clips vs flats

[frank-oi]

i just wanted to no what kind of numbers for each. that kind of thing.also what model you use.

and don't go on about why each is better then the other

[Ty]

this is probably one of the biggest can of worms topics that pops up on mtb forums,

flats for me, DMR v8 on my PX, azonic mags on my boy bike, primo super tendersiers are my favorite though.

[frank-oi]

it's not ment to be a can-o-worms one. i just want numbers on each i don't know why but i was bored i guess.

[Techno Destructo]

I've been riding with clipless pedals since Shimano came out with their first ones, but I've been working lately at weaning myself off them, in terms of bunnyhops, airtime, etc...

But if I know there's gonna be lots of climbing in the ride... definitely clipless! If it's mostly flat or downhill, then flats.

[oz-freerider]

i vote flat but make sure u wear shinie's i didnt this weekend my shin now has 4 nice gashes in it prolly should get stiches but meh...

[nathan]

use flats for dh and SPD 424 clipless for xc + a bit of dh

[Adi]

flats for everything

[xxsethsxx]

just get shimano DX so you can have both. but i use flats and i switched from clipless, i like normal shoes and with better suspension like i have now, u dont get thrown off anymore so i can stay on with flats.

[SquarkyD]

clips for everything, i got DX's tho so the option is there for flat (not ver grippy as a flat tho

[blacky]

azonic pedels
airwalk shoes
plus still all my teeth,some skin missing on my shin but.

[Scott]

i think the majority of aussies go flats.. everyone else favour the clips?

aussie thong syndrone? I think so...

[CHEWY]

i use v12's but ive never used clips so i wouldnt know

[xman]

Horses for courses I reckon. I run clipless on my roadie & single speeds & flaties on the X and the bmx.Whatever works best for the situation.

[Mason]

I run flats, they are eaiser to freeride with in my perspective, but clips beat them in DH

[S.]

I just use flats cos that's what I use... I had clips on my old XC bike, but I got flats for my DH bike and I have no reason to change really.

[Carlin]

Flats,

I can see why other people would go clips, but I like to be able to dab, and get off the bike when things go wrong.

Carlin

[R.E.D]

yea id agree with carlin you never know when you need to dab when you do shit wrong and you need to bail really quick. but clips can be good depending on ur style of riding and how you set em up. but i got flats. cuz they grip to my feet just as well as clips. but ur not sliped in :wink:

[Kram]

I have just redrilled my shoes and moved my cleat back so it is just in front of my arch. I just got back from a trail ride that had climbs, descents and a good drop. It feels so good that I don't know why I didn't do it years ago. My ankles have never felt so solid on that drop before. Plus, clipping out and then back in quickly is so much easier on the DH section that it really blew me away.

I've tried to go flats 4 times, each time saying that this time I'm going to leave them on until I like them, but I just don't like it.

If you are a freerider/Dh clip in type of person, I highly recommend moving your cleats.

[curtisrider]

I cant say ive used clips before but i can understand why some people like em. personnaly flats for me because like others have said you never do know when you need to bail. i know people who do djs with clips and it scares the shit out of me just thinking about going clips with jumps.

[Turley]

I think I am goign to use flats but I enjoy using cleats for the proper biomechanics. I just find that I go slower with cleats because I am worried that If I go too hard and need to dab I ain't goign to be able to get out so I don't go as hard. I guess it is all practice.

[kalem]

cheap wellgo flats, they are the grippiest pedal i've ever had (v8's, snafu, primo's)

[perfor8r]

CLips for me...basically because that's what I learnt on and that's what I've been on since then.

[jd]

Personally, I use both. I like to use clipless for mountain-cross, BMX, and downhill racing, but platforms for hucking (or if the race course if crazy).

[Ride_Guy]

flats all the way

[Fat_Ride]

Flats, flats and flats......

[wombat]

Flats for me. I can definately see the point of clips, but not for my sort of riding. I still believe flats develop better skills in many areas too, the most obvious one is bunnyhopping, but I think even in downhill technical sections flats encourage better weighting.

[stylinruss]

Flats.
They teach you how to do things properly, instead of just yanking up on the pedals, you have to be smooth.

