Talk to Me About Flat Pedals

[indysteel]

He's probably a natural. I would never,ever recommend clipless for a beginner. When I coach, one of the requirements is flat pedals.

Yeah; I was shocked when I saw that he was clipless. My friends aren't reckless themselves so I'm not sure why they let him use them.

[Artista]

Indy, I second the idea that flats are more fun. I'm a much more aggressive, confident, and competent rider now that I'm back on flats. I didn't notice any difference in power but I built a lot more muscle while I was off the bike. I believe that clipless pedals don't contribute any more power than what we can achieve with more muscle.

You should ask how many people on mtbr converted from clipless to flats and then went back to clipless. I'm guessing that most folks who do technical riding and convert from clipless to flats don't go back to clipless. I also think that you can't compare road riding on clipless to mtb'ing on clipless because the terrain and riding style are so different. Competent clipless road riding doesn't necessarily equate to competent clipless mtb'ing unless you're mtb'ing on super simple stuff like fire roads.

On a related note, my new Twenty6 pedals came today! I splurged on the polished silver with multicolored pins - found them at a significant discount on HucknRoll. They are freakin' beautiful! They're easily a third again as big as my bear traps yet surprisingly light weight. The pins are deadly sharp; I'm sure that my feet aren't going ANYWHERE unless they bounce straight up. I'll review them after I've done a few rides.

[indysteel]

Thanks for that perspective, Artista. I think I've more or less decided to go that route if I can find some grippy shoes that fit. DH has some BMX pedals I can test out. I otherwise would like to get anew set, preferably one with a thin profile.

[Catrin]

Congratulations Artista on the purchase! If I didn't like my Sunringle ZuZu pedals so much I would be tempted, and if I ever really need to replace them I will likely go that route. My vanity would love to have a pair that matched my bike, but thankfully my budget is standing there with her hands on her hips saying "what? I don't THINK so"

Pretty pedals!

I really need to upgrade my shin guards to something lighter/fits me better. The Lizardskins are HOT, and they weren't made for someone my height. I only use them to prevent pedal slap - this is the only down side to pins. Right now I am just not using them - which is probably fine for my current skill level and trails, but will need to change that when I start advancing again.

[limewave]

Artista--I was looking at those same pedals from HuckNRoll. I hope you LOVE them!

I've decided to hold off on flat pedals . . . for now. I still want to move in that direction, but its a bit of an investment that I can't afford right now. Plus, I didn't have any feet issues whatsoever during my endurance race. My plan is to start setting side a little money here and there and hopefully by next year this time I'll be riding flats too

[Trek-chick]

I just put some Xpedo Face-Off XMX13 Platform Pedals

In Red/Black on my 29er and love them. They have replaceable pins in them and come with spares too.

[indigoiis]

I also broke my ankle while riding clipped in on the trail - going up a knotty path between two trees I panicked, tried to clip out on the left, and fell right on it in one foul swoop. I haven't been back on the trails since but badly want to. That was two years ago. I guess I need some fancy new flats with pins!

I honestly thought I was the only one who thought being clipped in made the fear worse.