Originally Posted by
Kimmo
I can't bunny hop worth a damn without foot retention. But I can trackstand, so there's pretty much no downside to it for me.
But the main reason I hugely prefer clips and straps or clipless to flats, is that I feel handicapped if I'm the only thing keeping my feet on the pedals - for one, I can't bunny hop, which blows chunks, but also, when I ride a bike with flats, I notice how much I depend on the foot retention for looking around. Trying to see past an oncoming obstacle, I'll be hanging off the front of the pedals, and looking over my shoulder, or holding the bike upright while turning in the wet, the straps or cleats keep my feet from coming off the side of the pedals.
Surprised to see so many folks saying it only counts when riding hard. I'd hardly ever ride with my straps tight, since I also find pedaling in circles just means unweighting the back leg, but having something to lean on to the side or front is pretty damn important to my general bike handling.
If you try a set of modern mtb flat pedals and shoes, you won’t be slipping off in any of those situations.
Good flat pedals and shoes are NOT simply the setup you have now without the clips/straps. The pedal platform on many are much wider and longer, and between the traction pins (real ones, not little dull knubs) and good shoes, you stick to them like velcro.
I get that some folks just feel more secure with retention. Hey, it is all personal preference. I just think people should be aware that not all flats are created equal, and some are damn near impossible to slip off of.