Transitioning to "clipped" pedals?
Discussion
I am a very keen MTB'er, do mostly downhill and a bit of trail/cross country.
I have always only ridden flat pedals. But have been wondering for a while if i should try being "clipped in".
I am in need of a new pair of riding shoe's, my Ride Concept Wildcat's have lasted me 3 years, and by far the most comfortable and robust riding shoes i have ever had! Unfortunately these don't seem to be for sale any more.
So seems a good time to try a pair of "clips".
I found a pair of Ride Concepts Hellion Elite clips on ebay brand new for £43, which are almost identical to the Wildcat's, but with a cleat.
I like the fact they look just like flats as not a fan of the super slim looking normal cleated shoes. Have ordered them.
Thinking of some Nukeproof Horizon SPD pedals to go on my Giga, as they look almost flat like size/style of pedal.
So wondering if anyone has gone from years of flats to SPD's, and how you found the transition?
Did it take you long to get used to them?
I assume if you think you may need to put a foot down, you can just unclip, whilst keeping foot on the pedal?
Did you keep forgetting you were clipped in?
My biggest worry is not being able to get unclipped and falling off, or having a crash and the bike still being attached to me!
I have always only ridden flat pedals. But have been wondering for a while if i should try being "clipped in".
I am in need of a new pair of riding shoe's, my Ride Concept Wildcat's have lasted me 3 years, and by far the most comfortable and robust riding shoes i have ever had! Unfortunately these don't seem to be for sale any more.
So seems a good time to try a pair of "clips".
I found a pair of Ride Concepts Hellion Elite clips on ebay brand new for £43, which are almost identical to the Wildcat's, but with a cleat.
I like the fact they look just like flats as not a fan of the super slim looking normal cleated shoes. Have ordered them.
Thinking of some Nukeproof Horizon SPD pedals to go on my Giga, as they look almost flat like size/style of pedal.
So wondering if anyone has gone from years of flats to SPD's, and how you found the transition?
Did it take you long to get used to them?
I assume if you think you may need to put a foot down, you can just unclip, whilst keeping foot on the pedal?
Did you keep forgetting you were clipped in?
My biggest worry is not being able to get unclipped and falling off, or having a crash and the bike still being attached to me!
Your assumption that you can unclip without taking your foot off the pedal is incorrect, but your worry about crashing and still being attached to the bike is well rounded. I think downhill riders prefer flat pedals or the did back when I used to ride off-road.
Clip in ( actually called clipless confusingly enough) were introduced as a replacement for the old toeclip and straps that people were using in the eighties, but flat pedals have improved vastly since then. Clip in pedals have a weight penalty, and there is also the inconvenience of having to put your bike shoes on.
They do have a slight ground clearance advantage pedalling round corners, but the flip side of their is your feet are less protected. If the cleats are badly adjusted they can cause knee problems. When you first get them you will be using muscles you haven't used before and your calves will hurt.
If you are having trouble keeping your feet on the pedals it may be worth trying them, otherwise I wouldn't bother
Other Shiny new pedals are available!
Clip in ( actually called clipless confusingly enough) were introduced as a replacement for the old toeclip and straps that people were using in the eighties, but flat pedals have improved vastly since then. Clip in pedals have a weight penalty, and there is also the inconvenience of having to put your bike shoes on.
They do have a slight ground clearance advantage pedalling round corners, but the flip side of their is your feet are less protected. If the cleats are badly adjusted they can cause knee problems. When you first get them you will be using muscles you haven't used before and your calves will hurt.
If you are having trouble keeping your feet on the pedals it may be worth trying them, otherwise I wouldn't bother
Other Shiny new pedals are available!
I clip in on all my bikes. I use single sided pedals though, so I can still ride if I have my trainers on.
Only twice have I not unclipped. Both times ended on the deck. Now, whenever I approach a junction, I unclip just in case. After years of doing this, it happens subconsciously.
Being attached to the pedals helps massively on climbs, although I do occasionally unclip on rough ground or big downhills.
Only twice have I not unclipped. Both times ended on the deck. Now, whenever I approach a junction, I unclip just in case. After years of doing this, it happens subconsciously.
Being attached to the pedals helps massively on climbs, although I do occasionally unclip on rough ground or big downhills.
First and best piece of advice I was given when I first tried clipless was decide which foot you put down first and stick to it.
I've still hit the deck a couple of times, especially when tired and I've been leaning to my left while trying to unclip my right foot.
On long rides I prefer to be clipped in because it aligns my legs and I suffer from sore knees otherwise.
