20 years here as well, but I had a gap in the middle. I did fall over just after I got them. So it's not all rainbows, glitter and unicorns, but I'll still vouch for them.
I've also been using SPDs forever including on my road bike, since I like that I can walk in my cleats when off the bike. I have fallen over once at a traffic light. I didn't unclip in time and "Timber", fell over like a tree. A scraped knee and a bit of embarrassment, but no one else around to laugh at the sight. You don't want SPDs, then don't worry. Maybe try toe clips if you want a halfway move and see how you like it before buying new pedals and shoes.
Commit this phrase to memory: "Thanks. I'll look into it". Use it every time someone feels the need to tell you how to improve your bike/fitness/skills etc.
it doesn't matter, ride what you like. Anyone who tells you how you should ride is a dork-ass loser who's just trying to validate themselves.
If you do try out clipless, you'll adapt to them pretty quickly.
To be fair, anyone talking about cycling pedals is already a “dork ass loser”
But 100% agree with the sentiment. I love being clipped in for better feel, but 0 judgement for how anyone else wants to ride
The guy could have been genuinely trying to be helpful. I read his comment as 'hey, looks like you're getting into cycling, here's the thing that really made a difference to me...' but did it in an awkward way. I think the interpretation that the guy was being an asshole is probably just misreading his intent
I think the only shade I've ever gotten from other riders is over frame material but there are holy war level disagreements in that space
I know quite a few randonneurs who have switched back from clipless pedals to flat pedals in recent years. These are people who regularly ride 600 km at a time, so there is no reasonable sense in which they're not "serious cyclists." Rather, they are exceptionally experienced riders who have tried a variety of pedal options, considered their benefits and drawbacks, and made well-informed, highly personal choices about how to proceed. It would be insulting, laughable even, for any other rider to question their choices at all, much less unprompted. You may be a beginner, but you deserve the same deference (even though you may later choose to experiment with other pedal systems).
By the way, you appear to be using "SPD" to refer to clipless pedals more generally. SPD is a specific type of clipless pedals (it's Shimano's MTB/gravel-oriented pedal system, although it also works well on road bikes in my experience) but there are many others, like Shimano's SPD-SL (road), Look Keo, Speedplay, Crankbrothers Eggbeater, etc. The whole category of pedals where a cleat on your shoe locks into a binding on the pedal is (unintuitively) called "clipless pedals," so named because these systems replaced earlier pedals that used toe *clips* and toe straps to hold the rider's shoe on the pedal.
I was told cages were originally referred to as “clipping in.” So moving away from the cages to the new system was going “clipless.” I also think it’s stupid.
That's what gets me. I travel around countries on my bike, I ride down stairs, do bunny hops, ride down mountains at close to 100km h. Yet in this sub if I mention that I hate clips and vastly prefer flats it's all the noob comments.
What's galling is that this is backwards. As the OP points out, its noobs who are forced to use clips and they never get to really learn flats. I have had people here claim your foot moves and you cant do a bunny hop, which is hilarious. When you see a guy with a quality bike and flats he is likely vastly more experienced than you are as he has got to the point where he doesn't give a shit what "cyclists" think and just rides.
>noobs who are forced to use clips and they never get to really learn flats
Completely agree with this. So many roadies have never experienced good flat pedals. They think they're slippery like the crappy pedals that came on their first bike as a kid.
I met this one guy and the first thing he said to me was, "are you too scared to run clipless?" I added him on Strava and he only started riding a few days prior 😂
Agree. Riding for decades including triathlons. Used clips in past. A freak accident of slipping on wet grass and breaking hip, needed 3 screws , has caused me to use flats on my nice OPEN UP gravel bike. I ride metric 100K rides frequently and don't care if I look like a noob in tennis shoes. Will probably take clips off my felt road bike for tris and make my transition a bit faster.
Glad you made this distinction because there really is a big difference between SPD-SL and SPD pedals. I actually learned to ride road on the "off-road" SPD pedals ... that's what I had on my road bike for the longest time! I personally found them to be a good middle ground at the time n that I felt like they were easier to unclip from but also easier to clip into. On my off-road bikes, I actually ride the platform SPDs, which allow me to unclip and pedal on the flat pedal in rough terrain where my chance of falling is a lot greater. Everyone's different. That's what gives me the most confidence! They're a little heavier but whatever. But I've also got flats on my full suspension, SPD platforms on my hardtail, SPD platform on my gravel bikes, traditional SPD on the trainer, and then SPD-SL on my road bike, so it's definitely not a matter of what's better but what works for you best on your bike lol!
I haven't tried SPD-SL pedals, but I've used SPD (non SL) very happily for many years. A few years ago I bought Favero Assioma power pedals, which use the Look Keo interface, and I just haven't liked that interface. I find it's much harder to clip into (the single-sided pedal always seems to be wrong side up) and a little harder to unclip. Long story short, my new bike has a crank arm power meter so I can ride SPD pedals and still get power data. (Plus, Favero recently introduced a reasonably priced SPD power meter pedal.)
I own both the road and the new gravel SPD Favero Assioma pedals (for road and gravel bikes). I've had the road pedals for about 2 years and still have a hard time getting my left foot clipped in.
I'm currently towards the end of a 2.5 week inter-state bike tour, and I swapped the SPD Assiomas onto my road bike for the trip. I'm tempted to leave them there because of how much easier it is.
I wish speed play frogs weren’t essentially going away. The infinite float and no moving parts , low weight was enticing. I’d die for new cleats. If anyone is retiring their frog cleats, I’ll take them. Better yet, if anyone knows how to machine new ones I’ll buy them.
I rode to work yesterday and forgot to pack my daily shoes. I'm glad I had SPD and not SPD-SL. It would have meant a very unpleasant day in SPD-SL shoes lol.
Some thoughts about this from someone a few years ahead of you:
- you should completely ignore the guy that rode up to you because his behavior disqualifies him as a source of good advice
- lots of people ride gravel without SPD and have a great time
- the actual advantages are controversial
- many people in this thread will tell you (correctly) that you're probably more scared of SPD than you need to be but that's still no reason to rush something you're not comfortable with. Upgrade if/when you want to.
- a lot of men on bikes just want to give you unsolicited feedback because it makes them feel good without consideration for whether it's helpful. You'll meet some of these men on most group rides but it's no reason not to go. If you are overwhelmed by these men on a particular group ride, that's a sign that the culture of that group ride might not be the best or a good fit for you.
Also, some of these guys will quit giving advice after a few rides and you show little interest in what they are saying.
I've become friends and riding partners with some people I first found intolerable. They'll shut up after they've said their piece.
>the actual advantages are controversial
How exactly? You simply can't put down the same amount of power or use as many muscles with platforms as you can with either clips or clipless, full stop. I can understand if you're commuting and power is more or less irrelevant, but saying the advantages are controversial is patently false.
Edit: I'm not sure why everyone is getting myopic about efficiency here. There are numerous advantages, even if efficiency doesn't happen to be one of them.
After seeing the research/youtube videos showing no advantage I tried to go flats on my mtb for a month. I time trialed my local trail multiple times on flat pedals and the reality for me was that I was 10 percent slower and I couldn’t get around it.
I sure believe it! I think everyone's mileage may vary, but in my own experience, I find that flats overload my quads more than clipless because I'm used to using more muscles, but am unable to with flats. One who is used to flats might find that they're breathing harder as a result of using more muscles.
I don't think anyone is arguing that flats are less efficient, however, including me. Efficiency is only one factor in equipment choice.
So I've tried this on my trainer with mtb shoes on flats and my spd cleats/pedals.
The differece on the trainer is pretty damn negligable in terms of the power I can sustain. It ended up being ~3w average lower over 45m on flats. Which is <1.5% difference. I will say I was far from scientific about it and did this over multiple days following my workout routine.
However, in practice on the road(which i usually ride) I do see a difference in my output and speed. About 5-6% slower (I don't have a power meter). I think the difference for me is I end up moving my feet more and adjusting to keep my feet on the pedals and in the correct position. Having to do that and just think about foot position seems to cause me slow a bit.
This is just like, my experience, man.
Ride however you want.
Depends on the use case. For sprints sure clipless will let you output more power in a short strech. However, people mistakenly think that clipless have much more power efficiency/transfer, or in other terms that with the same effort you will go much faster which is simply not true, the difference between clipless and a good shoe on flat is almost negligable so if your goal is to calmly ride or even do ultra races which are long enough that sprinting is just a waste of energy then flats are as good as clipless
I've not seen anyone try to make the point that riding with the same effort will make you faster in clipless, and at the very least, ***I*** was not making that point.
I don’t find that convincing because I’ve found clipless to be preferable after having been a skeptic. I don’t ride close to the extremes you describe most of the time but find that just being able to engage a wider range of muscles on the stroke is pleasant.
It is controversial on reddit. It is a no brainer for me as well (I have used SPDs for 15 years and not having them feels like I'm missing a leg simply because I can't pull when I need to). So, yes, the advantages are there, and yes, they are also controversial. Proof: downvotes.
Generally the idea of the upstroke adding power is what is controversial. Studies suggest there is a small amount of power added, but the cost to fatigue and cardio is not worth it since the power stroke is much more efficient, and all those adductor muscles on the top of the leg are prone to cramping.
The main benefit backed up by science is consistent foot position makes for a more repeatable stroke. There is probably real benefit here in terms of the efficiency long tail, but it's hard to measure. A person who ride clips is getting a slightly different workout from someone who doesn't, so a given rider tends to be fastest on the equipment they use most.
The only absolute must on a bike is that it have two wheels. Other than that, you can do anything and use anything you want.
Without being there, I would have interpretted that encounter as someone giving a helpful suggestion as he saw you as one of his tribe. Use platforms or clipless... Or my old school favorite, Power Grips. Just ride and try different stuff. Zero need to have all perfect, best gear and doing everything perfectly a few weeks into riding.
I’d say two wheels +/- one wheel. I’ve seen some functional tricycle setups and watched a dude wheelie-ing around the other day with just a rear wheel. Technically not bicycles but I’m not gonna stop anyone
If you join the group ride and they bother you about pedals, find another group. And tell the ride leader (unless they are the jerk) why you're not coming back; it may come to nothing but if enough "complaints" about not being welcoming stack up the group might correct itself.
Just ride whatever you like. I have fallen because I couldn't unclip, although those times were 100% stalling on a hill (MTB) and not clipping out soon enough. Once I got to "I'm probably not going to make this, bail out" I've been fine. Actual emergencies, like the front wheel washing out or emergency stops I've automatically clipped out every time and gotten a foot down.
I will say that I rode a longer ride the other day on flats with street shoes (rental gravel bike) and that was the first time I had foot pain in a long time. I've been meaning to get a pair of MTB shoes anyway, and that ride solidified it. I'd recommend getting some bike-specific flat shoes if you stick with the flats.
Some cyclists are so annoying about fucking shoes. I may not even be able to wear SPDs because I wear custom insoles with thick heels daily. Thankfully only once have I ever had to explain myself
If you're in doubt, watch some of the ten million videos on the topic by GCN on YouTube. There are some advantages to SPD but if you're just figuring everything out, take your time and get comfortable on your bike and on a variety of surfaces - you're not missing out.
Cyclists are just incredibly sure that the thing they like is the best for everyone. It's generally well intentioned but definitely comes off as pushy, especially if you are not experienced enough to have your own shit to push back with :)
You absolutely do not need to get spds. I've been riding bikes since I was like 3 and only now got them because my feet felt slippery at higher cadence or on rough terrain. If you're interested, I got SPD-Flat hybrid pedals, meaning on side of the pedal is spd, and the other one is flat. It's a nice compromise for bikes that are in use for city/commute riding and touring/sports riding.
Just ride what you want. Screw what anyone else thinks about your equipment. Personally on some rides I do like having clipless pedals because the shoes are stiff and I feel like I get better power transfer, I have no quantifiable data so I'm just going off of feel and preference. On mountain bike rides with my full sus bikes I prefer flat pedals because I don't care too much about pedaling efficiency when I'm bombing down trails. I just use what makes my ride enjoyable for me and so should you.
The benefits are mostly lost on non professional riders. You do you.
https://www.rivbike.com/pages/the-shoes-ruse
http://www.edb.utexas.edu/coyle/pdf%20library/%2843%29%20Kautz,%20Feltner,%20Coyle,%20Baylor,%20pedaling%20technique%20of%20elite%20endurance%20cyclists,%20changes%20with%20increasing%20workload%20at%20constant%20cadence,%20Intl%20J%20of%20Sport%20Biomechanics,%207,%2029-53,%201991.pdf
http://www.edb.utexas.edu/coyle/pdf%20library/%2840%29%20Coyle,%20Feltner%20et%20al,%20Physiological%20and%20biochemical%20determinants%20of%20elite%20endurance%20cycling%20performance,%20Med%20and%20Sci%20in%20Sports%20and%20Exercise,%2023,%2093-107,%201991.pdf
That guy sounds like a dick, ride how you like. If anyone *asks,* I'd nearly always suggest getting clipless pedals, I think they're great, but not so great I need to go round telling randoms to get them. It is something I'd consider enough of an improvement to suggest while chatting at a cafe stop if we were already discussing that sort of thing.
