Flats vs SPD's « Singletrack Forum

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Flats vs SPD's

42 posts & 39 voices | Started 2 years ago by jammer | Latest reply from andy586

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neil@fawkes-cycles.co.uk - Member

This could go on for days :-), but my two penny's. I've ridden both loads, but more recently offroad always flats, but I use SPD's on my road bike. I find SPD's much more efficient, but I prefer the feel of flats when riding downhill. I have crank bro's stuff on my Cube Road bike, which the local roadies don't like.

The new breed of rubber soles with the likes of five ten and vibram have totally changed the grip available on flats, but they retain the much fabled 'feel'. I have some FiveTen Tennies, which look pretty naff compared to the modern cycle specific stuff like the AM40, but they don't half work well.

Neil @ Fawkes Cycles

Posted 2 years ago #
RichPenny - Member

I use flats on both mtbs, and spds on the commuter and roadie. I did have spd's off road for about 6 months, but find I prefer flats. If you're anything like me:

Going uphill will not be easier, but you will go a bit faster if you pedal properly.
You will fall off/over occasionally because of the pedals.
You'll be able to pick the back end up easier.
You might find yourself mincing down something half in and half out of the pedals.

The last point for me was especially pertinent, and is something I see lots of people doing if they're not confident on a section of trail. If you find yourself doing this in SPDs after 6 months, I think you should be on flats.

Xc-wise flats are next to useless downhill with your saddle at full height

I think you meant to say with your saddle at the wrong height. I might agree, but the people I've seen arse in the air descending dirt roadie style don't exactly look comfortable clipped in either Combined with the one side in, one side out technique this is comedy gold, even for someone as shit as me on a bike....

Posted 2 years ago #
sherry - Member

I rode SPD's for years then changed to Time atacs and had a spell in-between with flats on a DH bike (around 17 years MTBing). All have there pro's and cons but I ended up sticking with the atacs as the float was much better for my knees and I don't lose pedals over high speed rough sections. No matter how good you are on flats you will constantly need to adjust your feet on rough or jump sections. It can be a bit unnerving when first using clip-ins but they are worth the Perseverance. I use Time Z control platforms on my longer travel bike and they give good foot support on those heavier landings. Time carbons on my other bikes and all are virtually maintenance free.

Posted 2 years ago #
Nicknoxx - Member

I'll add my 2 penny worth

I switched to spds 10 years ago because I bought a bike that had them and it was a choice of new pedals or new shoes. I never looked back. Yes there are times when I want flats but not often enough to switch back.

Posted 2 years ago #
stevomcd - Member

I rode SPDs (Time) for years, including my first season guiding in the Alps. Switched to flats after that because I wanted to get better at all the hoppy/manually/jumpy stuff I'd been doing for my guide's qualifications. Now using flats all the time, I've only clipped-in recently on the turbo trainer! Might use them on some of the mega-climbing, XC-orientated weeks that we've got planned for a couple of dates next summer.

I wouldn't say there's anything I can ride in flats that I can't in SPDs (or vice versa) but riding the odd high-consequence stretch of singletrack round here, I'd rather be on flats.

Plus I'm smug that I can now jump and stuff without my feet falling off them.

Posted 2 years ago #
Ti29er - Member

No to SPD's as my knees don't like them.
Yes to Crank Bros.
No to flats unless I am planning on perfecting my monos or tricks (which is never!)

Posted 2 years ago #
andy586 - Member

...over 10 years of running spd's but recently moved to flats with studs with 510 shoes....well impressed! ...would still use spd's for long distance xc and road but finding flats great for sub 20 mile lake district rides....

Posted 2 years ago #