The hype for the grim donut review is so insane, that no matter how good the video is, people will be diasppointed by it, since the expectations have risen to be astronomical.
Max Brock if you ride xc choose clipless. If you ride downhill/enduro I would go with flats. If your more of a trail rider it’s your choice. If your more on the downhill side of trail “you like jumps and drops” then I would go with flats. And if ur on the xc side go with clips. It’s all your choice but if you crash a lot flats are good 4u and if ur a climber and your more carful go with clips
I love the climbing advantage of clipless pedals. I hadn't considered how they keep your foot in the right position as well for downhill. That's a frequent adjustment I need to make when I ride flats. Awesome riding and I enjoy seeing women mtb presenters!
As with some other commenters, your credibility is shot right from the beginning when you state that you can save as much as 30% with clipless pedals. To make such a claim you better back it up with hard data; timed runs showing that you are indeed, approaching 30% faster or 30% less fatigued at the top of a climb on your clipless pedals vs the flats. Otherwise, it's just repeating "what you heard on the interwebz" and has already been shown to be inaccurate. The rest is subjective. For me, I can jump better and push harder knowing my feet are free. Riding flats has been a big help to my riding and my climbing hasn't suffered in any noticeable way - times or fatigue - on both day rides and extended multi-day trips. So say these are your opinions and your verdicts based on your riding and how each makes you feel, rather than making claims about hard data/facts unless you're going to show or cite data.
I was thinking the same thing. There is no way I am 15% - 30% less efficient with flats. I ride both but prefer flats 80% of the time. I've never noticed much of a difference in fitness. Only differences is that I prefer flats on the gnarlier terrain at high speeds. foot out flat out.
@@abhinavsixfaces original pedals were flat. Then came "toe clips" which were metal or plastic pieces you slid your foot into and sometimes strapped down. Then came "clipless" which dropped the toe clip/cage and connected on the bottom of the foot. Her wording is correct, the name is confusing without knowing the history.
@@petertyliszczak3411 hey thanks for the response. She says "this is what clipless pedals used to look like" then they show a picture of pedals with toe clips. Check the video at 0:39
and he rides lines that would be unridable for 99% of us, hell he takes lines that even a lot of the other EWS riders won't attempt (ok so a lot of that is being an ex pro DH racer)
@Christina Chappetta Hi Christina, well i did assume you had some experience with flats, i think the video did show this ;-) but the video unfortunately just didn't present it in that way(verbally). Still you should properly ride them for at least a month to get in the grove and also try the difference between concave and convex pedals, that said the oneups are suppose to be pretty good as long as you don't take them to the shins :-p fyi.. you are a great rider/presenter keep up the good work
A couple winters back I switched to flats and haven't gone back. One advantage for me with flats is I can wear those shoes even when I'm not riding. I now never have to worry about forgetting my riding shoes at home.
I rode clips exclusively for many years on all my bikes now I just use them on XC and Road. When your used to flats you don't lose your pedal but clips take some unlearning and relearning moving with the bike properly so your feet don't bounce. As in this video the rider struggled with jumps when free riders clearly don't. IMO the main benefits for normal riders for clips is uphill as the technique is easier, you can get more power and spread the load to different muscles but if your not racing who cares? Ride what's best for your riding style and don't let anyone tell you what is most fun for you.... I always thought it was Toe clipless and "they" just dropped the Toe part hence the confusion for beginners.
When you have a single bike with the clips you still want to get some flat surface for your casual grocery ride. Because you will never gonna dig into a pile of shoes to find your plastic shells for clips. More like you gonna go out with your feet inside the favorite, and laziest pumas eva - already laced, of course. So those clips.. they are just crazy thick. I've just measured pair of mine clips in the road bike and those are TWICE as fat as crank brothers 50/50. So yup, be sure to rip every rock on the hill with modern trial bike's low bottom bracket.
Definitely feeling more confident about my decision to move to clipless as I get back into MTB after years out of the saddle. I have an opportunity to kick my old bad habits as relearn the basics on a modern bike, and Christina's comments about being able to detach from clipless pedals quickly with experience has helped me decide to buy a set with my new bike. That way, I can get comfortable with them at the same time I'm getting comfortable with speed and tech again.
As a newbie rider, everyone I know recommend using flat to learn proper techniques first. Will eventually give clipless a try when I am more experienced.
I ride both I am always swapping even on the same trail. Definitely feel better climbing on clipless but tend to have more fun on flats and try di6 lines but the end of the day on the same trail more fatigued on flats but the fun factor is flats
I race mx and just can't get over the idea of being tied to your bike via clipless. I'm sure there's a ton of dudes/dudettes who ride moto and understand this mindset/feeling. I guess I would try the clipless route once I get my pea brain wrapped around the idea, I'm not anti-clipless. Flats just feel like you're on big assed pegs on a bike with no motor.
Thunder Chicken I used to ride MX and grew up riding BMX and I have no idea why people want to be attached to the bike other than climbing being easier. I don’t like climbing though....
No amount of advantage climbing (I don't race and only climb cuz it's the only way to come back down ;) ) can beat the feeling of being able to bail easily. Getting the courage up to push the envelope was much easier once I knew I could ditch the bike easily if something went goes wrong. Flats For Life.
I think we can all agree we would rather see the grim donut get folded in half from levy riding it rather than Christina here cover a video that’s on every mountain bike channel.
Can't stand the feeling of the float on clipless pedals especially when leaning into berms etc (Shimano spd) i feel like my ankle is gonna eventually rock too far and my cleat will pop out of the pedal , 510s plus decent flat pedals give so much grip it's crazy.
exactly. i tried clipless pedals for the first time a few weeks ago for literally 45 seconds. i stopped and nearly threw them in the trash. it's such a weird feeling and makes me feel like i dont know how to ride a bike anymore
not all clipless pedals are created equally. Crankbrothers for example you have a proper platform that you can dial in the amount of grip with pins / traction pads
Not a true trial. You won't bounce with the correct mid foot riding and droped heels position on flats. Also 5 ten shoes longer pins and pedaling innovations pedals give great confidence. It takes a bit of time to go back and improves your riding.
I ride both. If the trail is flowy and fast, then clipless. If technical and tough with the chance of wipeouts I like flats. BTW, my feet have never ever slipped off the pedal on flats on the rough stuff. If I am going to wipe out or fall off a log I want to step off and jump off the bike easily and quickly. You really need both.
Good review sorta bias. Having experience with both pedals they’re both great in there own ways once your used to them. Clips are great for racing and endurance riding, where flats are great for getting loose and jumping. The whole climbing advantage of clips is less noticeable overall but the large up the have in flats is on tech climbs.