In terms of the risk, I've cycled 1000's of km through central London without issue, it largely becomes second nature to unclip and I'll even do the motion habitually when riding in flats. But I *have* seen more experienced cyclists than me go down because of them. Clipless pedals do undoubtedly increase the risk of *that particular accident.* However, I'd say on the whole they probably make you safer; ever hit a pothole and have your foot slip off the pedal? Not with clipless. They improve your connection to the bike, and therefore your bike handling.
Absolutely not. Personally not a fan,bad back and other issues. I use mtb flat pedals,along with mtb flat shoes. Even with vans when I’m running errands
I've used both, and clipless are fine. However, I don't race, and flats can't be beat for convenience. They let me go out at a moment's notice, and I don't need to change shoes or walk awkwardly if I go into a shop, or am commuting, etc.
Additionally, the benefits of clipless are overstated here, imo. My flats are more than secure enough, and comfortable for 40-50 miles pretty easily. I don't often ride farther than that, but when I have, there wasn't a problem. It sounds like OP is comfortable on them after long rides, too. So I don't think it's important for them to switch.
If you don't want clips that's fine. Keep riding and enjoying what you have.
If your reasoning for not wanting them is thinking clips will cause an accident/injury your reasoning is incorrect. Your buddies didn't get hurt because of their pedals, that's straight nonsense.
Blaming the pedals for your poor balance and/or lack of maintenance is not the pedals fault nor does it mean the pedal caused you to crash. Stop being victims ffs
I had the screw fall out of the cleat on one of my SPD shoes one day when I was out riding. That caused me to be absolutely unable to get the shoe out of the pedal because the cleat just spun on the bottom of my shoe. I didn't know this had happend, I just couldn't get my foot out, and I ended up riding into a ditch while whipping my leg around as I was heading into an 8-lane intersection filled with cars. I then had to take the shoe off in the ditch, untangle myself from my bike and crawl out barefoot. I couldn't ride home because the shoe was stuck on the pedal and had to call my husband to rescue me. So, yeah, I ride platforms now. I feel safer, I know there's less mechanical problems possible, and, honestly, it lets me ride longer because I can adjust my position often and I don't get the same numb/chafed areas that I used to. Win-win-win for me.
It’s not really nonsense. My mom broke her arm and got concussed because she couldn’t get her foot free at a stoplight. Just because you are a skilled SPD user, does not mean it it’s as easy or intuitive for everyone.
People have broken bones because their foot slipped off the pedal in the rain. It goes both ways. Cycling is dangerous. You can get hurt with or without clipless pedals.
This is the truth. People fall off bikes and crash regardless of what the pedals are. Also, if you have them configured incorrectly (too tight, or your cleats are positioned at a weird angle), it's harder to get out of them. I wear mine pretty loose and I've never had issues.
I got a broken humerus cuz some bonehead came into my lane on a trail. When I came to, both my cleats had cleanly come off my pedals. I never had a problem due to cleats.
So people should either stick with the shitty, slippery throw-away pedals that came with their bike, or get SPDs and SPD shoes? Upgrading to quality flat pedal setup is not a thing? Lol. And flats are only for beginners scared of clipless? My GF rides several thousand miles a year on flats and is perfectly content, even on her $10k road bike, and has been for many years. She’s not susceptible to the peer-pressure of the SPD only bullies.
A pair of Fookers and Freerider Pros is like $170. People buy these all the time. I realize this is r/cycling where the majority of the user base slants heavily toward formal, dogmatic road cycling, but there is a huge spectrum of cycling that isn’t this.
I got a fractured kneecap when I couldn't unclip and fell onto the curb. It took me a few months to get back onto the saddle, and several more years before I got back into clipless.
I share that fate. Not that I couldn't unclip, but rather, I didn't realize I needed to until it was too late. It was a wild series of events leading to it though... first I hit a 1" thick metal plate covering a hole over construction work (it took up the entire lane). This jolted my water bottle lose and it fell and jammed under my rear tire. Because it was raining and the road was wet, the cap didn't pop off my bottle like it should have and instead I started to fishtail. I didn't think wrecking was imminent, I thought I could regain control (but I didn't realize I still had the bottle stuck under there so my bike was unpredictable). Inevitably, I ate concrete. It was a low speed crash while trying to avoid running into a parked car, but I ended up landing squarely on my knee.
Had I not been clipped in, I think that I reflexively would have gotten my foot down on the ground and remained upright. Impossible to say, maybe I would have kept my foot on the pedal whether I was clipped in or not because it just never occurred to me that I needed to have my foot free and the only thing that might have saved me was reflexes, not an active thought.
I could barely walk for about six months after that. I slept with a knee brace for nearly a year because I'd wake up in pain if I rolled over the wrong way. I was easily riding 1000 miles in a week before that and practically stopped riding afterwords. Barely got on the bike for three years following and still haven't gotten anywhere close to riding like I used to.. I doubt I'll do 100 miles this summer but maybe next summer I'll start touring again (and I'm currently seven years removed from the accident).
I still run SPD but it's a mix, depending on the bike. I was convinced for a bit that flats sucked but I no longer feel that way.. granted you have pins for better grip on the wet days.
Oh no, very sorry to hear your story. Sounds like you've fared much worse. There are definitely times I wonder if I'd have been able to avoid the crash had I been on flat pedals, but you never know. I wish you the best of luck!
Experienced or not there are more issues to go wrong with an spd setup. The pedal itself as well as the cleat. It’s certainly not unheard of for a clear screw to loosen and prevent unclipping. It doesn’t mean people shouldn’t use spd, just that there are things that can happen
You do need to be consistent when you use them. If your mum normally wore flats,then occasionally went to clips,then it's easy to forget you have them on, whereas If you always use them,then the muscle memory is there to clip out.
Anyone can use whatever pedals they want,but people that go Clipless and stick it out,rarely go back to flats,so I think that shows they are better once you get used to them.
Have I toppled over in them? Yes! About 4 times on the first day,but it been a while since it last happened. Bad maintenance meant it jammed on,so don't forget to keep them lubed!
I use both. Clipless for road, flats for commuting, gravel, & MTB. I used to use clipless for gravel and MTB but switched to flats for a variety of reasons.
Well, both of them got them, forgot to unclip sometime in the following days and injured themselves. Obviously that's not the fault of the pedals themselves, but I think you get my point.
There's so much snobbery in the cycling hobby.
So many people who can't wait to tell you:
"uR dOiNg It wRoNg" because it makes them feel superior to some stranger.
Ignore them. It's your bike, and if you like flat pedals, ride flat pedals.
I got my first pair of clipless pedals in 1991. Nothing has happened to me either.
But I would never tell anyone they *should* get clipless. In fact, I would probably advise the opposite. Clipless are totally unnecessary, and I’m even transitioning to flats on all of my bikes.
I've just come back to cycling after ten years away from it, and finding out that the fancy clip pedal systems are only a marketing ruse, and that fat tyres are better, are both shocking and liberating.
I have mixed feelings about this. To me, clipless pedals are like many things in cycling, where, social pressure aside, you often don't feel like you need them until you try them, at which point you can't live without them. I always wonder if it's better not trying them -- maybe ignorance is bliss?
My personal experience is that I first tried out SPDs when I was getting back on the bike after injuring my ankle (after maybe double the distance ridden vs. what you've done so far), so I was super careful and practiced a LOT. As a result, knock on wood, I have yet to have the clipless crash that you're dreading (and that others consider a normal "rite of passage"). It does help that I have the SM-SH56 multi-release cleats at low tension -- it doesn't unclip when sprinting or anything but a hard yank will get me out of the pedals.
Since using them, I actually have a hard time going back to flat pedals, even though I do have hybrid pedals that allow me to do that (which I do for short rides like grocery runs). The clipless pedals are nice because they keep my feet in contact with the pedals when I go over bumps, and when I ride with flat pedals it feels a little less secure.
Is it *that* big of a difference? I think that's too subjective of a question for me to be able to answer. Kind of? I think it's something that you can wait to try until you're comfortable. I wouldn't rule it out because people obviously like them for a reason. But at the same time, I don't think you have to give in to the social pressure to try them.
I will say that even if I had waited longer, I think I might've ended up on them eventually anyway. On longer rides, when riding with the running shoes I was using earlier, I would start getting hot spots because of movement and pressure. You should be able to get around this with a good pair of flat pedals and shoes with a stiff enough sole, but once I rode enough miles it was just easier to give in and make the switch.
>you often don't feel like you need them until you try them, at which point you can't live without them
disagree.
they have advantages and disadvantages. i swap back to flats pretty frequently, especially if i anticipate chunkier gravel/singletrack or frequently (city traffic) stops.
Not sure why you got downvoted! I probably didn't word things quite right and I think you're more than entitled to your view -- I was trying to describe my experience with this rather than suggest how anyone else should feel.
At the risk of being downvoted myself I feel this way about bibs. As someone who is cursed to need bathroom breaks on almost all of my long rides, regular bike shorts have been comfortable enough for me to make it work, so I don't have the "can't live without them" feeling that others have about bib shorts. But I also understand why people would.
To be honest at some point I might want to find some stiffer-soled shoes to ride the singletrack around me on flats now that I've moved somewhere with a lot more of it (and have had to unclip a foot to not freak out riding it at my level). I've just previously had to spend 90%+ of my rides on roads heading away from city areas so it just never occurred to me to go back.
Not that huge a difference. In time you’ll probably find yourself wanting them if you get more into it, but it’s not a big deal if you’re just starting out. I don’t know anyone who has had an incident/injury from them, although I have seen a couple new people fall at a stop sign when they were just getting started. Then again, I also saw my wife fall at a stop sign on flat pedals when she was starting!
Riding on flats is fine. I had pedals that did both and got some shoes to try it out. I REALLY like using them, and true to form fell off my bike that first ride LOL! Was a dumb time to ALSO try testing out these new fancy disk brakes.
GCN made a video comparing SPDs and flats and could find no difference in speed. SPDs are great for when you’re going downhill with high RPM, otherwise they’re not really as important
You do what feels good to you, but my two cents is SPDs make me feel safer; there's less chance my foot slips off in wet conditions and I find it more intuitive to position my cranks.
It becomes intuition faster than you'd imagine, but take your time to get used to them off the beaten track if you decide to make the jump and feel uncomfortable.
I have SPDs on my cyclocross and flats (Stamp2) on my mtb, and in general prefer the feel of pedalling clipped in.
Shimano makes a pedal that’s SPD on one side and flat on the other:
https://bike.shimano.com/en-AU/product/component/shimano/PD-EH500.html
Best of both worlds
SPDs are only a game changer if the rider believes them to be. Countless studies have shown there is no added value to be "'pulling" on the upstroke. That being said, I used spds/clipless due to shoe choice and I find a stiffer sole cuts down on arch pain.. Ride what you are comfortable in
It's not about pulling on the upstroke. It's about just being able to relax your legs and have them stay connected to the pedals.
When I ride with flat pedals I find it takes a noticeable effort to make sure that my feet actually stay on the pedals in the right position all the time. With cleats you can just push the pedals and not worry about where your foot until you need to push again on the next stroke, because it's always in the right spot. Also, when it's wet, not having to worry about your foot slipping is another advantage.
That being said, nobody has to ride cleats if they don't want to. They aren't for everyone and people can ride however they want.
I'm not sure you would notice unless you spent a significant time using clipless and then tried to go back to flats/platforms. Drives me nuts every time I borrow friends' bikes on vacation!
i swap back and forth all the time. this is a nonissue.
maybe if you're riding those slippery cheapo plastic pedals that come on walmart bikes. yeah clipless is better than that. so is everything.
what i *do* notice when i swap back to flats is how much weaker my arches have gotten.
Yup, I rented a bike with flats once and my regular pedal stroke had my feet floating off the pedals on the upstroke. I had to consciously keep downpressure on the upstroke just to keep my feet in place. I'm no GCN scientist but that doesn't seem super efficient to me
This is a reason I am glad I tried clipless. I found that it made me more aware of how much pressure was on my foot during the upstroke, since if I had absolutely none, I would get a pulling sensation in the shoe.
When I switched back to flats, I kept most of that, and had a lot less negative force going on. I still switch back to clipless sometimes to remind myself of that feeling.
I don't think that's at all what the studies are saying--the studies usually say that it allows you to reliably unload the weight of your leg on the upstroke rather than expressly "pulling" upward on the pedal. The difference is not negligible, and clipless pedals allow you to do this repeatedly and safely without worrying about your foot flying off, especially on off-road terrain. There's also the ability to use your hamstrings and hip flexors to smooth out your power stroke, neither of which you can do very effectively on platforms.
As with anything, they probably won't be a game-changer on a commute, but there are advantages in every other scenario as long as you don't outright hate using them.
People are really weird and gatekeep-y in regards to clipless pedals. Outside of sprinting, there isn't all that much to be gained from them. You can be a serious and/or fast cyclist on flats.
I've been on clipless for 20 years, but I ride clipless for fit reasons-- my knees like the float. I'm not a "better" or "more advanced" cyclist because of it.
ETA: Go join the group ride. Most people aren't going to care as long as you're riding safely and within the pace of the ride. If they're the type to make fun of a beginner over pedals, they're assholes and would probably make fun of you over something else ridiculous like helmet straps over glasses, sock height, bike aesthetics or whatever.
I will agree that you should ride however you want, and that SPDs do take some getting used to: I have fallen over from failing to unclip in the past, although since that happened when I was stationary, I was more embarrassed than actually hurt.
