|   Thoughts on switching to flats... | woodyak
Mar 28, 2003 11:32 AM | | I recently switched to flats to give me some more confidence on the bigger drops, downhills, and riding the more "scary" trails. I've only gone on 3 rides this year and it has been a bit frustrating. It's nice to not be clipped in for that scary stuff but I find myself getting knocked off the rocky tech trails that I used to be able to do in my sleep with the clipless pedals. Will this get easier on me or will I always be longing to be clipped in? I haven't found the flats to be giving me more confidence just yet, will that change? |
| I prefer riding with my tires inflated. | richie
Mar 28, 2003 12:18 PM | | nm |
| do you mean platform pedals? | RVM
Mar 28, 2003 12:26 PM | | If you're just using those plain flat pedals that are normally used with toe clips and straps, they don't provide much grip for technical stuff and you end up getting knocked off a lot.
I use platform pedals for technical stuff. I like being able to bail out without worrying if I'll be able to unclip on time.
At first, my foot would slip on platforms, but after a while, I got used to them. I guess I adapted to the way I ride on platforms in terms of how I step on the pedals compared to clipless.
If you had no problems with riding technical stuff on clipless pedals, maybe you should stick with them. |
| yup | woodyak
Mar 28, 2003 1:25 PM | | I'm riding Wellgo platform pedals with the removable screws for traction. I've ridden clipless for 3 years prior to now. I found that I'm not slipping off like crazy, just every once in awhile. I'll give it some more time. We'll see what my frustration level is. |
| shoe/pedal combo? | cm
Mar 28, 2003 1:22 PM | | What kind of shoes are you using with your flat pedals? If you have a good platform pedal with the pins in good condition and you're using them with a rubber soled shoe with a pretty flat tread so they have an even surface to grip, you shouldn't come loose all the time. There's certainly an adjustment period, though. If you find it's not getting easier, go back to the clipless pedals and just get used to clipping in and out faster. |
| What pedal did you go with? | Locoman
Mar 28, 2003 1:30 PM | | Which pedal did you go with?
I just made the switch myself, but I'm not going to be able to try them for another week or two (waiting on parts). I'll be running Kore pedals. They're beasts.. |
| It'll take a lot longer than 3 rides | andy f.
Mar 28, 2003 2:37 PM | | to get to the point where you have better control and confidence with the flats than clipless. Keep at it and don't ride clipless at all; it'll just make the learning curve harder. When I first switched, I put flats on my freeride bike and kept clipless pedals on my singlespeed. I never really felt at ease until I bought a second set of flats for my singlespeed and rode flats exclusively for a while.
Practice bunnyhopping with the flats. You really have to learn proper technique to do it at all and within a few weeks you should be able to bunnyhop as high or higher than you could before with clipless. Knowing you can get the bike airborne when you need to will help you regain the 'connected' feel you probably lost when you made the switch to flats.
Grippy shoes with a flexible sole really help keep your feet on the pedals going fast through rocky sections. I like Van's "Off The Wall" skate shoes. The soles are pretty thin and grip well. Several models of Van's shoes come with the "Off The Wall" sole. Other models have similar looking soles but they're thicker and less flexible and they don't work as well for riding with flats. |
| Wow I thought I was weird liking flats! | ITripper
Mar 28, 2003 6:13 PM | | I love platforms, but I never see anyone else using them trail riding. I have used most of the major clipless styles, and still like frogs, but have found a good platform pedal with good pins much more preferable. I had cheap platforms years ago and used to rip my shins alot, but with good sticky shoes and nice platform pedals (I have atomlabs) I haven't slipped off yet. I used clipless for a long time but I can perform just as well on flats now. I swear tho that lots of MTBikers give you a snobbish look when they see you using flats, as tho your not up to their level of riding. |
| I have been riding platforms for 15 years... | Ride Biker
Mar 28, 2003 7:53 PM | | I rmemember when they were called "bear trap" pedals. I have just never liked being tied to my bike (I'm not a racer). The very best platforms I have found, platforms that have actually lasted for more than a year, are the Tiogo Surefoot MX Pro's. They are the removable pin style, low profile and weigh 460 grams (very light for a platform pedal).
I have been in search for a long time for some quality pedals, most seem to crap out after a good winter- sealed cartridge bearings included. I have tried Atom Lab, Kore, Wellgo, Ringle, Shimano, and more, none have lasted as long as the Tiogas. They are a little concave in the middle, forcing the "spikes" into your shoe. Not a hint of play after a whole winter. Cambria has them, check them out, I have 2 brand new back up pair already they are so good, I was expecting them to crap out, like every other platform pedal, but they haven't!
http://www.cambriabike.com/pedals/pedals.htm |
| Shoes are important | kanaka
Mar 28, 2003 10:42 PM | | Like several others said, a good soft sticky sole is important.
Most of the skateboard shoes work well - Vans, Etnies, Airwalk, etc.
Also check out these 5.10's:
http://www.fiveten.com/products/index.php?action=item&id=34
I've never tried them, but I have a pair of 5.10 climbing shoes.
I rode clipless for a few years and then went back to flats. I don't like being permanently bonded to the bike when I crash. I don't see any real benefit to clipless unless you are racing or obsessed with efficiency. |
| Agree with the others.... | Cook
Mar 29, 2003 9:45 AM | | ....shin killing pins and soft, flat-soled shoes are key.
I rode all last season on flats and only twice did I get kicked off my pedals. You'll need more than 3 rides to learn how to keep your feet on. If you have good pedals and shoes, pointing your feet down will help during times when clipless used to come in handy such as climbing hills and bunnyhops.
Cheers. |
| It will get better when.... | MountRealRider
Mar 29, 2003 11:22 AM | | ... you learn to bunny-hop with flats.
I race XC and mostly ride clipped, but I got a Kona OTB hardtail to learn tricks on... learning to ride with flats takes longer.
Bunny-hopping is the single exercise that will help you the most.
Now I really love flats!
Still haven't bought shin protectors... do not do that!!! |
| Why..... | Cook
Mar 29, 2003 11:51 AM | | "Still haven't bought shin protectors... do not do that!!!"
You're not still under the impression that chicks dig scars are ya??? |
| try the best of both worlds, PowerGrips | club
Mar 29, 2003 12:40 PM | | set them up so they're snug but not tight, and you get all the power of clipless, yet can get a foot out and down instantly. I've ridden all kinds of clipless, have a half dozen various pairs around here on fixers and cross bikes, but I vastly prefer powergrips on quality pedals like Suntour XC Pros for my singletracking. I'm no beginner, I've been riding MTBs since '82, and ride everyday outa Durango. Nobody believes me, they're my little secret and they are great. Oh, if you can come up with a pair of WTB ToeFlips for the pedals, you'll love them even more. And on a mud ride with your clipless buddies,you can laugh and laugh at their humorous antics. |
| |