I prefer flats for tech descents. When you have to get going again, or even just dab, half way down a long, steep rocky descent, sometimes with massive vertical exposure on one or both sides, I don't want to add to the risk by maybe not clipping in first time...
It's funny how every single thing she says one should be aware of when riding flats is just a basic skill, which you should always do regardless of the pedal type. Goes to prove how clipless pedals teach bad habits. 😂
I think it's all about speed - Speed, Speed, Speed! When I rode with clipless (about 6 years of riding) I had a few minor crashes that I contributed to not unclipping fast enough. Really wasn't a big deal because I came out of the pedals 99% of the time. But then there was the one time on a very fast and technical section where I crashed at high speed and my foot did not not release in time (we're talking 0.5 seconds too late) and it caused a sever hyperextension of my leg and tore my hamstring off my pelvic bone (Yes, It was more painful than it sounds). that was the end of clipless for me. The future technology is magnets - problem solved.
I agree clipless can lead to that but i completely disagree that magnets are the future. I disagree because imagine how the magnet would require a certain amount of force to get your feet off the pedals - too much force can lead to you pulling the bike towards you when you don`t want that to happen (mid air dead sailor) and too little and your feet would all of a sudden come off the pedals when you are on a bumpy trail with high speed. Then there would be a surprise fall and you would get your ankles broken just because all of a sudden your feet went off the pedals "unexpectedly". Think of it like that. I think anyone would agree i have a point here.
The only people bouncing off or struggling with flats are those that ride clipless. Bad habits come from clipless. So either stay on flats and adapt or stay on clipless and cheat on the hills.
Thanks for the review. I enjoyed. I have just bought a Fat Bike and will ride mostly on the beach and gravel roads and single track stuff so I will use the flat option for now, but for more gravel roads especially with lots of hill I will go with the clip in pedals rather.
Obvious that she normally rides with clips and not comfortable with flats. My experience with clips is that I find that I tend to modify my riding to avoid having to un-clip resulting in less aggressive riding.....in my case they tend to deskill me.
Spuds are great, BUT.... if you have very very very technical, very steep terrain, flats will give you more confidence. i had been riding spuds for 25 years and about 4 years ago returned to flats. decided to like it better.
Get a flat rider and a clipless rider and have them discuss what they think the pros and cons are. This is biased/less informed to have a clipless rider talk about both and have no flat rider representative. Also, someone who rides one way all the time cannot just jump on a new setup and tell you about it. It takes months or years to understand important nuances and movements.
Been riding clips for the last decade. Just got back into riding flats. Clips are faster and more business, but flats are more fun and playful. Being clipped in let’s you forget about your foot getting bucked off. This allows you to focus more on what’s in front of you and to ride faster downhill. Everyone keeps bringing up Sam Hill, but I believe he would be even faster on clip less pedals and he is a beast.
5 10’s and Semenuk Cromags. Have always ridden flats because when I started mtb’ing folks told me I’d learn better technique. When I imagine clips now my brain envisions a dark dank jail cell in Bolivia. Flats bonus: Jumping off my bike; leaning bike against wall; walking into bar and ordering a nice cold brew without the town drunk looking down and scowling like I just walked in wearing 9” pink stiletto heels. Clickity clack.
I got into mountain biking from road riding and racing back in the 1980’s. Actually used the original toe clip and straps. Been riding Shimano SPD for decades on all my bikes. For mountain bike especially technical riding I use the SH 56 M multi release cleat. I think back round and different experience can affect how you adjust to being clipped in. I also have been Alpine skiing and Alpine Touring so you become use to stepping into a binding and being connected to skis.
Love Christina so naturally cool :) Cost is a factor as well, you have to buy special shoes for clips, where with flats you can just run what you brung. lol
I noticed on flats, that if you pedal smooth, you save a lot of energy. Also, keep your heels down on the technical descents will keep you planted. If you put your heel up to pull on the upstroke, you can get similar efficiency. All this means flats require more skill and better handling of your bike. Everyone that I Know that broke their collar bone was a clipless rider.
I see a lot of videos like this and no one tells the "new to clip-less pedal mtbikers" is that the pedals are adjustable to make them easier or harder to get in and out of.
I was instantly skeptical of her performing this test when she said jumping feels different. That makes me think she has forgotten some basic bike handling. Am I wrong?
Yes, some of the techniques used with flat pedals to compensate for not being attached to the pedals can cause problems on clips, like the scoop you do to keep your feet on, on a jump is unnecessary on clip and will cause the rear to lift to much, this was happening a lot to a friend of mine who was a long time flat rider who switched to clips, as soon as he learned to relax his feet and not scoop cause there was no need for it the problem went away. This is what always bugs me when people say clip teach bad habits, there are proper techniques for things like bunny hops but there are subtle differences most of which have to do with compensation movements to keep your feet on the pedals with flats.
Used Carbon not when you get an infection from your rusty pins or when you come in with you shin split open and you can see your bone😂 clips or flat I don’t care. I run clips for trails and flats for dirt jumps and bmx
I just NEVER feel like I am gonna get out of em when I run into a spot. Stickin with flats, even though I have two sets of clips and shoes. I wanna like em, I just cannot get comfortable with the feel
It's all just muscle memory, I came to MTB from road riding and had been on clips for years, if I need to my foot is out and on the ground with out even thinking about it, it just takes time and practice, like learning how not to shin yourself 10 times a ride on flats LOL
I run Shimano XT Trail pedals with SH51 cleats. I have the spring tension on the lowest setting. I also position my cleats just about as far back as they'll go in the slots on my shoes. I think the biggest thing with clips, is training your heels to go straight out rather than up and out when trying to get out of your pedals. I'm the opposite. I wanna love flats... My buddies ride flats... With flats, I can't seem to keep my feet on the pedals in the easiest of techy climbs. I think I keep forgetting to drop my heels...
You mention bouncing off the flats in rocky or rooty sections. I never experienced that. I think it might come down to rider weight and suspension. And if you use large threaded pins or shorter, or non threaded and what shoes you wear. I use large threaded pins , 5-10 shoes and in full ride kit I weigh over 90 kg, and I've mostly ridden 160/170 mm travel enduro bikes. So I think it definitely comes down to all those aspects wether you experience bouncing off the pedals or not.
I think a lot of it comes down to foot position too. A lot of people ride with their foot too far back on the pedal. The ball of the foot should sit AHEAD of the spindle. To me, dropping the heels is not the right way to get traction on flats.