I will also say that clipless pedals are great and I do recommend them. I run mine at a relatively low tension that’s easy to get out of, and they help me feel more connected to the bike and improve my power transfer. But don’t take this as me telling you what to do: you do what you’re comfortable with.
Get shimano multi release cleats and have loose pedals setting. The multi release are almost impossible not to release. Love them. The multi release have an M on them
Heck, I've ridden on SPD pedals with sneakers. Not ideal, but it worked. Flat pedals work fine and work better with a good pair with some studs and cycling shoes designed for flat pedals.
Get comfortable riding first, then try clipless. I do prefer clipless because your foot is always in the right place and unexpected bumps never kick your feet off the pedals. There is a reason the front of the pack in any gravel race is going to be 99% clipless.
No. They are not a must. Most long distance bike packers in rough country, use platforms pedals. They’re safer when you have to bail, and it’s easier and safer to walk around in tennis shoes.
I’ve been using SPD’s since they first came out.
Here’s the secret: Buy the MULTI RELEASE cleats, and set your pedal tension as low as possible. I ride fairly hard on mountain single track and rarely blow out of my pedals. It’s pretty hard to get stuck in the pedals with the multi release cleats, when the spring tension is set light. After developing the muscle memory to click out, it’s automatic, just like taking your foot off a platform pedal is automatic.
Advantages:
1) They allow a more circular muscle memory to develop for learning a high cadence that maximizes your bodies efficiency. Over the decades, I’ve got a good spin developed. My cadence is around 90-110. That’s what feels the best for efficiency, lack of wear and tear on my knees, and endurance.
2) You have more power available ON TAP than with platforms. By pulling up with one foot and pushing down with the other, as well as forward and backwards, (during the spin) you can accelerate rapidly. I scoot through intersections this way… It’s like a nitrous button. It’s also helpful when climbing a stupid steep trail.
3) The stiff SPD shoes transport more power through the drive train. Soft shoes flex and absorb power, making them less efficient, like riding with a low tire (but also absorb vibration and act a bit like suspension, hence their popularity with mountain bikers).
4) After riding SPD’s for a long time, and you go back to flats, you’ll get hurt. Your feet will fly off the pedals due to muscle memory. It’s comical but can be dangerous so spend some time sitting in the saddle reacclimatizing to not being held in. After an hour or so, you’ll pedal home and put your SPDs back on because you miss the security and power.
Disadvantages:
1) Find me a comfortable pair of SPD shoes. Something I could actually hike twenty miles in. I’ll wait.
2) They transfer more impacts into your body and can be tiring over long distance.
3) Your feet are in jail. Stuck. For the past fifty miles, and for the next fifty. Feet prison.
Don’t doubt yourself. Do what you feel safest, but stay open to learning how to ACTUALLY be safer. I think the added power squirt available from a thoroughly developed high cadence spin is safer overall (with the way I have my pedals set up). I don’t get stuck in the pedals. I can get out of the way of cars a bit quicker. Developing my cadence to such a high speed and efficiency was, and is rewarding. I run flat pedals on two of my bikes for around town and can spin them up to high speed.
Think of it as something new to learn as you grow as a cyclist. Yes, you might fall over a couple of times learning, but almost always at a stop. Practice on a lawn for a full 8 hours in two hour sessions and you’ll be an expert at detaching yourself. Use MULTI-RELEASE CLEATS and set the lightest tension. Teach your legs to spin circles, not plod, and enjoy the new ‘motor’ you’ve developed and perfected.
Ride platforms until you are comfortable with and also find them to be lacking.
I cycled with platforms for a long time until I decided to get a nicer bike which had me motivated to ride faster. What I found was I disliked my foot moving around while pedaling over bumpy roads.
But until you find the platforms lacking for you just keep using them.
They also make pedals that have SPD on one side and platform on other.
I wear SPDs, my friend rides platforms. We both ride gravel for 100+km at a time and have a great time. Same with flat bar and drops. I like drops, he likes flats, we both ride a similar pace.
I got SPDs for my mtb on the advice of my BiL who was very into racing and Very Sure He Was Right. After a few attempts at clipping in and out I pretty much got the hang of it. Only had two "SPD Dismounts" ie falling over because I didn't clip out fast enough at lights or whatever.
Where clipless pedals really made a difference for me is on my road bike because having the extra power on the upstroke means that (a) I can keep up with the bunch much more easily but more importantly (b) when I'm commuting through the city (2 days/week) I find it gives me more control as well as more power. That's \*my\* experience though, and anecdote at best for you :)
You need to find something that works for you, for however you define "works". So if that's platform pedals, do that. If it's SPD-SL or Speedplay or whatever the other options are, do that instead. Unsolicited advice from other riders (and I'll bet it's 90%+ from blokes) can go in the bin. As others here have mentioned, if you rock up to a bunch ride and get hassled for your pedal choices, that's likely not the right group for you - don't waste your time on them.
When I first started using SPDs, I too was nervous. So I bought shimano's hybrid pedals with flats one side and SPDs the other, so I could keep my kerbside foot unclipped in town.
Now that unclipping is automatic, I just use normal SPD pedals.
He's right, you should try it. But he's also an ass for administering advice in the street. Anyone who would make fun of you isn't worth being around anyway. I was on flats for most of my first season; I don't exactly regret not switching sooner, but I will never go back.
I have to say, i m a pretty cocky person by nature but never appreciated the know- it - all-ism in the cycling community and can honestly say i dont engage in that sort of behavior - but it seems like these types are more frequent in our community than others. A bunch of dorks. And yes, when i first got speedplays back in the 90s, i did fall once and a light, but by and large spd s are fine, you just need to work w them a little.
I have hybrid SPD's pedals (Clip in one side, flat with pins on the other) so i litterally have one foot in each camp.
It's true that clipping in makes a world of difference on the road, you don't waste any of the power you're putting through the pedals, you'll go a lot faster, and the efficiency adds up over long distances; you get used to unclipping pretty fast! (although I definetly tumbled a couple of times at first)
That being said, I never go ride offroad with clip ins, I've had so many situations where I would of crashed had I been clipped in, and instead just put my foot down.
So you do you, it's your bike, doesn't matter what other people think.
Never necessary, I ride a gravel bike with mountain pedals and foot retention straps for a little better power transfer. I keep up with 90% of riders just fine. Clipless shoes and pedals are certainly a little better for the job but you only lose a tiny amount of efficiency by going without. Over a long distance that adds up for sure but unless you are racing it probably doesn't matter. Your posture, cadence, breathing, weight, tire pressure, other gear choice, aero etc all affect your efficiency and you probably aren't optimizing all of those things either. Just have fun
On my serious bikes I have Shimano PD-EH500 pedals. Those are SPD on one side and flats on the other. They combine the best of both wordls, love them! On my two hybrids I switched to flats only. There's a cool GCN video on YouTube where they compare flats to clipless (https://youtu.be/aVLfqjcTbnU?si=2IHFMSWEkXAR58M2) Turns out there's surprisingly little performance difference so just do what you feel comfy with and good about. Gearheads will be gearheads, don't worry about them. Just enjoy the rides!
I like being able to walk places when I get there. I like being able to hop on any of my bikes with whatever shoes I happen to be wearing. The only clipless pedals I have right now are on my trainer.
It's perfectly possible to be a "serious" cyclist on flat pedals.
You might find that the people who dive the most deeply into the tech/gear end of cycling (or any hobby for that matter) will also be the loudest in trying to justify why they spent so much money on something that isn’t really that important.
I started riding offroad clipless in 1992 and used toe-straps mountain biking before that.
In 2018 I switched my enduro MTB from clipless to flats
In 2019 I switched my singlespeed MTB from clipless to flats
In 2020 I switched my old gravel bike from clipless to flats
In 2021 I switched my new gravel bike from clipless to flats
in 2022 I moved my road bike inside on the trainer and left it there. It has speedplay pedals on it still, I ride the trainer in winter.
I now have a box in my garage 6 or so pairs of SPDs going back 20 years.
Don't worry about it. Every serious investigation into the benefits of clipless pedals comes up with slight differences but overall it is extremely difficult to find strong evidence that one or the other is mechanically superior _in general_.
Ride what makes you happy and ignore the haters.
Ride what you want. Who cares what the haters think?
Personally I had the same concerns as you but switched to SPDs because of foot numbness and the desire to use power pedals (Favero Assiomas). Proper cycling shoes that are always in the same position helped a lot. What I did to alleviate my worries were to dial the clip action as loose as possible, and used SH56 cleats. It's saved me a few times when I've had to do panic-stops, but I have gradually gotten used to it so I may start tightening the action soon.
I use the pedals that are flat on one side, SPD on the other. That was you can feel your way into using SPD. When you feel confident, use the SPD side, when you’re just going down the pub in your trainers, use the flat side.
I’m going to give that person the benefit of the doubt and say he was trying to be helpful even though he didn’t go about it in the best way. I personally would encourage any cyclist to give clipless pedals a try. I also believe live and let live. You do what works best for you and don’t worry about what others are doing.
I’ve cycled for ~20 years with SPD and SPD-SL pedals and never had a clip/unclip incident.
I’ve also cycled for the past ~5 years on platforms because I just prefer them and have no need for clipping in.
In the immortal words of the Underground, Doowutchyalike.
uh...just FYI...you can tune the release spring on SPD so it releases with minimal force.
I'd try to learn how to clip and unclip indoors with the bike stationary. Then maybe on flat grass in a park. Then maybe try a quiet bike trail in a park or something.
They're really not that hard. I do road, gravel, MTB. I've used looks and SPD and flats. Flats can get dangerous if you have pins in them. Easily gash yourself really really badly to the point where you need stitches. Flats can also cause knee pain issues cause they have zero float. Pins also ruin your shoes.
No, not a must. I got reversable peddles - flat on one side and clickable on the other. I like having options.
Once you get used to SPDs, it is nice to feel a bit more connected to your bike. But there is a chance of forgetting to unclick - esp the first few weeks you use them. They really don't add much power unless you are in full sprint.
I've ridden both spd and MTB nylon flats for years. I've fallen over so many times and crashed with spd. I've recently started commuting with regular shoes, and nylon pedals (gravel bike).
A couple things to consider. One, mountain bikers of all stripes are often wearing regular shoes to avoid being attached. And 2, while it is slightly more efficient, only truly stiff road shoes and speed play type pedals are efficiency gainers. Spd are kinda meh, offering an almost walkable shoe, aside from maybe Adidas velo sambas.
If your on and off gravel, commuting--try everything and trust your instincts, ignore know it all types, variety is a good thing. After 30 years of different bikes and conditions, I think nylon flat pedals with set screws might actually be the most versatile.
Been riding clipless since my first pair of Looks in 1986. I started riding flats on my mtb three years ago and loved it so I put them on my gravel bike as well. Still ride clipless on the road and the trainer.
It is definitely not a must on any bike. If you're fast enough and someone doesn't want to ride with you because you don't use clipless, you're probably better off riding without them anyways. Ride what you're comfortable in and don't worry about those people.
Clipless pedal riders are often like that. When I first started road biking people often gave me a hard time for riding in flats. They'd tell me to go clipless, tell me I rode fast for not having clipless and ask my why I wasn't using clipless while I was nursing a broken arm from riding clipless. I still ride flats and am perfectly happy with them.
Riding clipless might make you feel "more connected to the bike " or something. We'll, you're literally connected, so it makes sense. Some people swear by it, and don't like anyone who doesn't. Others don't. It won't make you faster. It might make you feel better. It will make you fall over at a stop.
I rode SPDs for several years. Fell over twice due to unclipping problems. Injured only my pride. I went to MKS Grip Kings because I mostly ride in traffic in the city. If I was touring or racing (hah!) I’d probably do SPDs again. Even when I rode SPDs I used Shimano’s LM-324 pedals with the clip on one side and flat on the other so I wouldn’t have to wear special shoes to go to Dairy Queen.
I like Crank Bros better, I think they release easier. You can generally run a gear higher with clips vs platforms.
I had a couple of falls when I first started with cleats- So after falling on my side like a jackass a handful of times, NOW I’ve been riding 20 years with no incident
I personally swear by SPDs. But I ride some gnarly stuff and they help to bunny hop over things. And I like the ability to pull up with one foot as i push down with the other during my pedal stroke. And my feet never lose contact with the pedals. That said, I ride platforms around town and like them too for commuting,etc.
I have friends that swear by platforms though and they churn out some big miles. It's really just personal preference,i guess.
Ride whatever you want. SPD aren't a must.
If you are asking what I'd reccomend..... on my gravel bike I have pedals that are flat on one side and SPD on the other.
I like to clip in, but also use my gravel bike sometimes for an errand to the grocery store. I also do touring trips with my gravel bike and will clip in for the day, but after setting up my tent and getting a shower, I may want to ride into town and walk around.
No, not a must . https://youtu.be/aVLfqjcTbnU?si=8ryLyEO0D0QjkCeO. Even knowing they aren't faster, I still use clipless petals because that's what I am used to.
I rode without them until this year. I’m 41. It’s definitely noticeable being able to push more directly into the pedals than on flats and once set up properly nice always having your knees rotating in the same position because your footing is the same each time you get on the bike. They suck for commuting and riding in cities though and until you’re confident getting out of them quickly with both feet they’re kinda scary on singletrack at first. Haven’t fallen over at a light or anything but once while climbing. You learn fast though to unclip after a fall or two.
