Oct. 31, 2014, 10:46 a.m. -  Cam McRae

#!markdown Thanks Ryan. I don't think I suffered much when I switched to flats because I didn't have many skills to lose! Back in those days I would practice taking a few hops on my back wheel and doing level hops - and those skills suffered initially but I wasn't good enough to use them on the trail. At the same time I'm sure that my progression as a rider was boosted by my time on flats. Before that I couldn't properly bunny hop and the way I used my body was limited because I kept my feet in line at all times. Now, even clipped in, I angle my feet and push against the mechanism in the pedals to add body english. My inputs are different and being clipped in boosts some of those skills - like bunny hops and placing the rear wheel. I agree that the best way to learn to ride is with flats. Otherwise there are skills you are unlikely to pick up. It's likely that after I get to the point where I'm comfortable again clipping in and out and riding the odd elevated challenge clipped in I'll revert to switching back and forth - using fun factor to decide the best pedals for a given ride. Thanks for chiming in!