I was a clipless rider since day 1, when those first SPDs came out in the 90s. But like many of us I switched to flats in the late 90s and through the freeride era. Mostly because SPDs were fully XC-oriented with little platforms and super stiff shoes that forced you to pedal on the balls of your feet. For a solid decade I rode flats happily. But also janky trails, ladder bridges and dorps to falt.
Until the next generation of shoes came out (Shimano AM45!) that allowed you to run your cleats further back, more similar to the type of placement previously only possible on flats. Now suddenly you could get it all: a good technical position while clipped in, big pedals that you could reasonably ride not clipped in and comfortable shoes that had good traction and comfort for walking compared to disco boots and much better climbing because you can use the pull stroke not just the push.
Either way. Do both.
Jan. 11, 2018, 8:48 a.m. - Cr4w
I was a clipless rider since day 1, when those first SPDs came out in the 90s. But like many of us I switched to flats in the late 90s and through the freeride era. Mostly because SPDs were fully XC-oriented with little platforms and super stiff shoes that forced you to pedal on the balls of your feet. For a solid decade I rode flats happily. But also janky trails, ladder bridges and dorps to falt. Until the next generation of shoes came out (Shimano AM45!) that allowed you to run your cleats further back, more similar to the type of placement previously only possible on flats. Now suddenly you could get it all: a good technical position while clipped in, big pedals that you could reasonably ride not clipped in and comfortable shoes that had good traction and comfort for walking compared to disco boots and much better climbing because you can use the pull stroke not just the push. Either way. Do both.