How Clipless Pedals Can Help Your Riding

Being attached to your bike with clipless pedals can be a daunting prospect but they can give you much more control over your MTB. Allowing you to manipulate the bike, ride lighter and with better pedalling efficiency🤘
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Leave us a comment below!

[@gmbn]

Do you ride with clipless pedals? Let us know!

[@miomafia93]

Flats for MTB, clipless for road/gravel.

[@swpa8742]

I’d like to try clipless pedals for climbing power, but often I find situations where I would likely crash if I weren’t on flat pedals. Like when my front tire slips around a corner and I need to step off the bike instead of going down with it.

[@joppek77]

I started with toe-clips back in the early 90:s (proper hazard those were), then switched to Shimano SPD 737:s the moment they came out. Been riding them ever since and I'm so used to them that I'm not sure if I'm even able to ride flats anymore. :) I'd like a set of flats, though, for practicing bunny hopping and wheelies and stuff.

[@TheTubaEmporer]

Im probably 50/50 on clipless

[@smokedsalmon3907]

Flats for life. A solid pedal with good pins and shoes with some rubber practically already clips you in. I also always try to push my limits which often involves having to dab or sometimes falling off the bike a bit. With clips I feel like I'd just be slower on everything besides climbs. Also with flats you can adjust, for climbs the pedal under the ball of your foot is better vs descents it feels better having your feet a bit more centered on the pedals.

[@ToddHanson]

Next week, Blake explains how awesome spandex is!

[@smokedsalmon3907]

Week 3: Blake's quitting mtb and focusing solo on long distance road riding.

[@nicolaunionsspezialfiliall3962]

Dude... Spandex is great. I wish they'd allow it in actual races.

[@LRF49]

@@nicolaunionsspezialfiliall3962 They do. XC and cross country. I wear my lycra. IDGAF. I get looks on the trail for wearing it and being clipped in. Then, they wonder why I can climb fast without losing momentum.

[@nicolaunionsspezialfiliall3962]

@@LRF49 I meant downhill and enduro races. Never seen someone that doesn't wear lycra in an xc (at least not the ones i've raced in)

[@LRF49]

@@nicolaunionsspezialfiliall3962 Oh. Okay. Makes sense. I'm a roadie mostly, and the one thing I noticed about MTBikers, is that they try so hard to be different. The ironic part is that they've become more like roadies than they realize. For example, the whole weight of the bike and components. I mean, people spend thousands more on bike because it's a pound lighter LMAO. Like, comment n. In a MTB, it's all about skills. Weight might be an issue in XC races.

[@willdavis9568]

I ride clips when I’m racing downhill and training but in the off season I ride flats to have fun and do some tricks and muck around on random things

[@alhypo]

When my friends are curious about clipless pedals, I recommend they try the SPD multi-directional release cleat. These are the cleats that have a big "M" stamped on the bottom. They are super easy to un-clip and feel very natural. You don't get that "locked in" feeling I think a lot of flats riders are wary of. I often have more trouble getting my feet off the pins of my Chester pedals than I have un-clipping from my SPDs.

[@DimitryGobbo]

I use clipless pedals. 1 month ago, I went to a race and forgot my shoes. I borrowed a flat pedal from Sram neutral support to race. It was my worst experience on a bike in the last 2 years.

[@palioman]

You need adjustment time for clips man! Worst decision ever hahaha

[@DimitryGobbo]

No man... I already use clipless pedals. I just forgot to get my clipless shoes to this race. I used normal shoes with flat pedals. My feet never floated that much.

[@palioman]

Ok now it makes sense

[@newttella1043]

Much harder to go from clipless to flats actually.

[@johnabeln6593]

You need the right shoes with flats or yes they do suck.

[@theguzziman]

So here’s a thing. I’ve ridden my mountain bike clipped in for 22 or more years. Until this year. I’ve gone back to flats and feel more confident on harder trails than I have for a while. As my skills improve I might go back to clipping in. But I think I’ve been relying on being attached to the bike with some speed to get through stuff rather than developing the skill to do it.

