ASK MBA: ARE CLIPLESS PEDALS REALLY BETTER THAN FLATS?

A NEVER-ENDING DEBATE

Q: We’ve seen all sides of the argument at my local trails in Breckenridge, but I am curious about your team’s current take on the flat-versus-clipless debate. There seems to be a lot of confusion on what is the best choice.

Yusef MacArthur

Fairplay, Colorado

A: There seems to be a misconception that flat pedals are only for beginners or hard-core gravity riders. This simply isn’t true. Every rider from any style or background can benefit from occasional flat-pedal riding or vice versa. No doubt, clipless pedals can be more efficient, and, in most scenarios, they tend to be the best fit for race days. Generally speaking, flats are better for training and improving your riding skills, but they don’t seem to slow down Sam Hill or Connor Fearon. Over the last few months, a handful of our test riders have been bouncing between clipless and flats to see what they like best for their riding styles. As for current flat-pedal riders, we give you kudos, but don’t count out clipless. For those currently clipped in, we invite you to give flat pedals a run and explore the advantages they can offer.

Have a question for the MBA crew? You can send your brain busters to [email protected].