How To Get Maximum Grip From Your Flat Pedals | GMBN Gets A Grip!

[@gmbn]

Do you ride with flats or clips?

[@pineapplepizza8645]

flats, kona wahwah pedals are so good

[@dincsaur1925]

Clips it’s so much easier

[@justing6614]

Have you guys tried the big pedal called " pedalling innovations" ??

[@curtisf.r6233]

Flats, I've never tried clips

[@orfeasarvanitis8158]

I ride flats

[@Dan_Kornfeld]

“Not only do those longer pins sit deeper into the tread of your shoe...” fear not, they will sit equally as deep into your shin and calf! If you want your lower leg to look like it’s been attacked by Wolverine, this is the pedal option for you! ;)

[@jbrinkman86]

This reached my soul. Had to order shin, leg guards as a barrier.

[@nottakumi1226]

@@jbrinkman86my Chester’s finally caused enough damage last off to put some in the cart.

[@DeadsetYT]

Get yourself some Vans, they lock in real nice. :D Flats on Flats.

[@nebnollock5198]

They're good but for longer jeopardy I'd still recommend getting some proper mountain biking shoes

[@DeadsetYT]

@@nebnollock5198 Just depends I guess. I tend to ride Vans Hightops. My mate has ride concepts and they work well too, but mine were $60 and his were $200.

[@theeaglesoul5741]

The material is horrible and low end

[@DeadsetYT]

@@theeaglesoul5741 On the Vans? My current pair of Vans has lasted me almost 5 years, through mud, crashes, dirtbiking, MTBing and just general wear and tear. I'm sure they might not work for everyone, but I've only had good experiences with them. Just don't go running in them lol.

[@theeaglesoul5741]

@@DeadsetYT I used them daily on all conditions on cheap flats for a year. I hope that only my shoes were like this. Now I'm using Sleuths and they are way better

[@cameronspencer9756]

how to stop destroying you shins 101

[@thelovelyboi1431]

They're so painful 🥶

[@_S13_]

After riding spd for couple of years, went back to flats. Got me a set of OneUp Comp pedals and Rideconcepts Livewire shoes. I will never look back!

[@theorist7572]

So I tried some Five Ten Freeriders last year and the grooves of the sole are ~1,5mm deep. The pins on my Pedals are 2,5mm. Now I am using my good ol‘ Vans again, because the waffle shaped soles of them are perfect, they are ~2,5mm deep so they fit snug with my pedals, and also these kinda lock in place in more positions. The Freeriders have these hexagons that are like 1cm big so they dont lock in place as good as the Vans, and I don’t care if my shoes get wet, if I go on a good ride, my feet are sweating enough. The Vans are even cheaper!

[@ImCrooky]

Bought some Fiveten Trailcross LTs as my first proper mtb shoe, and it made a huge difference in the control you have on the bike, and just gives you that added confidence when things are muddy - just like it always is in the Uk this time of year.

[@LuLeBe]

Yes! I feel way better with my proper shoes on the pedal, although they're not even that expensive and fancy.

[@evanbarnes9984]

Yes! I love my Trailcross shoes too. I use them for normal trail riding, but also used them for a really hard bikepacking trip over summer, and they really handled all the hiking well

[@andrec.136]

What are the odds? I was thinking about same thing today and BOOM! a video uploads on the very topic with the very same pedals I have. I am definitely going to upgrade my pins as my feet still slip with my ride concepts shoes.

[@joed899]

Thanks to the old odyssey triple traps my shins look like a rampage line and so I've run SPD's since about '96.

[@MauR1CEnl]

I use 5.11 recon trainers as my shoes. Love them!

[@richardjones2811]

Great video, just want to add 2 things. Wish MTB shoe companies would cater more for wide feet and advertise their products as fit to use with wide feet. Another thing which is more of a tip than anything. It helps to rough up the sole a little using a brass bristled suede brush. This releases a new life to the sole rubber and makes it a lot more tacky and grippy for riding and everyday life.

[@evanbarnes9984]

Seriously! I'd love an Altra style footbox and zero drop shoe for my flat pedals

[@mattgies]

I have wide feet and I find Five Ten shoes fit me well.