[@matt-jami-Van]

I ride/like both types of pedal and think they each have their pro/cons. I think Blake's comments about "riding lighter" really made the point, to me, about the biggest difference between flats and clipless. You can do almost all of the same things on flats, (move the bike around, lift the rear end, even have an upwards pull on the pedal, etc.) BUT, it's sooooo much harder to do that stuff with flats and takes a lot of pressure on the pedal so your foot stays on. For me, it's no question as to which pedal is easier to ride (after a learning curve), and allows better bike control once you're dialed in: Clipless all the way.

[@darylwilson2723]

I’ve just spent the last year learning to ride flats after 30 years of riding clipless (although the first few years were with toe straps!). Now Blake is encouraging me back towards clipless!

[@ZOB4]

I ride clipless almost all the time, but I do a weekly skills session when I switch them out for flats to make sure I’m learning the proper technique.

[@connorwilsonbikes111]

My plan from now😂

[@Svenmpa]

Clipless pedals all the way for me. They give bike control that I wouldn't have otherwise.

[@davisclark0776]

Honestly, When I got onto Clips for my 1st for Cross Country racing. I was super stoked, till I had this super bad crash. That’s when I was totally scared from them and went back to flats. After a while gaining my confidence back & finally got back into Clips. Enjoying them SO much now, it really helps me give more control of my bike, speed, WATS, etc. When’s theirs a really hard technical section come up, one thing I tell myself. Don’t stop peddling or You’ll tip.

[@craigluscombe3310]

I’ve been clipless for just over 20 years, and now about to get a set of flats. I’m doing a lot more urban free riding now instead of trails and cross country, and thinking flats will help when balancing on ledges and skinnies as I could get my feet off easier. I am super excited to give them a try. Not many channels/riders I follow use clipless so nice to see you give them some love! Haha 🤘😀🤘

[@michaelstewart9308]

I changed from flats to clipless about a year ago when I got rid of my full suspension bike and staying riding an aggressive hardtail. I've found it has boosted my confidence through rough stuff because I can be light on the bike without my feet flying off the pedals. So long as I'm on a hardtail or any short travel bike, I'll definitely be clipped in, if I get a longer travel bike again I might try flats again but that won't be for a while because hardtails are life for now

[@Primarch_Vulkan]

I switched to clipless the start of this year and i discovered pretty much what Blake did and loving them.

[@ricki.t3445]

I have a set of half clipless, half fats. I ride flattes for my morning and afternoon commute, then on the weekends I ride clipless. It’s so nice to swap back and forth between then without having to change my pedals. Best addition to my bike.

[@TheCmcyclist]

After something like 25 years riding clipless mtn bike pedals I just recently decided to give flats a go. I find the riding experience much better, far more enjoyable and less stressful.

[@pierrebroccoli.9396]

Spent a year on flats going through technique after many years on clips. Now gone back to clips and found the same as you as to their advantages but the time on flats was invaluable. Well, except for the odd shin bash ))

[@Shauncat1]

Thank you, I've been riding cleats on my road bike for years and was always scared of riding my mtb clipped in on off roads and trails. After watching your videos and getting feedback on your rides, I'm now looking forward to riding clipped in a trails.

[@marcdemichele2689]

Been riding mtb's since 1989. Yep..My first 3 bikes were rigid. I have ridden clipless for around 25 yrs and have found it's all about the type of riding you do. My locals are perfect for clipless. A lot of quick punchy climbs, and pretty short DH's. I spend most of my time climbing so they are a huge help. If I spent most of my time descending, or riding "bike parks" it would be flats fo' sho'! Both have their advantages AND disadvantages. There are different bikes for different disciplines, and pedals are the same. Learning to bunny hop and other necc. techniques riding flats is a must. Clipless def. take some DEDICATED time to learn. A week or two isn't nearly enough to truly understand the benefits of these pedals. It's a bit daunting in the beginning but the payoffs are real. Cheers!!

[@kaischlickum5954]

I’ve just migrated to Clipless pedals. Never go back to flats. Awesome efficiency increase and feels so much more stable in the rough bits.

[@thomasmedeiros5722]

If you’re a skier stepping into a binding is natural. I started riding back in 1984 to cross training for the ski season so when Shimano introduced their SPD pedals it was a natural feeling for me. Bottom line is to ride what ever your comfortable with there is no absolute right or wrong.

