Do Flat Pedals Win On E-Bikes? | Flat Pedals Vs Clipless

There is an ongoing debate in the off-road cycling world - should you run flats or clips on your bike? Some people say the flats are superior in many ways, whilst others say clips are the way forward. So in this video, Chris Smith tests both bike pedal types in a series of short EMTB challenges to compare both pedals!

⏱ Timestamps ⏱
0:00 - Intro
1:37 - Jibs & tricks
3:30 - Trials skills
6:20 - Climbing
9:02 - Descending
11:58 - Conclusion

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Do you ride clipless or flat pedals? Let us know down below! 👇

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Do you ride clipless or flat pedals? Let us know down below! 👇

[powertapping]

I ride big mt enduro most of the time I grew up in clips but switched when I got tbe EMBT and moved to the mountains. It was a hard transition. I raced enduro this yr and everyone used clips but me and I was almost always LAST! I just bought some clips and although the confidence is not there yet I clear the hard sections much better with a bit of anxiety. Imo more time will equal more confidence and more speed with the occasional awkward tip over.

[DigitalDoctrine]

I thought I try flats when I got my ebike... they are confidence inspiring when the trail gets rough. But when I slammed the flat pedal into my shin in a rock garden I went back to clips. I also noticed that the clips allowed me to spin at very high cadence on XC rides. Like Chris said... it really depends on where you ride.

[MHH]

I am not a clipless fan for many different reasons. That said, the miniscule advantages of clipless are multiplied on a torque sensing e-bike.

[patmarlin]

I made the switch to flats about two years ago but then started getting really bad knee pain. Talked to my physical therapist who is also completive cyclist and she told me to go back to clips. I did and my knees have felt the difference with no more pain. Only issue is I do end up down on the ground more often with the clips.

[The_Privateer]

I always thought there was an entry requirement in order to use clipless pedals. No less than 85% of your attire had to be spandex before you were allowed to use them.

[topheavy]

It’s about time someone debated this issue.

[paulnwt]

I was thinking of getting some magnetic pedals as a half way house. Can you do a follow up with a few of the different types of magnetic pedals and compare them to this test?

[TedKidd]

Clips are better for cross country but flats are better for all mountain and winter use.

[erlingflskagen]

I have been riding mountain bikes for over 30 years. I am new to ebikes. I have all these years ridden with clipspedals, and have great confidens. I was a little surprised that most of ebikes rider use the plattform pedals. You have to build up your skills with the clipspedals - and then you will do all your things with great confidence.

Erling from Norway

[downhill]

Raced MX at national level, just cannot imagine being clipped in when racing MX so ride flats on all my mtb bike, DH, enduro and ebikes, but if I was racing down hill and competitive and every second counts I would learn how to use clipins

[JB]

Clipleess for the spring/summer/ fall weather but flats in the winter.

[PePratiMTBRoma]

Thanks guys....video shared in our interesting:)

[federaldelii]

To feel the benefits of both sides I am planning to put the magnetic pedals. 🤟🏻Magped.

[Scottishphil]

I spent years riding clipped in. Been riding flats for last few years. Definitely find flats more playful and quicker on techy trails with them. Noticed I'm slightly slower on power climbs, but it all averages out.

[bobferguson]

Enjoyed the video, and the skills. But question remains, I like to ride bridle paths and the like. So which pedal is better?

[fundidoarrojo]

I used clipless for two years, until I fall like in 07:57 but on rough concrete destroying my knee. After that I went back to flats and never looked back. To be honest I never got any objective benefit from being clipped in, so it was an easy decision.

[perryirons]

I've done both. It's flats now only for me. Too many times falling over because I couldn't get out of clipless fast enough. Survival is more important than speed.

[andrewgreenwood]

Always flat pedals I use Hope Flat pedals super grippy & great in all conditions, I can see in some situations clipped in could be an advantage but I think for myself would be to sketchy especially in the wet & muddy conditions.

[MrEtienne]

I ride enduro ebikes and DH bikes.
For enduro I ride with flats, because in a race I never know if I will need to dab a foot out at the last moment. On the other hand, in DH races I ride clipless because on the jumps I need to be as one with my bike.