recently got some spd's (best up grade I've bought)!!!
I ride xc ht
biggest surprise was how fast I can now peddle especially down hill
Bike Forum
[closed]
To SPD or not to SPD?
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Posted 1 year ago #
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it doesn't actually matter what you choose to use. spds do let you get away with some errors that if you then move onto flats, the errors become very apparent
Posted 1 year ago # -
pulling up on the upstroke means you can generate more force, but wheres the energy coming from? it doesn't make them more efficient
Bit of rubbish paper, but still..
"When the participants were instructed to pull on the pedal during the upstroke, mechanical effectiveness was greater and gross efficiency was lower"
Posted 1 year ago # -
If you're new to SPDs get some platform pedals and have the bindings settings at their lowest, that way you can unclip without any problems yet still get the betenfit of having you feet in a fixed position. When you get more confident and feel like you need to you can tighted up the binding. I have absolutely no problem getting in and out of mine. That said, I'm not into any gnarely downhill stuff.
And you won't be smashing up your shins by slipping of the flats.
Posted 1 year ago # -
Isn't your centre of gravity lower on flats, and SPD's you are perched up a tad more?
Posted 1 year ago # -
Isn't your centre of gravity lower on flats, and SPD's you are perched up a tad more?
I doubt that, especially with MTB SPDs - the cleats are set into the shoe and the pedal itself can be very low profile too.Posted 1 year ago # -
I've started using SPDs on the commuter, just to trial. Used them once or twice on the MTB. Only real difference I've noticed is that when I come to a controlled stop I have to quickly remember how I'm attached. Specially if there's an audience waiting for a laugh.
Posted 1 year ago # -
This topic always brings up a load of rubbish. One is not better than the other for all conditions and uses. I like using both (So that makes me doubly great!).
Flats are fun to use as you can do stupid things and just jump off the bike dead easily so they were great sliding around in the slop and snow or trying to learn new skills such as Manuals. Never seen a dirt jumper using clipless but there are plenty of Downhill riders that use them and all XC racers I suppose. Go figure.
Flats are also good for finding new trails, pushing, and digging for obvious reasons.
Clipless pedals are great for sheer power and keeping your feet on the pedals. There are always comments about how proper technique will keep your feet on your pedals when the going gets rough with flats. That's great in principle but in the real world the best position for keeping your feet on the pedals isn't always the best for putting the power down. For instance there is a really steep rocky rooty uphill on my local ride. For it you need both power and to stay on your pedals. It is much easier with SPDs as you can angle your feet down more at the front, with the pressure pushing down the hill, and get more power but not have your feet slip off as you would with flats when your feet are in the wrong place. Probably one of the main reasons that they are just more comfortable for long rides, you can be a bit slacker with your foot position (I.E. position maybe not correct but comfortable)
I am not sure if this is right or not but I really strained my feet wearing flats as they just don't have the support of a stiff soled SPD shoe. (661 shoes compared to Specialised BG ones). The shoes being comfortable and a good fit is really important whatever you choose.
Can't remember a time of being attached to the bike when falling off with clipless either. Maybe when you are going really slow and collapse in a heap but otherwise the main problem is the cleats wearing out and coming off too easily.
By the way Time ATAC pedals are where its at not SPDs.
Posted 1 year ago #
Topic Closed
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