I've always used clipless pedals for mountain biking and gravel riding. I'm currently using CrankCandy's on my Gravel bike. I just got a full suspension MTB and will be riding easy to difficult trails.

I noticed a lot of mountain bikers (Salida, Co area) are using platform/flat pedals. This includes a lot of experience riders at the LBS (Subculture Cyclery).

Up to now, I was under the impression that all experienced riders rode with clipless. Now I'm considering trying platforms/flats (Precision Innovations Catalyst).

Who's using platform/flat for mountain biking and why?

who: me. sometimes. my cross bike has clipless (click-in whatever CrankBros on it)
why: well I didn't realize how much i like riding trails with flat pedals until I did it - your foot can be put down quickly without having to rotate it first. which is nice if you're on slow technical stuff - or you suck at mountain biking, like i do.
also, if you suck at MTBing like I do - it's easier to hop on and off to lift you're bike over logs and stuff - because you can't ride over them like a proper MTB'er. so that's nice.

major draw back - if you suck like i do at down hills - you could bounce off the pedals and not land on them again. that's just painful all over to think about. I kind of hold on to the seat with my thighs and don't go so fast on down hills.
I have come to full acceptance that I suck at trail riding, and just treat it as a nice slow ride in the woods - a Rivendell Philosophy to riding in the woods. Works great because the $50 CraigsList bike picture below is perfect for that kind of thing.

ciao.

mrv:

Thanks for the input. Nice looking bike you have.

I'm using Catalyst pedals on my FS KHS. I like them a lot better than my old eggbeaters. Won't ever go back and plan on putting a set on my hybrid as well.

https://pedalinginnovations.com/

Used to use clip ins many years ago. Now that i am getting back into biking i am enjoying the platforms because i was never 100% comfortable with the clipless.

I do miss the ability to pull up on the up stroke when climbing. So its a tradeoff for me. Comfort and maneuverability vs pedaling efficiency.

I ride only flats.

I wouldn't ride my road bike without clipless, and I would never use clipless on my MTB. I love my flat pedals on my mountain bike. I put my foot down all the time off road even without counting the times I fall trying dumb stuff. But then I don't have steep downhill sections where I live.

I switched to flats for mountain biking about four years ago and haven’t looked back. If the technique is there, the two main arguments for not using flats, climbing and “losing” the pedals, become a non-issue.

Agreed!

I chose to go with the Pedaling Innovation Catalyst pedals. Two rides and so far so good.

Whoa, those aren't flat pedals, those are flat platforms !!!

I'm riding platforms on all my bikes. Had clipless years ago and IMO they suck. Platforms now are way aggressive and when paired with Stealth Rubber, bite nicely. I don't get any help at the top of my crank rotation but they help for about 3/4 of the rotation.

I use era flat pedals with toe clips/straps on my ‘97 Trek 7000. Good control over rough sections.

fwiw - I like modified toe cages w/o straps. I just snap off the top & file them smooth. feels like just the right amount of foot retention, for me. easy on & easy off (the road bike as cleated pedals/shoes)

Clipless is my default for mtb.

I ride flats when it gets cold out because my clip-less shoes get really cold over the cleat. Also ride flats on occasion just for something different.

But when I want to bring my A game, its clip-less.

My son is using Cromag Radar flats on both his road and mountain bikes because they don't make clipless compatible shoes in his size. Almost.......almost.

I like flat pedals for mtb and gravel. Toe clips and straps for pavement. If I have to hike-a-bike I have the correct shoes for walking, and the same shoes for pavement riding works well for me.

I used to use clipless on my mountain bike trips, but found I'd shy away from technical terrain from fear I wouldn't clip out in time if I failed. Now I only ride with flats and my confidence level has really improved over the technical terrain. I haven't had any issues with slipping off of the pedals. I'd recommend getting pedals with the adjustable pins and a good flat pair of shoes.

Just got a set of Race Face Chesters....LOVE them.

I like the idea of clipless, but I'm not that good enough rider yet to warrant them. I don't want to develop bad habits (ie clip-hopping) and I figure I'll know when I need to consider them. Right now, I just need to learn technique and just ride, ride, ride! I like a nice cushy pedal - coming from comfort and hybrid bikes.

I ride mainly with clipless and find that for technical trails in Pacific NW they help keep your feet securely on the pedals on those slippery trails with cross logs and especially going up steep hills.
However, I did switch to flats for a while when riding high skinny stunts and dropping big air jumps and at the bike park at Whis. Just wanted the flexibility of being able to release and throw a leg out when needed. Now I'm not riding the stunts anymore.... just the fast flow trails.... and I'm back to clipless.

I just put a cheap pair of Rockbros flats on my new Marin, and I wish I would've gone this way a while ago.

If any platform pedalers are interested PM me. I have a pair of 5-10 Freerider High size 10.5 for sale. $60

https://www.amazon.com/Five-Ten-Free.../dp/B00U9LCNN2

I prefer flats for off-road riding.

soon it will be time for winter boots. 29 degrees is the lower limit I think for these light hikers, even w/ chemical warming packs inside