Been riding flats over the last few months after years of SPDs and finding it more difficult than I expected to get used to them.
Things I like
- much easier to get weight over the outside pedal - helps massively in turns
- can bail more easily
- more power for pumping
- foot out when it's slippy
- easier to practice manuals and front wheel lifts without ending up on my @rse
Things I don't like
- harder to sit and spin up hills
- bike dropping away on step downs - nearly hit a tree yesterday when that happened!
- coming back from rides feeling more tired than I would expect - from the extra effort needed from riding uphill
Is it just a matter of time, and getting used to the new technique? How long did it take you to get used to them? And anything you found useful to do to adapt?
You're spoilt for choice really. If you're hard on pedals (clanking them over rocks etc) then I would avoid any design that has a thin axle as the bearings will get crucified. Also avoid designs were the pins can't be removed easily if they get bent.
). Took about 18 months to fully gel but now I wouldnt go back. I prefer softer soled shoes so I can feel the pedal (so rules out the ubiqitious and highly (or over) rated five ten) and never suffer fatigue or foot pain as a result (alternate between waffle soled Vans and shimano AM40s).
