I go between (also hardtail) but just having to actively weight down on flat pedals will make you ride clipless better and ride with more stability and control as many clipless riders ride them to forget their feet and do nothing active with their feet besides spin.
I rode clips for years until I rode in a 12 hour race. On the first lap I stacked it and broke a shifter and brake lever. I borrowed a demo bike as a "test" ride and rode flats. My times were quicker around the course. I've been on flats ever since and enjoy the ride far more - especially on technical uphill climbs where it was not uncommon to crash because I couldn't get my foot out of a clip. With flats, I'm focused on navigating the terrain rather than worrying about getting my foot out. Now I have an e-bike, there is even less reasons to have clips.
My volume watching this video keeps going up and down.. Whoever edit this video please be aware that when he's speaking, it's too soft.. And when playing the music it's too loud..
It's been a while since I've slipped my pedals. Large flat pedals just work so damn well. Sometimes I think about trying clipless but why change what's already working so well. Definitely a few past scars though haha.
I have matching scars on my ankles from pushing down on xtr pedals trying to force them to clip in, slipping off and catching the pedal edge on my ankle.
Foot blew off the front of the pedal and sent all the studs into the back of my calf and dragged down 2 inches yesterday on an awkward roots landing. Bled for 10 minutes everywhere. Im giving clips a try finally. The scars you showed on the back of the calf-- I'm pretty sure after that happened you switched to clip pedals for the rest of that shoot.
Same happened to me in February, switched to spd's and use the multi release cleats... Not too much time to get used to it and still very easy to get out in a hurry. You won't regret
3:51 wonder who carved that in there aha. Also can we just appreciate the single speed, no dropper and the front brake run through the top cap Blake's Bike looks so clean.
The best reasons for flats are that they facilitate a more mid-foot position, centering your body over the bike, and they allow for rotating your feet better, letting you open your inside knee into turns, and shifting your hips, making turns WAY faster.
I used to hate my flat pedals while I was learning, I had scars and scratches from the pins for all the mistakes I made. They were punishing at the start but as I progressed and constantly made adjustments and considerations for them I not only got better at not flaying the skin of my legs, but also got better at keeping my feet planted in the pedals even on the rough stuff.
I like this vid. Yes..Im like Steve from embn, if youre not putting your foot down every two minutes to stop yourself falling over, youre not trying hard enough.
Gleaming vid Blake, I just can't get on with flats ridden clipped for 30 odd years. I tried recently to convert to flats just smashed my shins to much. But I do ride trials n enduro but still so pooh at decent size jumps 🤭
Went to flats last year. Took a while to feel really comfortable on them. Getting better at learning where I can unweight the bike, especially on the really rough stuff. The shin bashing yes, scars no, how? I use shin pads. Cheap Soccer shin pads. They have saved my shins a ton. I don't really slip pedals anymore other than in winter fat biking. Get some shins pads they will save you.
Thanks! Riding with flat pedals is awesome, but if you're used to clipless pedals, you'll need some training to adjust. Right away, you'll notice the difference and might feel unfamiliar with flats. However, once you practice, you'll experience a newfound freedom.
Love flats. Practical and many are gorgeous bling. Also they teach you correct technique in jumps, bunny hops etc... Lastly after a ride I can walk into a microbrewery without clacking along like a cartoon character.
Love me some flats. Rode clipless on my road bike, but never really liked it on my mountain bike. I broke my ankle a couple times many years ago and they are not comfortable with my feet 100% locked in and trying to move around on the bike. Also, I would have been on my face twice this last weekend if I was clipped in. Since I was on flats I was able to get my foot off in time to save the front end slides on wet roots and keep on motoring.
You can definitely be really fast on flats, but it takes a lot more energy to always keep your feet in the right position. Clips don't make your legs feel tired as fast.
@@RealMTBAddict 1. it's more efficient when pedaling since you can apply power throughout the entire stroke (yes I know this is possible with flats, but a lot more difficult and tiring). 2. it allow a more centered body position on steep descents, allowing to get over the front wheel more thus having more control. 3. It makes popping and flowing through rough stuff much easier. You can stay lighter on the bike without having to worry that your feet will fly off.
