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[Closed] SPDs vs flats - the case for and against either?

brooess · 2009-09-12T16:38:21Z

Historically I've always run SPDs and I feel more secure over technical stuff and generally feel more comfortable on them. Recently I've been riding more on flats to practice some of the things I was taught on a couple of skills courses: manuals, wheelies, bunnyhops (failing so far on that one). I'm also trying to get comfortable with flats on drops. I've only done 3-4 rides and I'm getting more used to the flats but still feel damn insecure and am riding a lot slower/less relaxed with them. Cos they're bigger I'm also getting a lot more pedal/ground/tree stump contact. On the other hand I feel I can better push the wheels into the ground when I need grip. But when I ride SPDs after riding flats the confidence boost I get from feeling secure again is definitely a winner. So, what's the best way forward? 1. Ride flats just for skills practice but SPDs for proper riding? 2. Mix up flats and SPDs from one ride to the next just like some people mix up hardtail and FS so you learn proper technique on the one that's harder to ride which then means you ride better overall 3. Keep riding flats on most rides and put up with the insecurity/contact till I get more comfortable with them? Or is it really just horses for courses? Any views from them who use both? Ta

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steve_b77

Posts: 10498

Free Member

I've gone from flats to SPD's at the start of this year.

I ride with the little normal ones on my HT and the caged styles ones on my 130mm f/r FS, there are times when I feel a bit dodgy on descents on the FS but having the caged ones allows me to unclip and ride the cages.

I do feel my pedalling technique has improved, but you do notice that you tend to drag the back of the bike up out of laziness more than anything.

Posted : 14/09/2009 9:18 am

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