I get a lot of questions about my switch to flat pedals. I had been riding clipless pedals for 10 years. In that time I have continually progressed to longer and longer rides.
http://www.moabcenturion.blogspot.com/ The most common question I get is "Were you struggling on technical terrain or downhills?" The answer is no. I was very good at using clipless pedals and never felt hampered in challenging terrain or on down hills. My switch came out of desperation from knee, back, hip, and foot pain. It also came from watching my friend Noah Sears
http://www.westernslopestyle.blogspot.com/ progress while NOT being clipped in, and by the ear-bending I got from trainer James Wilson.
http://www.declinemagazine.com/content.php?itemid=5101I am now a year into a change that was so humbling I almost wanted to quit riding. For two months I cursed every pedal stroke. I couldn't climb ledges, I felt seriously down on power. A two hour ride felt long. But I'm stubborn and I stuck with it. Somewhere in month three I didn't feel slow anymore. I was cleaning big ledges again, and my knees, back, and especially my feet did not hurt any more. Another unforseen benefit was that my core became stronger - resulting in less fat around my stomach. Also, and this should have made perfect sense, I was really digging how I felt riding down hill. Thirty years riding moto should have clued me in that NOT being attatched to the bike would be a good thing for me. At that point all thoughts of going back went away. I have been bamboozled by a cycling tradition, but now I see the light.
Will switching make sense for everyone? Probably not. Does a good rider feel stronger while being clipped in? Yes, there is no doubt that you can get more power to the pedals while pulling as well as pushing. However, you'll be surprised to know that research shows that MOST riders don't use their clipless pedals correctly. How many of you have a "bad knee", numb feet, or can't touch your toes? For how many of you are the health issues worth it? Do you race? No... then who cares what ultimate power you make? Are you scared crapless on technical terrain? Does your boy friend or "cycling expert" say you "have to clip in?" If you answer yes to any of these questions or are remotely on the fence, then save your self the humbling two months of frustration that I went through and get a nice, quality, grippy flat pedal to start with. You'll be a trend setter instead of a sheep following the herd. You'll also never be the guy at the trail head saying "Damn, I forgot my shoes!!!"
There are no clipless pedals in the world that are as sexy as these gems. Replaceable pins, fully rebuildable, and darn light considering the big fat platform to put my foot on. I hope ya'll have your shots, because my new pedals are SICK!!!