[fastrider gus]

im realy curious to ride seriously with clips.. racing DH on a HT is a bit hard when your feet are always coming off.. im making some flatties at school which will have huuuge pins but i still like the idea of clips

[peachy]

I prefer flats but i don't see anything wrong with clips. Clips make u pedal harder (in my opinion) cuz not only do you pedal down, but you pull up completing the rotation. I used to race downhill on my avanti barracuda with clips - some people disagree with clips because you may "stack harder" or "hard to get out off" but after you use them for a while it becomes a habbit to clip in, clip out.
Flats are kewl, but clips are also really cool - i wouldn't throw clips outta the picture, give them ago you never know you might enjoy them more

[j-ro]

I'm definately a Clip's man for racing and situations that require lots of peddling, and also for big gaps, in order to get a maximum pull on the peddles. But I allways switch back to my Flatties for dirtjumping, even on my DH rig in order to punk some no footers.

I think it is very important though that when using Clip's people still use the proper technique, and pretend they are on the Flats, so that when they swap back they are not dependant on the clip and dont eat it. Sure if you crash when Clipped in you can have it bad, but if you crash because you slipped off a pedal it can be much worse. Belive me.

:twisted: what a cool face that is, yeah?

[Simo]

got azonics on my kona, can't ask for more. My new Vans TNT shoes offer even more grip, not that it's needed!

[bikeman_baldrik]

Flats all the way!!!
I got Odyssey Twisted Pro flat pedal on my Craftworks DHR team issue and i have never had a problem with my feet coming off.
I use cheap K-Mart shoes and they stick like glue, If you're into DH/Freeride, you should be riding flats!!!

[RaID]

I use DX clipless pedals (the red ones) farkin best have lasted me 6 years already and i bought them second hand

i clip in for trail riding and dh races, but clip out for dirtjumping and any drops or really techincal rock gardens

but then again im weird regarding this subject people wonder how can i use these pedal confortably as flats, but i dont have a problem with it

[fastrider_ben]

go flats

[manic ryda]

Flats all the way

I use some specialized flats that came on my bike. they are great pedals, they do the job well :D . I couldnt stand being clipped into my bike, wouldnt be a good feeling for me.

[Weasel]

Flats for me please...

DMR V8's
Owned a few others but i love my V8's

[bazza]

flats are they way to go except clips would be ok it you where a really confident rider, it would give you wayy better pick up with the pedaling.

[mtbdh_girl]

cheap wellgo flats, they are the grippiest pedal i've ever had (v8's, snafu, primo's)

Wellgos rock!!!!!!!!! If i ever start riding cross country though id have to go clips cos i can see the benefits, especially for hill climbs. :!: :!: :!:

[CHEWY]

i run V12's and there great... too bad my shoes are chat and slip off every time it gets wet

[spinner]

Yup...flats

[Fatman]

Eggbeaters for XC, Time Z Controls for DH, DX Flatties for freeride or street, Shimano spd's for paperweights.

[Rick]

it depends what you ride more, just DH go spd's but if you do a lot of freeriding go flats for sure

I use Shimano DX clips on my XC bike but thats about it

[scotty beefs]

flats all the way...azonics on my last ride and they were the bomb. I'm saying this having never tried clips tho (well once, and the first thing i tried was a wheelie... :cry: ) but clips scare me!

[chandler_mate]

flats
i use easton flatboys there sick mate

clips are good for racing though
id use them if i had them
time Z are my choice for dh

[spudz]

I'm riding flats at the moment but also have clips ,this year at thredbo i ran flats 4 half a day and clips the other half felt so much more relaxed and quiker clipped in .

[Rik]

Clips for pedalling, flats for bike control.
I learnt on flats, switched to SPD's, and as my skills developed I switcedh back to flats and feel I am much better for doing so. In fact, I think I can do more stuff with flats than i can clipped in, it's also a confidence thing knowing if you want to bail, you can do so very easily.

[sprucas_fab3]

personally i like both - thats why i use the shimano spd with the huge DH cage around it - only have to clip in when you need to

[Chilli]

if your not racing xc then be australian and ride flats! look at the stats :D

[toodles]

SPDs. I've got DX on my Crafty and I couldn't pedal it without them. If you don't clip out much they motor out of corners.