[@billybass4189]

Agree on the wide fit issue, i use 510 for that reason.

[@carrickdubya4765]

@@mattgies Etnies Camber Cranks fit better for wide feet than 510 Freeriders. Which 510s are you wearing?

[@mattgies]

@@carrickdubya4765 Freeriders! Haven't had a chance or need to try Etnies yet. My foot width is a European size 47 or 48 and length is a 45.

[@ericgodfrey5751]

I always hesitated buying a flat pedal specific shoe, an old pair of shoes always worked fine. Last week I finally broke down and got some five 10 freerider shoes... I was an idiot for not buying them sooner. Best shoes I have ever rode with

[@tr4nnel752]

What shoes did you use before? I use skate shoes now and grip never really is an issue, but maybe you feel more connected to the bike or something?

[@BikingwithJP]

Size 11 4E - if you understand this then you understand the frustration with shoe selection! I usually shop by asking/filtering what is in my size... then choosing between the two pairs of shoes that come in my size.

[@thelionskiln]

haha Not bad. I had to buy the only 14 in stock at my lbs.

[@BikingwithJP]

@@thelionskiln yeah size 14’s are another level of difficulty, don’t envy you. That’s when you start to choose cars based on if you can fit your foot on the dead pedal ;)

[@Mainlythingswithwheels]

Anyone else here got at least 3 or 4 scars on their shins?😅

[@jimbo4203]

@Aussie Rulze ya im 58 and my legs have scars front and back ! From 53 years of pedaling

[@keaton4054]

Omgg yhhhhhhhhhhh

[@james-hb5tu]

I get them on the back of my calf, as soon as it heals it happens again lol

[@Dantick09]

That is what shin guards are for

[@Dogboy73]

I’ve got holes in my shins from flat pedal pins taking chunks out of me.

[@RyanAlexanderBloom]

I bought Chesters for my new bike and they are extremely grippy considering they are a sub $40 pedal. Don’t weigh much more if any than a $100 pair. Can ride down a series of railroad tie steps at about 1 bike length apart for 20-30 yards ( the most consistently jarring bit of trail I know of, not big bumps really, but the number and spacing is absurd) and I’m glued to the bike at speed. It’s amazing.

[@tommycooperfish]

Both I take my mallets off for jumps and freeride on my enduro rig and use 510's and chesters instead. Egg beaters for my XC hardtail with proper front studded xc shoes that make winter riding amazing.

[@llamasugar5478]

Showing this to my husband! I like flats; don’t want clips. “They’re more secure, you can apply more force without slipping, blah blah blah.” I *will* throw out my ratty old Skechers that I started using because “lockdown” and never replaced.

[@Harrypotter00602]

As soon as I buy clips 😂

[@owenbirch6188]

Clips are great until you go otb pr get sketchy on a jump lol

[@Harrypotter00602]

@@owenbirch6188 it’s like learning to ride a bike

[@finn1613]

@@owenbirch6188 otbs are also bad on flats😂

[@bradevans3815]

I did enjoy the video, great way of explaining.

[@Ivan_Luna.mp4]

Ive got 2 pairs of biking shoes, Vans MTB shoes that are lightweight and grippy and the Five Tens, they’re both great shoes and have really enjoyed wearing them on my rides.

[@Marrawi01]

Yeah I always use same pattern pedals you mentioned of those nob thingies and shoes well since I am laid off due to covid I am only using my regular flat vans shoes. But for sure one day ill consider those shimano shoes pretty cool looking hopefully they come in wide fitting since I cannot fit any narrow shoe designs sadly.

[@owenbirch6188]

6:39 the ball of Richard's foot it quite far back😂

[@yuutamooney7464]

He rides clips too much

[@Green-MTN-Flyer]

hahah I thought the exact same thing... that foot placement reminds me of all joeys who hop on a bike for the first time. I know 15 people who ride flats and no one ever rides that far back on the shoe. You wouldn't get near enough pedaling efficiency up hills and its just not stable. Poor advice

[@iffy_too6465]

Globe Tilt skater shoe. excellent grippy rigid sole.