[@teemzzz1]

clipless pedals are must if you want to put down 100% of the power you generate ! Love them

[@itscrazycocotime4518]

I'm trying to make the switch, started using them on my hardtail as I thought they would be most beneficial on that. But after being slow down trails I'm usually much faster on, and having a few slow speed falls on steep tight turns I went back to flats, still use the clips for flatter xc type riding. Thinking of trying them on the full suss down the steep stuff ! Nothing ventured nothing gained, except maybe more skint knees and scraped legs !! 😂

[@danacameron8878]

I've been riding clipped in for years (Time ATAC XE pedals on both my MTB and road bike) and love it because of all the advantages Blake notes in this video. GMBN has taught me a lot and I'm getting more adventurous, so I'm looking at possibly upgrading to new MTB clipless pedals for a slightly broader surface.

[@lukeeastonwright1651]

One of my favourite videos I ordered some clips while watching this

[@ChrisLemonis]

I am still with flat pedals. However I would like to give myself an advantage to explore my trail side. So I 'll consider switching to clipless pedals seriously. Thanks Blake! Good hint!

[@gmbn]

It's worth giving a go Chris! Try borrow some shoes and pedals if possible just to try!

[@dubbreak]

A few tips if you go for it: be picky about shoe fit (makes a much bigger difference than flats). If you do much hiking considering Shimano (or maybe HT) since the steel cleats will last longer. Start at the lowest tension. I started with 2 click tension on XT trails which was fine, but then I tried the lowest tension.. only time I get accidental release is bumping into rocks or trees sideways but I can take my foot off like it's a flat. It's magic. I can pull up and the pedal and put all my (mediocre) power down and still get out super fast. Actually if may be easier than super pointed flats since I don't have to lift my foot off the pedal.

[@dubbreak]

Oh I started at 2 clicks because that's what Jeff kendall-weed runs. His clipless video is great and has great tips (like replacing your cleats if you start getting accidental releases). BUT Jeff is a machine that lays down some serious watts, so him running 2 clicks is like a mere mortal running less. And one last thing: you will fall. Mainly in the first couple days and quite possibly in absurd situations like being stopped or on a mild climb. Right of passage.

[@BurtonsAttic]

All the reasons I've been riding clipless for years! Just more confidence that your feet will stay put, you just forget about it. Crashing is another story, that takes a lot of practice! Light tension on those springs and lube every now and again. Tried egg beaters before, SPD for me. Great demo and footage Blake. Old school road toe clips = clipped which are really clipless. Clipless which actually clipped are well clipless? Silly!

[@dawsonc279]

Burton's Attic hey I used to have mallets but snapped mine and had to get Shimano spd deore xt pedal, but now whenever I do whips and tables I unclip every time, do you know how to increase the release angle?

[@enuazeal]

@@dawsonc279 do you use SM-SH51 or SM-SH56 cleats on your shoes? you can easily unclip with SM-SH56.

[@BurtonsAttic]

@@dawsonc279 I haven't used that pedal before, mine are XTR. But they are basically the same. I don't think you can change the release angle on the pedal itself but you can rotate the cleat on your shoe to some degree (varies with the shoe I would think) . Just be careful about to much rotation as that may cause you knee pain or make it hard to release. Lubing the spring and dialing in the tension help make engagement and release smoother. Hope that helps!

[@Airship17]

@@BurtonsAttic There are different cleats (the numbers he quoted) - some allow more rotation than others before they release

[@BurtonsAttic]

@@enuazeal Good to know Goran, I didn't. I checked all that I have, 4 sets. All are SH51. I'm guessing that's the standard one as all the spares I have are from different pedal sets.

[@raheemgahelable]

Legit!! Everything you said was right, I've been riding clips for 6 years now and I'm good at both, flats and clips! Incredible tool for the job!