When you fall off while attached to your bike and someone asks if you're ok just reply that you're fine and you do all your own stunts.
I've still hit the deck a couple of times, especially when tired and I've been leaning to my left while trying to unclip my right foot.
On long rides I prefer to be clipped in because it aligns my legs and I suffer from sore knees otherwise.
When you fall off while attached to your bike and someone asks if you're ok just reply that you're fine and you do all your own stunts.
Thanks guys, its seemingly a very mixed response as to clip or not. But nearly all pro downhiller's run clips for a reason!
My main reason to try them is i am very particular about foot position, if my feet are not perfectly sited i am not comfortable and lose confidence.
I also hit some pretty rough trails and occasionally lose my footing.
Ive found and ordered some (old) new Nukeproof CL's for £60, which are nice and big, so hopefully feel almost like flats.
They also are sprung front and rear, so can just stand on to clip in.
Will hopefully give them a go next week, and see how i get on. If i hate it, they can always go back on ebay!
I run step on bindings when snowboarding which takes a ankle twist to get out of, which i got on with pretty quickly. So hopefully this is similar.
My main reason to try them is i am very particular about foot position, if my feet are not perfectly sited i am not comfortable and lose confidence.
I also hit some pretty rough trails and occasionally lose my footing.
Ive found and ordered some (old) new Nukeproof CL's for £60, which are nice and big, so hopefully feel almost like flats.
They also are sprung front and rear, so can just stand on to clip in.
Will hopefully give them a go next week, and see how i get on. If i hate it, they can always go back on ebay!
I run step on bindings when snowboarding which takes a ankle twist to get out of, which i got on with pretty quickly. So hopefully this is similar.
V8 Stang said:
I run step on bindings when snowboarding which takes a ankle twist to get out of, which i got on with pretty quickly. So hopefully this is similar.
Should be similar assuming those Nukeproof pedals are regular Shimano-type SPD, twist ankle outward to unclip.Set the tension relatively light to start with for easy unclipping, and adjust tighter to suit your preference once you get used to it.
Shimano make two types of SPD cleats - single-release (SH51) and multi-release (SH56) - as the names suggest the single-release are fussier about the angle you twist out to unclip but less likely to unclip accidentally, the multi-release are more forgiving of different angles to unclip. I preferred the multi-release when I used to ride SPDs and they would be friendlier for someone new to riding clipped in.
I used SPDs for quite a few years when I was mostly doing easier XC-style riding, then as I started getting into more technical riding I swapped to flats to re-learn some basic techniques as I realised I had become too dependent on being clipped (in ways that were probably going to bite me). Found I enjoyed the simplicity of flats more and stayed with them ever since. Mostly its just personal preference at a recreational level, there is some efficiency/control advantage to being clipped in at competitive/pro levels.
No harm in trying it, give it long enough to adjust and feel comfortable before you decide whether to stick with clipped or go back to flats.
Edited by GravelBen on Sunday 7th June 23:27
Clipless pedals goes back to their introduction on Road bikes in the 1980's where the ski binding type Look pedal allowed you to ride without toe clips and straps.
For those too young or not versed in roadie lore the 'pro' way to ride was with cleated shoes, that engaged a plate on the back of the pedal, and then were held down with a toe clip & strap. Horrifying in a crash!
The first pair of Look clipless pedals I got were a revelation. SO much safer and confidence inspiring, especially as I didn't have to lean down and loosen a strap every time I stopped (you got very good at track standing at traffic lights).
Naturally I fitted SPDs to my mountain bike as soon as they came out ( I did try Look Deltas mountain biking but it was a very committed decision!)
I am in the camp where riding flats feels insecure as I am so used to being attached to the bike.
The above advice about SH56 cleats is good, but I'd be inclined to just go the whole hog, fit SPD's and get used to them.
I have never failed to release in an emergency, including crashing, and have never inadvertently released when climbing or doing trially type stuff.
The fact they release by turning in or out means the chances of you 'going down with the ship' are remote.
For those too young or not versed in roadie lore the 'pro' way to ride was with cleated shoes, that engaged a plate on the back of the pedal, and then were held down with a toe clip & strap. Horrifying in a crash!
The first pair of Look clipless pedals I got were a revelation. SO much safer and confidence inspiring, especially as I didn't have to lean down and loosen a strap every time I stopped (you got very good at track standing at traffic lights).
Naturally I fitted SPDs to my mountain bike as soon as they came out ( I did try Look Deltas mountain biking but it was a very committed decision!)