[@willparsons32]

Thank you for the topic regarding the foot placement of the shoe... It always seems to be that my shoe is halfway located on the pedals of the bike. I have a pair of RockBros flat pedals with a moderate spike and every time I position my foot on the pedal(s), I find they are in their happiest position when the pedal is mid way on the pedal. I always thought the proper position was ball to toe but when I try to position both at that location, there magically seems to be a little grease making the foot slide back on the top of the pedal until it's mid way.

[@csmcghee830]

This is an issue I’ve been trying to figure out for a while. Nice to know I can resolve it without switching out pedals and/or getting specialty expensive shoes. Seems to be more of a challenge going downhill vs uphill, have to test this on my next ride, see how it goes. It’s kind of weird, I didn’t even realize until recently that I was trying to use flat pedals the way you’d use toe clip pedals but that doesn’t work…

[@Buddyboz]

Flats- use the Catalyst pedal from Peddling Innovations. It’s a different concept but it works very very well. My feet very rarely slip off anymore. And my shins are so happy. Also way more power into your pedals. And allows better balance on the bike a lot better too !!! They are worth it!!!!

[@curtisf.r6233]

Cool video Rich cheers 👍😎

[@PHDTS]

I have a few pairs of Nike Metcon crossfit trainers (mainly used for crossfit) and the ankle support and flat sole is actually really good on my flat pedals. The grip pattern on the Metcon sole is similar to GR7 sole.

[@PHDTS]

I will say that Reebok Nano (crossfit) shoes have too much grip on the sole, so there's very little to no movement on my flat pedals if I wear those.

[@Chrisjones1120]

clips for yrs, new bike so moved back to flats until i get used to the bike, although pedals have come a loooong way so i may stick with flats.

[@mastercaptain8695]

I use stock plastic pedals, slipped off many times in wet and muddy conditions, probably gonna get some with pins soon

[@gmbn]

Good idea! The difference in grip is night and day 🤘

[@Cyber_Kriss]

Go for crankbrothers... I have the stamp 3 and really, I think it's almost impossible to slip. Oh, and yeah, they are shins destroyers ;)

[@mattkavanaugh5623]

For foot placement, Rich says pedal axle under the ball of the foot, but the video shoes the axle under arch of foot, and this is the issue I have been dealing with - seems like pedal further back (axle under arch) works better... ?

[@mrvwbug4423]

Most coaches will tell you, ball of the foot for climbing, arch of the foot for downhill. there is a reason why the arch of the foot position is called the "freeride position"

[@mattkavanaugh5623]

@@mrvwbug4423 thanks! That makes sense and is helpful.

[@bapsjoni1464]

crank brothers stamp 1 + vans shoes my fav

[@joellewis759]

Awesome! When | get my mtb I will defiantly use these tips! Thanks! 😀

[@jamespilar9840]

Great info thanks

[@Groosome128]

1:12 not only do they sit deeper into the tread of your shoes but also the skin of your shins :)

[@gmbn]

An unfortunate side effect! 😬

[@jedianemalabosa3172]

Thank's For the tips

[@stuartmclaren7285]

Five ten free rider /dmr v12 works for me had the five tens for a couple o years time for a new pair see what Santa 🎅 brings me

[@camwells9726]

Same to me , got dmr vaults on both bikes and have two pairs of 5 10 free riders

[@stuartmclaren7285]

@@camwells9726 can’t go wrong with them in my eyes

[@justhere4theoldskool]

Classic combo, can't go wrong.

[@stuartmclaren7285]

@@justhere4theoldskool when I started out I wore vans they worked but nothing like the five tens

[@federicomilitello1457]

Nice Video! I was Wondering why you chose a Mota out back and a Martello up Front. I reckoned it was the other way around

[@mrvwbug4423]

That is weird, I know several people who use Vittoria MTB tires and they all say the Martello is bad up front

[@mopedvieh]

Longer pins do also leave way deeper cuts in your shins. Win-win 👍

[@dystopiaisutopia]

So?