I usually use clipless pedals. The first time I used flat pedals in something 25 years they scare the s*** out of me. I felt like I had NO control over the bike. I did use trainers. When I bought a pair of FiveTen Freerider shoes. They helped as I have started to feel more confident using flat pedals. I still use my clipless pedals about 98.7% of the time. I'm still not confident trying to lift the rear wheel on flats.
I switched to flat pedals this season after 7 years of SPD pedals, and I can tell you, I dont see any particular advantage besides little easier going on and of the bike/pedal. Climbing, descending, jumping for me is easier with SPD. I just have more control on the bike with clips. I bought flats to learn wheely, but I believe soon I will put back SPDs.
Hey Blake, when I first started riding flat pedals were awful. When I got clipped in it was like magic. Fast forward 25 years I decided to try flats again. I’m riding Crank Brothers Stamps with 5Ten impact shoes. Really, they’re great but can you give us some tips on finding the sweet spot. The pedals and the shoes are so good now that once they grab it’s hard to adjust your foot. Please address this for those of us that are shifting from clips to flats
I used clipless pedals for about ten years. I have multiple broken bones too from crashing down trails and landing on rocks because I couldn't eject fast enough. Now I stand all day at work and use flat pedals without the giant spikes. My feet feel much better w/o the clipless pedals standing all day.
I think I would do better on some things clipped in, but I love being able to bail quick and easy when things go wrong. For this reason I run flats on my MTB and clipless on my road bike.
I use double sided Shimano XT pedals with a flat on one side and spd clip on the other. In trickier stuff I normally ride with one foot clipped in. I find that I have a hard time keeping my feet on the pedals when just using flats. Granted this is on my rigid fatbike, I'm sure if I ever get another full sus mtb that'd help
@@charlie9ine yep. I have the specialized shoes for flats and some race face chesters. Grip at 9000. Can’t really wiggle or slide your foot into place.
@@jbw5485 I love the freedom but when I come off I’m back on and sometimes it just feels weird and instead of focusing on riding I’m paying attention to mr foot. Seems like it’s always the right foot.
3 pedal strokes in the whole vid, I’ll take that any day with flats. Coming from bmx racing on flats, now riding AM7’s with DX pedals, no way I’m gonna blow my legs up again on flats in the weekly trail rides. Would switch them up to flats on the local pumptrack though. #canyondude #fattiesarefun 😍
I want magnetic pedals that have loads of float, break way easily, But still give you that connected feel. Mind you I might try it and hate it but I'd like to try it and see.
Right, so one reason for everyone to use flat pedals (accessibility) and another reason for no one but Blake (doing massive no-foot jumps)! Seriously though: I actually have the exact same pedals and can confirm bleeding chins and calves are awful. Has anyone used chin guards explicitly for this reason?
I'm conflicted. I prefer flats too but I cut my shins open on those spikes twice now in really mundane situations like jumping a kerb and running for the train while pushing my bike. Had to get stitches both times so I'm thinking about getting really boring plastic and rubber granny pedals now.
Can you do a tutorial on how to ride flats? I have been riding clipless since the early 90’s and when I go onto flats I separate from the bike when I jump
Head over to @joyofbike. I've recently made the switch to flats myself and I learnt a lot on that channel in regards to jumping technique. I still struggle with bunny hops, but I can get air on small jumps just fine. Correct footwear makes a huge difference, btw.
You forgot about the biggest reason why flat pedals are the best and that is bailing. I crash all the time it is a daily activity weather i do a skinny or i try to catch a corner with a ton of speed and if I was running clips during thise crashes they would have gone horribly wrong but with flat pedals I usually walk away with only couple of scratches or bruises
I gave up on my shins early on. At 14, slipped a pedal *(being an idiot bunny hopping in wave sandals) ER said, uhhh, that's going to be over 100 stitches, it's late, we are going to tape it. Here is some extra tape. Scars for life. Then I started riding trials, no pads needed. :p
I love flats, but that damm "pedal slap" is so bad. About a week ago I was trying a 2-foot can and didn't land back on my pedals, and now I have 10 staples in my shin, but I'm still sticking with flats.