[@stevesnailfish]

I've been riding spd's off-roading since around 1994 (and I still run a pair of 1995 XT ones) and they're my first choice. I do commute on flat pedals though (and very muddy/ snowy winter rides), so it's a bit of a mix with me....Slightly different techniques as Blake stated in the video but well worth trying the "dark side"

[@allenjanes5976]

I use the same peddles you have there. Sometimes I'll unclip and ride through a section as flat. Also all cleats are not created equal. You can get "easy" cleats and come right out way easier. This has helped me transition to unclipped mode during a "panic". Nice job and thank you

[@kasperfriis462]

gotta say, i'm a flat pedal guy, but I have tried clips once and did really like it in some parts even though I felt a bit sketched in corners and such. But I would like to get some clipless pedals for my own bike too and really learn it, because it honestly was kinda fun in some places too.

[@haminmohd60]

True nuff. Just makes me lazy changing to flatty now. Feels better in climbing,control and all that shown in this vid👍🏽👍🏽

[@giftedplanksify]

I'm now compelled to at least try the clips on my bicycle!! What are those things again!!? Thank you!

[@lockiemann1952]

It is my birthday today and I got clipless shoes and pedals and it is the best thing ever

[@Sittich89]

Because of you Blake, i ordered Ma first pair of CB Mallet‘s and i‘m stoked! I love it!

[@chrisplatten2293]

Flats for me on both MTB and road. On longer rides, I like to use different positions on the pedals from the ball of my foot to the mid point. I have had a few foot off pedal scares though... and my last Bike Park Wales visit left me with a nasty pedal bite in one calf after a slip.

[@steveco1800]

Going clipless was a revelation for the hardtail XC bike. No need to worry about loosing footing and no more shin digs!

[@th_js]

I have both (I'm a flat pedal rider), when I use clips, I can manipulate the rear end of the bike so nicely and have tons of traction on climbs, can ride light and my feet stay locked, but that's where it ends. Flats are not much less efficient, are way better for jibbing, give "infinite float" and freedom.

[@th_js]

@UNIA LTD It's easier with flats.

[@DJmutt11]

I've only been MTB-ing for 3.5 years. I learned on flats and never thought I'd switch to clipless. The guys I ride with all ride clipless and talked me into trying them a little over a year ago. I was really nervous about not being able to get my foot uncliped quickly if going down. I fell once in the beginning but now it's second nature. I've crashed a few times and still was able to unclip. I have a second bike that I just turned into a single speed and I wouldn't even think about riding flats on it. Like Blake said, power up and power down is awesome especially over the gnar, plus in my case the more confidence makes for a better rider!

[@justinh1258]

I ride both, each has very solid benefits.

[@wayneallott]

I have just started riding clipped in on my enduro bike. Love the pedalling benefit that almost feels like you've switched up the power on an ebike. Not fallen off yet, even though I've been close and even though it feels unatural at first, your foot does come out without thinking. I've been practicing unclipping in corners to get my foot out just in case. Good quality pedals and shoes make all the difference

[@jacobbristow6684]

I used to ride clipless. The severity of any wreck went up enough while clipped in that I went back to platforms. Also, on the technical slow bits where I have to quickly drop a foot with exposure, the flats have saved me dozens of times.

[@PistachioFilmsLLC]

We've been riding clipped in since about '87/'88 road racing and riding with Look pedals, and MTB racing we started later, first race used toe clips and straps, then 2nd race installed Shimano spd pedals, and have never rode without being clipped in for 30+(hashtagold) years now.

[@totalchaos80]

This was actually quite compelling and honestly has me feeling like buying a set of clipless shoes and pedals may be a good investment for myself and my bike. Might be on the top of my list for 2020 riding season. Till then I'll just stay glued via my 510s and Chester's!

[@tarikmoore849]

Total Chaos I ride chesters and like them..do the 510s give a ton of grip with them?

[@totalchaos80]

@@tarikmoore849 Hands down the 510s were the best 100 dollars I've ever spent. I'm locked on those pedals when wearing those shoes.

[@zPtrck]

I like flat pedals because i can adjust position of my feet. Toe or middle.

[@loerkue]

You can adjust the position you clip in. i.e. Toe or middle.

[@janwillem22]

Levent Oerkue not on the trail and every 5’

[@loerkue]

@@janwillem22 until someone invents mechanical clip ins

[@Jdem9]

Thank you so much for posting this, i just bought some clipless pedals for the first time and this video really has gotten me anxious to try them out.