[@williamaxbey1594]

me and my mate did a back to back comparison of a pair of vans, Shimano flat pedal shoes, and a good old pair of $25 Wharehouse shoes. you would be very surprised to know that the wharehouse shoes came first the riding shoes second and the vans last! so that proovs that you dont have to spend alot of money to get a solid pair of grippy shoes.

[@BH-cy9tb]

My flat pedals stick like glue. I run 5-10’s and copy’s of one up components pedals I got off eBay. I also ran Bontrager flats and now ride concepts all work great. Common factor is the pedals. They really are great.

[@MarioCañez-v1t]

Make video on how to change the screws on the pedals,,

[@scandalousprogareth]

wet weather flat shoes seem to be the main thing missing atm. loads of options for the dry but when it's constantly pissing down you want something specific, that doesn't seem to exist

[@Thomas-pv4my]

Check out the Fiveten Freerider DLX or Fiveten freerider EPS!

[@scandalousprogareth]

@@Thomas-pv4my the dlx is a spring summer non-waterproof shoe, so won't cut the mustard. the mid eps might finally work, but tbh, i'll stick with waterproof socks until my current shoes die

[@Thomas-pv4my]

@@scandalousprogareth Im talking about the Freerider DLX not the Sleuth DLX. They work very well for my winter/wet weather rides. For dry rides I use the Freerider Pros which are also great.

[@jackwilkinson2988]

GMBN can we get some insight into riding different loam? My local is clay mixed with chalk (South Downs) making it near unrideable and slippy. Further afield in the Surrey Hills it's sandy, with much better drainage and grip.

[@charlie9ine]

Very good piece. After riding clipped in for more than 20 years I finally decided to run flats all season this year. Crank Brothers Stamp with 5Ten Impact mid. I was surprised at how good the grip was. Occasionally I would get kicked out of a pedal but way less than I expected. I really enjoyed the flats but one thing I could never really be sure of was finding that sweet spot. When you’re clipped in you aren’t thinking about where your foot is on the pedal. There were times when I came off the flats and didn’t feel I was in a good pedalling position and lost momentum at a critical time. I’m going to continue to run flats but I’m not 100% sure they’re perfect for me. Any thoughts? Thanks

[@dolphin-studio]

Sure mate, I believe clips should be earned because they create al ot of bad habits and compensate for bad skills. I say learn the proper techniques and master them then move on to clips. You'll be surprised at how much better clips will assist you.

[@calebtiotanada2058]

I’d like to know how to raise my rear wheel higher with flat pedals. Would be really helpful if you make a video about it

[@yuutamooney7464]

You try to make a scooping motion with your feet

[@dazgreen63]

Foot under pedal and pull up

[@yuutamooney7464]

@@dazgreen63 pretty sure he’s talking about lifting the rear wheel for a bunny hop

[@BikingwithJP]

I think we all want to be able to go higher no matter how high we can lol

[@scottlstone]

Nice video

[@eternal4dragon891]

Richy Rich

[@adriendelin]

How do you get all those video ideas

[@jewsefjones]

I agree with most of this however the tread on the sole thing not so much. Checkout the freerider contact complete flat sole at pedal contact point. Grips for days!

[@AzkaMZ]

Uh yeah ty

[@ICEMAN-dm6ev]

Five Ten × Crankbrothers Stamp

[@michaelfrymus]

Have the pins be longer all around and shorter on the inside? or would it be better to have longer pins on the far left/right and shorter towards the inside of the bike?

[@fnjf2901]

Have any tips of say if you land hard when u accidentally come short on a jump, what foot positioning is best?

[@j151v3y]

Anyone else ride flats and straps? i'm traditionally a fixed gear rider and recently got into the world of MTB. I feel naked on flats when not strapped in and don't think i'll ever ride any other pedal setup. Wondering why nobody else in MTB seems to have cottoned on to them? You get all the benefits of both flats and clips, all I could think is that maybe they're a little more dangerous in a crash.

[@davelloyd8454]

Are there any SPD shoes that also work for flats? I'm running the Shimano t8000 (I think)... SPD one side, proper flat with pins on the other but my old, hard SPD shoes barely grip because the sole material is too hard.

