Clipless vs Flat Pedals — My Experience, Mistakes, and Which You Should Choose

🚵‍♂️ Clipless vs Flats — The Pedal Crisis Every Mountain Biker Faces

Every mountain biker eventually asks the same question: flats or clipless?
It seems simple, but when you’ve ridden both long enough, it can turn into a full-on identity crisis. I’ve been there — switching back and forth so many times that I literally stripped the crank threads on a few bikes from changing pedals so often.

⚙️ What’s the Difference?

Flat pedals are a wide platform with pins that grip your shoe. You can move your feet freely, bail instantly, and they’re perfect for learning technique.

Clipless pedals (ironically named) lock your shoe into the pedal with a small cleat. They give better power transfer and keep your feet planted on rough terrain, but take time to get used to unclipping smoothly.

🧠 My Pedal Crisis Growing Up

When I first got into riding, my bike came with a hybrid clipless setup — half flat, half clip-in. I rode like that for about a year before realizing what real flats were. Once I switched, I felt free — until I started racing and felt like I needed to be “fast,” so I went back to clipless.

Then I learned to bunnyhop and even jump while clipped in — which worked, but it gave me terrible habits. When I finally switched back to flats and tried to relearn proper technique, it felt like starting over.

I used to have legit internal debates before every race:

“Do I want to feel fast today, or do I want to throw tricks?”

Sometimes I’d even unclip mid-run just to throw a heelclicker or no-footer off a jump — which is probably not recommended, but it worked for me. 😅

Looking back, I realize I was just chasing two different feelings — speed and freedom — and both pedals scratch a different itch. Maybe it was ADHD, maybe just passion, but I could never pick a side for long.

🟩 Flats — Freedom & Confidence

• Instantly bail if something goes wrong.

• Great for learning real technique — manuals, wheelies, jumps.

• You move your feet naturally in corners and tricks.

• Perfect for freeride, downhill, and general skill progression.

💬 My take:

If you’re learning wheelies, manuals, or jumps, use flats. Or at least unclip when practicing. It’s not worth looping out with your feet stuck.

🟦 Clipless — Control & Efficiency

• Better power transfer for climbing and XC rides.

• Keeps your feet locked in through chattery terrain.

• Helps maintain pedaling rhythm on long days.

• Takes practice to unclip instinctively — but once you do, it’s second nature.

💬 My take:

I loved how clips felt during races — the speed, the security — but I always missed being able to throw a foot out in corners. For pure control and comfort, flats win for me now.

🏔️ Which Should You Choose?

It really depends on your riding style:

• Beginners / freeride / skill riders: Start with flats — they’ll teach balance and technique the right way.

• Racers / XC / endurance: Clipless makes sense once you’re confident unclipping fast.

• All-rounders like me: You’ll probably switch a few times — and that’s okay.

There’s no one “right” pedal. Just what fits your mood, your trails, and the way you ride.

🔗 Recommended Pedals to Match Your Riding Style

Whether you’re just starting out or racing full-send, the right pedals make a huge difference in control, comfort, and confidence.
Here are a few I recommend across price points:

🟩 Budget Flat — RockBros MTB Pedals ($19.99)

Great affordable flats with strong grip pins and a wide platform.
Perfect for learning jumps, wheelies, or freeride tricks without breaking the bank.
👉 Check them out on Amazon

🟦 Mid Flat — Race Face Chester Pedals ($39.00)

A legendary option that’s tough, grippy, and proven on the trail.
If you want a reliable flat pedal that’ll last for seasons, this one’s hard to beat.
👉 View on Amazon

🟧 Budget Clipless Combo — Bucklos SPD PD-M680 ($38.99)

Clipless on one side, flats on the other — ideal if you want the best of both worlds.
Perfect for riders transitioning between clipless and flats.
👉 See on Amazon

🟪 Mid Clipless — Shimano SPD PD-EH500 ($75.53)

A versatile dual-sided pedal with legendary Shimano reliability.
Smooth clipping, great traction on the flat side, and built to last.
👉 Find on Amazon

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🧩 Final Thoughts

If you want to get faster, smoother, and more confident on any pedal setup, focus on balance and control first.

Check out my Wheelie, Manual & Stoppie Balance Point Ebook — it breaks down the exact drills that’ll make you a smoother, more balanced rider on both flats and clips. [Learn More →]