet out quick enough. But for long distant rides clipless sure have the benefits.

[@nottelling4828]

I'm a road bike novice, as I just upgraded from a Walmart mountain bike (which I had for years) to a Giant Contend entry-level road bike. Anyhow, I still can't seem to get the hang of these straps on my flat pedals (suicide straps, I call them), but I can attest to the benefit of needing to place a foot on the ground repeatedly as I ride through town. A couple of times I nearly pulled a Benny Hill as I almost fell due to barely touching down in time.

[@nottelling4828]

@ : I guess practice makes perfect because it's easy-peasy for me to pull my foot out now. I don't even think about it anymore. My buddy got clip-ins and looks like a drunk rhino trying to clip in and out of those things sometimes. I'll stick with my straps, thanks!

@@nottelling4828 Yep, I'm sticking with those too because I often have to dismount and walk somewhere. Can't do that with those shoes with the metal on the bottom.

[@stinkyfungus]

1. Learn to track stand and work on your low speed handling. 2. Learn to use clipless pedals properly (set release tension low till you get used to them) Once you actually develop the muscle memory required to use them - clipping out becomes second nature, so much so that when you step off a flat? Yeah, you'll pivot at the heel as you do, even though you don't need to. I don't even unclip for stop signs. I just stop to a track stand and then continue riding.

[@davidmithen9223]

Need to get a flat pedal rider to compare with. You were both clipless riders and your muscles would be geared towards favouring that kind of pedal stroke. That's why you felt it in your hips, the most powerful muscle group, could not be recruited because you are used to compensating with an upstroke. Would be interesting to see if a flat pedal rider benefited from clipless, or would their muscle strength be better applied on flats. Also your shoes were shit, I bet your clipless shoes were top quality purpose made, so why not use proper flat pedal specific shoes?

[@MishMash95]

I imagine the flat pedal rider wouldn't immediately benefit as much, would probably slow down at the start just from being cautious. However, after a few weeks of training and time to build a bit of strength in the muscles, they probably would be able to outperform their equivalent self in certain scenarios.

[@ifnahmad]

I rode my road bike with flat pedals for 2 years. been riding for long rides, sprinting, climbing, and descending. very rarely I use my clipless pedals and shoes. To be honest, I dont find a significant benefit riding with clipless. I feel there is a better power transfer, but its not really that much. Pulling up stroke technique ? I do not give a damn, just keep pushing down with my right and left foot "equally" is good enough. I dont want to sacrifice the amazing of CONVENIENCE I get with flat pedal just for a small benefit from clipless pedal. And I agree with you Dan and Mat use a pair of shit shoes. I ride my flat pedals with Nike SB and its really gives me a good amount of grip. However, I still strongly believe it will be depends on why and how you are going ride. If you want to be a serious rider, getting faster, and ultimately go for a racing, there is no arguing clipless pedal is the best choice. But if you just want to enjoy your ride, commuting, but you still have the option to go fast, climb some stupid mountain, random sprinting, and etc flat pedal is what you are looking for since it gives you a hell lot of option of riding.

[@alvarofue]

I'm not too convinced about the "pulling up" thing... yes, apparently is more efficient, but to me it seems a bit unnatural for the knees. If you think about it, knees are naturally bearing weight, not pulling... And as you said, flats are just so much more convenient.

[@ifnahmad]

alvarofue true. the pulling up stroke is not necessary, but u need it JUST SLIGHTLY for high cadence. thats why actually those flat pedals spoke and a good grip from ure shoes can provide just enough effort to "draging up stroke". ultimately it will smooth the pedaling technique and ure muscles. which for me, it is efficient. see? flat pedal is everything i need :)

[@eniojurko]

You are right on the money, you just use little power on the upstroke, not much is needed. I really like both styles with or without clipless(i use mtb spd here).

[@Medic6666]

two guys who cycle with clipless decide they dont like flats...shocker :D

[@BobRoss_lover]

Medic6666 this test can’t be accurate because they’re conditioned to clip less. They need to figure out a better way to do this test.

[@andrewd6956]

@@BobRoss_loverthey need to try the test on a novice rider.

[@johnward654]

Andy T a novice would be conditioned to flats

[@jackjackthompson5771]

boom

[@andrewd6956]

@@johnward654 so what, it will be easier to action the test on subjects who don't have a clear emotional bias towards any form of cycling gear. Think of them as a blank canvases.

[@philipibbs5602]

Thank you for this video, I will be able to use it with my students as an excellent example of confirmation bias!

[@sarahbowen7721]

Exactly what I was thinking! 😛

[@robertmendelson7724]

A long, long time ago when the only biking shoes were detto pietro with a steel shank and no widths (I’m a 2e) the difference between running shoes and dettos (both with toe clips) on very long rides was 17 mph vs 16 mph. (This was pre-cyclocomputer days). As kinetic energy is proportional to the square of velocity this is about 13% of power wasted. I’d like to see a test of the shoes. Carbon shank stiffness is the major contributor, not clipping in. That’s my belief

[@JohnWilliams-md4qb]

Why?? They show that there was an advantage to wearing clipless.

[@johnbull5394]

@@JohnWilliams-md4qb Well, I'd say there's some truth in Philip's comment in that we have two people accustomed to clipless pedals who subjectively feel they were better off with clipless pedals and the measured results only showed an improvement on a sprint. That said, there WAS a marked improvement on the sprint in terms of power. Would taking a pair of cyclists accustomed to flat pedals have given the same results? Who knows? I can only give my own experience. Speaking for myself (I mostly ride on roads), I cycled a lot as a child and teen. I got my first toe-strapped pedals at 15 or 16 and I had a lot of problems getting used to getting my shoes in and loosening the stap in time to be able to put my foor down at stops (some times I had to stop unexpectedly and couldn't always withdraw my foot before falling over). That said, I liked having toe straps because I very much liked not having to keep pressure on the pedals, found I could cycle at a faster cadence with straps and felt safer because there was much less risk of losing purchase on a pedal if cycling at speed and hitting a bump, say. My first time in clipless pedals and specific clipless shoes was a few years after (I think my shoes and clips together came to £115 and I've had them for years, so we're not talking a huge investment I feel the need to justify) and it was bliss: no spinning the pedal to get it the right way up, twist the foot to withdraw, so no faffing with straps; and absolute hold which means I could lift up if I wanted to (though I seldom go to this effort as I'm not used to it) and I'm certain that however fast I pedal, my foot will never detach. Meanwhile I have all the advantage of flat pedals in that all I have to do is twist the foot and out it comes. Reassuringly, I have fallen off and the pedal released, so there is obviously a safety factor. How do I feel now if I borrow a friend's bike with flat pedals? Pretty normal, but I have to pedal at a slightly slower cadence. It's not the end of the world, just I do prefer clipless and can't see myself switching back to flats. I do feel clipless is an improvement, and, since I have MTB-type shoes that can just about be used for walking so I can pop into a supermarket on the way home and walk around the aisles safety, I'm happier riding clipped even though I do not have rigid shoes.