I am in the camp where riding flats feels insecure as I am so used to being attached to the bike.
The above advice about SH56 cleats is good, but I'd be inclined to just go the whole hog, fit SPD's and get used to them.
I have never failed to release in an emergency, including crashing, and have never inadvertently released when climbing or doing trially type stuff.
The fact they release by turning in or out means the chances of you 'going down with the ship' are remote.
Edited by Stick Legs on Monday 8th June 08:33
You're better off riding off road when you're getting used to them, because when you inevitably grind to a halt on an off camber and don't get the other foot unclipped in time, you'll only be falling sideways into a bank of nettles rather than onto a kerb.
Wear elbow pads if you have them.
One training technique is to ride circles in a soft sloping field, get a friend to occasionally say "stop", and you have to stop as quickly as possible. Like doing emergency stops. Obviously it's now choose side, unclip, brake, foot down. You'll possible fall a couple of times, but it might bed in the muscle memory quicker.
There are different types of cleats, initially you want the SM-SH56 (Multi-Release) so it's easier to pull you feet out when you forget. Also wind the tension all the way out.
Wear elbow pads if you have them.
One training technique is to ride circles in a soft sloping field, get a friend to occasionally say "stop", and you have to stop as quickly as possible. Like doing emergency stops. Obviously it's now choose side, unclip, brake, foot down. You'll possible fall a couple of times, but it might bed in the muscle memory quicker.
There are different types of cleats, initially you want the SM-SH56 (Multi-Release) so it's easier to pull you feet out when you forget. Also wind the tension all the way out.
Edited by osterbo on Monday 8th June 06:53
This is going to sound daft but i ride dewallt steel toe cap boots with flat pedals on my mtbs. The thick grips and the pins on the flat work really well together and the boots offer a lot of support. Reasonably waterproof helps too. And the number of times the steel toe caps have saved my feet i've lost count - I once bent both the crank and the pedal shaft after a rock strike but didn't feel a thing.
I have considered going to clipped in (clipless!!) for the additional leg power up hills (they use different muscle groups), but on my regular trails i am often stopping or have to put a leg down for balance - bad technique on my part no doubt, but it gets very muddy/slippy.
Watching with interest..
I have considered going to clipped in (clipless!!) for the additional leg power up hills (they use different muscle groups), but on my regular trails i am often stopping or have to put a leg down for balance - bad technique on my part no doubt, but it gets very muddy/slippy.
Watching with interest..
I think that's it really.
In the early 90's people came to Mountain biking from a previous discipline, Road or BMX, or were influenced by those who had.
Now people come to Mountain biking with no preconceived ideas of what 'right' is and no stupid UCI rules for pro riders dictating what is considered to be 'wrong'.
This is why Mountain biking in all it's forms is far more innovative.
Mountain bikers have long adhered to 'it's right for me' and 'if it works it isn't stupid' while roadies agonise over sock length and which side of the helmet straps the arms of my sunglasses should go.
I am convinced that for 90% of people, myself included, clipping in doesn't confer any extra power benefit, the idea that you mythically pull up on the back stroke is long debunked, and the minimal extra power you'll derive from clawing your foot from 4 o'clock to 7 o'clock is probably forgotten once it gets bumpy or you get tired.
I clip in because I feel more secure and it protects my crank arms from looking scruffy.
Due to a skeletal issue I ride SPD on the road, as I like a mid-sole cleat position, and wear MTB SPD shoes for doing so.
In the early 90's people came to Mountain biking from a previous discipline, Road or BMX, or were influenced by those who had.
Now people come to Mountain biking with no preconceived ideas of what 'right' is and no stupid UCI rules for pro riders dictating what is considered to be 'wrong'.
This is why Mountain biking in all it's forms is far more innovative.
Mountain bikers have long adhered to 'it's right for me' and 'if it works it isn't stupid' while roadies agonise over sock length and which side of the helmet straps the arms of my sunglasses should go.
I am convinced that for 90% of people, myself included, clipping in doesn't confer any extra power benefit, the idea that you mythically pull up on the back stroke is long debunked, and the minimal extra power you'll derive from clawing your foot from 4 o'clock to 7 o'clock is probably forgotten once it gets bumpy or you get tired.
I clip in because I feel more secure and it protects my crank arms from looking scruffy.
Due to a skeletal issue I ride SPD on the road, as I like a mid-sole cleat position, and wear MTB SPD shoes for doing so.
