Discussion: Flat Pedals

What did you think? We had a season where we all used them, reasoning that we'd save time in TAs and by not having to carry bike shoes, but ultimately decided we preferred being clipped in.

Waaaay back in 2003, David Frei, Yvonne Deyo and I tried the opposite. We just ran a leg in our bike shoes (the transition was on-course and we didn't want to carry shoes in our pack). We got through it, but all agreed we wouldn't do it again.

i liked the flats a lot. after racing multiple events in 2018 w Tim/Anna and them proving to me that flat pedals weren't a speed hindrance, i've warmed up to the idea. this race they were was great, kept my pack super light and TAs really fast. especially bc we had to plot every TA so just one less thing to focus on.

I’m intrigued to hear you say that, Emily. I hate bike shoes in AR and have been using PowerStraps to help increase efficiency. Was just wondering to myself the other day if I’m missing something big with bike shoes but maybe not!

This race in particular would have worked very well. Something like Wilderness Traverse I would like my clips.

one downside, my trekking shoes were pinching the top of my foot (R side only) and i really wanted to change into bike shoes w a different pressure pattern. but not an option that day.

i def think for longer races, a clipless setup is the way to go. however, then you always face the prospect of a long bikewhack in bike shoes. so there are downsides to each scenario.

bottom line, good for AR and for life...you be you :) :)