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If it's just riding for fun (not racing) I couldn't care less about power or efficiency and if flats are slower or faster. Makes it a bit more of a technical challenge and helps focus on technique. Baggies and flats just feels right as a contrast to the bibs and SPDs.
10 years clipped, some brief piss around with flats but back in the trainer & v8 days 🙂
The main reason for not pushing on with flats is that I didn't feel there was anything missing. A mate suggested it before our first alps trip, but in reality I don't feel stuck on the bike, can get in out out easily and I'm happy.
Moved to more flat style shoes (5.10 Minaar/Teva Pivot) in the last 5 years and CB mallets for more technical riding. I'm happy unclipping and dabbing as required and getting back in (or riding flat for 30s if there is a problem).
Being clipped does require an increase in commitment which is a mental thing, staying clipped through a section can be better.
As for the knee thing the float in the CB is enough to keep my dodgy knees happy.
And ironic story the ex fell off uphill in the lakes and broke her ankle at low speed. Some people said that was why they wouldn't wear clips, that day she was wearing flats, clipped in she probably wouldn't have panic chucked her foot out and rolled it for nasty fracture.
Baggies and flats just feels right as a contrast to the bibs and SPDs.
My shoes and shorts are independent of each other 🙂
(Bib shorts under Baggies with SPD's for the win)
yep the lovely screws that make the flats nice an grippy always managing to get them in the most interesting places when having to carry bike over stiles an the weird gates....
tbh love my troy lee pads more every time they take a pedal hit for me.
I've recently bought flats & 5 ten's for my full sus after riding SPD's for as along as I can remember. Fancied a bit of a change and also not the best at doing jumps when clipped in.
One thing I'm curious about. People say it takes a bit of time to get used to but I presume that depends on the individual? I don't pull up on the SPD's whilst pedalling, nor do I need to to get off the ground.
On the subject of pedals hitting shins, not so worried about that as used to happen when I rode BMX's a lot as a kid. My shins are covered in scars. I also hit myself in the shin with an axe once and the bone was poking out, that wasn't so bad and I doubt a pedal strike could be any worse!
nor do I need to to get off the ground
I was convinced I didn't do that either....
I was convinced I didn't do that either...
Well if necessary I can lift the rear wheel a fair distance off the ground without being clipped in, whilst keeping the front wheel on the ground. Like to think I'm at least doing something right 🙂
One thing I'm curious about. People say it takes a bit of time to get used to but I presume that depends on the individual?
Can be more about keeping your feet on the pedals through the bumpy stuff. Just basic stuff like keeping your weight over your pedals and dropping your heels, you can get quite sloppy about good habits if use to SPDs. It doesn't take long to adapt.
I don't pull up on the SPD's whilst pedalling
You might not knowingly pull up but you are still working to get your leg out the way of the pedal coming up.