[@Ellienollie]

i refuse to think upstroke makes you slower. this reminds me of the single bass versus double bass argument from drums. 2 is better

[@CoreyHowardPowerHour]

the full face helmet and clownish shoes were great touches in intentionally taking the professional appeal out of the flats and protecting your sponsors

[@richarddavis3239]

Yes, agreed Youthy, you nailed it.

[@kishascape]

TBF most of their viewerbase is also MAMILs and Freds so they probably didn't wanna upset that too.

[@lIoIlb]

You neglect the fact flats entail an entirely different riding style and body position. To accommodate the discrepancy in experience, you should have found someone who rides flats exclusively, and switched them to clipless, then compared vs y'all. This only 'proves' you can't ride flats without experience, and expect to spin them like clipless.

[@frankhutton6747]

They still had valid points and didn't jump to conclusions. I think it's fairly obvious that anyone on flats will put out less peak power and torque than someone on clipless.

[@lIoIlb]

Geoff Hiemy I agree you aren't going to win races on flat pedals. For 99.999% of cyclists though, who are not racing for their livelihoods, the more important choice is what affords you a better riding experience. Flats are a viable option. If you are like these guys and you look down on flats and never learn to ride them properly, then you will be like these guys and look like idiots trying to spin flats like they are clipless, and blaming the pedals instead of your lack of experience and technique. If you are good at riding flats, clipless is a breeze. Going the other way is much harder, as evidenced by the video.

[@nikolaihedler8883]

The point of this video in comparison to the one in the lab is that the lab testing only showed the results of riding at a constant speed. Maximum torque and power are increased with clipless pedals over flats.

[@davidharrington6273]

it means no toe clips

[@troyphillips1077]

Yes you want a mid foot position and you have to adjust the saddle accordingly. Also a flats rider will have developed different muscle groups and riding style. So yes it should have been done with a person who ride flats all the time

[@bagman-69]

GCN, make a video: shaved legs VS hairy

[@gcn]

with a wolf?

[@bagman-69]

chewbacca

[@kathr2773]

sfx prothetics?

[@vegn_brit5176]

werewolf

[@gillenzfluff8380]

I am What about shaving balls every little helps lol!

[@kenk278]

I'm impressed with how steady Matt is while riding. There is absolutely no sideways swagger. A machine!

[@NathanTeskey]

6:16 Matt still struggling to clip in, even with flat pedals... LMAO

[@mrjakobt]

Urine I think that was a joke.

[@NathanTeskey]

mrjt no shit, Sherlock

[@electricutiongaming4709]

Urine i

[@SalvatoreIovene]

I died.

[@jakubindustriesprofisoluti4254]

WHAT ON EARTH IS LMAO SERIOUSLY (am i the only person in the world who doesn't know it or is there a strava nerd club)

[@97Premiers]

Yet to go clipless after a crash last year with a resultant aversion to falling off. Happy to keep flats giving me the flexibility to stop safely and quickly if necessary. Each to their own. Riding my bike is for exercise with no great desire to sprint or race. Thanks for the video.

[@nawab256]

I switched back to flats just because I like being able to stop myself without having to worry about if my feet unclipped or not.

[@supernoobsmith5718]

Without raising the saddle height the "centimeter or two" throws out the entire experiment completely.

[@KandiKlover]

Nice BMX babeh.

[@mortimersteele]

Might as well delete the video

[@traianima]

No it doesn't. Had you watched the video? Or do you ride a bike? Saddle height doesn't matter...The difference is when the pedal out of the saddle.

[@keenlai7317]

Traian Constantin yes it does. Have you watched the video? Or ridden a bike? Cus if you had you would know that saddle height changes power output by alot.

[@johnbull5394]

I'm inclined to agree.

[@austinurias]

To whomever edited this video. Double thumbs up! The music is great, the subtle differences from most other GCN videos is great. You did a killer job!!

[@johnr.timmers2297]

I've always felt above all that clips offer a sense of security and confidence to push harder knowing that your feet will not lose track of the pedals or slip off.

[@nepoleonbonaparte3086]

i used clipless since i started biking and i dont feel unsafe...thats probably because ive never tried pedals with clips

[@leo_is_a_baka]

@@nepoleonbonaparte3086 btw just so you know clipless means that your feet are clipped to the pedals

[@sfvirgo]

Clip is seperation👌🏾

[@waterboxer87]

I ride mile after mile on my gravel bike equipped with flat pedals. I am not a racer, nor do I participate in group rides. I am blissfully happy with my flat pedals. I don't give a flying wallenza about anything but comfort and ease of use. I grew up using toe clips; I have never used clipless pedals. I believe in the Grant Peterson school of cycling.

[@swesleyc7]

I'm with you. I lose a lot of contact with bare flat pedals but when I bought toe cages / clips, it helped a lot. I honestly resisted clipless pedals for a long time and only really got them to be a part of the crowd but unsure if I really need them - I'm a recreational rider

[@wasdalosdickarchen]

#thesupplelife Grant Peterson & Ultraromance are my heroes, even if Ultraromance might be doped like a tour de france rider.

[@kenoliver8913]

I reckon "feel" is mostly what you are used to. I find its long rides that clipless helps you most on, by assuring secure foot placement and also by allowing you to vary muscles a bit on the climbs. But clipless pedals are much safer, more convenient and more comfortable than toe clips.

[@Buckets41369]

@@kenoliver8913 safer how?

[@haxhxm841]

4:24 the guy's face on the left is priceless when he sees these two professional just calm climbing

[@ClemensAlive]

7:40 what's that blocky thing on his front axis?

[@Arcwise]

Wahoo RPM speed sensor

[@cloroxbleach3936]

hi

[@Lone_wolf_31]

Great eye for detail ! 👍🏼

[@dailydoseoffunny5243]

Wahoo speed sensor

[@nevoyu]

I use flat pedals so I only have to bring one pair of shoes.