[@lookout24]

I do ride clipless pedals all summer long, it's a real help on rough, technical trails, with big rocks and more speed. They allow to forget about foot position, I may put my knees away from my bike and get more clearance without the risk of foot falling out. Not that it actually happens when I'm on flats, but flat pedals I keep for the wintertime or when it's really wet and sloppy.

[@TheRoadrunner11]

On the one hand, I do like to grind rather than spin fast so clipped in would help me get even more power down. I also would love to avoid further scarring my legs everytime I slip off the pedals! However I'm new to Mountainbiking and crash fairly often. Losing the ability to bailout quickly will make the injuries potentially worse. Also I'm still learning to bunny hop and moving my bike around, so clipless will just throw off my technique. But the most deciding factor for me, and it's why I refuse to clip in on my road bike as well, is actually the feeling of simplicity and convenience and freedom (in terms of shoes) that the bike gives me. I don't like to lose that with special shoes, especially not road shoes which I can't even walk in!

[@NavXman]

Swapped from flats to clipless years ago because of ripping my legs open when my feet come off, usually rough climbing. I started out practicing on roads or green trails, getting use to getting my feet on and off the pedals. Over time, and increased trail difficulty, it becomes a part of your muscle memory. I have never cut my legs open since! I also went with a large surface clipless pedal, Time ATAC MX for me. Nice to be able to still put a foot down when it gets wild, and have a surface area to push against when I can put my foot back on the pedal, not clipped in, until I clear the obstacle. NOTE: It is not all roses, I have gone down maybe twice still clipped in, but who said MTBing was completly safe.

[@shwndh]

This video highlighted all the advantages I get out of riding clipped in. I’ve been clipping in for 20 years, road and mtb. Mostly a mountain biker. Flats were better for dirt jumping and BMX

[@tarmacsurfers]

NOOOOOOOOOO! Blake’s gone to the dark side. A minutes silence please........................🤣🤘🏻

[@carbonsuicidemtb1583]

Grow up

[@gemmobian454]

@@carbonsuicidemtb1583 I guess sarcasm isn't in your vocabulary

[@tarmacsurfers]

GeMMoBian I dunno he calls himself carbon suicide......

[@smokedsalmon3907]

@@carbonsuicidemtb1583 clipless pedals are for degenerates and holligans!

[@carbonsuicidemtb1583]

@@smokedsalmon3907 flat pedals are for people who can't ride bikes, bless, are you worried you'd fall off using them? Poor little pickle :)

[@mari9277]

i rode clips in my xc race years from a young age and loved them, now i use a lot both of them in enduro and downhill. I cant really tell what is better or what i prefer but i notice improvement in my skills and confidence by alternating frequently

[@stuartpilling6190]

A recent injury due to me not being able to clip out when my bike went down, I bent my knee to wrong way, which has caused some ligament damage. For now, have gone back to flat pedals, which I was going to do anyway, to do some skill training. I don't want to be madly trying to clip out while going over an obstacle, and have to bale quickly. I'll go back to clipless eventually. But at 59, I can't afford to risk another knee injury, as I have been told by my doctor, that I possibly have the start of arthritis in that knee, from past injurys. When I do go back to clips, i'll have to loosen them so they release easier.

[@quinncolby]

Just keep riding flat pedals old guys look cool in 5 tens. Clip in if you want to race xc.

[@travmason]

Been riding clipless since the olden days on my roadie. Didn’t even consider flats when I started mtb a few years ago.

[@travmason]

Having said that, I do ride pedals that are clips one side and flat the other ;-)

[@grumpynerd]

I rode mountain bikes back in the clips and toestraps days. Then I switched and rode clipless for many years. Then a few years back I was rehabbing a knee injury and switched to flats and... it didn't really make that big a difference. In some situations one or the other might be a little better, but my main concern about flats -- feeling connected to the bike -- that wasn't a problem at all. A good flat pedal feels pretty secure. If I were an XC racer I'd definitely use clipless, but for mucking around in the woods for fun flats work fine.

