Everybody started out their cycling adventure learning how to ride a mountain bike with flat pedals at first. Some continue with the traditional clipless, while others go with flat pedals. But most cyclists, and especially those on the road most of the time, eventually switch to using flat pedals exclusively. Why? This article will provide some insight into why this is so, and why it makes sense for the new rider.
Flat pedals, unlike standard mountain bikes are more comfortable. When you are riding on the open highway or in a parking lot, there is a constant, very loud, wind blowing. The air around you is rushing past, which makes your body feel like it's being sucked around by a powerful vacuum. On a normal mountain bike, the only thing that is pulling on your body is the tire. Because your body is already pulled forward, it is hard to feel much pressure. This is why you see so many new riders in the store trying to pedal down hills, even though they have a standard mountain bike. Consider mountain bike flat pedals options now.
Pedal comfort also contributes to better performance on the bike. The longer you pedal down a hill, the harder you can pedal up. With clipless pedals, the lower you can pedal, the better control you have over the bike.
Another reason that it makes sense for riders to switch from standard clipless to flat pedals is because of safety. Flat pedals are easier to keep rolling in case your foot slips. If you have clipless pedals, it can be a lot more difficult to keep the pedal moving. If you slip the foot out of the pedal, it's extremely difficult to stop it. With standard clipless bikes, this can often be fatal. If your foot slips out of the pedal, you are immediately able to keep the foot out until you get it caught up. With the clipless pedal, your foot has to move out of the pedal in order to stop the pedal.
Another great benefit to using flat pedals is the ability to use them almost anywhere. on a bike. You can still pedal the same distance on a regular mountain bike that you would pedal on a hybrid or commuter bike, but the pedals are much more versatile. and are much more usable in areas that don't require pedaling. Consider 31.6 dropper posts for your bike today.
If you want to take the time to think about whether or not you should switch from standard clipless to flat pedal, then you are making a good decision. There is little debate. and almost no one likes to do it. However, many people are happy to give it a try because they like the convenience, and the added convenience that they can feel when riding a bicycle. There is certainly no better way to feel the wind in your hair than to ride your bike. Also, learn more about bike lights here: https://www.reference.com/article/bike-lights-work-20d7a16938fe5bdc?ad=dirN&qo=serpIndex&o=740005