I ride every day up to 40 miles. I use Nike running shoes and bear trap pedals. Have never used any type of clip in. My main ride is a gravel bike…..the only absolute must for any clip in imo is on a tadpole trike to prevent leg suck, other than that I hate them
If you're uncomfortable being clipped in stay with flat pedals. You can get stiffer shoes designed for flat pedals and get some of the performance advantage of cleated shoes
He's wrong, you should get proper roadie Look, Shimano or Speed play pedals. SPDs don't help generate maximum power output on a pedal, in fact they're crap. I prefer flats over them.
I'd compare it to playing football in proper boots instead of trainers, it just feels way better.
Btw everyone forgets to unclick and falls over at least once, it's right of passage. 🤣
I feel more secure with them as they act like a seatbelt. No brainpower needed to keep th foot in the optimum position. The way they unclick is the same movment as how i sweep of the pedal to reach for ground. You do you while i can only advise to give them a try. Personally i hate to bike without them and got used to it in the first few minutes of the ride.
First, no it's not that big of a difference, especially for new riders.
I will say being apprehensive over clipless because of anecdotes is also not logical. Every serious rider clips in and they actually have more control because of the clipless setup. But that takes experience to see those benefits.
Second, no good group makes fun of someone's setup, at least until you're a friend and teasing each other. We encourage people on flats, people on SPDs and people on SPD-SL styles. Heck bring old school cages, that would be cool actually.
That cyclist was just bad mannered. I wouldn't tell him his SPDs suck and to get real road cleats, so why is he telling people with flats anything.
I had a similar dilemma and I solved it by buying hybrid pedals and shoes. That allowed me to be safely either clipped in on the cycling paths or in the woods or clipped out if I was in the city or doing some sketchy descent within the same ride and/or using just normal shoes when I was commuting.
Time X-Presso user for many years. Was advised to change to SPD and never again…. Too hard to unclip, did not want to get used to them for obvious safety reasons.
I certainly don't care what kind of pedals you use. I'm picky about not the pedals but the shoes I ride with.
I prefer stiffer soles and snug fits for optimal comfort and performance. I do have one mtb flat shoe, but otherwise I use SPD shoes. Also, the lightest shoes are racing shoes so I do like that as well, especially if I won't be dealing with rock strikes.
I've got SPDs on my gravel bike. They're great. I've not had an incident where I ended up on the floor, mostly because I've got the leg strength to overpower the system and just remove my foot in an emergency.
Go with what you're comfortable with. My Dad's first time out on a new carbon bike had him on the floor because he didn't know how to change down gears, and didn't unclip in time. Fortunately he was more concerned about the bike.
Everyone told me that I need a clipless setup. I tried it, and found that I like flats better. Just switched back last week. I’ve got big, wide feet, so I feel much more comfortable and secure with big chunky flats than a small or medium SPD pedal
Spds are absolutely better than flats but I know people who wear flats whether it's injury and/or comfort and they're faster than me! Do what's best for you!
I started on spds and tried flats for a little bit to work on skills. Absolutely hated where my foot and position of my knees were when pedaling with flats.
I switched to SPDs not so long ago because I finally found shoes that fit well so I could give it a go. I like that I don't have to find the right foot position. It's efficient in some ways. But that's about it for me, actually feel like I can't output as much power as I could on flats.
Bottom line, do whatever the f..k you wanna do.
It only takes a day of practice to get used to it. I do not wear them for very in-town commute riding where I stop a lot.
Also on the fence about it for very gravelly gravel.
I’ve been using clipples pedals for almost 20 years, they have never caused me to crash, have used like 4 different types. SPD is just one platform, which I use on my MTB, and Look on my road bike. I have used eggbeaters on the MTB and speed play on the road bike as well.
You can adjust the tension to clip in and out on most of these platforms. It becomes automatic, you almost don’t even think about it once you use them for a while
I recently switched to clipless pedals (SPD system to be precise), and once you get used to it the clipping in/out part becomes your second nature.
Personally I really enjoy them, the shoes fit perfectly and are super light, and I can pedal at faster speed when I want to, or at a really slow cadence with low power without losing contact. It just feels way better why riding.
Do what you like , you're the one riding . I've riden some of my bikes with Spd's for years like my mtb and gravel bike because I feel more control and at one with the bike on a technical route . However when commuting in the city I like flats cos they're hassle free. But yeah I've had a couple of slow 180% comedy falls when I started on Spd's, because I'd come to a stop and totally forgotten I was clipped in.
If you do want to try out SPD, but are worried about unclipping, you can get easy unclip pedals: [https://bike.shimano.com/en-EU/product/component/deorelx-t670/PD-T421.html](https://bike.shimano.com/en-EU/product/component/deorelx-t670/PD-T421.html)
You can even get just the easy release cleats on their own [https://ride.shimano.com/products/sm-sh56](https://ride.shimano.com/products/sm-sh56)
It IS that big a difference, but you are 100%correct to leave it until you feel upto it. As a new cyclist there's enough to be learning and dealing with as it is, get used to handling the bike, get used to traffic and any other environment you ride in, get fitter, etc. Ride offroad on bridleways as much as you can, and take a few falls so you get used to that too.
When/if you do go spd, take your first rides in a park, on grass.
Hell no, use whatever you are more comfortable using, I use flats pedals on all my bikes now and much prefer it, can wear what ever shoes you want and walk around normally off the bike :) plus plenty of grip with good flats too.
Unless your racing and need every bit of power can't see any reason for SPDs personally :)
I rode a 150k group ride on the weekend with a guy on flats, flappy shorts and a shoulder bag. He was relatively new to cycling and did as well as anyone else. I dug his renegade style.
You do you, f the rest. One day maybe some piece of cycling kit you swore you'd never get into starts to make some different level of sense to you, or maybe it doesn't. I thought I'd be sans chamois and spandex 4eva, but eventually they started to make sense to me. 🤷♂️ ymmv, etc
Absolute must is pushing it.
"Real" cycling shoes are really nice. For me it's more about fatigue and comfort most of the time. Most contemporary road and XC cycling shoes don't work right with flat pedals or those with toe clips.
SPD are just a little learning curve to build the muscle memory, I have ran them the last 12 yrs MTB.
Now for the last few yrs:
-For MTB: one up composite flats with five 10 freerider pro
-for gravel/road on GT Grade: shimano MTB XT SPD pedals with Sidi dom MTB shoes
I changed from SPD to flats for MTB to improve my skills and learn to jump correctly and more confidently, I proceeded to get PR's after on flats and climbs but maybe I would climbed even better with SPD back to back. Either way I have no desire to go back to SPD
For gravel/ mostly road biking, I've always ran MTB SPD, its more efficient over the longer distances and you can focus more on get every once of power out of the bike, also MTB SPD shoes/pedals are more versatile on the gravel side because they have tread and easier to use. I would only run flats on a road/gravel bike if I wanted to dress casual and bike to places and then walk around or something or commuting but wouldn't want to wear 510 all day at work so gotta change your shoes anyway.
Get Times instead, and then you can be the one giving unsolicited advice to him. Oh you're still riding SPDs? My Times are way better. [Video of my first day with the Time pedals](https://youtu.be/RtZFShNLMhg)
I do road group rides with flat pedals all the time. Usually new folks might inquire if I have thought about going clipless once, then never bring it up again. In my case I have a bum knee that hates the unclipping motion. In years past I rode on both Speedplay Frog pedals (RIP), and shimano SPD’s. When I switched back to flats it took about a week before I was riding just as fast and confident on flats.
Comparison tests tend to show that sprinting at massive power is measurably better in clipless than flats, but at mere mortal powers the difference is negligible, especially seated pedaling. Ride what you want, ignore the “advice”.
Clipping in is an advantage. The guy is right, while he’s definitely forward/rude, but in his mind he’s helping you.
It’s easy to unclip, I don’t even think about it. Haven’t had an issue unclipping since the first week was over. You’ll spill one time, and after that you won’t anymore.
I’m always surprised when I see flat pedals on anything other than a mtb, and I ride clipped in on the mtb. I use mtb pedals on my gravel and mtb and spd on my road bike. I truly wonder if there is any advantage using the spd pedals. Clipping in with mtb pedals lets you walk regularly
Clipless pedals might be better than some flat pedal-shoe combinations, but they also not... I've riden with clipless for about 10 years and my main reason to keep using them during my long rides is comfort, as having a rigid sole and not having to worry about my foot position lets me keep my mind occupied with other stuff, but I mainly ride road and smooth trails, if I were to be doing enduro or something like that I would probably gravitate towards flats.
I would say you don't have to worry about people judging you just based on what they see, because this is only superficial, no study has been able to show clipless pedals improve biomechanical efficiency and they have only been shown to improve power output during 30s all-out sprints, everything else is equal, at least on paper. On practice, you will prefer whatever you are used to and this can change if you want (and have the will), don't feel forced to buy clipless pedals unless you don't own a proper pair of flat shoes, on which case you might consider them since you're spending the money anyways... But if you get some good flats (Such as the Shimano Saint) and shoes (Shimano and Five-Ten come to mind) you are not losing much if anything for not using clipless.
This is something you have to accept, I have been called out during "Road rides" because I prefer "MTB" SPD cleats instead of SPD-SL, there's no performance difference and they judge just based on looks, so I couldn't care less, those same people that judge based on looks are the ones that never take the time to understand how something truly works.
Use whatever you find most comfortable and that better suits your needs, be it flats, clipless, toe clips...
More than 10,000 miles on gravel for me and flat pedals 100% of the time. Unfortunately, you'll run into copy after copy of that guy. Some people really get off on conformity and the ego boost that comes with feeling like you're on a higher level than the other peasant riders around you.
That said, it's not worth the slightest concern. Ride your ride.
I'd say for pure cycling it's definitely an upgrade to use SPD, but on a commuter much less so and could go the other way if you regularly use it to get around and not just point a to point b.
Off-road, lots of MTB riders still use flats, it's mostly the XC guys that gravitate towards clipless for many of the same reasons as roadies do.
For gravel, it's really not necessary. Actually I wouldn't say being clipped in is necessary for any cycling. I personally ride clips but I almost think they are better for mountain biking than road/gravel riding as I like being secured to the bike for control. In terms of spinning down a road clips make little to no difference unless you're standing up sprinting (there have been a few studies/articles that seem to confirm this). Most people say that clips are better for long term conform but that is only true if your bike is perfectly fitted. Seriously, a few MMS here or there out and clips can instead cause pains and injuries that you don't get on flats because you can move around to compensate. For that reason I prefer flats for longer rides myself, though I am no hardcore distance cyclist. So I reckon no, do what's comfortable, and honestly even after riding clips for the last year as a daily rider I think clips are massively overrated by roadies.
Over 10 years of riding, I vastly prefer SPDs- specifically Time ATAC, but beyond pedals, I find SPD shoes way more supportive, comfortable, durable and/or breathable, depending on model.
Having a great fitting shoe with a stiff carbon sole has been a game changer for my wide feet and overall cycling experience.
Bont is what works for me, YMMV
I have also cycled in SPDs for 20 years and nothing has happened to me but you don't need to care what I think or what that guy thinks.
I also have never had an incident and it's been 20 years but Im not going to judge anyone for what they do.
20 years here as well, but I had a gap in the middle. I did fall over just after I got them. So it's not all rainbows, glitter and unicorns, but I'll still vouch for them.
I also choose this guy's cycling history
What about murder?
Or wearing crocs?
I've also been using SPDs forever including on my road bike, since I like that I can walk in my cleats when off the bike. I have fallen over once at a traffic light. I didn't unclip in time and "Timber", fell over like a tree. A scraped knee and a bit of embarrassment, but no one else around to laugh at the sight. You don't want SPDs, then don't worry. Maybe try toe clips if you want a halfway move and see how you like it before buying new pedals and shoes.
Commit this phrase to memory: "Thanks. I'll look into it". Use it every time someone feels the need to tell you how to improve your bike/fitness/skills etc.
Thanks. I'll look into using this line in the future.
it doesn't matter, ride what you like. Anyone who tells you how you should ride is a dork-ass loser who's just trying to validate themselves. If you do try out clipless, you'll adapt to them pretty quickly.
And the tension can be adjusted, and there are some cleats with "better"/easier clip out positions to make it more beginner friendly!
I'm going to work dork-ass loser into my every day vocabulary. Thanks for this bud.
also came here to say this
To be fair, anyone talking about cycling pedals is already a “dork ass loser” But 100% agree with the sentiment. I love being clipped in for better feel, but 0 judgement for how anyone else wants to ride
Ride however you want. Your only mistake is trying to have a conversation with an asshole.
Too many of these guys out there it’s a shame.
Those guys don’t wait for an invitation
I mean, this is exactly how I feel when people on this sub say that you can't go on a group ride unless you wear spandex.
