How To Ride Clips Like A Pro! | MTB Clipless Tips

If you're transitioning from flats to clips, or have been thinking about pulling the trigger and moving over to clipless pedals, it's often one of worry and uncertainty whether or not clips might be better for you! In this tutorial video, Rich Payne runs through some of the benefits, common mistakes people make and some nifty tips & tricks to help you learn the clipless way safely and easily!

⏱ Timestamps ⏱
0:00 - Intro
0:36 - MTB clipless pedal comparison
0:54 - XC MTB pedals
1:10 - MTB Trail pedals
1:58 - MTB clipless setup / cleat placement
3:19 - How to use clipless pedals
5:05 - The advantages of clipless pedals

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[KabirDhupelia]

I’m thinking of moving from flats to clipless this year so this video is great!

PS. I love the confusion caused when clips are referred to as clips or clipless 😄

[Cheapsht]

Clipless were a game changer coming from an age where we originally used Toe Clips on our pedals to stop our feet from slipping off the pedals when riding off road. Would have loved to see Rich using Toe Clips at the start and give a little history and context to the where the Shimano Pedal Design came from. With the advantages of suspension and better flat pedal design a few old mates have moved to back to flats (new flats) but i still like the security of a clip personally but with a decent cage for my enduro. It would be good to have a vid showing all aspects on a rooty trail, original slick flat pedals, toe clips, clipless, and new flats on rigid and modern suspension bikes, .

[piast]

I've used to ride clips. Starting from REAL clips with straps and everything, then SPD for years. Then I've discovered trail riding which I've started with SPD as well but I''ve moved quickly to flat pedals. They give me much more confidence that if I screw up something I'll be able to bail instantly. Yes, it's more work with picking up rear wheel and with jumps but I won't ride clips on trail/enduro bike any more.

[jonathanleis]

Perfect timing. Just bought my first pair :). Hope gh. Love them!

[jacobuserasmus]

I learned to ride MTB on clipless pedals. Recently moved to flats just to learn a few skills but will go back to clipless the moment those skills are dialled in. A game-changer for me on clipless is the track stand. I learned to clip in and out while in a track stand. Especially if I'm riding with a group or racing, going into a track stand to scope out an obstacle or to wait for another rider to make some space is absolutely essential.

[theknights]

I’ve ridden clips for yonks - from back in the early days when the only choice was the original shimano spd’s . My tip is, if you can adjust the spring tension, wind them all the way to the loosest setting - easier to clip in and out when you’re learning. I cannot remember ever pulling out of the cleats when I didn’t want to. My other tip is to think more about just stepping sideways than rotating your heel out. Pretty soon it becomes just second nature.

[sibzter]

Just switched my other bike to clipless. My fullsus is still on flat pedals. Can't wait to compare the two when it comes to going through rougher terrain. This has definitely been hard to get used being clipped to the bike but the difference when commuting is night and day.

[scheibelhut]

That gold Orbea grows on me more and more every time I see it in these videos

[tomnutting]

I’m 3 rides in to clips on my MTB and it’s intimidating but great!
Time for real trails soon 🥳

[ski_mtb_coach]

Been riding clipless for 25yrs. Love them xc to dh

[gordonhenderson]

having originally moved from road, where i used 'rat traps' to mountain biking in the mid 80's it was just natural to continue using them, paticularly on a ridgid bike (no suspension for me). when clipless came out it was an amazing step forward. i've tried flats but dont like the mess they make of your shins when your foot comes off.

[the_spanner_chmp]

Been riding clipless since 1995
Switch back to flats occasionally but clipless are the ones for me for the riding I do

[Dorkbike]

I've been clipping in for 20yrs on my trail and XC bikes. I also have bikes with flats, but I don't have the desire to ride flats off-road unless it's a fat bike in the snow or a DJ. It's interesting to see how popular flats have become in the recent years, better shoes is probably the reason, since flat pedal tech hasn't changed much.

[csedan]

Been riding them since about 1992, can still be a bit challenging when bushwhacking the woods in Vermont. I never thought about the softer bottom shoes for large cages, I will try that on my next pay of shoes.

[dreadsanddirt]

38 years ago I had my first BMX race, been riding in the dirt ever since. Spent 20 of those years clipped in, and at every level of competition. Three years ago I went back to platforms and it hasn't held me back one bit. Sure, clipless has its advantages but now that I'm back to a more natural, joyful take on riding (and jumping bigger stuff again!!) I just don't like being latched to my bike anymore.

[laveos]

😂the first time I rode clipless pedals, I fell 14 times in an hour!😂 it did help me to become a better rider as I became stronger using them, I also became stronger physically with no wasted energy/movement in my pedaling.

[robertculver]

One small comment - if you can vary the twist out torque - esp when learning - set it to the lowest or easiest setting - that is still where I ride despite having ridden clipless for many years 😁

[joppek]

Been on clipless since the very first SPD pedals came out so clipping in and out is second nature by now. On my very first ride I did topple over in the driveway though. =)

[jeanmarc_in_Hudson]

Great video, good info. Flats for me though. 😉

[matt_acton-varian]

One more tip with clipless cleat position - as a default position line the cleat up in line with the ball of your foot, at your foot's widest point. Start centrally on the sideways plane too, so you can find out how wide or narrow you need to make your stance. You can mark position with tipp-ex as a reference, too.