What's faster - flats or clipless?

We want to hear what you have to say about wearing flats over clipless. Let us know by voting in the poll and telling us what you think in the comments section.

Flats
Clipless
It's down to the rider

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13 Comments

+ 18

buildstuf (Jul 5, 2015 at 11:05)

Its down to the rider really. But I heard a phrase and it said 'if you want to get fast, ride clipless. If you want to get good, ride flats'.

riggadon (Jul 5, 2015 at 10:27)

For racing, clips seem like they would be fastest. That being said, flats are more fun

neorider (Jul 6, 2015 at 9:57)

I never understood the term "clipless", but it would seem they are faster. However I prefer flats cause I have more control and like the freedom to put my foot down right quick.

dadspeedmtb (Jul 6, 2015 at 12:45)

Clip-less refers to the lack of toe clips (and straps) for retention.

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dirtrider76 (Jul 5, 2015 at 19:03)

I rode flats for ever and recently switched to clips. I've been on them for just under a month and I've been faster everywhere. I was really shocked to see my times on decents drop a good bit, I expected it on hills but felt slower on the DH.

ronanwhitts (Jul 5, 2015 at 12:00)

I will always love my mallets and I use them for most things...but come on who doesn't like gettin loose and roost with flats every once and a while

dezmtber (Jul 14, 2015 at 23:20)

Are there any ex trial riders riding xc/am on clips.
I used to ride trials on flats of course,and now cant use clips for anything other than road riding.
I know I could ride a basic trail centre on clips but most of my rides are on really steep rough terrain and clips feel wrong on this

WrathofKhan (Aug 16, 2015 at 20:22)

Rode clipless for a few years. Now I only ride flats. I ride very rough northest trails. I like being able to position my midfoot on pedal for rough descents. It puts me more "in" than "on" the bike. I feel faster because I'm more confident and can ride more aggressively. Kneepads are good for confidence as well.

JoshCoupal (Jul 5, 2015 at 16:37)

I feel it's easier to control my bike with clips

Tacotuesday (Jul 6, 2015 at 19:02)

I think flats are the most common but clips help a lot when it comes to speed

Yudistira (Jul 5, 2015 at 10:06)

i like a flat pedal, but now i feel fly with clipless hahaha

Earthmotherfu (Jul 7, 2015 at 4:58)

I use flats and tend to use old rubber innertubes to tie my feet on.

fr-dude (Jul 5, 2015 at 23:49)

Clips cause you can ride looser