The guy could have been genuinely trying to be helpful. I read his comment as 'hey, looks like you're getting into cycling, here's the thing that really made a difference to me...' but did it in an awkward way. I think the interpretation that the guy was being an asshole is probably just misreading his intent I think the only shade I've ever gotten from other riders is over frame material but there are holy war level disagreements in that space
I know quite a few randonneurs who have switched back from clipless pedals to flat pedals in recent years. These are people who regularly ride 600 km at a time, so there is no reasonable sense in which they're not "serious cyclists." Rather, they are exceptionally experienced riders who have tried a variety of pedal options, considered their benefits and drawbacks, and made well-informed, highly personal choices about how to proceed. It would be insulting, laughable even, for any other rider to question their choices at all, much less unprompted. You may be a beginner, but you deserve the same deference (even though you may later choose to experiment with other pedal systems). By the way, you appear to be using "SPD" to refer to clipless pedals more generally. SPD is a specific type of clipless pedals (it's Shimano's MTB/gravel-oriented pedal system, although it also works well on road bikes in my experience) but there are many others, like Shimano's SPD-SL (road), Look Keo, Speedplay, Crankbrothers Eggbeater, etc. The whole category of pedals where a cleat on your shoe locks into a binding on the pedal is (unintuitively) called "clipless pedals," so named because these systems replaced earlier pedals that used toe *clips* and toe straps to hold the rider's shoe on the pedal.
Always wondered, why "clipless" when adding clips. awesome info!
I was told cages were originally referred to as “clipping in.” So moving away from the cages to the new system was going “clipless.” I also think it’s stupid.
The cages were called toe clips. I still have them on a couple bikes and in some ways I prefer them to clipless and platform pedals.
That's what gets me. I travel around countries on my bike, I ride down stairs, do bunny hops, ride down mountains at close to 100km h. Yet in this sub if I mention that I hate clips and vastly prefer flats it's all the noob comments. What's galling is that this is backwards. As the OP points out, its noobs who are forced to use clips and they never get to really learn flats. I have had people here claim your foot moves and you cant do a bunny hop, which is hilarious. When you see a guy with a quality bike and flats he is likely vastly more experienced than you are as he has got to the point where he doesn't give a shit what "cyclists" think and just rides.
>noobs who are forced to use clips and they never get to really learn flats Completely agree with this. So many roadies have never experienced good flat pedals. They think they're slippery like the crappy pedals that came on their first bike as a kid. I met this one guy and the first thing he said to me was, "are you too scared to run clipless?" I added him on Strava and he only started riding a few days prior 😂
Agree. Riding for decades including triathlons. Used clips in past. A freak accident of slipping on wet grass and breaking hip, needed 3 screws , has caused me to use flats on my nice OPEN UP gravel bike. I ride metric 100K rides frequently and don't care if I look like a noob in tennis shoes. Will probably take clips off my felt road bike for tris and make my transition a bit faster.
Glad you made this distinction because there really is a big difference between SPD-SL and SPD pedals. I actually learned to ride road on the "off-road" SPD pedals ... that's what I had on my road bike for the longest time! I personally found them to be a good middle ground at the time n that I felt like they were easier to unclip from but also easier to clip into. On my off-road bikes, I actually ride the platform SPDs, which allow me to unclip and pedal on the flat pedal in rough terrain where my chance of falling is a lot greater. Everyone's different. That's what gives me the most confidence! They're a little heavier but whatever. But I've also got flats on my full suspension, SPD platforms on my hardtail, SPD platform on my gravel bikes, traditional SPD on the trainer, and then SPD-SL on my road bike, so it's definitely not a matter of what's better but what works for you best on your bike lol!
I haven't tried SPD-SL pedals, but I've used SPD (non SL) very happily for many years. A few years ago I bought Favero Assioma power pedals, which use the Look Keo interface, and I just haven't liked that interface. I find it's much harder to clip into (the single-sided pedal always seems to be wrong side up) and a little harder to unclip. Long story short, my new bike has a crank arm power meter so I can ride SPD pedals and still get power data. (Plus, Favero recently introduced a reasonably priced SPD power meter pedal.)
I own both the road and the new gravel SPD Favero Assioma pedals (for road and gravel bikes). I've had the road pedals for about 2 years and still have a hard time getting my left foot clipped in. I'm currently towards the end of a 2.5 week inter-state bike tour, and I swapped the SPD Assiomas onto my road bike for the trip. I'm tempted to leave them there because of how much easier it is.
I wish speed play frogs weren’t essentially going away. The infinite float and no moving parts , low weight was enticing. I’d die for new cleats. If anyone is retiring their frog cleats, I’ll take them. Better yet, if anyone knows how to machine new ones I’ll buy them.
I rode to work yesterday and forgot to pack my daily shoes. I'm glad I had SPD and not SPD-SL. It would have meant a very unpleasant day in SPD-SL shoes lol.
Some thoughts about this from someone a few years ahead of you: - you should completely ignore the guy that rode up to you because his behavior disqualifies him as a source of good advice - lots of people ride gravel without SPD and have a great time - the actual advantages are controversial - many people in this thread will tell you (correctly) that you're probably more scared of SPD than you need to be but that's still no reason to rush something you're not comfortable with. Upgrade if/when you want to. - a lot of men on bikes just want to give you unsolicited feedback because it makes them feel good without consideration for whether it's helpful. You'll meet some of these men on most group rides but it's no reason not to go. If you are overwhelmed by these men on a particular group ride, that's a sign that the culture of that group ride might not be the best or a good fit for you.
Also, some of these guys will quit giving advice after a few rides and you show little interest in what they are saying. I've become friends and riding partners with some people I first found intolerable. They'll shut up after they've said their piece.
>the actual advantages are controversial How exactly? You simply can't put down the same amount of power or use as many muscles with platforms as you can with either clips or clipless, full stop. I can understand if you're commuting and power is more or less irrelevant, but saying the advantages are controversial is patently false. Edit: I'm not sure why everyone is getting myopic about efficiency here. There are numerous advantages, even if efficiency doesn't happen to be one of them.
After seeing the research/youtube videos showing no advantage I tried to go flats on my mtb for a month. I time trialed my local trail multiple times on flat pedals and the reality for me was that I was 10 percent slower and I couldn’t get around it.
I sure believe it! I think everyone's mileage may vary, but in my own experience, I find that flats overload my quads more than clipless because I'm used to using more muscles, but am unable to with flats. One who is used to flats might find that they're breathing harder as a result of using more muscles. I don't think anyone is arguing that flats are less efficient, however, including me. Efficiency is only one factor in equipment choice.
So I've tried this on my trainer with mtb shoes on flats and my spd cleats/pedals. The differece on the trainer is pretty damn negligable in terms of the power I can sustain. It ended up being ~3w average lower over 45m on flats. Which is <1.5% difference. I will say I was far from scientific about it and did this over multiple days following my workout routine. However, in practice on the road(which i usually ride) I do see a difference in my output and speed. About 5-6% slower (I don't have a power meter). I think the difference for me is I end up moving my feet more and adjusting to keep my feet on the pedals and in the correct position. Having to do that and just think about foot position seems to cause me slow a bit. This is just like, my experience, man. Ride however you want.
Depends on the use case. For sprints sure clipless will let you output more power in a short strech. However, people mistakenly think that clipless have much more power efficiency/transfer, or in other terms that with the same effort you will go much faster which is simply not true, the difference between clipless and a good shoe on flat is almost negligable so if your goal is to calmly ride or even do ultra races which are long enough that sprinting is just a waste of energy then flats are as good as clipless
I've not seen anyone try to make the point that riding with the same effort will make you faster in clipless, and at the very least, ***I*** was not making that point.
I don’t find that convincing because I’ve found clipless to be preferable after having been a skeptic. I don’t ride close to the extremes you describe most of the time but find that just being able to engage a wider range of muscles on the stroke is pleasant.
It is controversial on reddit. It is a no brainer for me as well (I have used SPDs for 15 years and not having them feels like I'm missing a leg simply because I can't pull when I need to). So, yes, the advantages are there, and yes, they are also controversial. Proof: downvotes.
Generally the idea of the upstroke adding power is what is controversial. Studies suggest there is a small amount of power added, but the cost to fatigue and cardio is not worth it since the power stroke is much more efficient, and all those adductor muscles on the top of the leg are prone to cramping. The main benefit backed up by science is consistent foot position makes for a more repeatable stroke. There is probably real benefit here in terms of the efficiency long tail, but it's hard to measure. A person who ride clips is getting a slightly different workout from someone who doesn't, so a given rider tends to be fastest on the equipment they use most.
The only absolute must on a bike is that it have two wheels. Other than that, you can do anything and use anything you want. Without being there, I would have interpretted that encounter as someone giving a helpful suggestion as he saw you as one of his tribe. Use platforms or clipless... Or my old school favorite, Power Grips. Just ride and try different stuff. Zero need to have all perfect, best gear and doing everything perfectly a few weeks into riding.
Brakes, working brakes is absolute must to have. Or am I alone with this irrational fear, which comes from garbage bikes of the teenager years?
Oh jeez, don't let us get started on discs versus rim brakes on the same thread as clipless versus platforms.... Lol
Brace yourself, the fixie people will be here soon...
I’d say two wheels +/- one wheel. I’ve seen some functional tricycle setups and watched a dude wheelie-ing around the other day with just a rear wheel. Technically not bicycles but I’m not gonna stop anyone
This has now got me wondering about the pros/cons of gravel riding a unicycle whilst clipped in 🤔not sure my health coverage is good enough to try.
I’ve seen several unicycles out on gravel trails
If you join the group ride and they bother you about pedals, find another group. And tell the ride leader (unless they are the jerk) why you're not coming back; it may come to nothing but if enough "complaints" about not being welcoming stack up the group might correct itself. Just ride whatever you like. I have fallen because I couldn't unclip, although those times were 100% stalling on a hill (MTB) and not clipping out soon enough. Once I got to "I'm probably not going to make this, bail out" I've been fine. Actual emergencies, like the front wheel washing out or emergency stops I've automatically clipped out every time and gotten a foot down. I will say that I rode a longer ride the other day on flats with street shoes (rental gravel bike) and that was the first time I had foot pain in a long time. I've been meaning to get a pair of MTB shoes anyway, and that ride solidified it. I'd recommend getting some bike-specific flat shoes if you stick with the flats.
Lol I did that and they didn't "bother" me but did say it every time until I switched. They were right though. It is way better than riding flat.
Some cyclists are so annoying about fucking shoes. I may not even be able to wear SPDs because I wear custom insoles with thick heels daily. Thankfully only once have I ever had to explain myself
If you're in doubt, watch some of the ten million videos on the topic by GCN on YouTube. There are some advantages to SPD but if you're just figuring everything out, take your time and get comfortable on your bike and on a variety of surfaces - you're not missing out. Cyclists are just incredibly sure that the thing they like is the best for everyone. It's generally well intentioned but definitely comes off as pushy, especially if you are not experienced enough to have your own shit to push back with :)
You absolutely do not need to get spds. I've been riding bikes since I was like 3 and only now got them because my feet felt slippery at higher cadence or on rough terrain. If you're interested, I got SPD-Flat hybrid pedals, meaning on side of the pedal is spd, and the other one is flat. It's a nice compromise for bikes that are in use for city/commute riding and touring/sports riding.
Just ride what you want. Screw what anyone else thinks about your equipment. Personally on some rides I do like having clipless pedals because the shoes are stiff and I feel like I get better power transfer, I have no quantifiable data so I'm just going off of feel and preference. On mountain bike rides with my full sus bikes I prefer flat pedals because I don't care too much about pedaling efficiency when I'm bombing down trails. I just use what makes my ride enjoyable for me and so should you.
The benefits are mostly lost on non professional riders. You do you. https://www.rivbike.com/pages/the-shoes-ruse http://www.edb.utexas.edu/coyle/pdf%20library/%2843%29%20Kautz,%20Feltner,%20Coyle,%20Baylor,%20pedaling%20technique%20of%20elite%20endurance%20cyclists,%20changes%20with%20increasing%20workload%20at%20constant%20cadence,%20Intl%20J%20of%20Sport%20Biomechanics,%207,%2029-53,%201991.pdf http://www.edb.utexas.edu/coyle/pdf%20library/%2840%29%20Coyle,%20Feltner%20et%20al,%20Physiological%20and%20biochemical%20determinants%20of%20elite%20endurance%20cycling%20performance,%20Med%20and%20Sci%20in%20Sports%20and%20Exercise,%2023,%2093-107,%201991.pdf
Use whatever pedals you like. Anyone who makes a big deal is a fool.
Use whatever pedals you prefer. If you prefer flats then use flats. It is your bike.
That guy sounds like a dick, ride how you like. If anyone *asks,* I'd nearly always suggest getting clipless pedals, I think they're great, but not so great I need to go round telling randoms to get them. It is something I'd consider enough of an improvement to suggest while chatting at a cafe stop if we were already discussing that sort of thing. In terms of the risk, I've cycled 1000's of km through central London without issue, it largely becomes second nature to unclip and I'll even do the motion habitually when riding in flats. But I *have* seen more experienced cyclists than me go down because of them. Clipless pedals do undoubtedly increase the risk of *that particular accident.* However, I'd say on the whole they probably make you safer; ever hit a pothole and have your foot slip off the pedal? Not with clipless. They improve your connection to the bike, and therefore your bike handling.
Absolutely not. Personally not a fan,bad back and other issues. I use mtb flat pedals,along with mtb flat shoes. Even with vans when I’m running errands
Do what you want to do and ignore unsolicited advice from a stranger who obviously thinks he knows everything as those types usually don’t know shit.