I have never had problems with that. I ride a hardtail and I’ve hit some nasty rock gardens without any issues. I found that dropping my heels and putting my weight just behind the ball of my foot helped.
hardtail party I sort of combine the two, plus staying loose if you’re on a hardtail helps (I learned that the hard way). Just being fluid makes it so much better.
using threaded pins and even just hiking shoes (I need to get some proper shoes) I've never had problems coming off the pedals on my hardtail. On my 140/150 travel bike, my feet are even more secure.
@Christina Chappetta that'll be great. A must for this topic and could clear up some understandings and misunderstandings, or just would be very informative. But never the less, this was a great video.
There aren't any studies that actually prove clipless=more power. They might feel like it, but at the same time you are doing more work and exerting more energy so it's basically the same.
Anyone that rides flats but wants a bit more energy saved on the climbs, some advice I have is to try out an oval chain wring. It feels strange for the first minute or so but you get used to it and it definitely helped me on climbs
lower gearing helps too, SRAM and Shimano 12 speed with their 50 and 51t cassettes climb like a dream (though some of the higher end 2x and 3x setups from before the era of 1x had comparable climbing ratios), you can tractor up stuff that you might have to take a run at with taller gearing.
Alot of people tell me to try clips, I started riding in 1984 and even had the stap clip original style, but I never felt like feet were coming off so I just stick to flats.
I say we plaster the comments section of every video, with questions about the Grim Donut until they put another video out. Who's with me?? Lol hahahahahaha 😂🤣😭🤨🧐🤔🤦
This video made me decide to give clipless pedals a second chance, but on my cross country bike, I´m sticking to flats on my e-enduro bike. Great video! really liked it. Made the topic feel fresh again. And the same conclusion, it all comes down to preference.
This was going to be a biased video front the very beginning. She admitted she hadn't ridden on flats in a long time. I've ridden both and flats take more technique that you don't use, or forget to use on clips. My feet have never bounced off a pedal on even the toughest of trails with proper technique.
I rode the strap/clips years ago, switched to clipless for a bit, but once I got flats and FreeRiders using James Wilson's technique, I'll never go back. But I'm not a pro racer like Christina... I can see clips being an important tool at her level.
I use a very different flat pedal setup, my bike setup, geo,sizing, saddle position, foot position is all different. I use Mid foot position with Pedaling Innovations Catalyst flat pedals, I am 181cm, use A Size Large Geometron G1, I use a Fabric scoop shallow race saddle the tip is above BB. it all makes a big difference compared to a older geometry, and the ball of foot position with tiny pedals. That you can't drop heels with catalyst pedals is a myth, you can, if you have the mobility to do it, I have. but the pedal is much more stable to ride with, and you can notice is easily by doing a big drop. I have ridden with Mid foot position for many years, I have tried to ride with ball of foot but it felt wrong, unstable, but I use size 43-44 shoes so all pedals on the market are too small for arch support, but that's there Catalyst pedals come in.
I've been playing with the idea of building my own clipless shoes, because no one but maybe Lake makes the 10EEEEEE shoe I need, and I'm not spending half my hardtail on a pair of shoes.
I ride clipless in the PNW but after a bunch of concussions I am trying flats so I don’t go to my helmet when I lose the front wheel. It’s different in a fun way. Gotta relearn how to ride again but it’ll keep things fresh.
Don't like the idea of being attached to my bike during a crash. Most crashes happen in a split second where you won't have enough time to de-clip; especially on the steep fast stuff. Although I did experience coming off the pedals on rough features when I first started off, I have developed the proper technique to where I feel comfortable on flats even down the gnar for the most part. I'll stick to flats.
Actually we didn't call them clipless back then, we called them toe clips. Clipless was called clipless because there was no longer a toe clip which was replaced with a mechanism that your shoe locked into. So it is still a clipless pedal because it doesn't have a toe clip.
@@wogahboy It would, but then how would you differentiate between a clipless pedal and flats? So yeah, it's messed up, but a clipless has a mechanism to lock your shoe in (which has to have a matching cleat on it) and a flat or platform pedal doesn't.
I was fully clipped in on the pedals then get some 50/50 Welgro flat/clipped pedals and a pair shoes that worked for both types. I clip in for uphill and pedalling stretches then flip the pedal and go unclipped on the sketchy bits. Took a few rides to adjust to them but now I'm really happy with them. Best of both.
I truly dislike the term 'clipless' for what is essentially a clip-on pedal. The 'clips' that are described on old-school pedals at 0:40 are better described as 'brackets' ....there was nothing clippy about them ...they were just cheap hack alternatives to actual clip-in pedals (that also existed in many forms back in the day), so people could ride with regular shoes, and not invest in the specialized clip-in pedals and shoes. However the old school clip-ins were mainly on road bikes ....MTBs generally had _flats only_ so they dealt with the brackets and not clip-ins ...it was largely an underdeveloped and non-competitive sport at the time ...bike designs and varieties were way more limited in comparison to road and BMX bikes ...so the MTB world had a lot of catching up to do. So now this new breed of MTBers comes along, with new designs and adopting better technology, but comes up with an unnecessarily confusing (and essentially incorrect) term, to distinguish new pedal designs from an old, cheap and irrelevant one ....and the industry is following their lead! ....so now we're doomed to perpetuate this s**tty term. f'n snot-nosed hipsters, I tell you ....smh ....don't even get me started on the term 'wi-fi'. .....ok rant over ....have a nice day everyone!!
I haven’t been on clipless since the 90’s but I recently bought a hardcore hardtail and i find my feet getting bucked off on chunky / chattery stuff . Thinking of putting a pair on .
Gawd it's a tough one... I think that part where she mentioned losing focus because her foot was moving around on the flats pedal is what makes me go back to clips every time. The freedom on flats is so great...the shoe offerings are way better too... but that once or twice when your foot gets knocked off... or you go through a rock garden with your feet planted all wonky... are such a deal breaker..
Side note, studies showed that the "circular" pedal style (smashing and pulling up) does not really happen with elite athletes. The results showed they just smash downward allowing for micro-recovery while the leg comes up.
When jumping with flats you should never “pull/scoop” the rear of the bike with your feet, always pump, the rear of the bike will follow your feet up. Also when descending always keep heels down to avoid your feet moving on the pedals.
Justin E: To add clarity to your “descending” advice you mean while descending down a rough slope with the tires on the ground. You don’t mean while in midair during a jump just before landing. Correct? I naturally go heels down just before take off on a jump to compress the bike into the face of the jump but don’t really think about my feet after liftoff. They just magically stay on the pedals.