[sprucas_fab3]

i agree chilli - flats are good - but i like the spds for xc - however there is always a need to even on xc to sometimes use your pedals like flats and stay unclipped - esp for very techy sections where it is good to be able to keep your feet out and have a bit of freedom

[pyrotek]

SPD's OWN me.. I started on SPD’s and love them I can’t deal with flats
But you can still use the 636’s as semi flat if you feal sketchy but yeah
Clipping in and out is second nature now. :?

[Jordy]

flats for DH and clips for XC

[03choko03]

dk flats also old worn out v8s

[Velophile]

Cheapie VP combos on the FRM.
Shimano 525 clipless on the singlespeed & commuter/tourer.
Look clipless on the roadie.
I started riding MTB (XC) back in the toe-strap days :shock: , much harder to dab in those. Clipless is definately my choice for most riding.
At Granton I swapped to flat shoes on the combo pedals, much better for dabs (& dismounts :( ) The combos don't grip as well as pinned flats though.

[Damo]

both

[J3T-PuLsAr]

they seem alriught except my shoes need alot more grip. i find riding to work in my work boots has a hell of alot of grip. but riding in steel cap boots looks crap.....so...yeh.....go the Dice pro's.....

[J3T-PuLsAr]

yeh im using dice pro's they seem alright, only had 'em a week tho. i need more grip on my shoes, my work boots stick to them really good but my shoes dont. and riding in work boots looks abit....crap....

[monkeymagic]

wellgo downhill flats... cheap as chips and very beefy... they hold up well on anything but wearing shinnies is a must unless you like big painful scars

[Mommers]

ive used flats but on my next bike im gonna look in to the world of clipless.

[fog]

yeh i'd definately go with flats

[Daver]

Clips for kooks...

[dropbm]

flats for shore you mite rake your shins but its better the eat sh#t with your bike still stuck to your feet

[Adski]

Platform clip-ins.

A decade on SPD's and counting. But i tell you what, you're better off learning how to jump in flats, just like you're better off learning how to ride on a stiffy.. body english!

[Timmy]

Flats

[ray]

just used clips for the first time this weekend....have no skin left on my knees ( pads are back at fox being repaired )...shall be sticking with flats i think....i'm 32 and skin just dos'nt come back very fast anymore!!!!

[lupine128]

ray, this may be a silly question, but did you back the tensiuon right off to start with. a lot of people just bolt them on and satrt riding, not realising that the amount of tension will make it very difficukt to get out of them.
start with them really lose till you get the hang of them, and gradualy tighten them.

[Simo]

im on flats.

just a question, why are pedals which you clip into called clipless?

[matt462]

im on flats.

just a question, why are pedals which you clip into called clipless?

I asked the same thing here. Not sure I got a definitive answer?

Clipped in all the way for me. More control and its amazing how quick you can get out when you really need to.

[timmo]

im on flats.

just a question, why are pedals which you clip into called clipless?

Cause they don't have old-fashioned toe clips which strap over your shoes.


I just got a new Stinky and am using it with flats, after riding with clipless for a year or so. I can see how it'll make me use the bike better, like not using my feet to lift the bike off jumps etc, but it's taken a few loose jumps/drops with feet going flying to start to get used to it.

I'll go to clipless again shortly though.

One good tip my mates had, was to lean on the handlebars and compress the forks just before you hit a drop/jump. That way keeping the bike pushing into you a bit more.

[lupine128]

clipless refers to not running toe clips, those oldschool cages.
least thats what i was told.
call em spd's and sound L33T :roll:

[Mr Van]

Flats all the way brother, some nice fat azonic flats!!!

[TOSS3R]

flats on bmx. flats on mtb. shimano spd on the roadbike.

[Archi]

flats for sure

[dunk]

I started riding with toe clips and straps, then moved to the first look pedals, then to clipless, now I'm trying to ride on platforms.

So I got old school Looks - 1st model on the Colnago
SPD's on the tracer and inbred
V8's on the Azonic DS1

[_J_]

I did have DMR V8's and they were awesome. When I got rid of that bike I left them on. Now I have Kona flats on my Scab. Clip-ins piss me off, I guess it also depands on the riding your doing. XC, road: clips, DH, FR, Urban, Trials, DJ: flats.
__
Whats the difference between DMR V12 and V8? Is it just the bearings?