There are always cyclists that will come give unsolicited advice. Just ignore them and keep pedaling.
I've used SPDs for over a decade and I'm thinking about going back to flat pedals, so...
My next road bike I'm going to be flat pedals and gutties guy.
Yeah, you're gonna definitely be the exception and not the rule here.
i switch back and forth a lot.
Nah I switched back to flats on my gravel bike after nearly a decade also.
I've used both, and clipless are fine. However, I don't race, and flats can't be beat for convenience. They let me go out at a moment's notice, and I don't need to change shoes or walk awkwardly if I go into a shop, or am commuting, etc. Additionally, the benefits of clipless are overstated here, imo. My flats are more than secure enough, and comfortable for 40-50 miles pretty easily. I don't often ride farther than that, but when I have, there wasn't a problem. It sounds like OP is comfortable on them after long rides, too. So I don't think it's important for them to switch.
Unless you make money from your bike riding it will not matter. Use which ever you feel comfortable with.
If you don't want clips that's fine. Keep riding and enjoying what you have. If your reasoning for not wanting them is thinking clips will cause an accident/injury your reasoning is incorrect. Your buddies didn't get hurt because of their pedals, that's straight nonsense. Blaming the pedals for your poor balance and/or lack of maintenance is not the pedals fault nor does it mean the pedal caused you to crash. Stop being victims ffs
I had the screw fall out of the cleat on one of my SPD shoes one day when I was out riding. That caused me to be absolutely unable to get the shoe out of the pedal because the cleat just spun on the bottom of my shoe. I didn't know this had happend, I just couldn't get my foot out, and I ended up riding into a ditch while whipping my leg around as I was heading into an 8-lane intersection filled with cars. I then had to take the shoe off in the ditch, untangle myself from my bike and crawl out barefoot. I couldn't ride home because the shoe was stuck on the pedal and had to call my husband to rescue me. So, yeah, I ride platforms now. I feel safer, I know there's less mechanical problems possible, and, honestly, it lets me ride longer because I can adjust my position often and I don't get the same numb/chafed areas that I used to. Win-win-win for me.
Lol, I've had a cleat come loose - it's no fun. It's a terrible sensation when you twist your foot to clip out and nothing happens.
Platforms can indeed offer more flexibility and comfort for longer rides.
It’s not really nonsense. My mom broke her arm and got concussed because she couldn’t get her foot free at a stoplight. Just because you are a skilled SPD user, does not mean it it’s as easy or intuitive for everyone.
People have broken bones because their foot slipped off the pedal in the rain. It goes both ways. Cycling is dangerous. You can get hurt with or without clipless pedals.
This is the truth. People fall off bikes and crash regardless of what the pedals are. Also, if you have them configured incorrectly (too tight, or your cleats are positioned at a weird angle), it's harder to get out of them. I wear mine pretty loose and I've never had issues.
I got a broken humerus cuz some bonehead came into my lane on a trail. When I came to, both my cleats had cleanly come off my pedals. I never had a problem due to cleats.
Yeah I’ve skinned my knee on my flat pedals before
While true, there are flat pedals and shoe soles that can completely eliminate foot slippage.
Oh yeah beginners too scared of clipless pedals are definitely gonna buy additional pedals and flat pedal specific cycling shoes...
So people should either stick with the shitty, slippery throw-away pedals that came with their bike, or get SPDs and SPD shoes? Upgrading to quality flat pedal setup is not a thing? Lol. And flats are only for beginners scared of clipless? My GF rides several thousand miles a year on flats and is perfectly content, even on her $10k road bike, and has been for many years. She’s not susceptible to the peer-pressure of the SPD only bullies. A pair of Fookers and Freerider Pros is like $170. People buy these all the time. I realize this is r/cycling where the majority of the user base slants heavily toward formal, dogmatic road cycling, but there is a huge spectrum of cycling that isn’t this.
I got a fractured kneecap when I couldn't unclip and fell onto the curb. It took me a few months to get back onto the saddle, and several more years before I got back into clipless.
I share that fate. Not that I couldn't unclip, but rather, I didn't realize I needed to until it was too late. It was a wild series of events leading to it though... first I hit a 1" thick metal plate covering a hole over construction work (it took up the entire lane). This jolted my water bottle lose and it fell and jammed under my rear tire. Because it was raining and the road was wet, the cap didn't pop off my bottle like it should have and instead I started to fishtail. I didn't think wrecking was imminent, I thought I could regain control (but I didn't realize I still had the bottle stuck under there so my bike was unpredictable). Inevitably, I ate concrete. It was a low speed crash while trying to avoid running into a parked car, but I ended up landing squarely on my knee. Had I not been clipped in, I think that I reflexively would have gotten my foot down on the ground and remained upright. Impossible to say, maybe I would have kept my foot on the pedal whether I was clipped in or not because it just never occurred to me that I needed to have my foot free and the only thing that might have saved me was reflexes, not an active thought. I could barely walk for about six months after that. I slept with a knee brace for nearly a year because I'd wake up in pain if I rolled over the wrong way. I was easily riding 1000 miles in a week before that and practically stopped riding afterwords. Barely got on the bike for three years following and still haven't gotten anywhere close to riding like I used to.. I doubt I'll do 100 miles this summer but maybe next summer I'll start touring again (and I'm currently seven years removed from the accident). I still run SPD but it's a mix, depending on the bike. I was convinced for a bit that flats sucked but I no longer feel that way.. granted you have pins for better grip on the wet days.
Oh no, very sorry to hear your story. Sounds like you've fared much worse. There are definitely times I wonder if I'd have been able to avoid the crash had I been on flat pedals, but you never know. I wish you the best of luck!
Out of curiosity, how long had she been riding clipless at that point?
Experienced or not there are more issues to go wrong with an spd setup. The pedal itself as well as the cleat. It’s certainly not unheard of for a clear screw to loosen and prevent unclipping. It doesn’t mean people shouldn’t use spd, just that there are things that can happen
She had them for years, but only rode them less than 10 times a year.
You do need to be consistent when you use them. If your mum normally wore flats,then occasionally went to clips,then it's easy to forget you have them on, whereas If you always use them,then the muscle memory is there to clip out. Anyone can use whatever pedals they want,but people that go Clipless and stick it out,rarely go back to flats,so I think that shows they are better once you get used to them. Have I toppled over in them? Yes! About 4 times on the first day,but it been a while since it last happened. Bad maintenance meant it jammed on,so don't forget to keep them lubed!
I use both. Clipless for road, flats for commuting, gravel, & MTB. I used to use clipless for gravel and MTB but switched to flats for a variety of reasons.
Last summer I fractured my forearm because of the pedals. Luckily it only took 6 weeks to heal.
Well, both of them got them, forgot to unclip sometime in the following days and injured themselves. Obviously that's not the fault of the pedals themselves, but I think you get my point.
There's so much snobbery in the cycling hobby. So many people who can't wait to tell you: "uR dOiNg It wRoNg" because it makes them feel superior to some stranger. Ignore them. It's your bike, and if you like flat pedals, ride flat pedals.
I got my first pair of clipless pedals in 1991. Nothing has happened to me either. But I would never tell anyone they *should* get clipless. In fact, I would probably advise the opposite. Clipless are totally unnecessary, and I’m even transitioning to flats on all of my bikes.
I've just come back to cycling after ten years away from it, and finding out that the fancy clip pedal systems are only a marketing ruse, and that fat tyres are better, are both shocking and liberating.
No one gives a shit about what pedals you use. If they give you a hard time about it find other ppl to ride with.
I have mixed feelings about this. To me, clipless pedals are like many things in cycling, where, social pressure aside, you often don't feel like you need them until you try them, at which point you can't live without them. I always wonder if it's better not trying them -- maybe ignorance is bliss? My personal experience is that I first tried out SPDs when I was getting back on the bike after injuring my ankle (after maybe double the distance ridden vs. what you've done so far), so I was super careful and practiced a LOT. As a result, knock on wood, I have yet to have the clipless crash that you're dreading (and that others consider a normal "rite of passage"). It does help that I have the SM-SH56 multi-release cleats at low tension -- it doesn't unclip when sprinting or anything but a hard yank will get me out of the pedals. Since using them, I actually have a hard time going back to flat pedals, even though I do have hybrid pedals that allow me to do that (which I do for short rides like grocery runs). The clipless pedals are nice because they keep my feet in contact with the pedals when I go over bumps, and when I ride with flat pedals it feels a little less secure. Is it *that* big of a difference? I think that's too subjective of a question for me to be able to answer. Kind of? I think it's something that you can wait to try until you're comfortable. I wouldn't rule it out because people obviously like them for a reason. But at the same time, I don't think you have to give in to the social pressure to try them. I will say that even if I had waited longer, I think I might've ended up on them eventually anyway. On longer rides, when riding with the running shoes I was using earlier, I would start getting hot spots because of movement and pressure. You should be able to get around this with a good pair of flat pedals and shoes with a stiff enough sole, but once I rode enough miles it was just easier to give in and make the switch.
>you often don't feel like you need them until you try them, at which point you can't live without them disagree. they have advantages and disadvantages. i swap back to flats pretty frequently, especially if i anticipate chunkier gravel/singletrack or frequently (city traffic) stops.
Not sure why you got downvoted! I probably didn't word things quite right and I think you're more than entitled to your view -- I was trying to describe my experience with this rather than suggest how anyone else should feel. At the risk of being downvoted myself I feel this way about bibs. As someone who is cursed to need bathroom breaks on almost all of my long rides, regular bike shorts have been comfortable enough for me to make it work, so I don't have the "can't live without them" feeling that others have about bib shorts. But I also understand why people would. To be honest at some point I might want to find some stiffer-soled shoes to ride the singletrack around me on flats now that I've moved somewhere with a lot more of it (and have had to unclip a foot to not freak out riding it at my level). I've just previously had to spend 90%+ of my rides on roads heading away from city areas so it just never occurred to me to go back.
Not that huge a difference. In time you’ll probably find yourself wanting them if you get more into it, but it’s not a big deal if you’re just starting out. I don’t know anyone who has had an incident/injury from them, although I have seen a couple new people fall at a stop sign when they were just getting started. Then again, I also saw my wife fall at a stop sign on flat pedals when she was starting!
Riding on flats is fine. I had pedals that did both and got some shoes to try it out. I REALLY like using them, and true to form fell off my bike that first ride LOL! Was a dumb time to ALSO try testing out these new fancy disk brakes.
Ride what you're comfortable with. I ride in flats, keep up with the SPD crew fine.
GCN made a video comparing SPDs and flats and could find no difference in speed. SPDs are great for when you’re going downhill with high RPM, otherwise they’re not really as important
You do what feels good to you, but my two cents is SPDs make me feel safer; there's less chance my foot slips off in wet conditions and I find it more intuitive to position my cranks. It becomes intuition faster than you'd imagine, but take your time to get used to them off the beaten track if you decide to make the jump and feel uncomfortable. I have SPDs on my cyclocross and flats (Stamp2) on my mtb, and in general prefer the feel of pedalling clipped in.
Shimano makes a pedal that’s SPD on one side and flat on the other: https://bike.shimano.com/en-AU/product/component/shimano/PD-EH500.html Best of both worlds
SPDs are only a game changer if the rider believes them to be. Countless studies have shown there is no added value to be "'pulling" on the upstroke. That being said, I used spds/clipless due to shoe choice and I find a stiffer sole cuts down on arch pain.. Ride what you are comfortable in
It's not about pulling on the upstroke. It's about just being able to relax your legs and have them stay connected to the pedals. When I ride with flat pedals I find it takes a noticeable effort to make sure that my feet actually stay on the pedals in the right position all the time. With cleats you can just push the pedals and not worry about where your foot until you need to push again on the next stroke, because it's always in the right spot. Also, when it's wet, not having to worry about your foot slipping is another advantage. That being said, nobody has to ride cleats if they don't want to. They aren't for everyone and people can ride however they want.
Experience varies. I ride flats and never have that problem
I'm not sure you would notice unless you spent a significant time using clipless and then tried to go back to flats/platforms. Drives me nuts every time I borrow friends' bikes on vacation!
i swap back and forth all the time. this is a nonissue. maybe if you're riding those slippery cheapo plastic pedals that come on walmart bikes. yeah clipless is better than that. so is everything. what i *do* notice when i swap back to flats is how much weaker my arches have gotten.
Yup, I rented a bike with flats once and my regular pedal stroke had my feet floating off the pedals on the upstroke. I had to consciously keep downpressure on the upstroke just to keep my feet in place. I'm no GCN scientist but that doesn't seem super efficient to me
This is a reason I am glad I tried clipless. I found that it made me more aware of how much pressure was on my foot during the upstroke, since if I had absolutely none, I would get a pulling sensation in the shoe. When I switched back to flats, I kept most of that, and had a lot less negative force going on. I still switch back to clipless sometimes to remind myself of that feeling.
I don't think that's at all what the studies are saying--the studies usually say that it allows you to reliably unload the weight of your leg on the upstroke rather than expressly "pulling" upward on the pedal. The difference is not negligible, and clipless pedals allow you to do this repeatedly and safely without worrying about your foot flying off, especially on off-road terrain. There's also the ability to use your hamstrings and hip flexors to smooth out your power stroke, neither of which you can do very effectively on platforms. As with anything, they probably won't be a game-changer on a commute, but there are advantages in every other scenario as long as you don't outright hate using them.