Blake is one of the best presenters on UA-cam his enthusiasm, passion and skills coupled with great editing make these videos a joy to watch.
AND... he thinks we're ALL beautiful!!!
Whoever did the audio levels on the video needs to do some training.
Lmao that music is like being at a rave.
Phew, Im glad it's not me, thought I needed new pc speakers :- /
Yeah the track coming in at 2.30ish was blown out to hell - not sure what happened there
bad audio..avoid that audio clipping watch your gains ..sounds like in a bad disco ..sorry
Glad someone said it. I am 50% more deaf after this video.
2:23 the music in my head while riding down the trail
I ride flats on my hardtail. Love it. My feets keeps planted, even on rough sections.
I go between (also hardtail) but just having to actively weight down on flat pedals will make you ride clipless better and ride with more stability and control as many clipless riders ride them to forget their feet and do nothing active with their feet besides spin.
"rough"
I'm just learning flats on my hardtail, and you're giving me hope to carry on because I had doubts after trying some jumps😂
@@jacquesduplessis6175 I never tried clips. So it's a no brainer for me 🙈
@@psychonaut038 haha, that makes total sense😂 well, I've been riding clipped in for like 25 years, imaging the shock!
2:24 *HEADPHONE WARNING!!!*
I rode clips for years until I rode in a 12 hour race. On the first lap I stacked it and broke a shifter and brake lever. I borrowed a demo bike as a "test" ride and rode flats. My times were quicker around the course. I've been on flats ever since and enjoy the ride far more - especially on technical uphill climbs where it was not uncommon to crash because I couldn't get my foot out of a clip. With flats, I'm focused on navigating the terrain rather than worrying about getting my foot out.
Now I have an e-bike, there is even less reasons to have clips.
My volume watching this video keeps going up and down.. Whoever edit this video please be aware that when he's speaking, it's too soft.. And when playing the music it's too loud..
Yep, the volume is way off. Not the first time though
It was definitely a fun video to watch on headphones. I had to keep my finger hovering over the volume keys the whole video.
@@gpearce11 Yeah I was watching on my laptop. Same situation
It's been a while since I've slipped my pedals. Large flat pedals just work so damn well. Sometimes I think about trying clipless but why change what's already working so well. Definitely a few past scars though haha.
They say ‘no pain, no gain’, so apart from gaining scars, you are probably gaining :)
I have matching scars on my ankles from pushing down on xtr pedals trying to force them to clip in, slipping off and catching the pedal edge on my ankle.
Spot on!
And as a bonus: It is so easy to get on them in tough technical terrain.
I love that we can just jump on them pedals no worries get it Blake
The BASS
Foot blew off the front of the pedal and sent all the studs into the back of my calf and dragged down 2 inches yesterday on an awkward roots landing. Bled for 10 minutes everywhere. Im giving clips a try finally.
The scars you showed on the back of the calf-- I'm pretty sure after that happened you switched to clip pedals for the rest of that shoot.
Yeah..I just use standard grip pedals..4mm high..not sharp.
You won't regret it takes a while
Same happened to me in February, switched to spd's and use the multi release cleats... Not too much time to get used to it and still very easy to get out in a hurry. You won't regret
Yeah but chicks dig scars
@@oldsamsauce good one😄. sad but true
3:51 wonder who carved that in there aha. Also can we just appreciate the single speed, no dropper and the front brake run through the top cap Blake's Bike looks so clean.
Seeing Blake shredding is like having a dessert after the main course that is Crankworks. Always good and can't complain for more.
I was already sold ! Thanks for the entertainment all the same Blake. You Ledge! 🙂🤘
The best reasons for flats are that they facilitate a more mid-foot position, centering your body over the bike, and they allow for rotating your feet better, letting you open your inside knee into turns, and shifting your hips, making turns WAY faster.