@@bantxc5616 Should be like an ollie. No need for any grip in the rear. It should pop like a skateboard if you are pulling up and pushing forward/down on the handle bars correctly. Like a whip (the tool/weapon, not the trick) or those rope workouts (making a wave pass along the rope)
The only reasons my foot can come off a flat pedal is if I mes sup really bad, my hips, feet, elbows,shoulder, all at once or in some of them in some combo or even alone can throw my balance off, and cause a crash. but otherwise I feel safe with flat pedals, and Catalyst pedals have a longer platform so feet are more stable. but I always ride with knee, shin pads, unless it's very warm, and I am riding carefully at a easy trail or bike path. I doubt I could clip out of a clipless pedal in a steep technical climb when my hip(s) misslign and I am falling sideways, but with flat pedals it's easy to bail.
Why are these comparisons of flats vs clipless pedals always from the point of view of somebody who usually rides clipped in. I would challenge PINKBIKE to do this comparison from the point of view of someone who rides flats at a high level. Riding flats well, climbing descending and tech, takes time to develop, show us the other side pls.
Christina Chappetta Hi Christina, The person I think would be perfect, is Ryan Leech. He has the skills, knows how to present, is well respected, knowledgeable, is a nice guy, and rides flats. I believe out of the Vancouver area. Thoughts?Cheers
One thing that really keeps me away from flats, is descending really rocky, chunky, bouncy stuff. I don't have a whole lot of ankle flex, and it's almost impossible for me to stay on the pedals. When I'm clipped in, I don't have to focus so intensely on keeping my feet from bouncing out of place. The only real downside I've found with modern clips is riding into super technical features that I'm unfamiliar with not very comfortable with yet; like some of the double black diamond stuff around Moab and whatnot.
My fat bike came with clipless. I like them except my shoes are very hard to get out. Pedal has a screw adjustment it I can’t budge it even with penetrating oil. Is there a trick to it?
I don't understand why all of a sudden, it seems the younger generation doesn't want to call clipless, clipless. They have been called that for over thirty years. Why is it confusing. I remember having pedals that were low profile where you had a cleat on your shoe where the rear of the pedal went up into a groove. Then you would tighten the strap on the toe clip. So you had to learn to reach down, and loosen the strap when coming to a stop. I and other riders got really good at this. It was what was available. Clipless pedals made it easier to release. If you want to name them something that's less confusing to you, call them quick release pedals. Because that's what they became when when toe clips were removed. Toe clips are still used in track racing, so they are the clip ins of the bike world. Clipless came even later in the mountain bike world, with spd becoming the first clipless. A lot of folks wanted the same feeling road pedals had, and started using toe clips. I remember a big wide strap called a power strip that mimicked the way you turned your heel out of clipless. If you want to call clipless, clip ins. You should try riding with toe clips or even a power strip. And accept the history of clipless pedals
I think this was a prime example of a biased review. You state Some things as facts while you clearly didn’t go true the more steep learning curve of flats. ((15-30% more effort because better pedal stroke?!?! What? )
Not really a pro vs con video when the presenter of the video is so biased on the clipless pedals and keeps calling riding flats "going back to basics" I don't really mind one or the other type of pedals, but don't really like the title of the video.
I noticed that. This goes back to when you were colouring outside the lines with big thick crayons, kids...and riding your banana seat with flat pedals. You flats riders are so unsophisticated.
I always ride flats mostly because I use my bike also for commuting and just getting around town so I don't have to think about my shoes or even taking a spare pair
Difference between clips and flats: Clips are bad bc if u get scared u may not unclip unless ur used to the movement Flats are bad bc feet move and ur not clipped whith the bike After that, if u get used to them, they are the same
A question that has been "answered" a million times, but what truly keeps all of us up at night, is: "How does the grim donut ride?"
So true! I want to know!!!!
Where is it!
@@martinl.4696 sitting in the office with flats on it waiting for the video crew to get back from Sedona. :)
I'm pissed tf off about it lol 😂😂 Mike screwed us 😤 they need to put out another grim donut video
The hype for the grim donut review is so insane, that no matter how good the video is, people will be diasppointed by it, since the expectations have risen to be astronomical.
Here's the truth:IT'S YOUR CHOICE!
@@michaelmazani thanks
@@melwalshmtb9121 no problem.
Heres the truth. I DONT KNOW WHAT TO RIDE WITH🤣
Max Brock if you ride xc choose clipless. If you ride downhill/enduro I would go with flats. If your more of a trail rider it’s your choice. If your more on the downhill side of trail “you like jumps and drops” then I would go with flats. And if ur on the xc side go with clips. It’s all your choice but if you crash a lot flats are good 4u and if ur a climber and your more carful go with clips
@@melwalshmtb9121 thx for making it easier my man
I don't think that the grim donut viedeo is coming this year
youre absolutley right
Yeah :(
I love the climbing advantage of clipless pedals. I hadn't considered how they keep your foot in the right position as well for downhill. That's a frequent adjustment I need to make when I ride flats. Awesome riding and I enjoy seeing women mtb presenters!
As with some other commenters, your credibility is shot right from the beginning when you state that you can save as much as 30% with clipless pedals. To make such a claim you better back it up with hard data; timed runs showing that you are indeed, approaching 30% faster or 30% less fatigued at the top of a climb on your clipless pedals vs the flats. Otherwise, it's just repeating "what you heard on the interwebz" and has already been shown to be inaccurate.
The rest is subjective. For me, I can jump better and push harder knowing my feet are free. Riding flats has been a big help to my riding and my climbing hasn't suffered in any noticeable way - times or fatigue - on both day rides and extended multi-day trips. So say these are your opinions and your verdicts based on your riding and how each makes you feel, rather than making claims about hard data/facts unless you're going to show or cite data.
I was thinking the same thing. There is no way I am 15% - 30% less efficient with flats. I ride both but prefer flats 80% of the time. I've never noticed much of a difference in fitness. Only differences is that I prefer flats on the gnarlier terrain at high speeds. foot out flat out.
They even show a picture of pedals with clips and she says clipless pedals...
@@abhinavsixfaces original pedals were flat. Then came "toe clips" which were metal or plastic pieces you slid your foot into and sometimes strapped down. Then came "clipless" which dropped the toe clip/cage and connected on the bottom of the foot. Her wording is correct, the name is confusing without knowing the history.
fuck off
@@petertyliszczak3411 hey thanks for the response. She says "this is what clipless pedals used to look like" then they show a picture of pedals with toe clips. Check the video at 0:39
It honestly just comes down to just what you feel more comfortable with and makes you improve on a bike and on the trail
Sam Hill, that's all the reason I need to ride #flatsforever
and he rides lines that would be unridable for 99% of us, hell he takes lines that even a lot of the other EWS riders won't attempt (ok so a lot of that is being an ex pro DH racer)
@@mrvwbug4423 sam hill is exactly why this topic is dead
Sam hill is the 1%, 99% of us should not try and do what he does.
