Clipless Vs Flat Pedals - Which are Best and Fastest?

Curious to find out which are faster, clipless or flat pedals, I set out to do some timed testing. The results surprised me. What pedals do you prefer?

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[SartorialPictures]

Great comparison. I use both types, clipping in when I can, but going flat in winter when colder weather, cleats and tight cycling shoes would otherwise conspire to give me numb feet. And I have been surprised too at the results - over a regular 50 km route of mixed riverside cycle path and canal towpath I get no obvious timing difference between flat and clipped in.

[jirdesteva]

Great video. I've tried clipless for years on both my road and mountain bikes. Recently I changed to flat pedals for the ability to use any shoe that I have not just cycling specific shoes. The ability to move my feet around on the pedals has given me more comfort on long rides. The one thing I find is that riding around to do errands is also more comfortable in street shoes as well. NO TAPPING in the shops.

[Mububban]

I use clipless for road riding, flats for technical trail riding on my mountain bike, and my commuter pedals that are clips on one side and flats on the other when using my same mountain bike for longer mellower gravel fitness rides. If I hit a chunkier section I can use the flats, but get the pedalling security and climbing benefits of clipless for most of the ride

[rasmuswi]

The only real reason why I tried clipless pedals after using flat pedals for decades was that I thought riding clipped in seemed scary, so I decided it would be an interesting challenge. Now I don't like riding with flat pedals at all!

[rogercmerriman]

Does tend to be somewhat self selecting, quite a few years back I used SPD for a few years mainly on the road, I eventually came to decision that I was Happier with flats, which I’ve used on MTB and so on for 30+ years not counting kids bikes!

Put simply you’ll do better generally on the system that you like! This said I’d expect in a full on race for clips to win, flats it’s more about feel? Particularly with proper shoes etc!

[treyquattro]

I solve the problem by using one flat pedal and one clipless. Ahem...

[dirtrider]

I'm using Shimano Saint M820 during the winter on my XC bike. Seems to be working well enough.

[GFClocked]

I wonder if oval chainring would help with power delivery for flats. Also if the fact that you've been mainly riding spds would impact this - perhaps a week or two on flats would make a big difference? Especially if trying to focus on the proper pedalling technique.

[stevia]

Hi David. Do you mind if I ask what shoes you are using on your flat pedals. Thanks.

[steveindorset]

I clip in, as I find I never put my foot in the right place on the pedals. But I do have my clip pedal set as loose as possible so I can easily take my feet out.

[pizzathehut]

could you re run the test using pedals that are flat one side & clipped on the other, maybe best of both worlds or bad at both

[Paganiproductions]

i have used only flats pedals and i ride xc whit them on xc hardtail

[hisdadjames]

Are clipless a no-brainer on the roadie? I saw a vid with seemingly good evidence saying it was a myth, as was ‘pedalling circles’. No measurable benefit! 🤔

[kacy]

use the pedal that best fits the type of ride or shall i say the elevation changes of the ride you're going to ride. if you're heading out on a ride that has more asending use clipless, if you're doing more desending use flat's

[jonburnell]

I use clipless on my roadie, but just can't get on with them on my mtb.

[cyclingmilan]

Most surprising results of your scientific research is that you are faster uphill than downhill. Undoubtedly there must be something off with Newtons laws, you should publish your research for a chance to win the Nobel price.
On a serious note, it depends on your confidence and skill level. MVDP would opt for clipless because he will clip in and out with ease in any situation. So I think it is a personal choice.

[boyaijau]

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