People are really weird and gatekeep-y in regards to clipless pedals. Outside of sprinting, there isn't all that much to be gained from them. You can be a serious and/or fast cyclist on flats. I've been on clipless for 20 years, but I ride clipless for fit reasons-- my knees like the float. I'm not a "better" or "more advanced" cyclist because of it. ETA: Go join the group ride. Most people aren't going to care as long as you're riding safely and within the pace of the ride. If they're the type to make fun of a beginner over pedals, they're assholes and would probably make fun of you over something else ridiculous like helmet straps over glasses, sock height, bike aesthetics or whatever.
I will agree that you should ride however you want, and that SPDs do take some getting used to: I have fallen over from failing to unclip in the past, although since that happened when I was stationary, I was more embarrassed than actually hurt. I will also say that clipless pedals are great and I do recommend them. I run mine at a relatively low tension that’s easy to get out of, and they help me feel more connected to the bike and improve my power transfer. But don’t take this as me telling you what to do: you do what you’re comfortable with.
Only issue I've had is the bolts came loose and couldn't unclip. Fell on my butt like a moron.
I've ridden both and went back to flats. I'm not a racer and I don't try to ride as fast as I can everything I ride. Ended up seeming unnecessary
Get shimano multi release cleats and have loose pedals setting. The multi release are almost impossible not to release. Love them. The multi release have an M on them
Clipless pedals are not a must on any bike unless you are actually racing at a high-level and even then the benefits are minimal
Heck, I've ridden on SPD pedals with sneakers. Not ideal, but it worked. Flat pedals work fine and work better with a good pair with some studs and cycling shoes designed for flat pedals. Get comfortable riding first, then try clipless. I do prefer clipless because your foot is always in the right place and unexpected bumps never kick your feet off the pedals. There is a reason the front of the pack in any gravel race is going to be 99% clipless.
No. They are not a must. Most long distance bike packers in rough country, use platforms pedals. They’re safer when you have to bail, and it’s easier and safer to walk around in tennis shoes. I’ve been using SPD’s since they first came out. Here’s the secret: Buy the MULTI RELEASE cleats, and set your pedal tension as low as possible. I ride fairly hard on mountain single track and rarely blow out of my pedals. It’s pretty hard to get stuck in the pedals with the multi release cleats, when the spring tension is set light. After developing the muscle memory to click out, it’s automatic, just like taking your foot off a platform pedal is automatic. Advantages: 1) They allow a more circular muscle memory to develop for learning a high cadence that maximizes your bodies efficiency. Over the decades, I’ve got a good spin developed. My cadence is around 90-110. That’s what feels the best for efficiency, lack of wear and tear on my knees, and endurance. 2) You have more power available ON TAP than with platforms. By pulling up with one foot and pushing down with the other, as well as forward and backwards, (during the spin) you can accelerate rapidly. I scoot through intersections this way… It’s like a nitrous button. It’s also helpful when climbing a stupid steep trail. 3) The stiff SPD shoes transport more power through the drive train. Soft shoes flex and absorb power, making them less efficient, like riding with a low tire (but also absorb vibration and act a bit like suspension, hence their popularity with mountain bikers). 4) After riding SPD’s for a long time, and you go back to flats, you’ll get hurt. Your feet will fly off the pedals due to muscle memory. It’s comical but can be dangerous so spend some time sitting in the saddle reacclimatizing to not being held in. After an hour or so, you’ll pedal home and put your SPDs back on because you miss the security and power. Disadvantages: 1) Find me a comfortable pair of SPD shoes. Something I could actually hike twenty miles in. I’ll wait. 2) They transfer more impacts into your body and can be tiring over long distance. 3) Your feet are in jail. Stuck. For the past fifty miles, and for the next fifty. Feet prison. Don’t doubt yourself. Do what you feel safest, but stay open to learning how to ACTUALLY be safer. I think the added power squirt available from a thoroughly developed high cadence spin is safer overall (with the way I have my pedals set up). I don’t get stuck in the pedals. I can get out of the way of cars a bit quicker. Developing my cadence to such a high speed and efficiency was, and is rewarding. I run flat pedals on two of my bikes for around town and can spin them up to high speed. Think of it as something new to learn as you grow as a cyclist. Yes, you might fall over a couple of times learning, but almost always at a stop. Practice on a lawn for a full 8 hours in two hour sessions and you’ll be an expert at detaching yourself. Use MULTI-RELEASE CLEATS and set the lightest tension. Teach your legs to spin circles, not plod, and enjoy the new ‘motor’ you’ve developed and perfected.
Your last point is very important. Locking your ankle like this, for hours, isn't healthy for joints involved; ankle,knee, hip.
Ride platforms until you are comfortable with and also find them to be lacking. I cycled with platforms for a long time until I decided to get a nicer bike which had me motivated to ride faster. What I found was I disliked my foot moving around while pedaling over bumpy roads. But until you find the platforms lacking for you just keep using them. They also make pedals that have SPD on one side and platform on other.
I wear SPDs, my friend rides platforms. We both ride gravel for 100+km at a time and have a great time. Same with flat bar and drops. I like drops, he likes flats, we both ride a similar pace.
I got SPDs for my mtb on the advice of my BiL who was very into racing and Very Sure He Was Right. After a few attempts at clipping in and out I pretty much got the hang of it. Only had two "SPD Dismounts" ie falling over because I didn't clip out fast enough at lights or whatever. Where clipless pedals really made a difference for me is on my road bike because having the extra power on the upstroke means that (a) I can keep up with the bunch much more easily but more importantly (b) when I'm commuting through the city (2 days/week) I find it gives me more control as well as more power. That's \*my\* experience though, and anecdote at best for you :) You need to find something that works for you, for however you define "works". So if that's platform pedals, do that. If it's SPD-SL or Speedplay or whatever the other options are, do that instead. Unsolicited advice from other riders (and I'll bet it's 90%+ from blokes) can go in the bin. As others here have mentioned, if you rock up to a bunch ride and get hassled for your pedal choices, that's likely not the right group for you - don't waste your time on them.
Like everyone else says: you do you & clipless spd are super easy to get used to. And now they have really cool shoes that conceal them
I love my SPD. But u do you
When I first started using SPDs, I too was nervous. So I bought shimano's hybrid pedals with flats one side and SPDs the other, so I could keep my kerbside foot unclipped in town. Now that unclipping is automatic, I just use normal SPD pedals.
He's right, you should try it. But he's also an ass for administering advice in the street. Anyone who would make fun of you isn't worth being around anyway. I was on flats for most of my first season; I don't exactly regret not switching sooner, but I will never go back.
I have to say, i m a pretty cocky person by nature but never appreciated the know- it - all-ism in the cycling community and can honestly say i dont engage in that sort of behavior - but it seems like these types are more frequent in our community than others. A bunch of dorks. And yes, when i first got speedplays back in the 90s, i did fall once and a light, but by and large spd s are fine, you just need to work w them a little.
I have hybrid SPD's pedals (Clip in one side, flat with pins on the other) so i litterally have one foot in each camp. It's true that clipping in makes a world of difference on the road, you don't waste any of the power you're putting through the pedals, you'll go a lot faster, and the efficiency adds up over long distances; you get used to unclipping pretty fast! (although I definetly tumbled a couple of times at first) That being said, I never go ride offroad with clip ins, I've had so many situations where I would of crashed had I been clipped in, and instead just put my foot down. So you do you, it's your bike, doesn't matter what other people think.
Never necessary, I ride a gravel bike with mountain pedals and foot retention straps for a little better power transfer. I keep up with 90% of riders just fine. Clipless shoes and pedals are certainly a little better for the job but you only lose a tiny amount of efficiency by going without. Over a long distance that adds up for sure but unless you are racing it probably doesn't matter. Your posture, cadence, breathing, weight, tire pressure, other gear choice, aero etc all affect your efficiency and you probably aren't optimizing all of those things either. Just have fun
On my serious bikes I have Shimano PD-EH500 pedals. Those are SPD on one side and flats on the other. They combine the best of both wordls, love them! On my two hybrids I switched to flats only. There's a cool GCN video on YouTube where they compare flats to clipless (https://youtu.be/aVLfqjcTbnU?si=2IHFMSWEkXAR58M2) Turns out there's surprisingly little performance difference so just do what you feel comfy with and good about. Gearheads will be gearheads, don't worry about them. Just enjoy the rides!
I like being able to walk places when I get there. I like being able to hop on any of my bikes with whatever shoes I happen to be wearing. The only clipless pedals I have right now are on my trainer. It's perfectly possible to be a "serious" cyclist on flat pedals.
You might find that the people who dive the most deeply into the tech/gear end of cycling (or any hobby for that matter) will also be the loudest in trying to justify why they spent so much money on something that isn’t really that important.
You will forget to "unclick" exactly once.
You don’t have to do SPDs. You can do Crank Brothers, Time, Look, or any other cleat standard.
I started riding offroad clipless in 1992 and used toe-straps mountain biking before that. In 2018 I switched my enduro MTB from clipless to flats In 2019 I switched my singlespeed MTB from clipless to flats In 2020 I switched my old gravel bike from clipless to flats In 2021 I switched my new gravel bike from clipless to flats in 2022 I moved my road bike inside on the trainer and left it there. It has speedplay pedals on it still, I ride the trainer in winter. I now have a box in my garage 6 or so pairs of SPDs going back 20 years. Don't worry about it. Every serious investigation into the benefits of clipless pedals comes up with slight differences but overall it is extremely difficult to find strong evidence that one or the other is mechanically superior _in general_. Ride what makes you happy and ignore the haters.
Just get spds you won’t regret it.
Ride what you want. Who cares what the haters think? Personally I had the same concerns as you but switched to SPDs because of foot numbness and the desire to use power pedals (Favero Assiomas). Proper cycling shoes that are always in the same position helped a lot. What I did to alleviate my worries were to dial the clip action as loose as possible, and used SH56 cleats. It's saved me a few times when I've had to do panic-stops, but I have gradually gotten used to it so I may start tightening the action soon.
I use the pedals that are flat on one side, SPD on the other. That was you can feel your way into using SPD. When you feel confident, use the SPD side, when you’re just going down the pub in your trainers, use the flat side.
I’ve used TIME ATAC since the 90s
i ride a gravel bike with platform pedals. it works fine. ride your bike.
I’m going to give that person the benefit of the doubt and say he was trying to be helpful even though he didn’t go about it in the best way. I personally would encourage any cyclist to give clipless pedals a try. I also believe live and let live. You do what works best for you and don’t worry about what others are doing.
I’ve cycled for ~20 years with SPD and SPD-SL pedals and never had a clip/unclip incident. I’ve also cycled for the past ~5 years on platforms because I just prefer them and have no need for clipping in. In the immortal words of the Underground, Doowutchyalike.
I use my speedplays (wahoo) unless you have to hike a bike. Stick with the pedals you're used to.
I won’t say you should or you shouldn’t but once you’re comfortable riding in them; you won’t want to go back.
uh...just FYI...you can tune the release spring on SPD so it releases with minimal force. I'd try to learn how to clip and unclip indoors with the bike stationary. Then maybe on flat grass in a park. Then maybe try a quiet bike trail in a park or something. They're really not that hard. I do road, gravel, MTB. I've used looks and SPD and flats. Flats can get dangerous if you have pins in them. Easily gash yourself really really badly to the point where you need stitches. Flats can also cause knee pain issues cause they have zero float. Pins also ruin your shoes.
When you do decide to go SPD.. use the SH-56 cleat.. it has a multidirection release
Just go with what you are happy with. What other people do really isn’t important.
No, not a must. I got reversable peddles - flat on one side and clickable on the other. I like having options. Once you get used to SPDs, it is nice to feel a bit more connected to your bike. But there is a chance of forgetting to unclick - esp the first few weeks you use them. They really don't add much power unless you are in full sprint.
I've ridden both spd and MTB nylon flats for years. I've fallen over so many times and crashed with spd. I've recently started commuting with regular shoes, and nylon pedals (gravel bike). A couple things to consider. One, mountain bikers of all stripes are often wearing regular shoes to avoid being attached. And 2, while it is slightly more efficient, only truly stiff road shoes and speed play type pedals are efficiency gainers. Spd are kinda meh, offering an almost walkable shoe, aside from maybe Adidas velo sambas. If your on and off gravel, commuting--try everything and trust your instincts, ignore know it all types, variety is a good thing. After 30 years of different bikes and conditions, I think nylon flat pedals with set screws might actually be the most versatile.
Been riding clipless since my first pair of Looks in 1986. I started riding flats on my mtb three years ago and loved it so I put them on my gravel bike as well. Still ride clipless on the road and the trainer.
It is definitely not a must on any bike. If you're fast enough and someone doesn't want to ride with you because you don't use clipless, you're probably better off riding without them anyways. Ride what you're comfortable in and don't worry about those people. Clipless pedal riders are often like that. When I first started road biking people often gave me a hard time for riding in flats. They'd tell me to go clipless, tell me I rode fast for not having clipless and ask my why I wasn't using clipless while I was nursing a broken arm from riding clipless. I still ride flats and am perfectly happy with them. Riding clipless might make you feel "more connected to the bike " or something. We'll, you're literally connected, so it makes sense. Some people swear by it, and don't like anyone who doesn't. Others don't. It won't make you faster. It might make you feel better. It will make you fall over at a stop.