Bede Torrance you ride clips huh?
Seriously, virtually all the rest of the EWS field is on clips, but this one superhuman guy....
You talk about the flats like this is your first time with them.... maybe you should try them just a bit longer and build some experience with them
@Christina Chappetta Hi Christina, well i did assume you had some experience with flats, i think the video did show this ;-) but the video unfortunately just didn't present it in that way(verbally). Still you should properly ride them for at least a month to get in the grove and also try the difference between concave and convex pedals, that said the oneups are suppose to be pretty good as long as you don't take them to the shins :-p fyi.. you are a great rider/presenter keep up the good work
"Daddy, I want more Grim Donut, and I want it NOW!!"
Brandon Sheldon All right Wonka, name yer price...🤑
A couple winters back I switched to flats and haven't gone back. One advantage for me with flats is I can wear those shoes even when I'm not riding. I now never have to worry about forgetting my riding shoes at home.
I rode clips exclusively for many years on all my bikes now I just use them on XC and Road. When your used to flats you don't lose your pedal but clips take some unlearning and relearning moving with the bike properly so your feet don't bounce. As in this video the rider struggled with jumps when free riders clearly don't.
IMO the main benefits for normal riders for clips is uphill as the technique is easier, you can get more power and spread the load to different muscles but if your not racing who cares?
Ride what's best for your riding style and don't let anyone tell you what is most fun for you....
I always thought it was Toe clipless and "they" just dropped the Toe part hence the confusion for beginners.
When you have a single bike with the clips you still want to get some flat surface for your casual grocery ride. Because you will never gonna dig into a pile of shoes to find your plastic shells for clips. More like you gonna go out with your feet inside the favorite, and laziest pumas eva - already laced, of course.
So those clips.. they are just crazy thick. I've just measured pair of mine clips in the road bike and those are TWICE as fat as crank brothers 50/50. So yup, be sure to rip every rock on the hill with modern trial bike's low bottom bracket.
What at pleasure. Just learning for road biking at 60yrs old. Thank you for your information.
Definitely feeling more confident about my decision to move to clipless as I get back into MTB after years out of the saddle. I have an opportunity to kick my old bad habits as relearn the basics on a modern bike, and Christina's comments about being able to detach from clipless pedals quickly with experience has helped me decide to buy a set with my new bike. That way, I can get comfortable with them at the same time I'm getting comfortable with speed and tech again.
As a newbie rider, everyone I know recommend using flat to learn proper techniques first. Will eventually give clipless a try when I am more experienced.
I ride both I am always swapping even on the same trail. Definitely feel better climbing on clipless but tend to have more fun on flats and try di6 lines but the end of the day on the same trail more fatigued on flats but the fun factor is flats
Nice vid Christina...It's cool you've joined the PB crew, congrats on the new gig.
Seriously, she seemed a lot less biased on this topic than most similar videos... and she's funny too!
@@phoxrides Yes I dig her style and humor good addition to PB.
@Christina Chappetta You're welcome!
Flats all day and always!
I race mx and just can't get over the idea of being tied to your bike via clipless. I'm sure there's a ton of dudes/dudettes who ride moto and understand this mindset/feeling. I guess I would try the clipless route once I get my pea brain wrapped around the idea, I'm not anti-clipless. Flats just feel like you're on big assed pegs on a bike with no motor.
Thunder Chicken I used to ride MX and grew up riding BMX and I have no idea why people want to be attached to the bike other than climbing being easier. I don’t like climbing though....
@@thetrailtrawler2602 That's funny and so true. I with you on the climbing horse shit as well.
No amount of advantage climbing (I don't race and only climb cuz it's the only way to come back down ;) ) can beat the feeling of being able to bail easily. Getting the courage up to push the envelope was much easier once I knew I could ditch the bike easily if something went goes wrong. Flats For Life.
Jacob Beaudrie same! I don’t ever plan to run clips
I think we can all agree we would rather see the grim donut get folded in half from levy riding it rather than Christina here cover a video that’s on every mountain bike channel.
That “15-30% energy savings with clips uphill” comment was a bit of a stretch. Great presentation nonetheless.
Yeah, I was wondering how she measured that one!
If GCN's guys say it's a couple watts difference, then anywhere but flat roads is less than 1%
Can't stand the feeling of the float on clipless pedals especially when leaning into berms etc (Shimano spd) i feel like my ankle is gonna eventually rock too far and my cleat will pop out of the pedal , 510s plus decent flat pedals give so much grip it's crazy.
exactly. i tried clipless pedals for the first time a few weeks ago for literally 45 seconds. i stopped and nearly threw them in the trash. it's such a weird feeling and makes me feel like i dont know how to ride a bike anymore
not all clipless pedals are created equally. Crankbrothers for example you have a proper platform that you can dial in the amount of grip with pins / traction pads
adza botchway so you actually never tried it ..
@@dash0173 gotta spend some time in order to get comfortable
Not a true trial. You won't bounce with the correct mid foot riding and droped heels position on flats. Also 5 ten shoes longer pins and pedaling innovations pedals give great confidence. It takes a bit of time to go back and improves your riding.
I changed back to flats after years of using clipless. Way more fun imo.
I ride both. If the trail is flowy and fast, then clipless. If technical and tough with the chance of wipeouts I like flats. BTW, my feet have never ever slipped off the pedal on flats on the rough stuff. If I am going to wipe out or fall off a log I want to step off and jump off the bike easily and quickly. You really need both.
Awsome review! Flats 4 life 🤘
Good review sorta bias. Having experience with both pedals they’re both great in there own ways once your used to them. Clips are great for racing and endurance riding, where flats are great for getting loose and jumping. The whole climbing advantage of clips is less noticeable overall but the large up the have in flats is on tech climbs.
I prefer flats for tech descents. When you have to get going again, or even just dab, half way down a long, steep rocky descent, sometimes with massive vertical exposure on one or both sides, I don't want to add to the risk by maybe not clipping in first time...
It's funny how every single thing she says one should be aware of when riding flats is just a basic skill, which you should always do regardless of the pedal type. Goes to prove how clipless pedals teach bad habits. 😂
Great video once again Christina !
I think it's all about speed - Speed, Speed, Speed! When I rode with clipless (about 6 years of riding) I had a few minor crashes that I contributed to not unclipping fast enough. Really wasn't a big deal because I came out of the pedals 99% of the time. But then there was the one time on a very fast and technical section where I crashed at high speed and my foot did not not release in time (we're talking 0.5 seconds too late) and it caused a sever hyperextension of my leg and tore my hamstring off my pelvic bone (Yes, It was more painful than it sounds). that was the end of clipless for me. The future technology is magnets - problem solved.
