Finally settled the pedal debate on my commuter bike

I spent the last two weeks going back and forth between flat pedals and clipless for my daily 8-mile ride to the hardware store. I've been using clipless for years on my road bike, but with all the stop-and-go traffic and the coffee shop detours, I was worried about clicking in fast enough. Last Thursday I finally just grabbed a set of RaceFace Chester flats off the shelf and gave them a shot. After about 20 miles I gotta say, I'm surprised how much I like them for zipping around town. The grip pins on these things really hold my sneakers in place, even when I'm hauling a small backpack. I still think clipless has its place on longer weekend rides, but for the daily grind the flats just make more sense. Has anyone else switched back and forth or is it just me? What pedals do you guys use for your commuter bikes?

3 comments

3 Comments

jamesc7919d ago

Man I was in the exact same boat as you. I always thought clipless was the only way to go for any kind of riding. Figured flats were just for kids or mountain bikers who didn't know any better. But then I threw a set of plain old platforms on my beater bike last summer just to see what the fuss was about. Now I hardly ever swap back for my daily trips around town. It's honestly kind of freeing not having to fumble with cleats every time I stop for coffee or run into the hardware store for parts. You're right that the pins really do grip your shoes well, I was surprised too.

lee.cora19d ago

Three years on flats myself and the biggest thing nobody mentions is how much easier it makes biking in shit weather. Wet pavement with cleats is basically a slip n fall waiting to happen, but rubber soles on pins grip great even in the rain. Plus no more walking like a penguin into the grocery store.

the_drew19d ago

Three months on flats now. Never going back for errands.