Yep...being able to shimmy you're feet around is neccessary. Maybe they'll invent clips that swivel 😶
@@larsvonrinpoche1229 swivelling clips would be unclippable!
Love flat pedals. Grew up riding BMX and tons of dirt jumps so I can relate. It's the same with my mountain bikes.
Someone messed around too much with the audio levels with this one.
I like that Blake went a lowered that middle Stamp pedal pin. Need that cup feel.
🥰 showing customizability - color, shape, size, grip... material, weight, feel..look.. would make this video perfect....🤔 Blake is a MAN.
I used to hate my flat pedals while I was learning, I had scars and scratches from the pins for all the mistakes I made. They were punishing at the start but as I progressed and constantly made adjustments and considerations for them I not only got better at not flaying the skin of my legs, but also got better at keeping my feet planted in the pedals even on the rough stuff.
For the love of God, watch audio levels when you're editing :D My ears thank you!
Me, a hardtail rider: flat pedal gang, yeah!
Blake: ...unless I ride a hardtail.
Me: =(
There's dozens of us!
@@HappyDuude dozens!
Totally agree, Blake, and my two words of love for flats are bail out.
I like this vid.
Yes..Im like Steve from embn, if youre not putting your foot down every two minutes to stop yourself falling over, youre not trying hard enough.
I tried "toe clips" 40+ years ago. Hated them immediately and never clipped in ever since!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Gleaming vid Blake, I just can't get on with flats ridden clipped for 30 odd years. I tried recently to convert to flats just smashed my shins to much. But I do ride trials n enduro but still so pooh at decent size jumps 🤭
Excellent Vid 😎 I Tried Clipless on the Weekend .... Went home and Put my OneUp Flats On 😁 Life IS Good Now lol
I even have flats on my XC bike. To quote Blake " I love it!"
Went to flats last year. Took a while to feel really comfortable on them. Getting better at learning where I can unweight the bike, especially on the really rough stuff. The shin bashing yes, scars no, how? I use shin pads. Cheap Soccer shin pads. They have saved my shins a ton. I don't really slip pedals anymore other than in winter fat biking. Get some shins pads they will save you.
Flat? Those are spike pedals!
'Humongous pins' as Zenmaster Blake prefers.
Koan for this episode: Clip in or Pin in
Pin in shin? XD
Thanks! Riding with flat pedals is awesome, but if you're used to clipless pedals, you'll need some training to adjust. Right away, you'll notice the difference and might feel unfamiliar with flats. However, once you practice, you'll experience a newfound freedom.
Love flats. Practical and many are gorgeous bling. Also they teach you correct technique in jumps, bunny hops etc... Lastly after a ride I can walk into a microbrewery without clacking along like a cartoon character.
I bought a pair, love them. Yes they are very simple. Just the way I like it
That nukeproof 🔥🔥🔥
Love flat pedals for the ease of use and serving, clipped in if on the road but feel safer with flats on the proper stuff.
Whoever mixed this audio must love that song.
Love me some flats. Rode clipless on my road bike, but never really liked it on my mountain bike. I broke my ankle a couple times many years ago and they are not comfortable with my feet 100% locked in and trying to move around on the bike. Also, I would have been on my face twice this last weekend if I was clipped in. Since I was on flats I was able to get my foot off in time to save the front end slides on wet roots and keep on motoring.
Honestly 5/10's plus Wellgo MG-1's with Ti spindles, is a match made in heaven.
Imo flats are the best for fun riding, though clipless is definitely faster. Love the channel guys keep it up!
i agree only look at sam hill he was really fast on flats
You can definitely be really fast on flats, but it takes a lot more energy to always keep your feet in the right position. Clips don't make your legs feel tired as fast.
@@nichtDarkDiamond yea ik
@@RealMTBAddict
1. it's more efficient when pedaling since you can apply power throughout the entire stroke (yes I know this is possible with flats, but a lot more difficult and tiring).
2. it allow a more centered body position on steep descents, allowing to get over the front wheel more thus having more control.