[@kenoliver8913]

I find much better to have proper flat BMX shoes - you need the ultra-stiff sole that ordinary sneakers do not provide. OTOH really stiff soled shoes get tiring on a long hike, so best have horses for courses.

[@poolsidepapi]

@@kenoliver8913 I think im going to use some vans, old skool!

[@eugabi9640]

I've never used clipless and I feel very very good on flats on my road bike and on my mtb as well. I have to mention that I generally love climbing. I suppose clipless are more efficient but I feel more freedom on flats and I love freedom. It's more confortable for me on long climbs to be able to move my feet on the pedals and change a little bit the position. I don't do much sprinting and when I do I have to addmit that clipless could proove helpful. Frankly I think it's all about exercising, and if I would have been put on clipless on descend let's say it would be really tricky and also on very technical climbing in the woods.

[@athousandpins]

Try straps. You get the best of both. IMO

[@Ferrodium]

Comparing two things while never used one of the two things is a bit tricky isnt it?

[@Buckets41369]

@@Ferrodium The problem with comparing flats to clipless is that to experience both you have to invest a lot of money into clipless and that alone will certainly influence favourability due to the desire of feeling some benefit

[@VitekHolubovsky]

Do a comparison between MTB clipless pedals and road pedals!

[@djconnel]

K4m1k4z3 Need to adjust for stack height. But clearly there will be no difference.

[@martincashman]

Agree, recently started using MTB clipless on the road as I don't race anymore and shoes are much more convenient for walking around at coffee stops etc, even used them on a recent trip to the Alps, would be curious if they make much difference in the real world in terms o power, though I think I'll stick with them for aforementioned convenience in any case.

[@TheLondonCyclist]

There's no difference. Your foot is either clipped, or not clipped.

[@DurianriderCyclingTips]

Ive set more PR's with power and distance records on XC pedals and shoes than my road shoes.

[@TheLondonCyclist]

Oh, no! It's the banana man. Haha

[@pmckinlay653]

Foot placement is the #1 reason I have tended away from flats since I tried my first pair of clipless pedals. I like the certainty of clipping in.

[@nickmasters8474]

I ride for fun, for fitness, and for transportation (my one bicycle is a 1993 Trek 520). I have ridden many thousands of miles. I've never bothered with anything other than plain flat pedals. I like the simplicity. I don't want to have to change my clothes or shoes to ride my bike. Just hop on and go. I ride fast enough for my taste. I also have never worn the spandex or used a power meter or any of that stuff. Sometimes the more sports-oriented enthusiasts will remark as if I'm not a real cyclist, or can't do real rides, but I've done many semi-long rides (50-80 miles) in plain ol clothes, plain ol flat pedals, on a heavy steel touring bike. Nothing against the more sports oriented people, but not all of us feel a need to have every little advantage in efficiency. I probably get a much bigger workout trying (and failing) to keep up with ya'll than you guys get flying around on your super light bikes with optimal efficient setups. :D

[@ronm7114]

the reason i use spandex is only because of inside leg irritation up to painfull

[@oussamadhouibi]

If you want to be the best every gram counts. If as you said you cycle casually of course the flats are the way to go, but I won't go on a 80miles with flats and normal clothes because it would be total torture and the danger increases

[@nickmasters8474]

@@oussamadhouibi If spandex and clip pedals work for you, that's cool. I've done many rides over 50 miles (and some rides over 80) in plain clothes, and honestly never had a problem. (The problems I've experienced had more to do with neck and shoulder pain, and numbing of hands/wrist). My main issue with the special cyclist equipment is that it reinforces the notion that cycling is a sport (a rather expensive one where you are expected to wear goofy fashion items). Most people will never be into cycling as a sport. But most people could, and probably should, be into cycling as a lifestyle. Some incredible portion of automobile trips are in the 2-5 mile range, which is an ideal distance for cycling. I think that we can help build the image of cycling as a "normal person's" means of transport, but I think that's hard to do when dressed up as a ancient alien astronaut! :D I don't hate cycling as a sport (I've enjoyed watching various races - the spring classics and the tour de france, for example). I don't begrudge you for wanting to wear efficient clothing that feels good for 80 mile rides. But I do urge people to consider the ways in which they can be a sort of ambassador for cycling as a lifestyle, and to consider how to do this most effectively.

[@oussamadhouibi]

@@nickmasters8474 we actually think in the same way, if you consider it as life style and a mean of transport the flats and some tidy clothes and good hard laceless shoes (with hard shoes will be having less back and knee pain 😉) will do you great. But if you consider it as sport and you want to be the best in it, you would be winning races only if you improve everything that you can. But honestly even if you consider it as a serious mean of transport wouldn't you invest in it as if you invest your car to increase efficiency and comfort? I am actually using them both, it depends on the situation that's exactly what you re saying I don't have to look like an alien all the time 😂

[@nickmasters8474]

@@oussamadhouibi At the end of the day, if you are choosing a bicycle over a car, you are doing alright in my book. :)

[@albert_ters]

i got my happiness in cycling back, when i restarted using the flat Pedals ... peace of mind !!

[@nidhoggr13]

I preferred flat pedals for a long time, but after getting used to SPD (no -SL) I've been using them on all my bikes (trekking/city, hardtail MTB, cyclocross and roadbike). If you are used to them you will even get out safely while being totally drunk, believe me. For me it is the safety of not slipping off my pedals and the added power when sprinting. My city bike got hybrid pedals, but 95% of the time I'm using the SPD side. Can't even imagine longer rides without them. For commuting / every day rides im using the Shimano XM9 shoes.

[@Grove332]

Could the difference arise from you being more used to clip-less rather than platform pedals?

[@majortom4543]

yes, they a bunch of dickheads

[@nikolaihedler8883]

Particularly in terms of peak power, it's impossible for the maximum power on flats to be as high as on clipless pedals.

[@antoinep9733]

Totally pointless exercise. Both of them aren’t used to riding flats, and most importantly they aren’t using sticky soled shoes designed to mate with the pedal, like 5tens etc.

[@nikolaihedler8883]

Alex Gowers I may wear Lycra, but I am by no means a middle-aged man. Also, almost anyone who would consider themselves a road cyclist wears clipless shoes.

[@itsumonihon]

i consider myself a road cyclist but don't wear clipless. i've seen too many bozo's fall over into fencing or on the ground at traffic lights to want to bother with it. if you're a racer there must be some benefit but for normal training and riding without trying to break speed records, flat pedals are fine. it comes down to pedaling technique and shoe grip, you have got to have very good, smooth pedaling to get the best out of them.