Have spent 20 riding flats with 510 shoes and the grippest pedals I could find before buying an egressive hardtail that found the only solution to keep feet on the pedals was spd. If I’m on trails I know I’m fine with them but new trails I ride too neversly to ride fast. I use cranebrothers mallets which don’t have cleat adjustments built into them (it’s the cleat that does that but when they wear it changes again). Have moved them onto my gravel bike as well which again is great.
I think you can train your brain to get us to spd but it does take time and you got to have the right riding style with feet on pedals to begin with
I think you can train your brain to get us to spd but it does take time and you got to have the right riding style with feet on pedals to begin with
Stick Legs post takes me back. I started with clips and straps and cleats under the shoes., how my young knees survived the crashes I do not know.
I have ridden clip in for 30 years on my MTB. Originally Onzas, which had plastic elastomers instead of springs. they went rock hard in the cold, so a crash in winter and you and your bike were going in as one.
I prefer a more cross country style of riding but I can be pretty aggressive downhill. I like that spuds (the generic term for clip in derived from SPD) keep my feet locked in.
I also find that clipping in leans I have fewer hip and knee issues, compared to when I have tried flats. they tend to keep my posture efficient and foot/knee/hip alignment spot on. That said, I am quite flexi for an old b
d. I would get the cheapest Shimano SPD you can find and given them a try. I prefer mine dialled in tight, and that actually helps clipping and unclipping as there is less lateral movement, they just pop out.
I note the comment about pulling up, but I often find the benefit of being able to pull the pedal over when on some technical climbs, the zig zags at Llandegla being a godo example.
I’m another that’s been riding SPDs on MTBs for a while - close on 30 years I reckon.
Initially started to help a strain in my knee which meant I needed to pull up the pedal as pushing down was continuing the aggravation, so there might be something in that…
Now, like many others, I just feel more comfortable attached to the bike - I tend to ride reasonably tricky trails, without being an all-out Enduro rider, and I’m definitely the only one clipped in.
I also use SPDs for any road/gravel bike - so just one pair of shoes - and have done for about the same time, with no problems. Probably get looks from the Sock Length Crowd, but don’t care.
Also have a pair of flats for when I want a change, and can be good fun, but then realise I much prefer SPDs
Initially started to help a strain in my knee which meant I needed to pull up the pedal as pushing down was continuing the aggravation, so there might be something in that…
Now, like many others, I just feel more comfortable attached to the bike - I tend to ride reasonably tricky trails, without being an all-out Enduro rider, and I’m definitely the only one clipped in.
I also use SPDs for any road/gravel bike - so just one pair of shoes - and have done for about the same time, with no problems. Probably get looks from the Sock Length Crowd, but don’t care.
Also have a pair of flats for when I want a change, and can be good fun, but then realise I much prefer SPDs
Tickle said:
I've ran both, depending on what terrain. I just stick with flats now. Only time I've felt clipless would be an advantage is on rooty climbs. Can't see me ever going back, personally, I feel flats just make you ride better.
Same here. I have never felt or seen any advantage to clips over flat pedals.Stick Legs said:
I am convinced that for 90% of people, myself included, clipping in doesn't confer any extra power benefit, the idea that you mythically pull up on the back stroke is long debunked, and the minimal extra power you'll derive from clawing your foot from 4 o'clock to 7 o'clock is probably forgotten once it gets bumpy or you get tired.
Castrol for a knave said:
I note the comment about pulling up, but I often find the benefit of being able to pull the pedal over when on some technical climbs, the zig zags at Llandegla being a good example.
Yeah absolutely, there have been times when being able to muscle a bike over a small obstacle has been useful.I was thinking about road riding as I'm a roadie who occasionally mountain bikes for fun these days as opposed to an MTBer who rides on the road for utility and fitness.
Stick Legs said:
Stick Legs said:
I am convinced that for 90% of people, myself included, clipping in doesn't confer any extra power benefit, the idea that you mythically pull up on the back stroke is long debunked, and the minimal extra power you'll derive from clawing your foot from 4 o'clock to 7 o'clock is probably forgotten once it gets bumpy or you get tired.
Castrol for a knave said:
I note the comment about pulling up, but I often find the benefit of being able to pull the pedal over when on some technical climbs, the zig zags at Llandegla being a good example.
Yeah absolutely, there have been times when being able to muscle a bike over a small obstacle has been useful.I was thinking about road riding as I'm a roadie who occasionally mountain bikes for fun these days as opposed to an MTBer who rides on the road for utility and fitness.
t than pull up markedly. I still have the souplesse of a 5 year old on a BMX though....
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