Here’s what it’s like to ditch the clips for flat pedals | Spd Pedals

Earlier this year, Dan Herrigstad said a silent “uh-oh” when he heard about extensive summer road construction projects in Portland. He took action.

I’ve got the M324 pedals mentioned above on my pub bike. They are great for what they are, but you do have to watch it if you’re clipped in, as it’s very easy to catch the cage on the floor when cornering.

I currently use some carbon soled MTB shoes with M520s.  Would I honestly notice any difference if I switched to a road shoe/pedal system?

Both the pedal and cleat appear to be impressively durable – after months of use they still look like new.

That’s perhaps why you might find cyclocross coaches recommending flat pedals for young racers. It’s vital for cyclocrossers to be able to bunny-hop confidently, and properly. Learning the real technique means positioning your feet properly, and managing your bicycle’s weight. Flat pedals force a rider to do exactly that, without allowing clipless pedals to pick up the slack.

Ride Concepts Livewire Check out our full review of the Livewire here. Weight is 535g in size 12. $100 USD.

Now I couldn’t use anything else. They are just pheneomenal compared to the various Looks I usually use. They need broken in first of all as the spring is super stiff, but once done then it only takes a little force to clip in. Actually finding the insert point is a few weeks of muscle memory (I stuck them on the indoor trainer first which sped this process up).

Essential for road riding, racing and sportive participation, here we look at some of the clipless pedal systems available for cyclists

The topic of road versus mountain bike pedals is a hotly debated one and is something we plan to revisit in near time. Until then, here are our picks.

Sixpack has drawn on many years of expertise when it comes to the pedal body and bearing, using only high-quality materials and components with the aim of providing reliability and durability. The pedal body is made from 6061-T6 CNC milled aluminum. Hardened coated CrMo steel is used for the axles, and the bearing consists of a combination of sealed industrial bearings and IGUS bushings.

Weighing 278g for the pair, they might be heavier than some but this trade-off is worth it because they are such good quality, reliable and durable pedals that don’t break the bank.

On the other hand (or foot), dispensing with the ritual of clipping in and out and opting for flat pedals at least some of the time will keep you in touch with why you love riding bikes in the first place. You’ll be able to go just as fast and just as far. You won’t wear out your cleats on the sidewalk or slip in the coffee shop. You can walk deep into the woods and find a place to relieve yourself with traction and confidence. Oh, sure, your non-bike-specific shoes may look funny with your stretchy clothes, but guess what? You don’t need to wear those all the time either. Equipping at least one bike in your fleet will help keep at least one foot planted securely outside the realm of total weeniedom.