[@donnyo65]

after years of mountain biking using flats, I have recently started road riding with SPD's. I found that flats were great off road due to the fact you can change your foot placing slightly depending on terrain etc. I started with flats on my road (Touring) bike but now find being clipped in feels much more secure and also have SPD's on my gravel bike - horses for courses I guess.

[@georgebred]

5:53 Slowmotion footage of matt clipping in, or was this sped up?

[@jrocsunnyvale]

Clipless pedals are great, you just clip them in and away you go. I use them on all my saddleless bikes but I've found they don't work as well with spokeless wheels.

[@seanbailey317]

I don't have the confidence sprinting with flat pedals, i've slipped one too many times and had a very squeaky voice for a few mins.

[@user-el6mc6rj5l]

Sean Bailey use spiked pedals lmao

[@TheLondonCyclist]

Haha that made me laugh out loud. Thanks.

[@aaronchamberlain4698]

Without clipless you just have to care about your pedal/shoe combo. I use MTB pedals that have one flat side and one clip, and for regular shoes, I use either running shoes because they don't slip or Chrome (the brand).

[@HellGatefr2]

I use trail running shoes, never slips.

[@LostBeetle]

As a flat pedal rider myself I will agree, a balls out sprint is scary which is why I rarely do it. That little slip you're talking about when you're going over 30mph is a wake up call.

[@bobstigler]

...i tried using flat pedals with a stiffer sole shoe and it allowed way more foot placement options(switching back and forth from a 'toe' strike to more of a heal strike), less leg fatigue as the muscle recruitment was varied with my altering foot placement and an overall less confined riding posture. I will say however, sprints suffered slightly but overall endurance increased!

[@jnb22019]

I've thought about clipless for my commute but I can't find it would be practical for my type of commute. I think clipless might work best on long runs with few or no stops, that way the energy you're putting into pulling the pedals up would compound to a faster and more energy efficient ride. But when you have many traffic stops then the difference of pulling up on your pedals would be negligible.

[@zsszeli]

There are two-sided pedals so you can use whichever you like and don’t have to swap pedals constantly.

[@tomholtzscher1477]

Loved the look you got when passing effortlessly at 4:25

[@clockworkchaos784]

Being a recreational cyclist AND having freakishly wide feet -- I will forever be relegated to flats. Although technically not "pulling up", after I sweep back through the pedal stroke I do try to unweight so I'm not working against myself when pushing down with the opposite foot. Also, I have found what shoes I select have made a difference in that a stiffer sole alleviates "hot spots" I would tend to experience from soft soles on a longer ride.

[@hiurro]

I was waiting to get a clip of Matt struggling to clip into flats. You did not disappoint me.

[@boomerangfreak]

Just yesterday I bought me a set of shimano SPD pedals/shoes for my CX bike. When sprinting trough some bumpy grass fields I just couldn't go as fast as I could as my feet were just jumping around the pedals and I could barely keep my feet on my pedals. Though I very much love my flat pedals after even going for a short ride with the SPDs yesterday I could quickly see the appeal of clipless systems. At the moment I am still running my pedals on the lowest resistance so I can easily clip out without thinking about it too much until I get more used to them. Also planning to put the SPDs on my MTB (hardtail) to test em out there though on the long term I'll keep my flats on that just so I can use that bike for commuting and shopping runs with safety/NORMAL shoes :P

[@JuggaloSupreme]

boomerangfreak - They do make excellent, comfortable spd shoes that have rubber soles & are made for riding AND walking...and without sounding like u have high heels on. Got me a pair for $33 online...brand new!

[@torialyons2846]

When I changed from flat to clipless, I found the biggest benefit was in descending, especially in the UK with its dodgy roads - my feet were bouncing off the flat pedals. Also, being clipped in feels a lot more secure when pulling away from lights in heavy traffic, and in wet weather. I would hypothesise that there is very little measurable performance benefit, and any observed difference is due to training and efficiency adaptations. I would also propose that sporadic training with flat pedals would help recruit the larger, more powerful muscles - the video mentions this as a negative.

[@derpynerdy6294]

I think flats are better for me I can move freely cuz sometimes I do weird positions and in case if crashes u can freely jump on a flat compare to the clip

[@TheRealNonoh]

Dear GCN, please do something out-of-the-box experiment. Like "does complimentary upper body training improve cycling performance?"

[@thestopper5165]

Until recently I was using flat pedals with velcro pedal "straps", and had no drama pulling up on the back leg (although pulling up actually does stuff-all, and increases risk of injury). The straps were tight enough that I had to 'wedge' my foot in, but they allowed a bit of 'play'. I recently switched to SPD MTB pedals and cleats... all it's done so far is cause me to finish every ride with a slightly-sore right knee, despite hours wasted adjusting every aspect of cleat position and seat position.. With clipless, if you don't get the cleat position exactly right - fore/aft, side-to-side and foot angle - they are pretty unforgiving. They also require that you get saddle height and fore-aft position really dialled-in. What that effectively means, then, is that your setup is for a specific pair of shoes&cleats (or shoes with a specific sole thickness) - because if the shoe has a thicker sole your seating geometry will change enough to bugger things up. Flats with straps, on the other hand, give "float" in multiple directions (as opposed to just foot-angle with SPDs and SPD-SLs). It also seems absolutely obvious that a fixed sole position (relative to the pedal spindle) at all phases of the pedal stroke *is a terrible idea* . Plus, you look like a bloody Kardashian clomping around in those stupid shoes: the world needs fewer people in stupid shoes, not more.

[@sventice]

As mentioned, the riders were not used to flats, so of course they felt uncomfortable on them. I used clipless for a few years, then went back to flats, and have never looked back. But I'm also a different kind of rider, more interested in cyclocross, touring and pub crawls than riding super fast road bikes. In my mostly subjective opinion, clipless are in fact more efficient, but only by about 5% at most. (Oddly enough, I think the greatest advantage of clipless is in climbing.) 5% is of course a huge difference if you're racing or trying to impress on group rides, but if you're touring or just going to work, a 3-5% performance loss is a small price to pay for the greatly increased comfort and convenience of flats.

