Flat Pedal Revolution

[Irulan]

Yes flat/flat means flat pedal with flat(sticky mtb specific) shoe. We've had some other threads that discuss shoes extensively.

[Irulan]

constantly tell me how I'll eventually move to clipless and I'll be a much better rider.

who consistently lecture me about how much faster I'd climb on my mtb if I went clipless

This is addresses as one of the issues with the transition, and it's pretty much debunked both in the Manfesto ( lol cannot stop thinking about the Unabomber) and by anecdotal evidence.

I had it out in a way with a shop guy at my favorite LBS. I was looking for shoes, and one of the "kids' ( mid 20's not too much of a kid) actually said, "why would you want to do that?". FWIW he's a mountain biker also, but that's beside the point. I've been mountain biking since he was in grade school, and am known in the community as a coach, trail builder and advocate, and for getting women out on the trails... IE< not clueless>. The condescension of it really ticked me off. Well, I did the right thing and took his manager aside and explained that what A said was really inappropriate for any number of reasons and hopefully it was listened to and respected.

[indysteel]

Good for you for saying something.

[Susan]

I started out riding with flat pedals and flat shoes and a lot of people kept telling me how I would climb faster and feel more secure downhill with clipless pedals.
Then I participated in a one week course (MTB clinic style) where the trainer (who is very well known for training various world cup/olympic athletes) insisted that everyone used flat pedals. His reasoning was that using clipless pedals could cover up mistakes in riding technique and using flat pedals would result in "leraning it right from the beginning".

I never switched to clipless pedals after that. I feel more secure downhill, because I can jump off my bike faster or fall without thinking about unclipping. And by now I'm also one of the fastest climbers in our group, without "the more efficient pedal stroke".

[Catrin]

At the Midwest Women's Mountain Bike Clinic they also strongly recommended that everyone, regardless of skill level, use flat pedals for the weekend. It was an eye-opener to some of advanced women I talked with - it really did uncover some technique issues and they were thankful for the experience.

[Irulan]

It's not just uncovering technique issues, but the split seconds or more you spend clipping in/out really distract from focusing on the skill at hand. You can't stand on a pedal properly unclipped, ( you have to offset your foot so you don't clip) which makes learning certain skills really difficult, like front wheel lifts. I know personally my body position and cornering have improved since freeing up my foot and knee to point into the turn. Etc. Etc.

[maillotpois]

I have a friend who's gone flat on her MTB after a skills week and her bike handling has improved dramatically. I think I need to consider this.... I'm just not all that confident on my MTB if I'm not riding it regularly - and I'm not.