[@1975supermike]

Best explanation vid on KZbin

[@the_spanner_ch7mp]

Great video Blake. I've been riding clipless (SPD's) since 1995! Found them so efficient for my commute to work on my Marin mtb back then and have stuck with them since. SPD just suit the way i ride love them .

[@carolyndavid8448]

Thanks for the video GMBN. Great conversation. :) Still riding Flats for the moment though.

[@azmaier100]

all good, yes clipped in helps in so many ways... great video showing that... !

[@stevaone]

Way to give clipless some love!!!

[@MichelvDijk]

This is me exactly right now, i just put on clipless pedals 2 weeks ago. I am also learning the benefit off them, i am also a flat pedals rider because off the freedom off movement with my feet. But with my new shoes i wanted to try it out. And loving it already :P

[@sonnyjunck3091]

Awesome love you Blake you make me try so many new things

[@bechall3236]

Yes me too

[@mumpf7594]

Clipless since April. But it took me more than 3 months to get completely used to it. Still a bit scarred sometimes, though I haven't fallen over for quite a while. Some advice (that I learned by a bit pain) for switching: Only simple trails/routes at the beginning, don't sit too often, clean and oil your pedals regularly.

[@SilveryFoxster]

I can see the benefits of being clipped in but I ride flats. I’ve taken a few tumbles whilst clipped in which I could have avoided by getting my foot off the pedal quicker. Each to their own but it’s flats for me.

[@richardbaker7235]

I rode clipless for years. Now use Wellgo DH pedals. Flats one side, clips the other. Clips all the time on xc or uphill, flats when it gets sketchy and I lower the dropper post in case I want to bail.

[@richardbarton7]

please do something on how to bale/fall off using clip pedals without leaving bits of your body attached to your bike!

[@Dude-Smellmyhelmet]

Bail

[@carbonsuicidemtb1583]

Learn how to use clipless and it won't be a problem, man up

[@newttella1043]

You need to better dial the pedal tension. Then get used to the heel out motion... sorry to say but practice is needed (that's where the "man up" part comes in). Common mistake is when people try to lift foot up. You should be able to bail without even thinking about it. I like to compare it to downhill skis, where, if you have the correct DIN setting for your ability, you'll pop out of the bindings at the right time without thinking about it.

[@xuflete]

Always flats, in every situation. Tried clipless a time ago. Never get used to it, even going up in a techie climb, with flat I can push even when losing grip, because I know that I will be able to put my foot out in the last moment. A lot of crashes saved in wet rock gardens thanks to my feets being free. Get a good pair of flats (the one's that's are as expensive as clipless), get a good pair of shoes (like a 5.10's, as expensive as the clipless fashion one's) and never miss clipless. Will try clipless one day again...but flats are God

[@brettc.566]

I used to crash a bunch due to failure to unclip. Now it's so natural I don't even think about it and get my foot down immediately.

[@xuflete]

@@brettc.566 Yes, a lot of my friends have done the same path. I never crashed for riding flats, and I can see any advantages. Lot of the points that Blake comments on the video are debatable (even the brother channel GCN did a cientific test about the wattage matter and the result were a tie). At last I think is a personal preference, just that. Give Sam Hill, or Danny MacAskill a clipless pedal and will hate it, give it to Fabien Barel, or Aaron Gwyn and will love it. I think you have to try both in the same condition (not comparing top range clipless with shity flats with shity shoes) and decide by your experience, not matter what other people says. And ride always you can!!!!!

[@BassSwirls]

Ive ridden SPD since '92 ... I feel more confident on techy bits locked on . Only recently I built up a bike put a pair of cheap V8 platforms on it. Great for blapping into town in my sling-backs . Sooo..I popped them on my trail bike just to see. Oh boy my knees aged 15 years overnight. Real painful. Back in the spuds I'm just fine no pain at all .

