After several years of riding SPDs I decided to buy a pair of platform pedals and shoes. At first this was a hard transition. I was not always able to get my feet where I wanted them on the pedals and on drops I was having a hard time keeping my feet on the pedals. I thought I’d made a mistake until I found Ryan Leech’s website.
I took the Flat Pedal Challenge, a free 12 lesson course, and learned how to master flat pedals. The drills in the course help you become familiar with flats and give you the foundation for becoming a stronger mountain bike rider.
Now I am very confident in my flat pedal skills. I can speed through chunky terrain and drops without losing a pedal. I’ve gained more confidence on the trails and am a faster rider.
Now SPDs still have a lot of benefits for those looking for pedaling efficiency. If you are spending a long day on the bike, SPDs will keep your legs feeling fresh longer than flats. These benefits are just not to enough for the casual mountain biker.
Flat pedals put you in control of your feet. This means you have the ability to adjust your position on the bike to keep yourself in balance and in control of your bike. You also have a lot easier time putting a foot down to avoid a crash or bailing from the bike in a crash. Having the ability to put a foot down in a turn or to kick a foot out on a skinny is not an exclusive skill of the flat pedal rider but being able to clip back in is not a guarantee for the SPD rider. This is why I believe that newer riders should always start with flats.
Ryan Leech Flat Pedal Challenge
Shimano XT SPD Pedals
Race Face Chesters
Deity Bladerunner
Shimano Dual PD-M324
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