I agree clipless can lead to that but i completely disagree that magnets are the future. I disagree because imagine how the magnet would require a certain amount of force to get your feet off the pedals - too much force can lead to you pulling the bike towards you when you don`t want that to happen (mid air dead sailor) and too little and your feet would all of a sudden come off the pedals when you are on a bumpy trail with high speed. Then there would be a surprise fall and you would get your ankles broken just because all of a sudden your feet went off the pedals "unexpectedly". Think of it like that. I think anyone would agree i have a point here.
The only people bouncing off or struggling with flats are those that ride clipless. Bad habits come from clipless. So either stay on flats and adapt or stay on clipless and cheat on the hills.
yep, this is not true lmao.
My buddies that ride clips are always falling and it doesn’t look enjoyable, I’ll stick to flats
@@SimplePleasuresMTB I'm sure you're falling too, you just can't see yourself fall
Julian Siefert i should of clarified “falling while climbing “ who falls climbing? Yeah it happens, but 11 times on a trail? No clip ins for me.
@@SimplePleasuresMTB Lol, sounds like your friends need practice
Research current science tests, Clipless performance advantage is less than 1% not the 30% quoted.
Thanks for the review. I enjoyed. I have just bought a Fat Bike and will ride mostly on the beach and gravel roads and single track stuff so I will use the flat option for now, but for more gravel roads especially with lots of hill I will go with the clip in pedals rather.
Best part about switching from clips to flats is doing an accidental superman when you try to pull up on your feet
Thats what happened to me
@@timbne me too😂😂😂
I did that and somehow landed it perfectly
Obvious that she normally rides with clips and not comfortable with flats. My experience with clips is that I find that I tend to modify my riding to avoid having to un-clip resulting in less aggressive riding.....in my case they tend to deskill me.
Great comparison!! Thanks!! Love your channel!
Spuds are great, BUT.... if you have very very very technical, very steep terrain, flats will give you more confidence. i had been riding spuds for 25 years and about 4 years ago returned to flats. decided to like it better.
Get a flat rider and a clipless rider and have them discuss what they think the pros and cons are. This is biased/less informed to have a clipless rider talk about both and have no flat rider representative. Also, someone who rides one way all the time cannot just jump on a new setup and tell you about it. It takes months or years to understand important nuances and movements.
Been riding clips for the last decade. Just got back into riding flats. Clips are faster and more business, but flats are more fun and playful. Being clipped in let’s you forget about your foot getting bucked off. This allows you to focus more on what’s in front of you and to ride faster downhill. Everyone keeps bringing up Sam Hill, but I believe he would be even faster on clip less pedals and he is a beast.
510 free ride pros, Deity TMAC pedals....basically clip ins🤘🏻
Love her, good presenter
I'd pipe
Excellent and seldom mentioned point that clip shoes are stiffer
I don't care about the pedals, I just want to try to keep up with her on those trails!!!
5 10’s and Semenuk Cromags. Have always ridden flats because when I started mtb’ing folks told me I’d learn better technique. When I imagine clips now my brain envisions a dark dank jail cell in Bolivia. Flats bonus: Jumping off my bike; leaning bike against wall; walking into bar and ordering a nice cold brew without the town drunk looking down and scowling like I just walked in wearing 9” pink stiletto heels. Clickity clack.
I got into mountain biking from road riding and racing back in the 1980’s. Actually used the original toe clip and straps. Been riding Shimano SPD for decades on all my bikes. For mountain bike especially technical riding I use the SH 56 M multi release cleat. I think back round and different experience can affect how you adjust to being clipped in. I also have been Alpine skiing and Alpine Touring so you become use to stepping into a binding and being connected to skis.
Love Christina so naturally cool :) Cost is a factor as well, you have to buy special shoes for clips, where with flats you can just run what you brung. lol
I noticed on flats, that if you pedal smooth, you save a lot of energy. Also, keep your heels down on the technical descents will keep you planted. If you put your heel up to pull on the upstroke, you can get similar efficiency. All this means flats require more skill and better handling of your bike. Everyone that I Know that broke their collar bone was a clipless rider.
I see a lot of videos like this and no one tells the "new to clip-less pedal mtbikers" is that the pedals are adjustable to make them easier or harder to get in and out of.
She sold herself on the clips before she even started the comparison 😂
Grim donut vid, did levy die or why didnt you upload it yet?
I agree
so the point is
*its your choice*
nothing is better its just skill.
I was instantly skeptical of her performing this test when she said jumping feels different. That makes me think she has forgotten some basic bike handling. Am I wrong?
Yes, some of the techniques used with flat pedals to compensate for not being attached to the pedals can cause problems on clips, like the scoop you do to keep your feet on, on a jump is unnecessary on clip and will cause the rear to lift to much, this was happening a lot to a friend of mine who was a long time flat rider who switched to clips, as soon as he learned to relax his feet and not scoop cause there was no need for it the problem went away. This is what always bugs me when people say clip teach bad habits, there are proper techniques for things like bunny hops but there are subtle differences most of which have to do with compensation movements to keep your feet on the pedals with flats.
We have the same helmets (100% Altec) which I'm very happy with my purchase :) I always use flats...
Flat pedals: recommended by 10 out of 10 emergency room doctors!
Used Carbon not when you get an infection from your rusty pins or when you come in with you shin split open and you can see your bone😂 clips or flat I don’t care. I run clips for trails and flats for dirt jumps and bmx
Riding with Jack Ouch . I’d probably agree with you if that happened to me. I guess I’ve been lucky so far.
Used Carbon it hasn’t happened to me but it has happened to someone I know.
I just NEVER feel like I am gonna get out of em when I run into a spot. Stickin with flats, even though I have two sets of clips and shoes. I wanna like em, I just cannot get comfortable with the feel
Colin Kelly maybe you have them too tight. I have clips and once you get used to them you clip out like a champ.
It's all just muscle memory, I came to MTB from road riding and had been on clips for years, if I need to my foot is out and on the ground with out even thinking about it, it just takes time and practice, like learning how not to shin yourself 10 times a ride on flats LOL
I run Shimano XT Trail pedals with SH51 cleats. I have the spring tension on the lowest setting. I also position my cleats just about as far back as they'll go in the slots on my shoes. I think the biggest thing with clips, is training your heels to go straight out rather than up and out when trying to get out of your pedals. I'm the opposite. I wanna love flats... My buddies ride flats... With flats, I can't seem to keep my feet on the pedals in the easiest of techy climbs. I think I keep forgetting to drop my heels...