[@bagman-69]

So which are faster? I've been riding flat on road bike and cyclocross for over a year. Had a few rides ~90km with other clipless cyclists and they never had to wait for me. I don't think there's a big difference

[@CJC94]

I am Try out clipless, go back to flats and you'll definitely notice it

[@bagman-69]

I tried it, had it when I bought my first road bike. I'm commuting everyday ~20miles to work and I found it unnecessary to use clipless, because I have to stop a few times on red lights. And whenever I cycle with my friends who wear clipless and shave their legs I can keep up with them...

[@tychoMX]

Don't compare yourself to others, but to your own benchmarks. For me it also makes a massive difference in sprints and heavy efforts. If you're doing CX - are you winning the holeshot? Are you with the lead riders? Are you winning the races? If so, time to upgrade - and if you're already elite - congratulations, would be amazing if anyone in the CX World Cups was using flats and being competitive (it happens there often enough when the pedals get clogged with crap, anyway). If that's not the case then your rides are not challenging enough. And there's nothing wrong with that (or whatever pedal/bike/gear you use) - if you're happy with what you're doing, keep on at it. It's a huge commitment to ride up all the way to your natural potential. But it doesn't mean there's no difference. Check out an amateur triathlon - you'll see plenty of guys with hybrid and mountain bikes. They'll still ride, they'll still finish, they'll still have a great time. Doesn't mean it's as fast as a dedicated bike.

[@UnseenSpirit]

I am what's your Strava? Let's see what speeds you're doing, distances and elevation etc..

[@ryancandelario3362]

Rod Diaz ik

[@mericvanhelsing7088]

Hello, I am a 58-yrs old cyclist, and I work as bike-guide in Tenerife / Canary Islands. (Strava: Mario Brozz) I use flat pedals since I start cycling, and only use cleats for short distances, such as time-trial exercises. The reason for that is, that my feets naturally tend to "supinate". As for my case I never really could adjust the cleats to my needs, and it would hurt my knees and ankles over long distances over 100 km, because the position of the cleats would be not perfect. Now, it took me quite a lot of time experimenting with different kind of shoes and flat pedals to find out which are the most "comfy" and effective combination of all. I remarked that the sole of my shoes need to grip perfectly into the pedals to avoid slipping. As an example, I use the SALOMON / Speed cross 3, which does perfectly grip into the pedals and keep my feets balanced the way I need. As for the pedals: I use lighweight BMX / model Odyssey which ensure to be large enough for my feets (keep in mind that the pedals had to be slighly a bit larger as the shoes you use, to assure that the pressure point is at 100%) Now for those who don't know about supination / pronation, just take a look to the sole of your shoes you wear: the areas where the wear is most pronounced. If the outer part of your sole is the most worn out, then you are a supinator, like about 10% of the population. If it is the inner part of your sole that is the most worn out, then you are a pronator, like 45% of the population. Hope that helps those who use flat pedals, have an nice day. everyone

[@ofthelord1020]

So you are saying if my feet tend to lean outwards i have supination and i would be better on flats?

[@andyp123456]

Ever since I saw a rider who was probably new to clipless pedals stop at an intersection and just fall flat on his side because he messed up unclipping, I've not wanted to ride with them. Having to get special shoes is also another disadvantage, although I've seen some regular cool looking shoes that were SPD compatible. I am personally more into just getting out and enjoying the outdoors than trying to set speed records, so I don't really bother with any special clothing, except for shorts to reduce chafing on anything more than 50km.

[@henryjacobsen6873]

Andrew Palmer I just did that twice on my first day lol. Thankfully I was safe & okay just looked like a noob. I like the efficiency though especially climbing when I clip in.

[@jayteegamble]

'Clipless moments' always happen at the most embarrassing time. Thankfully (as they always happen at 0mph) you rarely are gonna get hurt.

[@lynnphillips8770]

Andrew Pal

[@skylineguy376]

yes! I agree so much. There's a cycling center near me, so I get a lot of riders in my area. I can't tell you how many geared up wannabes I fly past. If you're training, just wear workout clothes you are comfortable in. Save aero suits for speed days and races. Comfort >>> looking edgy

[@jayteegamble]

@@skylineguy376 That doesn't make any sense to me. Spandex jerseys are the best clothing for cycling in (better when wet from sweat, back pockets, more visible). Why can't i just wear the best gear for what i'm doing? Why do you care what i wear?

[@Dylan-no3nu]

It'd be really cool if you did a similar video comparing clipless MTN, clipless road, and toe clip pedals

[@ThisIsMyFullName]

Of curse you're going to see two similar results, when you're both clipless riders to begin with. You should have had a MTB flat pedal rider to compare with.

[@davidtanycoed]

Its funny reading the comments with people belittling the other over what they use and what's better. Personally I feel its like comparing apples and pears. I think each has its pros and cons which changes with the situations. I spent several years using clipless but recently started using flats. From my own experience I would definitely say clipless are better for road performance and I would also say that you feel more as one with the bike, you are connected and it feels like the bike becomes an extension of your body. However, there is less flexibility to vary and share the strain over the muscles through the feet and legs over long periods of time and you are constantly fixed with only slight room for movement. With Flats I find they offer the opportunity to reduce muscle fatigue over longer distances and feels more relaxed which I find is better suited for non performance with a mixture of off and on road on long distances. They also allow you to vary the pressure point on the pedal from the front and middle of the foot. I also find flats are better when coping with recovery from injuries or weak knees and or ankles or have a condition ie suffering from something like plantar fasciitis

[@aaronwildecomposer]

As a courier, it makes more sense for me to use flat pedals. I've seen riders nearly go under a bus because they couldn't get their foot out in time. It also means my shoes are safe for running up stairs and through the street. Also, I don't think pulling your knee joint up is good for it. I think you guys are both used to clipless, so of course you're adapted to them. Those flats you chose are rubbish. They are huge and put holes in your shoes. I'll stick to my tiny Evans flats.

[@kajet666]

One of the most fun to watch (even if not entirely necessary advice-wise) GCN videos. One more test I'd like to watch is descending on less-than-perfect tarmac in clipless and platform pedals. I've tried it, for lack of alternatives, and man does it suck to have to brake just for fear of your feet falling off the pedals when the bike vibrates on a choppy road!

[@gulfcitynd]

flats allow for rides with regular shoes and better for training and commutes

[@TamagoSenshi]

You can use regular shoes with clipped pedals, but I've removed the straps, because they're a hazard on the road.

[@austinshoupe1506]

My Account I had those once. The clip side always faces up because the wider flat side weighs more. It's easier to just go with flats.

