How can it be that people discuss this issue so controversially and then completely forget about it when biking - riding the same trails with the same safety and having the same fun?
The answer: trained movement patterns. As a flat pedal rider, you have learnt to tense up between the handlebars and pedals in order to achieve a stable connection to the bike. As a clipless pedal rider, it is the intuitive finding of the click-in point and the turning movement when unclicking the shoe. You can ride with both, and the choice of pedal is often determined by what you are used to or have learnt first. There are good reasons to use both pedal types. One thing is certain: The fixed connection means you can pedal more efficiently with clipless pedals and actively pull up the pedal. Even in particularly rough sections, clipless pedals allow you to maintain contact in a safer and more relaxed manner. However, you need special bike shoes on which the binding counterpart, the pedal cleats, are mounted. With these metal plates in the sole, walking on rocky or stony ground is sometimes a little less safe - an important argument, especially for alpine trail adventures with long carrying passages. Cleat-compatible shoes are now available in every style - from CC race to enduro, from light and airy to warm and waterproof.
With flat pedals, the slight indentation of the pedal body and the steel pins ensure that the pedals interlock with the shoe. Bike shoes with soft soles are ideal for this, but not an absolute must. Flat pedals are more versatile, especially if you use your bike for more than just sport. Flat pedals are also better for those who like to do tricks and may need to get off the bike at lightning speed. Although you can choose your foot position freely on flat pedals, you have hardly any freedom of movement when pedalling. With clipless pedals, on the other hand, your foot is fixed in position, but depending on the type of pedal, you still have between 4 and 10° of lateral freedom of movement. For riders with knee problems, correctly adjusted clipless pedals are often more comfortable. Where wet flat pedals can sometimes be slippery, clipless pedals can get clogged in mud or snow.
ConclusionFor most areas of use, from touring to downhill, personal preference is the deciding factor - for maximum efficiency and a secure grip, choose clipless pedals. For the most flexible connection to the bike, on the other hand, flat pedals are preferred. Only for CC and marathon is the matter clear. Ideally, you should be able to master both riding styles.
GITTA BEIMFOHR: SAFER ON THE TRAIL
I switched to flat pedals a few years ago. I'm delighted every time I'm in the middle of a tricky trail descent and can get back on easily and with full concentration - without having to frantically search for the clipless pedal first. The disadvantage: if you're not careful, you can quickly scratch your shin or calf with the sharp pins.
KAREN ELLER: MORE ON TRAIN
As a former racing cyclist, I grew up with clipless pedals. Even today, I still wouldn't want to do without it on longer tours with a lot of metres in altitude. The pedalling is smoother, the power transmission better. Nevertheless, I sometimes switch to flat pedals when the trails are wet and slippery.
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