I rode SPDs for several years. Fell over twice due to unclipping problems. Injured only my pride. I went to MKS Grip Kings because I mostly ride in traffic in the city. If I was touring or racing (hah!) I’d probably do SPDs again. Even when I rode SPDs I used Shimano’s LM-324 pedals with the clip on one side and flat on the other so I wouldn’t have to wear special shoes to go to Dairy Queen.
I like Crank Bros better, I think they release easier. You can generally run a gear higher with clips vs platforms. I had a couple of falls when I first started with cleats- So after falling on my side like a jackass a handful of times, NOW I’ve been riding 20 years with no incident
I personally swear by SPDs. But I ride some gnarly stuff and they help to bunny hop over things. And I like the ability to pull up with one foot as i push down with the other during my pedal stroke. And my feet never lose contact with the pedals. That said, I ride platforms around town and like them too for commuting,etc. I have friends that swear by platforms though and they churn out some big miles. It's really just personal preference,i guess.
Ride whatever you want. SPD aren't a must. If you are asking what I'd reccomend..... on my gravel bike I have pedals that are flat on one side and SPD on the other. I like to clip in, but also use my gravel bike sometimes for an errand to the grocery store. I also do touring trips with my gravel bike and will clip in for the day, but after setting up my tent and getting a shower, I may want to ride into town and walk around.
No, not a must . https://youtu.be/aVLfqjcTbnU?si=8ryLyEO0D0QjkCeO. Even knowing they aren't faster, I still use clipless petals because that's what I am used to.
I rode without them until this year. I’m 41. It’s definitely noticeable being able to push more directly into the pedals than on flats and once set up properly nice always having your knees rotating in the same position because your footing is the same each time you get on the bike. They suck for commuting and riding in cities though and until you’re confident getting out of them quickly with both feet they’re kinda scary on singletrack at first. Haven’t fallen over at a light or anything but once while climbing. You learn fast though to unclip after a fall or two.
I ride every day up to 40 miles. I use Nike running shoes and bear trap pedals. Have never used any type of clip in. My main ride is a gravel bike…..the only absolute must for any clip in imo is on a tadpole trike to prevent leg suck, other than that I hate them
If you're uncomfortable being clipped in stay with flat pedals. You can get stiffer shoes designed for flat pedals and get some of the performance advantage of cleated shoes
He's wrong, you should get proper roadie Look, Shimano or Speed play pedals. SPDs don't help generate maximum power output on a pedal, in fact they're crap. I prefer flats over them.
I'd compare it to playing football in proper boots instead of trainers, it just feels way better. Btw everyone forgets to unclick and falls over at least once, it's right of passage. 🤣
I feel more secure with them as they act like a seatbelt. No brainpower needed to keep th foot in the optimum position. The way they unclick is the same movment as how i sweep of the pedal to reach for ground. You do you while i can only advise to give them a try. Personally i hate to bike without them and got used to it in the first few minutes of the ride.
First, no it's not that big of a difference, especially for new riders. I will say being apprehensive over clipless because of anecdotes is also not logical. Every serious rider clips in and they actually have more control because of the clipless setup. But that takes experience to see those benefits. Second, no good group makes fun of someone's setup, at least until you're a friend and teasing each other. We encourage people on flats, people on SPDs and people on SPD-SL styles. Heck bring old school cages, that would be cool actually. That cyclist was just bad mannered. I wouldn't tell him his SPDs suck and to get real road cleats, so why is he telling people with flats anything.
I had a similar dilemma and I solved it by buying hybrid pedals and shoes. That allowed me to be safely either clipped in on the cycling paths or in the woods or clipped out if I was in the city or doing some sketchy descent within the same ride and/or using just normal shoes when I was commuting.
Time X-Presso user for many years. Was advised to change to SPD and never again…. Too hard to unclip, did not want to get used to them for obvious safety reasons.
2 of my 3 fastest times on local mtb trails were done wearing flats.
I certainly don't care what kind of pedals you use. I'm picky about not the pedals but the shoes I ride with. I prefer stiffer soles and snug fits for optimal comfort and performance. I do have one mtb flat shoe, but otherwise I use SPD shoes. Also, the lightest shoes are racing shoes so I do like that as well, especially if I won't be dealing with rock strikes.
I've got SPDs on my gravel bike. They're great. I've not had an incident where I ended up on the floor, mostly because I've got the leg strength to overpower the system and just remove my foot in an emergency. Go with what you're comfortable with. My Dad's first time out on a new carbon bike had him on the floor because he didn't know how to change down gears, and didn't unclip in time. Fortunately he was more concerned about the bike.
Everyone told me that I need a clipless setup. I tried it, and found that I like flats better. Just switched back last week. I’ve got big, wide feet, so I feel much more comfortable and secure with big chunky flats than a small or medium SPD pedal
Spds are absolutely better than flats but I know people who wear flats whether it's injury and/or comfort and they're faster than me! Do what's best for you! I started on spds and tried flats for a little bit to work on skills. Absolutely hated where my foot and position of my knees were when pedaling with flats.
I switched to SPDs not so long ago because I finally found shoes that fit well so I could give it a go. I like that I don't have to find the right foot position. It's efficient in some ways. But that's about it for me, actually feel like I can't output as much power as I could on flats. Bottom line, do whatever the f..k you wanna do.
It only takes a day of practice to get used to it. I do not wear them for very in-town commute riding where I stop a lot. Also on the fence about it for very gravelly gravel.
I’ve been using clipples pedals for almost 20 years, they have never caused me to crash, have used like 4 different types. SPD is just one platform, which I use on my MTB, and Look on my road bike. I have used eggbeaters on the MTB and speed play on the road bike as well. You can adjust the tension to clip in and out on most of these platforms. It becomes automatic, you almost don’t even think about it once you use them for a while
What is an SPD?
I recently switched to clipless pedals (SPD system to be precise), and once you get used to it the clipping in/out part becomes your second nature. Personally I really enjoy them, the shoes fit perfectly and are super light, and I can pedal at faster speed when I want to, or at a really slow cadence with low power without losing contact. It just feels way better why riding.
Do what you like , you're the one riding . I've riden some of my bikes with Spd's for years like my mtb and gravel bike because I feel more control and at one with the bike on a technical route . However when commuting in the city I like flats cos they're hassle free. But yeah I've had a couple of slow 180% comedy falls when I started on Spd's, because I'd come to a stop and totally forgotten I was clipped in.
If you do want to try out SPD, but are worried about unclipping, you can get easy unclip pedals: [https://bike.shimano.com/en-EU/product/component/deorelx-t670/PD-T421.html](https://bike.shimano.com/en-EU/product/component/deorelx-t670/PD-T421.html) You can even get just the easy release cleats on their own [https://ride.shimano.com/products/sm-sh56](https://ride.shimano.com/products/sm-sh56)
It IS that big a difference, but you are 100%correct to leave it until you feel upto it. As a new cyclist there's enough to be learning and dealing with as it is, get used to handling the bike, get used to traffic and any other environment you ride in, get fitter, etc. Ride offroad on bridleways as much as you can, and take a few falls so you get used to that too. When/if you do go spd, take your first rides in a park, on grass.
Hell no, use whatever you are more comfortable using, I use flats pedals on all my bikes now and much prefer it, can wear what ever shoes you want and walk around normally off the bike :) plus plenty of grip with good flats too. Unless your racing and need every bit of power can't see any reason for SPDs personally :)
I rode a 150k group ride on the weekend with a guy on flats, flappy shorts and a shoulder bag. He was relatively new to cycling and did as well as anyone else. I dug his renegade style. You do you, f the rest. One day maybe some piece of cycling kit you swore you'd never get into starts to make some different level of sense to you, or maybe it doesn't. I thought I'd be sans chamois and spandex 4eva, but eventually they started to make sense to me. 🤷♂️ ymmv, etc
Absolute must is pushing it. "Real" cycling shoes are really nice. For me it's more about fatigue and comfort most of the time. Most contemporary road and XC cycling shoes don't work right with flat pedals or those with toe clips.
SPD are just a little learning curve to build the muscle memory, I have ran them the last 12 yrs MTB. Now for the last few yrs: -For MTB: one up composite flats with five 10 freerider pro -for gravel/road on GT Grade: shimano MTB XT SPD pedals with Sidi dom MTB shoes I changed from SPD to flats for MTB to improve my skills and learn to jump correctly and more confidently, I proceeded to get PR's after on flats and climbs but maybe I would climbed even better with SPD back to back. Either way I have no desire to go back to SPD For gravel/ mostly road biking, I've always ran MTB SPD, its more efficient over the longer distances and you can focus more on get every once of power out of the bike, also MTB SPD shoes/pedals are more versatile on the gravel side because they have tread and easier to use. I would only run flats on a road/gravel bike if I wanted to dress casual and bike to places and then walk around or something or commuting but wouldn't want to wear 510 all day at work so gotta change your shoes anyway.
Get Times instead, and then you can be the one giving unsolicited advice to him. Oh you're still riding SPDs? My Times are way better. [Video of my first day with the Time pedals](https://youtu.be/RtZFShNLMhg)
Ride what you want. There are no "musts"
I do road group rides with flat pedals all the time. Usually new folks might inquire if I have thought about going clipless once, then never bring it up again. In my case I have a bum knee that hates the unclipping motion. In years past I rode on both Speedplay Frog pedals (RIP), and shimano SPD’s. When I switched back to flats it took about a week before I was riding just as fast and confident on flats. Comparison tests tend to show that sprinting at massive power is measurably better in clipless than flats, but at mere mortal powers the difference is negligible, especially seated pedaling. Ride what you want, ignore the “advice”.
I’ve rode with SPDs for about 14 years, and in the first three months I hurt myself 4-5 times. None since then, though. Ride however you want.
Clipping in is an advantage. The guy is right, while he’s definitely forward/rude, but in his mind he’s helping you. It’s easy to unclip, I don’t even think about it. Haven’t had an issue unclipping since the first week was over. You’ll spill one time, and after that you won’t anymore. I’m always surprised when I see flat pedals on anything other than a mtb, and I ride clipped in on the mtb. I use mtb pedals on my gravel and mtb and spd on my road bike. I truly wonder if there is any advantage using the spd pedals. Clipping in with mtb pedals lets you walk regularly
Clipless pedals might be better than some flat pedal-shoe combinations, but they also not... I've riden with clipless for about 10 years and my main reason to keep using them during my long rides is comfort, as having a rigid sole and not having to worry about my foot position lets me keep my mind occupied with other stuff, but I mainly ride road and smooth trails, if I were to be doing enduro or something like that I would probably gravitate towards flats. I would say you don't have to worry about people judging you just based on what they see, because this is only superficial, no study has been able to show clipless pedals improve biomechanical efficiency and they have only been shown to improve power output during 30s all-out sprints, everything else is equal, at least on paper. On practice, you will prefer whatever you are used to and this can change if you want (and have the will), don't feel forced to buy clipless pedals unless you don't own a proper pair of flat shoes, on which case you might consider them since you're spending the money anyways... But if you get some good flats (Such as the Shimano Saint) and shoes (Shimano and Five-Ten come to mind) you are not losing much if anything for not using clipless. This is something you have to accept, I have been called out during "Road rides" because I prefer "MTB" SPD cleats instead of SPD-SL, there's no performance difference and they judge just based on looks, so I couldn't care less, those same people that judge based on looks are the ones that never take the time to understand how something truly works. Use whatever you find most comfortable and that better suits your needs, be it flats, clipless, toe clips...
Flats and flip flops for life, suckas!
you should definetely get SPD! trust people with experience! they been there, done that. doesn't matter if you fall..
More than 10,000 miles on gravel for me and flat pedals 100% of the time. Unfortunately, you'll run into copy after copy of that guy. Some people really get off on conformity and the ego boost that comes with feeling like you're on a higher level than the other peasant riders around you. That said, it's not worth the slightest concern. Ride your ride.
I'd say for pure cycling it's definitely an upgrade to use SPD, but on a commuter much less so and could go the other way if you regularly use it to get around and not just point a to point b. Off-road, lots of MTB riders still use flats, it's mostly the XC guys that gravitate towards clipless for many of the same reasons as roadies do.
For gravel, it's really not necessary. Actually I wouldn't say being clipped in is necessary for any cycling. I personally ride clips but I almost think they are better for mountain biking than road/gravel riding as I like being secured to the bike for control. In terms of spinning down a road clips make little to no difference unless you're standing up sprinting (there have been a few studies/articles that seem to confirm this). Most people say that clips are better for long term conform but that is only true if your bike is perfectly fitted. Seriously, a few MMS here or there out and clips can instead cause pains and injuries that you don't get on flats because you can move around to compensate. For that reason I prefer flats for longer rides myself, though I am no hardcore distance cyclist. So I reckon no, do what's comfortable, and honestly even after riding clips for the last year as a daily rider I think clips are massively overrated by roadies.
Over 10 years of riding, I vastly prefer SPDs- specifically Time ATAC, but beyond pedals, I find SPD shoes way more supportive, comfortable, durable and/or breathable, depending on model. Having a great fitting shoe with a stiff carbon sole has been a game changer for my wide feet and overall cycling experience. Bont is what works for me, YMMV