You mention bouncing off the flats in rocky or rooty sections. I never experienced that. I think it might come down to rider weight and suspension. And if you use large threaded pins or shorter, or non threaded and what shoes you wear. I use large threaded pins , 5-10 shoes and in full ride kit I weigh over 90 kg, and I've mostly ridden 160/170 mm travel enduro bikes. So I think it definitely comes down to all those aspects wether you experience bouncing off the pedals or not.
I think a lot of it comes down to foot position too. A lot of people ride with their foot too far back on the pedal. The ball of the foot should sit AHEAD of the spindle. To me, dropping the heels is not the right way to get traction on flats.
I have never had problems with that. I ride a hardtail and I’ve hit some nasty rock gardens without any issues. I found that dropping my heels and putting my weight just behind the ball of my foot helped.
hardtail party I sort of combine the two, plus staying loose if you’re on a hardtail helps (I learned that the hard way). Just being fluid makes it so much better.
using threaded pins and even just hiking shoes (I need to get some proper shoes) I've never had problems coming off the pedals on my hardtail. On my 140/150 travel bike, my feet are even more secure.
@Christina Chappetta that'll be great. A must for this topic and could clear up some understandings and misunderstandings, or just would be very informative. But never the less, this was a great video.
There aren't any studies that actually prove clipless=more power. They might feel like it, but at the same time you are doing more work and exerting more energy so it's basically the same.
even GCN, while using flats on a road bike (which is a comical sight) had virtually no difference in performance
Clipless = more power. Clipless NOT= more efficient.
Anyone that rides flats but wants a bit more energy saved on the climbs, some advice I have is to try out an oval chain wring. It feels strange for the first minute or so but you get used to it and it definitely helped me on climbs
lower gearing helps too, SRAM and Shimano 12 speed with their 50 and 51t cassettes climb like a dream (though some of the higher end 2x and 3x setups from before the era of 1x had comparable climbing ratios), you can tractor up stuff that you might have to take a run at with taller gearing.
Alot of people tell me to try clips, I started riding in 1984 and even had the stap clip original style, but I never felt like feet were coming off so I just stick to flats.
This was VERY informative. I used to use those old clip ins, straps, whatever they were, on a road bike. They were dangerous if you needed to bail.
I say we plaster the comments section of every video, with questions about the Grim Donut until they put another video out. Who's with me?? Lol hahahahahaha 😂🤣😭🤨🧐🤔🤦
This video made me decide to give clipless pedals a second chance, but on my cross country bike, I´m sticking to flats on my e-enduro bike. Great video! really liked it. Made the topic feel fresh again. And the same conclusion, it all comes down to preference.
This was going to be a biased video front the very beginning. She admitted she hadn't ridden on flats in a long time. I've ridden both and flats take more technique that you don't use, or forget to use on clips. My feet have never bounced off a pedal on even the toughest of trails with proper technique.
And I think that’s what it’s all about ! Ride what gives you the most confidence and what works best for you!
I rode the strap/clips years ago, switched to clipless for a bit, but once I got flats and FreeRiders using James Wilson's technique, I'll never go back. But I'm not a pro racer like Christina... I can see clips being an important tool at her level.
I use a very different flat pedal setup, my bike setup, geo,sizing, saddle position, foot position is all different.
I use Mid foot position with Pedaling Innovations Catalyst flat pedals, I am 181cm, use A Size Large Geometron G1, I use a Fabric scoop shallow race saddle the tip is above BB.
it all makes a big difference compared to a older geometry, and the ball of foot position with tiny pedals.
That you can't drop heels with catalyst pedals is a myth, you can, if you have the mobility to do it, I have. but the pedal is much more stable to ride with, and you can notice is easily by doing a big drop.
I have ridden with Mid foot position for many years, I have tried to ride with ball of foot but it felt wrong, unstable, but I use size 43-44 shoes so all pedals on the market are too small for arch support, but that's there Catalyst pedals come in.
I've been playing with the idea of building my own clipless shoes, because no one but maybe Lake makes the 10EEEEEE shoe I need, and I'm not spending half my hardtail on a pair of shoes.
I ride clipless in the PNW but after a bunch of concussions I am trying flats so I don’t go to my helmet when I lose the front wheel. It’s different in a fun way. Gotta relearn how to ride again but it’ll keep things fresh.
Don't like the idea of being attached to my bike during a crash. Most crashes happen in a split second where you won't have enough time to de-clip; especially on the steep fast stuff. Although I did experience coming off the pedals on rough features when I first started off, I have developed the proper technique to where I feel comfortable on flats even down the gnar for the most part. I'll stick to flats.
Actually we didn't call them clipless back then, we called them toe clips. Clipless was called clipless because there was no longer a toe clip which was replaced with a mechanism that your shoe locked into. So it is still a clipless pedal because it doesn't have a toe clip.
Wouldn't that make a flat a clipless pedal?
@@wogahboy It would, but then how would you differentiate between a clipless pedal and flats?
So yeah, it's messed up, but a clipless has a mechanism to lock your shoe in (which has to have a matching cleat on it) and a flat or platform pedal doesn't.
@@ShadLife hmmm
@@ShadLife as with everything people are lazy and they don't want to say toe clipless pedal. Lol
@@wogahboy 🤣
The presenter was great and points were valid but just as a matter of personal preference, I hate this debate. Ride what you like.
Pretty certain that the Grim Donut rides best with flats. Prove me wrong Pinkbike!
I was fully clipped in on the pedals then get some 50/50 Welgro flat/clipped pedals and a pair shoes that worked for both types. I clip in for uphill and pedalling stretches then flip the pedal and go unclipped on the sketchy bits. Took a few rides to adjust to them but now I'm really happy with them. Best of both.
What’s next , clipless grips?
2:30 The oval chainring eliminates that up and down motion smoothing it out evenly, try out people.
I truly dislike the term 'clipless' for what is essentially a clip-on pedal. The 'clips' that are described on old-school pedals at 0:40 are better described as 'brackets' ....there was nothing clippy about them ...they were just cheap hack alternatives to actual clip-in pedals (that also existed in many forms back in the day), so people could ride with regular shoes, and not invest in the specialized clip-in pedals and shoes.
However the old school clip-ins were mainly on road bikes ....MTBs generally had _flats only_ so they dealt with the brackets and not clip-ins ...it was largely an underdeveloped and non-competitive sport at the time ...bike designs and varieties were way more limited in comparison to road and BMX bikes ...so the MTB world had a lot of catching up to do.
So now this new breed of MTBers comes along, with new designs and adopting better technology, but comes up with an unnecessarily confusing (and essentially incorrect) term, to distinguish new pedal designs from an old, cheap and irrelevant one ....and the industry is following their lead! ....so now we're doomed to perpetuate this s**tty term.
f'n snot-nosed hipsters, I tell you ....smh ....don't even get me started on the term 'wi-fi'.