[Maggot]

flats so others can ride it aswell

[brodes]

clips for racing flats for huckin

[NightRider]

Whats the difference between DMR V12 and V8? Is it just the bearings?

V12 have all the pins as replacable, V8'sw have only some of the pins replaceable. My V12's feel more grippy than my V8's. The bearing on the V12's are soooo much nicer. Worth the extra squillion dollars? Up to you to decide. If you get V8's though, remember to take them apart and relube them frequently.

[big_pete]

clips for racing flats for huckin

yes and no i recon it would be odd racing with clips as i am used to flats

[NightRider]

clips for racing flats for huckin

yes and no i recon it would be odd racing with clips as i am used to flats

Strapping on a pair of SPD's just for race day = bad idea. If you have lots of practice with both, then it can work pretty well.

[whywalkwhenucanroll]

DMR V8's all the way

[Wattsy]

XC, road: clips, DH, FR, Urban, Trials, DJ: flats.

totally agree, flats are the only way, for dh and 4x, flat should be ya only choice, clips are so gay in this area, plus
theres no advantage over flats on them so y risk it. and if ya gonna dh on clips and huck on flats, just stick to 1, kinda gay changing them over.

[Jordy]

Im now gunna run clips.... soooooo much easier to pedal and if you can actually co-ordinate your feet so u can twist it a centimetre clips are fine.... y risk it ? maybe coz clips make it easier to pedal over rock gardens and i find i can pedal harder with clips

[S.]

XC, road: clips, DH, FR, Urban, Trials, DJ: flats.

totally agree, flats are the only way, for dh and 4x, flat should be ya only choice, clips are so gay in this area, plus
theres no advantage over flats on them so y risk it. and if ya gonna dh on clips and huck on flats, just stick to 1, kinda gay changing them over.

Cept for the minor advantage of your feet never being shaken off the pedals (at some tracks, like Thredbo and Abom, that's a big deal!), and that you have f-loads more control over the pedals.

My only gripe with clips is that I can't clip back in fast enough... it always takes me a few seconds.

[naz]

XC, road: clips, DH, FR, Urban, Trials, DJ: flats.


ud be insane to run clips riding trials :?

[Wattsy]

i bet some1 has done it, also socket, i run big pins on my pedels so they dont come of easy, so on
thredbo, my feet stay on, so thats y im a flat person, but i agree with what ya saying

[luneham]

flats

[hasbeen]

clipless for XC and commuting

and flats for technical single trails

[danv]

Flats, but I think I would definitaly use clipless if it wasn't for the fact you can't really save yourself with your feet.

Plus Id like to wish this thread a belated first birthday :lol:

[Merlin]

Flats for sure. I use V12's.

Good shoes with as much pattern as possible help too.

[junior]

i dont know if i wanna get clips or not!!!?????? i would only use em for racing but sam hill and alot of the other pros have'nt been useing them lately. at ourimbah the top 3 riders were running flats :?

[Merlin]

Let me put it this way.....first time you stack...the answer will come to you.....

[whywalkwhenucanroll]

lol this threads a year old an has still only got 28 real votes

[ROGER ROGER]

clips for sure, i find i get better control of the bike and don;t have to worry about slipping a pedal

[Sam The Man]

Flats for me, its too hard to do tricks with cleats

[smith1650]

Clips for DH as I can ride a hell of a lot faster without coming of the pedals. Though I do try to get back on flats every few months to keep the skills up.

[Demo Dave]

Clips rule and as for flats.... well they have their place. I run flats on my hardtail and clips on my Downhill and road bikes.

[Lyle]

Flats are the way to go - you can get off quick if you stack

DMR V12s are what i've had for four years now, and never had to touch them, except replace pins

[Cave Dweller]

I use flats with grippy shoes. Never used clips, don't like the idea of being stuck on my bike.

[junior]

i dont know if i wanna get clips or not!!!?????? i would only use em for racing but sam hill and alot of the other pros have'nt been useing them lately. at ourimbah the top 3 riders were running flats :?

there no way i would ever go back to flats for DH now.clips are the way for DH 8)

[Matt L]

flats all the way, i had clips on my gt i drive and oh my god i couldnt do fcking shit on them..i tried clip shoes :shock: beefed it hardcore on like 4 drops.....almost broke my arm lol...i put flats on and now its so easyyyyyyyyy