[@basicmtber3840]

Yeah could do with a proper pair just using some broken trainers at the moment, can’t afford new ones as iv spent all my money on upgrades

[@chriswalker499]

#GMBN I have problems with keeping my feet on my flat peddles when I jump. I seem to feel the peddles fall away from my feet in the air. Also I have problems keeping my pedals near the ball of my foot. They seam to settle under the arches of my feet. Any tips on these problems?

[@johnnyutah6056]

You just proved why flat pedals suck!

[@richardjones2811]

Learn to jump properly and it won't happen 👍

[@dariangroeneveld6908]

I've te same probleme

[@BikingwithJP]

Hard to tell without seeing but sounds like you might be getting bucked off the jump? Basically the back end and pedals push up/forward as you leave the jump rotating you forward and then after the max height of your jump the bike falls away from you. If so, check out how to preload and how to jump specifically for the type of jump you are doing (drop, step up, etc). Basically the bike is leading and you are following - and getting bucked, this will reverse so you lead the bike. Without seeing could be off the mark but I hope you find some of this helpful!

[@chriswalker499]

@@BikingwithJP I'm setting up a new bike, so I am trying not to preload too much just until I get used to how the bike handles in the air. I'm trying to keep the jumps low at the moment until I get the bucking under control.

[@TimTheChef]

Why not just buy hardened steel grub screws in your preferred length, last a lot longer than soft stainless ones?

[@69mjar]

Those longer pins are ideal until you shin rake.

[@stickle146]

I never see people talking about strapless toe clips, but I like using them (stops my foot sliding off the front of the peddle, and really easy to "unclip"). Any views on using them?

[@gmbn]

Your feet can get stuck in them if you crash and it may cause an injury

[@Po7ent]

My flats rip the rubbers off the bottoms of my shoes lol. One up composite.

[@youchoosebikes9435]

what about wide flat pedal shoes

[@andrewbrown5144]

Just put on some nuke proof horizons,they look fantastic. One ride in and my shins have been slashed to peices! My old plastic ones can go back on ,i manage to stay on them ok and they are much kinder.

[@mr.peters6483]

510's will stick to everything. Longer pegs stick to your shins. The fox union are real good.

[@padmamanjaridevi2893]

Sick

[@MsStrong30]

Great video, thanks. My challenge is keeping my feet on the peddles as I peddle over rocky ground. Hard to keep the heels down and peddle at the same time.

[@dougiegraham662]

Get clip in pedals.. You can fly through those rock gardens. I changed to clip ins for my hardtail, and got so many pb's and top tens.

[@Indicasativa55]

Ov been wearing vans half cabs riding since 2000 and I swear by them and cost around 50 quid

[@michaelreynolds6543]

I have just bought my partner a btwinn rockrider 540 which is really good (2nd hand £165) we want to swap the pedals for something flatter and grippier but im unsure of the spec Amazon have lots on offer but Im confused at the dimensions are all pedals the same (im talking of the size of the allen key stem that goes onto the crank arm any advice please here i would be very grateful we need to sort this as she keeps slipping of the bloody stock pedals and she is a beginner so I dont want her to lose confidence hey thanks

[@wilsarno]

DMR V12 or V6 if you don’t want to spend as much

[@yuutamooney7464]

Metal shin bashing pegs

[@dystopiaisutopia]

Low skill rider says what?

[@yuutamooney7464]

@@dystopiaisutopia you will learn a world of pain once you start fooling around with mtb flats

[@dystopiaisutopia]

@@yuutamooney7464 life is pain. Try to avoid pain while biking and something worse will happen. Stop trying to be comfortable all the time.

[@yuutamooney7464]

@@dystopiaisutopia I was just saying flat pedals hurt when you slip you need to chill

[@tilt_shift_films]

You missed a pretty significant part of flat pedal technique. Loads of beginners simply don’t absorb bumps effectively with their legs. Often failing to anticipate bumps and bending their legs to effectively pull the bike up as the bump pushes it up and getting bucked off the pedals.

