[Closed] flat pedals..........my ar5e!

When you see someone unclip, midair, because they've just yanked the bike off the floor with their cleats, then not have the slightest clue what to do about it, before crashing and burning, THEN you'll know what I mean!

Been there, done that - learned not to! And I learned that before I ever rode flats on MTB.

I set my Mrs riding with flats on her first mtb. As soon as she gained any tech expertise she asked for SPDs, despite having never worn them and despite my warnings that she'd end up falling over a few times at first. And she did fall over and fall halfway down a hillside which shook her up a bit, but she still wants to keep them becuause they help her so much on the climbs.

As for people who say 'I can out climb my mates on flats when they are on spds' that means nothing, you're just a better rider than them. Olly Beckinsale on flats will thrash me on SPDs, however there are things I can't clean on flats that are fairly easy on SPDs. Likewise I do stuff on the downs on flats that I don't want to attempt with SPDs.

i like the way people say flats are good for "messing about" like they're no good for "proper" riding. dont think sam hill was messing about when he won the UCI world cup on flats! downhill racers are athletes you know - sammy boy could kick most of your wrinkly asses on uphills even if you were wearing SPDs!

Flat pedals are shite when mountain biking. unless you are dirt jumping. (which I do aswell)
Spds give you way more control when bombing down tehnical stuff. The more points you have connected with the bike the more welly you can give it round corners. Spds are so much more efficient to!!

However I ride bmx a lot and can bunny hop about 2.5ft on my flat plastic pedals.

So some years ago, I got bounced right out of my (then flat) pedals (ouch) on a downhill, and vowed never to use them again.

OK then you flatties, - So what was I doing wrong? (Gravity too weak?)

SPD's ever since and never looked back.

DHers use SPDs for some courses and flats for others.

loddrik - Member

Who gives a toss about good technique, I ride to enjoy myself, if that is done with no skill or imense skill, the end result is the same, I can still get down the mountain as quick as the next man....

ooooooh, that sounds VERY much like a challenge to me! 😛

Probably should have had a go on the flats before spunking out for 5:10s.

I've been riding flats for more than a year and I'm still weighing up whether they'll be worth the (hefty) investment.

Tools for the job, as I keep saying.

right then, anyone want some size 12 5-10s look over there >>>>>>>

i tried them again today, god i hate em.
your feet are never in the correct position.
i find that i spend the the 1st 5 minutes trying to get my feet in the same position when i set off. 😥