Clipless pedals offer a range of benefits for mountain bikers, including more efficient pedaling power, more control in certain situations, and a more thorough connection to your bike. Despite those benefits, you do not need clipless pedals and shoes to ride. How do you decide if they’re right for you? That depends on several factors. To help you choose whether you need clipless pedals, it helps to first understand what they are and what they do.
What are clipless pedals?
Why are they called “clipless” pedals when you literally clip into them? In the old days, flat pedals had toe clips, sometimes called cages, attached to the front of them. You’d slide your foot into them and tighten a strap across your forefoot. This allowed the rider not only to push down on the pedals, but also pull up on the back stroke. This made pedaling more efficient. While this system certainly improved pedaling power, it was difficult to get into and out of the pedals.
The new technology did away with the clips, replacing them with a spring-loaded mechanism integrated into the pedal that gripped onto a cleat mounted to the rider’s shoe. The clip was gone, hence the name “clipless.” Riders were now able to both push down and pull up during the pedal stroke, but clipless pedals made the entry and exit process much simpler.
To enter the pedal, the rider engages the front part of the cleat into the pedal mechanism and pushes down to lock it. To release, the rider kicks the rear part of the shoe outward. It’s a simple process to master, though it certainly takes some practice. It’s best to get used to clipless pedals on a flat, grassy surface that will cushion you when you inevitably fall.
Advantages of clipless pedals
Why would you want to be attached to your bike in the first place? Is it scary or dangerous? Is it faster or more efficient?
Generally speaking, using clipless pedals and stiff-soled shoes can lead to slightly more speed and decreased effort during extended climbs. Clipless pedals can also help get you over obstacles if your bunny-hopping game isn’t on point.
Clipless pedals can make a rider feel more connected to the bike — like they are a part of a system, not just a passenger. That feeling may add to your confidence and a “can-do” attitude when charging up to a hard section or gearing down for a steep climb.
Clipless pedals are lower profile, both in terms of height and actual size. So, if you ride in rocky terrain often, you may find yourself having fewer pedal strikes than if you were riding flats. And you’ll never lose your footing on a steep climb if clipped in. And a foot slipping off your pedal often means a painful shin bashing.
Disadvantages of clipless pedals
On the flip side, the speed and efficiency gains don’t always outweigh the disadvantages, like the ability to move your foot quickly and easily on the pedal and off. And some riders are just as efficient with flat pedals as they are with clipless.
The human body is excellent at adapting and learning how to be its most efficient. People who only ride flat pedals are often able to climb well or hop over logs with the same ease as a clipless pedal rider. It certainly takes practice, but it’s indeed very possible.
Clipless pedals can also make you “sloppy” when it comes to bunny hopping and overall technique. Because the clipless system does the work of securing your foot to the bike, you’ll have less incentive to pay attention to proper technique — like ensuring you’re toe-down and pulling up on the pedals properly to bunny-hop over obstacles.
Some riders simply don’t like the idea of being attached to the bike, especially when the trails get technical. At high speeds, many mountain bikers like to throw a foot out for stability and balance in corners. It’s possible to do this with clipless pedals, but the process is slower and there’s more chance for error.
There are physiological reasons for avoiding clipless pedals, too. If you have any history of knee, hip, or back issues, clipless pedals may not be a good choice. Because of the nature of the interface, you’re locked into a single pedaling position. (It’s important to note that many clipless pedal systems allow for some side to side movement, called float. That may be enough for you, but you may want to consult a good bike fitter first.)
Flat pedals offer a lot more real estate to move your foot around and change positions if you feel any kind of tweak in your joints. That freedom to move also means that you can slightly change muscle groups on long rides, potentially giving you a tiny bit of extra endurance.
Do you need clipless pedals?
If you’re looking for more power from your pedal stroke, particularly on climbs, clipless pedals will serve you well. If you’re the type of rider who wants more freedom of movement, or if you’re battling an injury that might be exacerbated by the limited position possibilities of clipless pedals, opt for flat pedals instead.
Your best bet is, of course, to try both types of pedals and see which suit your needs best. Give yourself plenty of time to get used to either type of pedal — maybe even a full season. The best part? There’s no wrong choice. If you don’t like one type of pedal, try the other.
Find out which one helps you have the most fun out on the trails. That’s the ultimate test for any piece of gear.