[@theboabros9724]

Im 13 and have 12s what size should I get

[@BikingVikingMTB]

Buy some terror pins my lord my shins are suffering haha

[@rayglasscock9667]

Giro vibram HOPE

[@zigamikeli7233]

what pedals are wide enough for a size 14 FiveTen?

[@evanbarnes9984]

My feet are nowhere near that size, but I just got some e*thirteen Plus pedals and they're huge! Could be worth a look.

[@treyelefsen1689]

I ride vans on flats and it’s heaps grippy

[@touge_over_track1895]

The secret for the most grip on flat pedals is vans!

[@dystopiaisutopia]

Cool ad for Crankbrothers...

[@rcs2003]

Bigger pins, MUCH BIGGER SCARS for a life

[@raheemgahelable]

There absolutely no substitute for clipless pedals. Ask ALL XC, EWS and DH racers ( except for Sam Hill of course)! If flats we're all that, then pros would haven't gone to clipless. Note that flats are great, for free riding, BMX, DJ, and such...

[@bugboy152000]

#GMBN Clips for life!! Get a grip Rich!

[@raxerac3999]

Flats

[@franlafosse]

Is it just me or when using flat pedals you put your feet a bit further on the axle than what you see in clipless?

[@borisflamingo594]

Depends.....can setup cleats further back to almost “mimic” flat shoe position, but locked in too

[@nutsacky7036]

How many times did he say pedals? 😂

[@SergioCastillo87]

Longer pins? You have got to be kidding me! I just cut my flesh today due a direct hit of the pedal on my calf, I'm actually removing them and sticking to my grippy shoes, besides, flat sole shoes are not really good for a mountain as they are very slippery, sometimes i just want to go up the trail walking and by having better grip altogether on my shoes is the best option.

[@crimsonsamurai887]

Me: **laughs with clips and a dislocated leg**

[@jordancohen474]

These shoes work with the Peloton bike+ (April 2022), kzbin.infoUgkxGPkov2mNjgZfG33r6Bwvies8jKE4AKZB and are of good enough quality. I have completed 10 rides so far and there are no issues. The first time trying to fit them on the Peloton bike took 10 minutes (even with the help of an experienced cyclist friend who wears the same type of cleats). It took a couple of rides to break in. After the first two rides there were no issues at all.

[@christiangold8252]

Grip isn't the issue, its fighting the grip on the pedal, trying to get proper foot position.

[@danielbelosic3112]

I still have plastic pedals on my bike, there I fight for the grip because the pedal seriously doesn't have any. One time I rented a DH bike at a bikepark and I got my shoes to sit perfectly on the pedal right away. Bear in mind I wear Fiveten Freerider shoes

[@Charlie_Broadbent]

I’m 11 and I’m a size 9.5

[@onsight2822]

My mate burns most people off wearing work boots and cheapo pedals 😆 looks really wrong but he loves it 😆

[@1punchmangod201]

I’m using 20 pound Adidas trainers 😂

[@adrianlo7209]

Yay finally I can eliminate getting the whole galaxy on my leg

[@davidpeterson5727]

fyi..nico vink still with vans sk8-hi

[@ethanbenton6676]

"Big old tens" Me a 15 yr old with size 11.5 shoes: "amateurs"

[@dystopiaisutopia]

I have size 13. Lol

[@arranroberts1463]

@@dystopiaisutopia same lmao, and I just turned 14😂

[@olliebenham5463]

Get your "More scars on your shins than stars in the sky" here 👇

[@LoveHandlesss]

In short.... use clips!! 😂😂

[@jrgensolas7701]

Clips, but switching soom

[@isladetail]

Who Will make à vidéo showing différent shoes and pedal... I test giro, 5/10 on : dmr cranks, spike, burget.... Result : Some couple show two pins contact where other show 4 pins contact. Concave convex flat.

[@arneilson4450]

Still with clips. I find I climb better with clips and saves my shins.

[@robin1987100]

How do you keep the water out of your shoes? Sometimes I splash through a puddle and it all just runs in along my ankle. I see a lot of options for clipless riders that look like they would do the job.. however I prefer my flat pedals when it gets really muddy and slippery. Suggestions anyone?