[@haydenmcdonald504]

I ride both, clips for racing, flats for mucking around

[@stevenx3m]

First time I had my feet tied to the pedals was on old school road bicycle. Yeah, those pedals with straps. It was a nightmare at first, but I saw the benefits and learned how to use them. Some years later I got an MTB and at one point I bought clipless pedals (when I was able to afford it). It took some getting used to again, but it made me feel much more in control on rough terrain. I did crash once because I was careless with my pedals though. I didn't set the spring tension properly, I accelerated super hard, got both my shoes unclipped and made the final mistake to touch the front brake when I was already sitting on the frame. Met the ground pretty hard. My bike flew 5m away in some bushes. Nothing broken, but still injured. Bike was just fine. Now I always check my pedals before riding to make sure the spring have the proper tension to hold my feet in place. With all that said, I don't think I am ever going back to flat pedals. I recently rented DH bike in a bike park and flat pedals just didn't feel safe enough. I still had a ton of fun anyway and almost broke my leg, but that's another story.

[@Emmanaana]

I'm sold! Buying some this week!

[@falk.r.h8963]

i have been riding flats for 5 years but i got clipless pedals lately. i can say that clipless pedals are much better in rock gardens and on roots because you can just fly over everything but still in control

[@Zuramis1730]

I’ve been riding clip in the moment i start trail riding. No regrets at all! Best clip in experience for starters, get shimano SPDs!

[@TheDingopaul]

You gotta just luv this guy 😁

[@LarryClarke]

I just installed Crankbrothers clipless pedals on my channel and I really like them

[@rando4468]

Have always been clipped in. Now I am going to try flat pedals to find out the difference and change in confidence level for downhill.

[@Brumancheese]

I just went clipless yesterday and it’s insane

[@cameronlesley2428]

I love using clipless pedals, they really make you feel connected with the bike and the trail

[@piggymito]

I used to use clip less and I've recently gone to flats. I ride a hardtail and while I agree they are great from stopping you from bouncing our of the pedals I find that they knocked my confidence because I was worried about crashing abd being stuck to the bike.

[@Asthbendriel]

that's a common fear but from someone like me who has crashed a considerable amount of times over the years, most of the times when you crash and you leave the bike because of the speed and inertia, your feet naturally unclip. The only times when I was stuck and fell because of clips were the most static and hilarious situations because I forgot I had clips on, and even on those if you have a quick reaction you can avoid most of the embarrassing effect. The less speed = the higher chance stay stuck in a crash, so they can easily be avoided as long as you respect the pedals and don't ignore their existence, stay aware in technical sections or when you're stopping by and a proper training before start riding with clipless, maybe 30 min to 1 hour should suffice to learn how to clip and unclip in flat areas, downhill or climbing in a safe environment.

[@quinntitchkosky5396]

I've crashed my fair amount on SPD pedals and the only times I haven't come unclipped is embarrassing slow speed tips. All other times I come out of them naturally, if you're thinking of trying it I'd recommended multi release cleats because they come out easier.

[@migatron1]

Used to ride without a helmet, and on flats, I couldn't do either now and feel comfortable (Except on a BMX)

[@smokedsalmon3907]

My buddy still rides without a helmet and I always give him crap, especially since we like to push it when we ride together which almost always involves a few slip ups or minor crashes. Dude spent $2400 on a Santa Cruz hardtail, I would have just gone fs at that point, but still hasn't bought a helmet.

[@mtbjim1670]

actually bought some new cleated shoes to try this... I remember from my road bike days, its takes a little to get use to, but doable.

[@robbylancel]

Who is this, and what have you done to Blake Samson?

[@jasmijnwiegel]

He got paid loads to promote clipless. I pitty the fools that nose dive front heavy of a drop because they pulled to hard on their clipless pedals.

[@ob08]

Clipless for the last 19 years. I ride in the eastern U.S., which means lots of roots and rocks.

[@kyleduerr4498]

Always been strictly Flats. Yet I would be open to try clipless in the near future.

[@jamesfiegel9675]

I will still ride flats....to many crashes and fall overs in clipless in 90's on technical trails....video no talk about getting out of being clip in ...yes you lose some pedal stroke but save $s from injuries :)

[@PhilipGuidon]

I ride both. I grew up riding clipless and find it more efficient. I prefer flats when trying out unfamiliar trails.

