For those of you new to the sport of mountain biking, seeing other people ride around with their funky looking shoes clipped in to their odd-shaped pedals may look A) weird or B) like a death wish! Actually, there are a number of very good reasons to use these special shoes and pedals… which is why almost everybody who’s serious about riding singletrack does.
What are the benefits to using clipless pedals?
Clipless pedals were originally developed primarily to increase pedaling efficiency in order to help riders go faster. With a standard set of flat pedals, you are only able to put power into your drivetrain on each downstroke of the pedals. But when your feet are clipped in, you’re able to provide constant power with both legs by utilizing the upstroke as well.
Of course it’s not physically possible to generate as much power on the upstroke as on the down, but being able to add power to the system constantly does make you a significantly more efficient machine. As an added bonus, this constant power (as compared to the surges of power that come from just mashing the pedals) helps you to maintain better traction on loose, steep climbs.
While all of these things are very true, none of them are my personal favorite reason for using a clipless system. For me, the advantage of being “locked” into my bike made me fall in love with clipless pedals. When you’re clipped in, your feet will never slip off of the pedals, even when the going gets rough! I’ve met hardcore downhillers who claim that if you’ve got the right pair of flat pedals and shoes, your feet will be as rock solid as if you were riding clipless. Maybe that’s true – but the downhill skier in me doubts that even a pair of DH flats can beat the feeling of being mechanically connected to your bike.
Not only do clipless pedals increase your efficiency and keep your feet from slipping off, but they offer increased control as well. It is much easier to put “body English” on the bike when you’re be in a sticky technical situation, easier to jump your bike and control it in the air, easier to ratchet the pedals and provide partial strokes when needed, and clipless pedals force you to try harder to stay upright because you don’t want to constantly be clipping in and out.
When should I switch over to clipless pedals?
The simple fact that you’re reading this article is a good indicator that you should try a pair of clipless pedals. You’re obviously interested enough in mountain biking that you are spending time researching it on the internet.If this isn’t just a passing fling for you, not just a sport that you’re going to participate in every once in a while, I’d recommend going clipless.
Sure, go ahead and learn the basic skills with flat pedals. They offer lesscommitmentto technical moves, and not having to buy specific shoes or another pair of pedals is definitely cheaper. But once you’ve been riding for several months and are getting out on the singletrack at least a couple of times every week, it’s time to get serious and take advantage of all the benefits I’ve detailed above.
It’s time to take the plunge and buy some clipless pedals!
Coming Soon: What gear you need to buy, and how to use it once you’ve bought it.
Your Turn: If you’re an experienced rider, do you have any points you’d like to add on the benefits of clipless pedals?
25 Comments
Feb 11, 2011
I think my first set was one of the Shimanos and I rode with them for years. The tension was adjustable and so I made them as loose as possible when I was starting out which seemed to help.
Feb 10, 2011
If I went somewhere w/o my bike and got to ride for a day or so and had 2 bikes to choose from....I'd take the fully rigid bike with clipless pedals over the F/S or hardtail without clipless pedals.
If the later was my only choice, I'd choose not to ride at all and just ride when I got home.
Feb 10, 2011
Feb 10, 2011
Feb 10, 2011
Eventually you get so used to them it's automatic, clipping in and out just happens, you don't think about it. It's like breathing.
I've ridden happily without gears and without suspension. But I'll never go back to flat pedals.
Feb 11, 2011
@trek7k, I was thinking about mentioning it in the main article, but then scratched it because it didn't really seem to flow with the rest of it. Thanks for adding that!
@dgaddis, glad I'm not the only one the sees the power factor as secondary!
As for everyone else emphasizing the importance of clipless, I totally agree. At Sea Otter last year I tested out a number of different bikes, but I always made sure to put on my own pedals that I was comfortable with. In fact, many of the vendors didn't even have pedals on their bikes because they just assumed people would bring your own.
On the same note, many bikes are sold nowadays sans pedals because everyone is pretty particular about which they use... and generally for good reason!
Keep the comments coming, I'm enjoying these insights!
Feb 10, 2011
Nov 21, 2012
http://www.bikejames.com/strength/which-muscles-are-really-used-during-the-pedal-stroke/
http://www.bikejames.com/strength/im-really-not-anti-clipless-pedals-im-pro-flat-pedals/
If you can't stay on a flat pedal, then you a) need to buy some Five Tens b) buy some pedals with aggressive pins for the Five Tens to stick to c) learn how to ride over rough terrain without using a crutch, aka clipless pedal, before switching to clipless.
Dec 6, 2013
Feb 10, 2011
I absolutely LOVE being clipped into the bike and cannot imagine riding with the old top clips or nothing. I would recommend clipless pedals to anybody that is considering it.
I do agree with Trek7k that the term clipless is confusing. I thought it was only me. 13 below zero today...can't wait for some warmer weather.
Feb 13, 2011
Feb 10, 2011
However, if you're relatively new to mtn. biking, I'd recommend learning your skills on flats first. Also, don't think that you can't be a "serious mtn. biker" unless you're riding clipless. I couldn't help feeling self conscious when I was riding flats and seeing most everyone else riding clipless. It does have great benefits but may not be for everyone. Ultimately, do what you feel comfortable with and have fun - that's what its really about. You'll know when or if its right for you!
Feb 14, 2011
Feb 10, 2011
Originally my bike had Wellgo clipless that were much less release friendly, flexible or robust, and I eventually mashed them against rocks and bent the shaft destroying the bearings. I'm glad I destroyed them! With the SPD M5s I've never looked back. They may not be the lightest pedal but they work for me.
As a beginner with the hard to release Wellgo's, riding my new bike home from the bike shop I twice forgot I was wearing them and keeled over when stationary. However, it soon became second nature to twist and with my SPDs, wear-in and proper adjustment I can now rip my feet out now in the worst case of emergencies.
I rode flats the other day and really noticed just how much I've come to rely on my clipless for stability and that extra the up-stoke gives on steep ascents when everything else aches.
My only complaint is in my shoes, in that I sound like a horse on concrete because of the lack of rubber designed into either side of the cleat. At first I was embarrassed of the noise and concerned I'd wear the cleats down so I made rubber covers, but I soon lost those and just became accustomed to the click-clack.
The Shimano shoes I have are so comfy on the bike, and the solid plastic under the ball of the foot really makes for a nice stiff platform for power transfer. However for walking I often have to tighten the velcro strap because of additional movement because of the stiff plastic under the ball, but otherwise I love them and I'll never go back to flats.
Feb 11, 2011
Feb 12, 2011
Feb 11, 2011
Feb 10, 2011
Pedal clips are actually those adjustable band things that go around the top of your shoe's toe box (also called toe clips). Nevermind the fact that clipless pedals also clip your shoe to the pedal. Maybe we can start calling clipless pedals "sole clips" or "pedal locks" - anyone have any better suggestions?
Feb 10, 2011
Crank Brothers Smarty $20
http://www.nashbar.com/bikes/Product_10053_10052_519149_-1___
Shimano M076L Shoes $80
http://www.nashbar.com/bikes/Product_10053_10052_197225_-1___
Grease pedal threads. Tighten pedals, remembering that one is reverse threaded. Install cleats into shoes. Practice clipping in and out for one hour on pavement. Adjust cleats to taste. Bon appetit.
Feb 10, 2011
Now I run eggbeaters and will never go back to SPD.
Feb 10, 2011
Mar 2, 2012
Feb 10, 2011
Jul 12, 2016
Feb 15, 2011