Flat Pedal Revolution

[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.

[Becky]

Any suggestions for flat pedals if I'm not ready to buy sticky shoes as well? Or do I need to bite the bullet and buy both shoes and pedals?

[indysteel]

Any suggestions for flat pedals if I'm not ready to buy sticky shoes as well? Or do I need to bite the bullet and buy both shoes and pedals?

I like having both. The pins of a BMX pedal aren't going to do you as much good if you don't have a sticky shoe with less, versus more, tread. Just bite the bullet!!!

If it helps, there are some decent BMX pedals on the market that won't break the bank. Irulan has talked favorably of her Wellgos, and Performance offers one that costs about $50-60 if memory serves.

[Becky]

I like having both. The pins of a BMX pedal aren't going to do you as much good if you don't have a sticky shoe with less, versus more, tread. Just bite the bullet!!!

If it helps, there are some decent BMX pedals on the market that won't break the bank. Irulan has talked favorably of her Wellgos, and Performance offers one that costs about $50-60 if memory serves.

I just bought new carbon-soled MTB shoes! But I'd like to try flats for practicing in more technical areas. Maybe I can find something on clearance....

[Susan]

Any suggestions for flat pedals if I'm not ready to buy sticky shoes as well? Or do I need to bite the bullet and buy both shoes and pedals?

I'm currently using DMR "Vault" pedals. They stay connected to my shoe very well, even if I just wear regular sneakers. The pins are very sharp - so consider using some kind of shin guard. I still bit the bullet and bought some 5-10 Freeride shoes (they have sticky soles and are stiffer than regular sneakers), but I think any kind of shoe with flat soles will work.