3. It makes popping and flowing through rough stuff much easier. You can stay lighter on the bike without having to worry that your feet will fly off.
@@RealMTBAddict yup it's not faster that's why the entire world cup DH field uses them (aside from a very select few riders).
Man, wish I could ride this well. Your so good.
How manay times can I say you are the funniest/best presenter
I usually use clipless pedals. The first time I used flat pedals in something 25 years they scare the s*** out of me. I felt like I had NO control over the bike. I did use trainers. When I bought a pair of FiveTen Freerider shoes. They helped as I have started to feel more confident using flat pedals. I still use my clipless pedals about 98.7% of the time. I'm still not confident trying to lift the rear wheel on flats.
I switched to flat pedals this season after 7 years of SPD pedals, and I can tell you, I dont see any particular advantage besides little easier going on and of the bike/pedal. Climbing, descending, jumping for me is easier with SPD. I just have more control on the bike with clips.
I bought flats to learn wheely, but I believe soon I will put back SPDs.
Hey Blake, when I first started riding flat pedals were awful. When I got clipped in it was like magic. Fast forward 25 years I decided to try flats again. I’m riding Crank Brothers Stamps with 5Ten impact shoes. Really, they’re great but can you give us some tips on finding the sweet spot. The pedals and the shoes are so good now that once they grab it’s hard to adjust your foot. Please address this for those of us that are shifting from clips to flats
Great filming and simple useful tips. Keep on rolling👌👀
I used clipless pedals for about ten years. I have multiple broken bones too from crashing down trails and landing on rocks because I couldn't eject fast enough.
Now I stand all day at work and use flat pedals without the giant spikes. My feet feel much better w/o the clipless pedals standing all day.
3:51 something is being sent, a massive trick!
I can’t do any of those tricks but I still love flat pedals
I had headphones in and 2:24 just blew my eardrums away 💀
I think I would do better on some things clipped in, but I love being able to bail quick and easy when things go wrong. For this reason I run flats on my MTB and clipless on my road bike.
And flat pedals love you too, Blake!
I use double sided Shimano XT pedals with a flat on one side and spd clip on the other. In trickier stuff I normally ride with one foot clipped in. I find that I have a hard time keeping my feet on the pedals when just using flats. Granted this is on my rigid fatbike, I'm sure if I ever get another full sus mtb that'd help
Love my Stamp 7s
Love your pink helmet 😉
Next gmbn tech show "How Blake was made" :p
what a really good video guys you should do next why this person likes clips.
This Video is just an excuse to see some shredding from Blake, but I Love it!!!
Check out Blakey, throwing in a casual Evel Knievel quote! : 'Bones heal, pain is temporary, and....'
The music at 2:45 is so distorted and loud. Did someone not give this a once-over at the end of Editing?
Bmx trick. Get some skateboard griptape leftovers and customize your pedals. Works hella good
9:01! sign on side of dirt feature is awesome (-:
that bike looks sooo nice to ride
You got some Steezy air on that last berm
I’ve been riding flats for the last two seasons after riding clips for 20 years. The only thing I don’t like is finding that sweet spot when I engage
That’s a definite issue. I notice this also. Still love flats. But I do feel like I’m adjusting fairly often.
@@jbw5485 between the 5Ten Impact and the Crankbrothers Stamps adjustment isn’t so easy!
@@charlie9ine yep. I have the specialized shoes for flats and some race face chesters. Grip at 9000. Can’t really wiggle or slide your foot into place.
@@jbw5485 I love the freedom but when I come off I’m back on and sometimes it just feels weird and instead of focusing on riding I’m paying attention to mr foot. Seems like it’s always the right foot.
@@charlie9ine yep. Same here
This is why I dont need cleats. I have so far to go on flats before changing will help.
is it just me or is blake not running a dropper in this video?
No dropper. No gears. Freeride duuuuude
I like flat pedals, but I love your pink helmet Blake 👍😉
3 pedal strokes in the whole vid, I’ll take that any day with flats.