[@pbassred]

I had some Shimano M324s on my CX/road bike for a year. Heavy, easy to clip in once you got the right side, but difficult to get out of. They still have an outer cage even if its not a proper flat pedal. I think that there is still some contact/resistance with the shoe. Some hairy moments. I keep work shoes at work - simples!

[@lukelyons7255]

nicholas danca how is it better training? why don't pros train with flat pedals so?

[@bachelbel]

I used that once, it's not that practical. When you need to start at traffic lights or in the middle of a slope, one side clip pedals are real pain in the ass. Normal shoes can also step on to mtb clipless pedals, you just have to ride slower. I mean when you are not even wearing clipless shoes, why do you have to go fast?

[@lozviv1180]

Flats all day every day. Smoke most riders I see even with clipless. Being able to change foot position while rideing is a must, and also helps combat muscle fatigue.

[@karlstrugnell1001]

loz viv call bullshit on that You mean you smoke 60year olds riding to the shops doing 12 mph

[@connieback7577]

That thing you said about foot position is key. Locking into a clipless pedal doesn't allow full use of all your lower extremity muscles. You can only do that when you can change the position of your foot on the pedal. Also being locked into a single position increases the likelihood of introducing knee pain / injury to your cycling experience.

[@saahildhawan6127]

loz viv if it’s so much better why don’t pros use it

[@KandiKlover]

True I've found changing foot positions slightly to help a lot more, there's zero benefit to clip pedals in every day real world use. If anything they're an unnecessary hassle when stopping at lights and also a safety hazard as I've seen people fall over getting stuck in the clips as well if the bike slips a little for whatever reason I've saved myself before being able to instantly push my foot against the ground and keep going where as clip pedals would have you fall over, not something you want in traffic. I also just wear regular clothes too instead of goofy cycling gear and still keep ahead of the lycra bois.

[@Deadbuck73]

I’ve been debating for over twenty years... you may have helped me finally get to a decision.... thank you.

[@athousandpins]

What about strap pedals like my Power Grips? They keep my feet in place over the right spot in the pedal and give me an upstroke as well. I use them on my road bike and I love them. They were recommended to me by someone who does cross country tours.

[@Giljrg]

Used to ride clipless on all my bikes for a few years but I got really fed up with replacing cleats, shoes (wearing out inside of shoe) and smashing my knee on the handlebar because even at max setting during sprints I could rip my foot out of the clip occasionally. Gone back to flats, can wear whatever shoes i want, very happy.

[@Vince1648]

I prefer the comfort and feeling of freedom to slightly change positions flat pedals give me, I'm 100% sure it is better for your knees as well. I used clipless on my road bike and flat pedals on my fitness and mountain bike. Now my road bike has flat pedals as well and I will never look back.

[@chrisandsamlivingthedream]

I've never used clipless .. but I never have to think about pedals when I'm riding .. I've got a great pair of flats on my mountain bike , just brought some giro mtb shoes for both my bikes .. they grip my flat peddles on mountain bike .. I've just brought a cannondale caad optimo .. it's Awesome but the pedals are crap .. so going change them to mtb flats .. this vid definitely made me think don't get clipless .. there's not that much in it unless you are a pro ... good vid guys , but would rather have seen a flat peddle rider doing this test with you ..

[@fubar12345]

Worth mentioning that clipless pedals hypothetically put more wear and tear on your meniscus due to the twisting motion required to unclip. Since there's very limited options for treating meniscus damage, I personally choose flats with decent studs and well matched shoes.

[@chauccy]

Perhaps comparison between SPD and SPD SL next time please?

[@KeaAlstrup]

Hi I think that for making a real comparison, you should lover your seat post to get the advantage op being able to drop your heel down where it’s supposed to be when pedaling on flats. I’m not into road bikes. But when I’m teaching new ones on MTB, and flats, the most common problem is Road bike-feet. The toes is always pointing towards the ground. And the feets are dropping of the flats all the time when hitting obstacles on the surface. You would be able to push much harder on the pedal if your heel are below the center of the pedal, due to the fact that all your power will be pot into the pedal, and not on top, and over it. And you are able to do the pulling. Of course not as hard as when you are clipped in. But, from the bottom of the circle , toe down push backwards and do the pulling backwards. You’ll be surprised how much you are able to pull. I have been riding for 30 years clipped on the bike. But got persuaded to try flats, and have not changed since. But its like politics and religion, don’t go there! Just another way of using your feet. Brilliant video, and a god topic.

[@buckroger6456]

A roadie with a full face helmet on just killed me lol.

[@eniojurko]

Clipless big strength is dedicated shoe stiff sole, that helps much during power transfer! I came to the same conclusion about clipless, their greatest adv. is felt during sprinting. For the test to be accurate you need to ride flats way longer than that, you can't be as efficient with them in such a short time, thus little skewing the results(which would probably be similar but the difference would be lesser between the two).

[@johnrodgers6049]

I didn't read all of the comments but I would think the biggest difference in power is due to the stiffness of the clipless shoe.

[@karlstrugnell1001]

John Rodgers and the anount of engagement you lose with no up/over/under atroke on flats

[@CJTranceAddiction]

I get that same engagement with caged pedals as I would clipless. My feet are much more secure with the cage than without. Less movement.

[@peterYOUpanne]

There are stiff mtb show for flat pedals

[@MrLucifuge1973]

I've been debating "going clipless" for some time and I just don't see how the small improvements in performance outweigh my existence. Case in point: Last week, at about 9-930 I was in a bike lane coming up on a set of lights where I had the green. There was a cab that just came to a full stop in the right turning lane. The way the street light was shining i could see him quite clearly at about 20 feet I saw his head move to the left, instantly I thought he's checking for cars and sure enough, started to pull out. I laid the bike down and let it go. The bike ended up pinned under his front tire and I can't help to think if I was clipped in if I would have... 1. remembered 2. had time to unclip. Maybe, maybe not but I know for sure if I would have went with the bike it would have been body parts and not just bike parts broken.

[@80Hugoc]

Flat pedals allow for adjustments of the position of the feet on the fly, which might be translated in increased performance (sprinting) and overall efficiency.

[@Gkuljian]

I've got a few 30% climbs on the trails here, and there's no way you could get up those without clipless pedals. I never thought there was a question until seeing all of the videos on this topic. I still love my eggbeaters.

[@totallynotascammer]

my strava segments were all gold after my first ride with clipless pedals

[@matthewlewis2072]

...and then you woke up

[@LainOTN]

my strava segments were all gold on my first ride coming back from clipless to flats.