.....ok rant over ....have a nice day everyone!!
Clips are better in every aspect besides... crashing
I haven’t been on clipless since the 90’s but I recently bought a hardcore hardtail and i find my feet getting bucked off on chunky / chattery stuff . Thinking of putting a pair on .
Gawd it's a tough one... I think that part where she mentioned losing focus because her foot was moving around on the flats pedal is what makes me go back to clips every time. The freedom on flats is so great...the shoe offerings are way better too... but that once or twice when your foot gets knocked off... or you go through a rock garden with your feet planted all wonky... are such a deal breaker..
8:37 With Catalyst pedal you don't get the folding down effect mentioned here.
Side note, studies showed that the "circular" pedal style (smashing and pulling up) does not really happen with elite athletes. The results showed they just smash downward allowing for micro-recovery while the leg comes up.
Yep! You can actually screw up your hip flexors if you are pulling up on your pedals.
Clippers felt secure on chunky DH trails. But flats are more confidence inspiring on technical rock uphill climbs. I can't ever click out fast enough
When jumping with flats you should never “pull/scoop” the rear of the bike with your feet, always pump, the rear of the bike will follow your feet up. Also when descending always keep heels down to avoid your feet moving on the pedals.
Justin E: To add clarity to your “descending” advice you mean while descending down a rough slope with the tires on the ground. You don’t mean while in midair during a jump just before landing. Correct? I naturally go heels down just before take off on a jump to compress the bike into the face of the jump but don’t really think about my feet after liftoff. They just magically stay on the pedals.
I always scoop it works for me I think I do it cause I ride bmx a scooping is essential there
@@bantxc5616 Should be like an ollie. No need for any grip in the rear. It should pop like a skateboard if you are pulling up and pushing forward/down on the handle bars correctly. Like a whip (the tool/weapon, not the trick) or those rope workouts (making a wave pass along the rope)
the scooping is actually very important in jumping
@@matiasmaensivu7723 do you work in the media? You should because you have no idea what you are talking about.
Just ordered my first pair of clipless for climbing 👍🏻
Can I sort by video host so I can watch all of Christina’s videos?
Wait I thought you weren't allowed to one foot drift on clipped pedals?
My pedals, my colour. Flat out - OneUp
Get both, ride whichever you prefer.
The only reasons my foot can come off a flat pedal is if I mes sup really bad, my hips, feet, elbows,shoulder, all at once or in some of them in some combo or even alone can throw my balance off, and cause a crash. but otherwise I feel safe with flat pedals, and Catalyst pedals have a longer platform so feet are more stable. but I always ride with knee, shin pads, unless it's very warm, and I am riding carefully at a easy trail or bike path.
I doubt I could clip out of a clipless pedal in a steep technical climb when my hip(s) misslign and I am falling sideways, but with flat pedals it's easy to bail.
I ride both
Why are these comparisons of flats vs clipless pedals always from the point of view of somebody who usually rides clipped in. I would challenge PINKBIKE to do this comparison from the point of view of someone who rides flats at a high level. Riding flats well, climbing descending and tech, takes time to develop, show us the other side pls.
Christina Chappetta Hi Christina, The person I think would be perfect, is Ryan Leech. He has the skills, knows how to present, is well respected, knowledgeable, is a nice guy, and rides flats. I believe out of the Vancouver area. Thoughts?Cheers
@@bowman1211 awesome idea for sure! That one's going on the list. Thanks!
Check out Jeff Kendal Weed...He did a comparison video...He's an amazing rider clipped in or on flats.
Both have their place, is there a 100% right or a 100% wrong answer to the timeless flats vs clipless debate? #flats #clipless #justrideyourdamnbike
Nice Transition!
One thing that really keeps me away from flats, is descending really rocky, chunky, bouncy stuff. I don't have a whole lot of ankle flex, and it's almost impossible for me to stay on the pedals. When I'm clipped in, I don't have to focus so intensely on keeping my feet from bouncing out of place.
The only real downside I've found with modern clips is riding into super technical features that I'm unfamiliar with not very comfortable with yet; like some of the double black diamond stuff around Moab and whatnot.
My fat bike came with clipless. I like them except my shoes are very hard to get out. Pedal has a screw adjustment it I can’t budge it even with penetrating oil. Is there a trick to it?
I don't understand why all of a sudden, it seems the younger generation doesn't want to call clipless, clipless. They have been called that for over thirty years. Why is it confusing. I remember having pedals that were low profile where you had a cleat on your shoe where the rear of the pedal went up into a groove. Then you would tighten the strap on the toe clip. So you had to learn to reach down, and loosen the strap when coming to a stop. I and other riders got really good at this. It was what was available. Clipless pedals made it easier to release. If you want to name them something that's less confusing to you, call them quick release pedals. Because that's what they became when when toe clips were removed. Toe clips are still used in track racing, so they are the clip ins of the bike world. Clipless came even later in the mountain bike world, with spd becoming the first clipless. A lot of folks wanted the same feeling road pedals had, and started using toe clips. I remember a big wide strap called a power strip that mimicked the way you turned your heel out of clipless. If you want to call clipless, clip ins. You should try riding with toe clips or even a power strip. And accept the history of clipless pedals
I think this was a prime example of a biased review. You state Some things as facts while you clearly didn’t go true the more steep learning curve of flats. ((15-30% more effort because better pedal stroke?!?! What? )
I couldn't finish the video after hearing 15 to 30% effort increase.
Not really a pro vs con video when the presenter of the video is so biased on the clipless pedals and keeps calling riding flats "going back to basics"
I don't really mind one or the other type of pedals, but don't really like the title of the video.
I noticed that. This goes back to when you were colouring outside the lines with big thick crayons, kids...and riding your banana seat with flat pedals. You flats riders are so unsophisticated.
Should ask a certain Aussie racer about how good flats really are.
first comment.i have try both of them.i switch them back and fore
usually acordding to the condition.
love cristina
Christina Chappetta are you the ture christina
Clips are for people who can't properly do standard maneuvers on flats. That's why everyone says I go back to flats to work on technique.
Or flats are for people who don't trust their technique and want to be able to bail easier.
I always ride flats mostly because I use my bike also for commuting and just getting around town so I don't have to think about my shoes or even taking a spare pair
For sure
Difference between clips and flats:
Clips are bad bc if u get scared u may not unclip unless ur used to the movement
Flats are bad bc feet move and ur not clipped whith the bike
After that, if u get used to them, they are the same
GMBN called; they want their content strategy back. Good presenter, though.
Christian Smyth GMBM has been repeating the same topic with different bikes for awhile.