Flats or clipless ???

[p060064h]

I've only Eva used flats on my normal MTB I've just bought a E-MTB and thinking about clipless pedals.

What you guys think ?

 

[Jamsxr]

It’s down to personal preference, I’ve always used flats for MTB, and surely with a motor the pedalling efficiency and power advantages from clipless become negligible.

 

[p060064h]

That's what im thinking.

 

[Andy A]

Flat pedals all the way I much prefer using them to clipless

 

[Brendog78]

I have been using clips for a few years and every time I go back to flats I feel like I don't have the same control over the bike it's not just about peddling.

 

[lumpy]

Clip in for me thank you. I love being connected to the bike.

 

[Indigo]

Since you've only just bought a E-MTB stay with flats. Even if you were used to clipless peddles, I'd stay begin with flats because it will take you a while to get to know how the motor responds and how quickly you can be forced onto a different line or off track because the motor response was far more than you expected.

 

[R120]

There is no need to use clipless pedals on an EMTB, unless that's what you are used to or your preference.

 

[R120]

I have been using clips for a few years and every time I go back to flats I feel like I don't have the same control over the bike it's not just about peddling.

This makes me laugh given your username!

 

[outerlimits]

Road bikes and XC bikes wearing Lycra go clips. All else go flat pedals, unless you don’t have the skills to bunny hop or drop your heals, then go clips.

 

[davarello]

Road bikes and XC bikes wearing Lycra go clips. All else go flat pedals, unless you don’t have the skills to bunny hop or drop your heals, then go clips.

Nice generalisation.

 

[Doomanic]

#wannabegary

I've ridden clips for over 25 years so didn't see any reason to change when I went to an eBike, so I that basis I'd suggest the OP sticks with flats.

 

[davarello]

#wannabegary

I've ridden clips for over 25 years so didn't see any reason to change when I went to an eBike, so I that basis I'd suggest the OP sticks with flats.

Same here.

 

[Snoozeboy]

I used to ride clips on my old clockwork MTB but changed to flats when I bought my E.

I don't feel any need for the precision of clips to pedal with motor assistance. Also I'm riding more challenging terrain on my new bike and falling off a lot, so I'm happier unclipped.

 

[steve_sordy]

Oh please, not the old "clips vs spds" debate!!!!
By coming to this forum, I thought I'd got away from debates like that.

 

[Stumpy]

Best of both worlds

 

[p060064h]

Cheers guys you just saved me 200 squids.
I'll stick with flats.

 

[aarfeldt]

I am clipped in on my MTB, but the first few times on eMTB I used flats, simply because it's faster to save a crash from happening (on a new faster bike).
Then I clipped in my eMTB, when I learned how it handled on the flats.

I feel more comfortable and controlled when clipped in.....I feel I'm loosing control when jumping/airtime (might be caused by missing flats practice).

It was also a bit faster for me - but less than expected.
What really changed my speed during our trails, was when I changed my region to US (32kmh)

 

[Mikerb]

I tried clipless and found they provided little or no benefit for me except on tarmac...and the only time I ride on tarmac is if it is necessary to get to a trail. On the trails I found the clipless shoes totally useless and uncomfortable when not on the bike and pretty disastrous on the bike for any crash scenario, even minor offs, due to picking the wrong line. They also encouraged me to lift the bike with my feet, which is not a good habit! So flats for me. With the right shoe and pedal my foot sticks to the pedal like it is araldited all the time I am in the attack position, yet easy to get off the pedal when needed. I use DMR v12s and Nike skateboard shoes.

 

[pegasus]

Tried both, prefer flats.
I do use clips, in the summer on my commuter (which is my haibike allmnt sduro rc), but that's because it's warmer and less wet and I've got shoes that need wearing and that I'm a women who just needs more shoes....!!!

 

[Andy Garnell]

I've only Eva used flats on my normal MTB I've just bought a E-MTB and thinking about clipless pedals.

What you guys think ?

Flats for me !!

 

[d3ftone]

Best of both worlds

I'm also using these and have been pleasantly surprised. I did instantly swap out the pins for beefier ones though. In the description it says it comes with some 11mm pins but I believe all I got was the 8mm version.

 

[carlbiker]

Are you all crazy? Someone tell me if clips help reduce lumps of flesh being torn off your shins, no-one has made mention of this here? Do you all have shin skin replenishment super hero abilities or something? Obv I have a emtb , I don't care about 1% power efficiency, more so keeping flesh on bone and is it possible to setup easy on a sharp decent being noob lvl still?

 

[carlbiker]

I now have Shimano Saint hydrid clip/flats and the are the best, clipped when I need them but un-clipped when I don’t?? Best of both worlds, I prefer clipped mostly.

Backcountry is not available

Sounds interesting how does that work? Sorry but the link didnt seem to work, cheers

 

[04fuxake]

Road bikes and XC bikes wearing Lycra go clips. All else go flat pedals, unless you don’t have the skills to bunny hop or drop your heals, then go clips.

 

[Flatslide]

Always been on flats. Rode my Rocky for the first year/5000km on flats, but once I got my head around the Altitude's capabilities and lack of suspension finesse, I went to spd. Being able to pull up on the approaching pedal allows for a more constant delivery, making for brilliant steep and technical climbing ability. It also allows more power consumption... This may be a Dyname-specific thing and not make such a difference on other bikes. The fast way to figure out clips is to go for a ride and fit a wet downhill track in there. By the time you get down, un-clipping, getting a foot out and banging it back on multiple times will be second nature

 

[Muzza]

I've debated this with myself for many months, switching from one to the other & just cant seem to make my mind up on which to stick with. On one side I feel happier with the flats, thinking that I somehow feel safer being able to quickly get my foot down in an instant of wrong line choice, even though when things happen one often doesn't have time & end up hitting the dirt anyway. Then, on one of my local technical trails, I have never made it through on flats but first time on clipless & success. I felt that they somehow allowed me to hold a better balance when slowly maneuvering around rocks?
Shimano do a good bail out option cleat that releases a'lot easier than a standard cleat?

 

[Zimmerframe]

Shimano do a good bail out option cleat that releases a'lot easier than a standard cleat?

The SH-56 Cleat is a multi direction release cleat so is easier to remove your foot.

 

[Nicho]

The SH-56 Cleat is a multi direction release cleat so is easier to remove your foot

Used them for years. You can adjust the tension so they hold your foot but release easily when you want them to.

 

[carlbiker]

hmmmmm so for trail riding mainly, The SH-56 and what footware?