[@rolandhilgarth4028]

Late to the party, but I use flat pedals with toe clips. I think the addition of toe clips may change feel especially on a sprint. I’ve tried clipless and just really don’t like doing the leg twist to unclip.

[@nurtenakturk4483]

Matt and Dan are pro cyclists. They have great pedalling technique. That is why they saved up to 30% energy. If an amateur was riding there wont be that much difference.

[@FlatSpinMan]

Duru Aktürk As it is, sprinting aside, it was basically equal. My impression of this video was that they just prefer clipless pedals as that is what they are used to. Nothing here convinced me to spend a couple of hundred bucks setting up a clipless system for my cycling.

[@bigring6424]

Nobody saves energy based on pedal choice, and nobody is claiming that. Pedals have no resistive elements in which to lose energy and no power source from which to supply it. People confuse force and energy. Pedals are passive. Energy is conserved. To put out 300 watts, you must provide 300watts, regardless of pedal type.

[@EwanMusic]

Can someone recommend some good flat pedals for road cycling? I'm too poor for clipless.

[@smachsimo]

I think it's worth noting that you compared 15-20 years of experience of clipless pedals to virtual no experience riding flat pedals. Also, it's the first time I see GCN anti-selling something, I expect you will get a call from Crankbrothers

[@frankhutton6747]

They were only "anti-selling'' flat pedals not those flat pedals. That's why they kept saying '' I got so much grip from those pedals" or similar.

[@hymen0callis]

at 7:34: What does Matt have on his front hub? Some kind of speed sensor? Never seen that before.

[@TheBony45]

its the garmin speed sensor

[@RogerChua76]

wahoo speed sensor?

[@gcn]

it is the Wahoo speed sensor.

[@TheBony45]

oh sorry my bad. I have the garmin one, it's terrible

[@TheBenrollo]

hymen0callis are you young? Everybody had speed sensors in the old days

[@Michaelsmith21588]

Can you guys do a test SPD vs SPD-SL on the same bike?

[@Naturalhighz]

so MTB clipless vs road clipless basically? I doubt you will see any difference in numbers but again in terms of feel, quite a big difference.

[@thor2767]

one is a smaller base less power less maintenance made for mountain biking one is a larger base better power transfer for road biking and they do have a video showing the differences on there channel some where

[@Nicoya]

I've never understood the "area = power" argument for different clipless pedal styles. If the shoe isn't flexing significantly (and it shouldn't be), where's the power loss? I'd love to see some scientific explanation for that, if any exists at all.

[@thor2767]

take a nail with a small head and hit it with a large head hammer the point of contact is still very small and will make a pressure point. take a large nail head and a large head hammer and the point of contact is much larger having a better spread of power and making it more comfortable on your legs and feet.

[@Nicoya]

But that's just a matter between the shoe and the cleat. Once the force is transferred into the stiff sole of the shoe it's no different as far as your foot is concerned, nor the rest of your leg.

[@chrisholmes_90]

I went from flats to clipless recently. Outside of power, performance etc the main benefit (which you touched on) is that your feet don't move. When you're putting the power down, or when it's wet (my flats didn't have as much grip as some) having your feet locked in such that you don't even have to think about them makes a world of difference to your ability to put power down. When riding my single-speed commuter I use straps and notice a huge difference in 'stability' (I guess) vs when I have no foot retention at all. I would always ride with some kind of retention.

[@robwalker4653]

One could argue that clipless allows you to get away with poor pedalling technique by holding your foot in place.

[@russellwilson5246]

were the flat shoes stiff bike shoes?if not go back and do the test again with soft flexable shoes on bothe bikes

[@chavoxo50]

Modern mountain bike flats and shoes such as 5 ten have gotten so good! This wasn't even a logical debate a few years ago. The only time I ride clipless anymore is on a spandex serious road ride. Mountain biking and commuting hands down flats.

[@velo1337]

if you do a normal ride where you ride 200 avp there is absolutly 0 difference between both, thats why i ride flats.... i agree, you have no chance in sprints, but other than that, they are the same

[@karlstrugnell1001]

velo1337 your a moron you can drive the whole stroke like you can clipped in Cant drive over and under the stroke your feet ainply cant stay on the pedals

[@mikefule]

Exactly: flat out, extracting every last percentage point, maybe there's a tiny difference. The video shows an extra 3 Watts on just over 300 W, so about 1%. The convenience, comfort and economy of flat pedals outweighs that for me. And if you want to learn to spin fast and smoothly on flats, try riding fixed for a while.

[@FaustRSI]

@@mikefule The video shows an extra 3 Watts for FLATS for one rider and an extra 3 Watts for clips for other

[@darroncharlesworth6980]

Curious what would happen if you used the old toe clips with the flat peddles?

[@haxhxm841]

There should be another episode with having straps with flat pedals vs clipless

[@kenoliver8913]

Na, straps are EVIL. Had a nasty accident 30 years ago wearing straps.

[@gramamarius4321]

Italy the Dolomite Mountains.Alta Badia in Trentino region, just before the start of the Valparola Pass, Nice 👍

[@fossilworksprojects]

I've always used flats for sprint Triathlons, I feel like I'm more likely to save 20 seconds in the transitions than in the ride. However for any ride above 30km I'd want clipless

[@billarnerich7759]

FYI: A growing number of us older guys in the States are using are using Pyro Pedals or cages in sprint duathlon races for the simple reason that we don't want to be bothered changing out of then back into our running shoes for such a short race. What we lose in power output on the bike leg (2-3%??) we feel we more than make up for by our much faster transitions.

[@paullawtable]

Could not be bothered changing shoes on a ride. Then again I only ride for pleasure and to keep fit, I couldn't care less about speed or effort.

[@shawnpitman876]

You act as if everything is SPD-SL, it's not.

[@lioneldurrant3789]

Great work as always guys. Another point to add is the fact that the shoes being used with clipless pedals are stiffer, which offers better power transfer than regular shoes on standard pedals..

[@Petro250]

All studies on this show no difference in efficiency between types of pedals

[@marcjourne707]

Beautiful scenery! Is that in Switzerland?

[@TomazKusar74]

No. This was shot in the Italian Dolomites. Passo Valparola: www.google.com/maps/place/Valparola+Pass/@46.5324911,11.9638139,13.75z/data=!4m5!3m4!1s0x477838467efd7bfd:0x576876078eacc1ac!8m2!3d46.5333!4d11.9833 Near famous Sella Ronda circle... 😉🚴‍♂️

[@r-series8705]

Lol GCN like the comment but didnt even answer it.

