10 advantages of clipless pedals
1. clipless pedals are significantly narrower than large platform pedals with a sufficient footprint. This means that you are less likely to touch down and, thanks to the fixed binding, your foot does not come off the pedal.
2. with the pedals clicked in, you can position the rear wheel more precisely, for example, lift it more easily on a step and put it down again at a suitable point. In addition, significantly higher bunny hops are possible.
3. keep your feet where they belong in rough bumpy sections: on the pedals.
4. large selection of shoes. There are many models, from cheap to expensive, from light to stable, from top ventilated to warm.
5. the power transmission is much more efficient. The soles are usually stiffer and can also be pulled upwards for a rounder step.
6 Once clicked in, the foot always retains the same position. Readjustment - as with flats - is not necessary.
7. the clipless pedals last even when the sole is wet, whereas flat pedals get greasy more quickly when the sole is wet.
8. due to the precise positioning, the shoes do not rub against the cranks and chainstay, provided the cleat is positioned correctly.
9. you can control the bike better when jumping and even a so-called "asskick" doesn't lift you off the pedals.
10. you usually have to decide before riding a challenging section whether to stay clipped in and ride or not. This requires courage at the beginning, but soon leads to you mastering more technical sections.
10 advantages of flat pedals
1. the soft soles of flat pedal shoes are not only more comfortable, but also safer. The cleats slip, especially on stones.
2. in the event of a fall, it is not always possible to separate from the bike when clicked in and therefore not roll smoothly.
3. the softer shoes for platform pedals are more comfortable on long days and do not restrict the blood supply like tightly strapped-on racing pedals.
4 With skate shoes, you'll look good even in the beer garden after a trail ride.
5. flat pedals train your technique. After all, you can't just pull your feet up vertically when bunny hopping like you can with clickies.
6. foot drops go faster. This means that falls can often be avoided at the last moment.
7. clipless pedals only work well in bad weather until you have to put one foot down. Once the clipless pedals are full of mud, clipping in becomes difficult.
8. many tricks are not possible with clipped-in shoes.
9 The shoes can be positioned differently throughout the day.
10. the learning phase with clipless pedals: Every clipless pedal rider can tell you a thing or two about it. Whether at traffic lights or at the end of the trail, almost everyone has fallen over in slow motion.