[@smefour]

Riding clipped in with clipless pedals, the irony

[@spaghetti1563]

smefour i know I’m getting confused

[@PistachioFilmsLLC]

@@spaghetti1563 yeah it's confusing, i guess they're called clipless coz before these people used to ride toe clips with straps, toe clip goes up over the top of your foot, where you strap it. and that's the (toe) clip part, and they're clipless because no toe clips and straps, even though you are clipping into them, lol, crazy, but better than toe clips and straps, lol

[@thomasmedeiros5722]

When we rode with toe clips and straps you could put one foot in and tighten the strap or leave it loose . Then you had to place your other foot on the backside of the opposite peddle to get rolling. Then you had to flip it over and slide your foot into the clip and strap. It was an acquired skill especially if you were racing or starting in a rocky technical section. The clip and strap did help keep your foot on the pedals. I bought the Shimano SPD peddles when they were first sold back in 1989 ( I think) and have been riding clipped in ever since then. I ski downhill, Backcountry and cross country so stepping into a binding is second nature.

[@PistachioFilmsLLC]

@@thomasmedeiros5722 yup we've rode clipped in 30 years, apart from early MTB tests and first race, after that clipless all the way

[@ThibaultChe]

Yes and as non-native English speaker that was confusing!

[@pochito_javiercito]

Going on my first clipless ride right now. Wish me luck!

[@gmbn]

How did you get on? 🚲

[@mphmtb]

Just started clipping in. And liking it. Would be nice for a spd crank bros comparison in terms of ride-ability video.

[@wingcobra]

Matthew Phillips, the difference is the release degree. I use spd for 5-6 years notice my feet came off most on flat turn when you have to really shift your hip so I switch to CB more floating to fix that and plus for the bigger platform for better landing support.

[@mphmtb]

Whiskey on Single Track thanks. Do you find them just as easy/natural to get out of. Or are they harder? Thanks 🙏

[@wingcobra]

@@mphmtbthe Shimano twist off at 4 degree vs 10 and 14 degree on the CB so I would say it's a bit harder but you'll get use to it in few ride if you came from clip yourself.

[@rayred74]

DH mallets you are riding are awesome. Whenever I needed to clip out quickly, they allowed me to do so. The. You have a big platform with pins to give you instant access to power even if you don’t clip in instantly. Great pedal

[@linuswallman3941]

I ride flats and clips. Never thought that Blake would like clips

[@Thanasis___M]

It's my first day riding clipless I thought I was gonna die but first you have to learn to u clip fast

[@mark77woody]

Still ain't gonna convince me. Take Joe Smith at Hard line looked like he was clipped in. And of course the man, the legend Mr Sam Hill.

[@hogdog567]

mark77woody Why not try them and then make your mind up? For me, riding without them just feels clumsy.

[@mark77woody]

@@hogdog567 Nope never. Been riding far too long without now.

[@vaiosm5818]

plz make a similar video for us using clipless but want to move to flats

[@ROF-uw9kr]

I learnt riding with clips and bunny hopping and jumping around on my worx ja700 x bike

[@irsyad5835]

the video is really help me thanks

[@Mark10ng]

I'd like to try clipless pedals at some point but I ride flats at the moment. I have a lot of skills to learn on flat pedals first.

[@bauke-LV426]

I don't want to get lazy or get a habit for bad technique by fully relying on the bike sticking to my feet. Don't want to loose my hard-earned skills :) So for now, flat pedals for me. I do envy the pull/push pedaling though. Feel I could go much quicker than on flats. Oh and, clipless shoes look pretty dorky ;)

[@markduncan525]

I ride clipped in, have for 20 years. As I’m getting older I’m finding I sometimes give up on getting up technical obstacles a split second earlier to allow for time to get unclipped in case I don’t make it. I feel like if I was on flats I would know I could get my foot down just a little faster, so I’d be able to commit more fully to getting up the obstacle and actually be more likely to make it. Apart from that I love being connected to the bike and being able to move it around under me, and it is good when climbing. I’m going to try some flats just to see if it does help me commit on obstacles.

[@phrides]

I did this four years ago for the same reason and only go back to clipless when the ride is going to be more than 30 miles.

[@randocalrissian7284]

I ride with my feet duct taped to my plastic pedals!

[@caveboy9988]

Blake is the complete mtb rider now!

[@DaveMustaine.]

Definitely clipless flat pedals FTW!