[@johnbull5394]

@@r-series8705 Since there were road signs, the question didn't merit a reply to be frank.

[@PopInternational8787]

Dude, the cameraman recording this guy is all I'm focused on right now.

[@JerrysScenicCycling]

I switched from clipless to flats on my road bike several years ago. With clipless I had a problem with calf muscle cramps when I came off the bike and started running in triathlon competition. I switched to flats, and most important, I moved the pedal from ball of my feet to mid-sole. Result was that my riding recruited my gluteus maximus muscle more (biggest muscle in our body) and was less strain on my legs, especially important since I needed my legs for running. I feel I am a much stronger rider all around now that I have minimized the use of my leg muscles and maximized the use of my gluteus maximus muscle. (You can't get the most out of your gluteus maximus if the power has to pass through smaller muscles of the leg.)

[@mrmrmaples]

Jerry Nolan, I keep trying to find the answer, maybe KZbin can explain it to me. By what measure is the glute the biggest muscle in the body?

[@JerrysScenicCycling]

Matthew, the glute is the biggest muscle as measured by diameter. The diameter of a muscle correlates with strength. In the case of the glute it has both strength and stamina. The glutes amazing strength is demonstrated in weight lifting, running, stair climbing, and, of course, biking. For power think of what weight lifters can do in the dead lift or squat. For stamina think of what the glutes do to propel a runner up mountain trails or a cyclist in the Tour de France. Success in athletic sport is gained by the guy who can maximize the use of the largest muscles of the body and minimize the use of the smaller muscles. I learned this from my days as a kayak racer. We didn't use our arms to power the kayak, we used the large muscles in our shoulders and back. We liked to think of our arms as just ropes for pulling on the paddle. Our arms are really wimpy when it comes to power. But they are great for the complicated fine movements needed to paddle a tippy kayak in rough water.

[@karlstrugnell1001]

So your inability to set up a pedal/cleat is your issue here

[@robertpowell3525]

I realize I'm kinda late to the game on this, but that was the first thing I noticed in the video - their foot placement on the flats was too much ball of foot on the pedal. Riding flats is different than riding clipped and just as it takes awhile to get used to riding clips, the same goes for flats. At the end of the day (and all this video really ended up stating) is that it comes down to personal preference. Even for an XC mountain biker like me, I prefer the control of flats, I would also add that if you are converting to flats get good shoes like pair of 5/10s.

[@nikoulph]

Can somebody explain me why clipless (literally without clips) is used to call pedals with clips? Tnx for the help

[@JustcallmeDebbieB]

I am so confused....

[@P4P5]

Should you actually pull up when pedaling? Obviously when you use clipless pedals. They did it here in a sprint, but what about otherwise? Some say yes, some no... So?

[@nixo139]

Aleš Papler ofcourse, that is the reason that they made them

[@mrmrmaples]

Do science and ask the scientist, GCN! I've heard the lifting muscles are small and don't add much, but maybe every little bit counts!

[@karlstrugnell1001]

Totally 100% according to my power meter i use 35-40% of the upstroke(hamstrings) and it adds a massive amount of power for less muscle fatigue Anyone that doesnt pull up with the hams needs to stop riding a bike

[@johnmcgill1092]

@@karlstrugnell1001 what a total load of crap.Perhaps the dumbest thing I have read on the internet and that's hard to beat.

[@ohyonghao]

One area where clipless really shines is very steep climbs. While I lived in Taiwan there was one of my favorite hills to climb where you are going 6% or so and then a ramp of about 25-30% comes up. I've gone up that countless times. I've used a folding bike and a road bike with clipless, and a road bike with flats. The only time I had to walk up the ramp was with the flat pedal road bike as I was needing to put so much power through it that my other foot just flew off the pedal.

[@SmukKully]

Why are they called clipless pedals ?!?!? When you clip them in.... 🤔🤔

[@vaugr1917]

Should be called strapless

[@FaustRSI]

@@mikefule so why to stuck with it? Just never use this dumb word, I never do and people somehow always understand me.

[@FaustRSI]

@@mikefule it's silly to use examples of words with thousands of years history with a what, 40 years old therm? Don't make me laugh. Other examples (like 27 speed) are just examples of use because of convenience, but there is nothing convenient in "clipless", only mislead. And yeah, at least half of people say "seat", not "saddle".

[@skippygirl959]

I just say clip-in pedals

[@FaustRSI]

@@skippygirl959 I simply say "clips" or "contacts" 😁 when we are talking about bikes,everyone understands

[@onii-san3851]

I saw the full video to see if you would mention wet roads and I could tell you I don have clip in pedal or shoes and it’s certainly annoying to bike when the shoes get wet and I can’t get any grip. I hope I can transition to clip in pedals some day. Thanks for the analysis.

[@phantomcruizer]

That’s why “Toe clips” are a good compromise.

[@chickasawranger759]

phantomcruizer double strapped!

[@SahirSiddiqui]

I've big feet and even bigger shoes. They don't fit into the toe clips and I ride the first couple of rides with the pedal upside down (row clip on bottom) before I finally disposed of them

[@monkmchorning]

I find that without cleats I can't keep my feet on the pedals at higher cadences. And I seem to get a little more torque on steep hills with the pull-up effect, and plus a kick-forward effect I get over the top of the stroke.

[@gamingfreak6639]

Flats for fun, clips for speed.

[@seven9766]

On an xc hardtail: Flats if you want to go jumping or tricking. Clips if you wanna go to warp speed in any direction.

[@stevecross667]

LOL moment with Matt trying to clip in on flats.. love it.

[@MickRaven1]

even tho i mastered clipless pedals over 3 years, they still make me feel anxious. so i switched back to flats...

[@tbonestillz]

Clipless is simply better. It's not JUST about power, it's about control and a proper form stroke. This over time is ALL ABOUT knee health and muscle balance. You need to be able to pull up to balance the quad and hamstrings; just mashing down means you are over-balancing towards the quads, thereby wearing away and swelling your patella faster.

[@matthewmeehan7817]

THIS. I literally just got my first pair of clipless today, and rode my bike a short 2 mile to drop it off at the shop (broken spoke) The feeling in my knees was amazing. I could feel how much less it was being strained even on that short of a ride.

[@NielsHeldens]

4:25 *hello darkness my old friend*

[@dcfincher]

I stood up too fast again.