Coming from bmx racing on flats, now riding AM7’s with DX pedals, no way I’m gonna blow my legs up again on flats in the weekly trail rides.
Would switch them up to flats on the local pumptrack though.
#canyondude #fattiesarefun 😍
For me it is a security reason when I ride alone. My feet are always ready for whatever happens on the trail.
Could you do a video about budget all arounders? Please
I want magnetic pedals that have loads of float, break way easily, But still give you that connected feel. Mind you I might try it and hate it but I'd like to try it and see.
Surely you'd constantly pull off on the upstroke while pedalling hard climbs.
I've actually heard of a few people who really liked them.
How about super strong electromagnets with a handlebar mounted on off switch
4:12 look at those pins! I am shure that pedal has a lot of grip!
Love listening to Blake, hate that music though. Crank it down 30 notches. It's bouncing off the top of the equalizer.
Flat pedals rules!
Flats for down hill trails. And you love Pink Helmets too.
Flat is where it's at !
Right, so one reason for everyone to use flat pedals (accessibility) and another reason for no one but Blake (doing massive no-foot jumps)! Seriously though: I actually have the exact same pedals and can confirm bleeding chins and calves are awful. Has anyone used chin guards explicitly for this reason?
2:28 just vibin
I race cross country so clip less of the way to go for me but flats are perfect for Blake
Switched to clip-less after 15 years of riding flats. 😜
I'm conflicted. I prefer flats too but I cut my shins open on those spikes twice now in really mundane situations like jumping a kerb and running for the train while pushing my bike. Had to get stitches both times so I'm thinking about getting really boring plastic and rubber granny pedals now.
Get knee/shin pads instead?
@@uldi1s Don't fancy looking like a total over-cautious bellend on my way to work, the knee and elbow pads are nerdy enough as it is ;P
Can you do a tutorial on how to ride flats? I have been riding clipless since the early 90’s and when I go onto flats I separate from the bike when I jump
Head over to @joyofbike. I've recently made the switch to flats myself and I learnt a lot on that channel in regards to jumping technique. I still struggle with bunny hops, but I can get air on small jumps just fine. Correct footwear makes a huge difference, btw.
Damm I just bought mallet DHs after a couple of years on flats
You forgot about the biggest reason why flat pedals are the best and that is bailing. I crash all the time it is a daily activity weather i do a skinny or i try to catch a corner with a ton of speed and if I was running clips during thise crashes they would have gone horribly wrong but with flat pedals I usually walk away with only couple of scratches or bruises
Flats roolzzz! 🤘🏻😎
Love Blake ☑️
Hate the sound levels on this vid ❌
These look like the stamp 7 small. How big shoes do you have Blake?
Hello guys, please make speech and music level the same. Music is loud and speech is very quiet. Please, always make sure is it is levelled.
Flat pedals on dual suspension, clip less on hard tail but overall I prefer flat pedals. Not sure my wife appreciates the scars on my shins though…
I gave up on my shins early on. At 14, slipped a pedal *(being an idiot bunny hopping in wave sandals) ER said, uhhh, that's going to be over 100 stitches, it's late, we are going to tape it. Here is some extra tape. Scars for life. Then I started riding trials, no pads needed. :p
I took one to the calf a few days ago and it was stuck to my leg .
Volume levels are way off on this video. Especially the music segments.
Yeah!, Flats all the Way!!
What Crankbros pedal are you using? niceee!
Those are the Stamp 7s. They're the only Stamp metal Pedals available in all the interesting colours.
flats all the way - tried clippless - so many crashes,, - im withe you blake - flat all the way
I was totally fine with flat pedals before said things about getting scars
I love flats, but that damm "pedal slap" is so bad. About a week ago I was trying a 2-foot can and didn't land back on my pedals, and now I have 10 staples in my shin, but I'm still sticking with flats.
Shin pads. I use soccer shin pads. They work great and I hardly feel them.
For flat pedals, composite or alloy? Which do you prefer?
Blake is so passionate, he could convince me to ride with no pedals at all. kidding aside, flats all the way baby.