MTB with spd or flat pedals ? what to choose.
I have to use spd or flat pedals?
Spd or flat pedals. That is an old sad question. Every mountain biker have to face with. First of all, we must keep in mind that there is not a standard answer. That is valid for everyone. But it depends by yourself. Your needs and your preferences.
We will ceck step by step differences betwen flat and spd. Then you will be able to choose.
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Tecnical Definitions.
spd or flat pedals tutorial.
SPD pedals.
First of all, we make some definitions. With “SPD pedals“, we will include all clip pedals.
S.P.D. is “Shimano Pedaling Sistem”. Shimano clips, and pedals. But there where also other kind of clips. Like Time, Crank Brothers etc.. Different clips and different pedals. But same kind of use.
They can be used in the same kind of shoes. You just need to use same kind of clip and pedal.
Clip pedals can be used only with clip shoes!
Flat pedals.
With “flat pedals” we will identify large platform pedals. With metal or plastic pins. Pedals that you find with bike are “stock pedals“. They are not safe for mountain biking. Just good inside city. To go to buy some bread. Or to test the bike. So we will just consider they stock pedals that need to be replaced.
Also flat pedals needs propper flat shoes. To give real performances and benefits. Tennis shoes, are not propper flat shoes. If you use tennis shoes with stock pedals, you aren’t using a flat setup. But a dangerous one!
Spd pedals.
Spd pedals keep you hanged firmly to pedals. And they make pedaling easier. Also you can use all legs muscles. Furthermore you can pull and press over pedals. Generaly they have a “better pedaling eficency”. That mean better legs round pedaling cycle. Finally it can give better performance, for speed, traction in climbing. They give you “Safety lock feeling” when the terrain is rough. You will not loose the pedal, and can concentrate over the handlebar. They have better performance for XC Cross country use. Also for races and athletes, that want performance witout compromises, when every second make the difference. Good also for trail riding.
Tecnical issues and negative things
First of all, they need a carefully setup. You must place clips in the correct position. According with your bike/saddle position. So must follow a propper professional guide. Or meybe hask to an expert shopper. Probably is better a bio-mechanic doctor. If you use a bad position setup, can have serious problems to your legs!
Furthermore pay always attention. Because is easy fall from the bike, when you forgot to unclip your shoes in time. For example pedaling inside groups. Can happens that you quickly need to stop. If you aren’t well used to unclip it’s easy to fall in the ground. Because if you pull up the feet it stay firmly locked. You must unlink as pedals require. For example SPD require a lateral movement of the heel. Sometimes, in some positions is not easy to do. So consider to make some practice to unclip shoes. Keep in mind that you will probably fall first period.
Spd pedals are very unconfortable when you have to walk. Remember that you have a metal clip under the shoes. Consequently you will walk like an old T-rex. Metal is not good to walk over rocks or wet floor. So you can easily slide.
Also, when you walk in the mud, your clip will be full of it. And sometimes is not easy to clip shoes inside pedal. Or worst, your shoes will stay locked when you want to unclip. Because dirty or mud block the realease spring. As a result, consider to keep your spring at the min value. To make easier the unclip movement.
Flat pedals
Flat pedals give you the maximum freedom feeling with the bike. Because you are not cliped firmly with pedals. You can easily put your leg out. If you use good flat pedals and good flat shoes, you will have a optimum grip over pedals. You will not feel so big difference with “SPD safety lock feeling”. You will fell very well connected with the bike. But, at the same time you have the feet free. That is a good feeling. As a result, will give you more confidence with bike and trails. Flat pedals are good for tecnical tricks. And you really learn how to stay “conected” with the bike. For example for a bunny hop. You need to learn and practice it with flat pedals. If you make a mistake, or need cornering support you can move your foot easily. Best performance use for all mountain, enduro, gravity.
Positive and negative things
Polivalent setup, you can use also for xc/trail riding. If you have to walk, shoes are more confortable. More grip under your shoes in any condition. No afraid of rocks or wet floors. You can also drive your car without change shoes. No need a “professional setup”. Of course, bike and saddle have to be properly placed. But your foot is not locked in a bad position. As can happen with SPD.
But, opposite with clip pedals, you can’t pull up with legs. You will work more in compression. Pressing down the pedal. Can let you feel a little bit more tired in the calf. Because you will use they more. More energy required in some terrain conditions. Consequently a little bit less pedaling eficency. But they can save you in many difficult situations.
Flat shoes are sealed in the bottom, no problems with mudd or water. Opposite, clip shoes, have clip holes under the sole. If you put the feet in the water, water will moove inside your shoes. And is terrible pedal with cold and wet feets. Finally, with f.pedals you can also use “standard” sport/treking shoes. Since you buy propper shoes. If you didn’t use good f.shoes, performance and pedal safety lock effect are very low!
Costs for setups
We give a look also to costs. (click words to shop links) .
Note that I consider Cheap but reliable products. You can find also for less. But the product can be about a bad quality. *SPD, I consider that you follow one online tutorial to setup shoes and clips. *Flat shoes, I choose the best brand. Best flat shoes. Performance and quality witout compromise. If you want spend less, is almost a waste of money (personal experience).
SPD setup costs
Clipless Shoes : starting from 60 euro (online shops with sales)
Pedals: starting around 30 euro (online shops with sales)
Clips: (normaly included with pedals) around 15 euro fisical shop, online around half price.
*Professional clips/pedals setup: Can cost 60-100+ euro)
Total: Min 90/110 (considering that you setup clips by yourself for free.)
Advice. Buy pedals where the lock spring stregth can be choosen.
Flat setup costs:
Flat Pedals: starting from 25 euro (online with sales)
Shoes: Five Ten shoes, best brand flat shoes ever (starting from 80 euro)
(Option about five Ten Shoes. Adidas shoes with the same rubber sole!)
Total: Min 105/110 euro.
Advice. Avoid to buy flat cheap shoes. They havent a good confort neither a good grip. Better to use other shoes and save money and then buy a pair of five ten.
So? Whitch setup use?
spd or flat pedals
Now you have all infos that you need.
First of all you must consider what you do with bike.
Then what kind of risks/benefits you want to gain.
How much you can spend.
Finally you will have your answer!
What about me..
What I use? I use flat pedals and also SPD pedals. Depends where I go, what I’ll do and whitch bike I use.
Example, Xc front bike, for a fast/easy trail. Almost I don’t walk by foot. So I use SPD setup.
Mountain, hard trail, need to walk, full susp enduro bike. I use Flat Setup.
Here you find MTB SUPER SALES
let me know your setup in comments bellow. If you have any advice write me !
Thank you!
Tools Used for videos.
Exelvan 4k Action Camera.
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