Flat Pedals Vs Clipless Pedals | Which Is Fastest On Rough MTB Trails?

It's one of the oldest debates in mountain biking - flat pedals or clipless pedals, which is better? Rich thought he'd find out which option fares best on rough and rocky terrain through two timed runs on the gnarly trails of the Dolomites. Watch now to see which pedal was fastest!

Do you ride with flats or clips?

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Leave us a comment below!

[davidschram]

Rode clipless for 20 years... then had to use flats for a skills camp. That changed my mind completely. 5 years on flats now and haven't looked back.

[clifftonsfly]

When is the industry going to stop calling pedals that use 'clips'....clipless? It's bonkers I tell thee!

[norcalchrismeister]

I rode flats for a long time and it was fun for downhills but I always failed on the really tough steep and loose climbs. Ever since I switched to clipless, I've been able to get up those tough climbs without stopping.

[bryanwagnerseniormtb]

So here’s a different perspective on the subject. I started mountain biking in the early 90’s and took about 20 years off to raise a family. I’ve been back riding about 2 years now. In the 90’s I exclusively ran clip pedals mostly because flats were horrible back then. Back then bikes weren’t as capable as they are today so the ride was much rougher and almost demanded clips. Today bikes are faster with better geometry and vastly improved suspension. I currently ride flats (stamp 7’s). Being an older rider I can still go fast but my reactions aren’t what they used to be, it also takes longer to heal from an injury. For me flats are the way to go. My feet still feel planted on the bike and don’t slip but I can get them off much quicker. In short if your an older rider flats may be for you. Mentally they give you more security and confidence which translates into more fun on the trail and that’s what mtb is all about.

[pbrindustries]

I think the way you have to weight your feet on flats might actually be why the bike is faster since it drives you weight into the suspension and helps keep the bike planted and allows harder sends. I have been playing with both flats and clips for the last year trying to solve this (I prefer enduro style riding). I haven't really timed the difference but what I do notice is that I do come off the bike more with flats but when I do come off with clips the crashes are way worse.

[kyleyoung]

Shoe selection has to be mentioned with flats. When I was a new rider I was unaware how much of a difference real mtn bikes shoes made until I finally bought some. I was just wearing training shoes before, dumb I know. But wow, it blew me away how the rubber on proper mtn bike shoes gripped the pedals, it was amazing.

[stujm]

Tried both downhill and will stick with flats thanks….. clips s are me downhill, good for uphill and xc, but I like the feeling I have with flats downhill, it feels actually safer to me

[perramadreful]

Bro, just put a pedal clip in one side and a flat in the other side, best of two worlds baby

[MrSupermugen]

i've been on flats for years, recently tried SPD's, they are amazing, ive orded some mallet DH pedals . my confidence has gone through the roof and i can bike further and longer now.

[kennethpalmer]

Rode clips for 24 years. Getting older so decided to try flats for more secure feeling of not being locked in and being able to get out quick if needed. Did not affect my climbing, actually improved it. Not going back.

[erikjohnson]

Just ordered pair of MKS XC-III Bear Traps yesterday. Nostalgic 80s feels & my shins are gonna hate me!

[ianfurqueron]

I ride both, depending on my mood and/or where I'm riding. If the route will include a lot of climbing or will simply be a long ride then I lean towards clipless. they are simply easier for me to ride on. If the ride is more "session" where we'll stop to look at features and/or hike back up to ride something a few times, then I'll ride flats. Mostly because it's just easier for me to get back on the bike and going again. I haven't raced in a few years, but when I raced DH clipless were usually what I used. I don't know if I'd run them now as I'm less concerned about trying to get results and just want to have fun on the bike and I agree flats are generally more fun.
I agree with another user comment about how modern bikes and pedals/shoes make riding with flats easier.

[richardpeet]

I ride flats. I want to see the crash data more than the time data. Compare injuries using flats vs clips. Does the bike cause or increase injuries to clipped in riders. Do bike parks have such data as I don't suggest seeing gmbn riders testing endos.

[padovann]

Looked like you were straight lining and monster trucking sections on the flats that you were picking lines more thoughtfully on with the clips? Basically brute forced 9 seconds out that’s awesome 😂🤜

[markstorer]

Have ridden clips for 20 years, nowadays I don't ride such severe terrain as I used to so I'll stick with what I've got, saying that, my brother has always ridden flats and continues to do so yet we are evenly matched out on the trails video Rich...👍

[daveybmtb]

I rode flats for ages. Recently I switched to clips, rode fort william DH world cup track and its safe to say I will not be going back to flats. Clips are the way forward!

[johnglynn]

Thank you for the informative video. I have never rode clips due to the gnarly terrain in the Arizona deserts. Blue skies, Jg

[jonahmichlig]

So I was riding flats and my foot slipped off and messed my foot up so I’ve been doing research to see if it worth it for clips and this helped thank you

[sanabibimtb]

Awesome video as always thank you for all the wonderful entertainment! I wish you all the best from me and my Channel!❤️❤️

[The_Rumpo_Kd]

Always used clips as that it was my mates were using when I got into mtb in my mid 30's. Never had an issue clipping out when I've needed too either. Too old now to learn how to ride flats now anyway. :)