Discussion: clipless vs flats
in: Work4justice; Work4justice > 2020-10-10
Oct 19, 2020 1:28 PM
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Preface: I will say things that sound like I know the right answer, but I assure you I don't and it's interesting to think about.
I think you mentioned you thought it was a 10-15% hit. Naturally curious, I have tried to figure out what the internet says about, it and what I have learned conclusively thus far is:
* Use aero bars
But onto the pedals, depending on how measured, some are claiming more like 5% or less (eg, 18:30 vs 18:00 lap time for an XC mtb loop), which then I think makes them viable for short races with frequent transitions, unless you are a fast shoe changer or can run in your clipless shoes, or you change shoes faster than some of my teammates! Get a drink, study map, drink more....candy bar...okay let's go....*2 per breakout section.
I think Mark's longer races are interesting, because he gives you just enough time to make you wish you were clipless before you pull over for the next foot section (eg C burg).
Fun thought experiment: extra shoes weight at least 1.5 lbs...how much do bike aficionados pay to save 1.5 lbs in bike weight?! I mean, obviously not now, as all squishy trail bikes through like $4k are pushing 35 lbs and people are fine with it, but in the old days, when you'd get made fun of for riding a 32 lb bike.
Of course none of this takes comfort/foot stress into the equation!
And I am tempted to try Saliga style toe only clips as a cheap experiment, if they provide any more perceived power with no loss of dab-ability (I love the confidence flats give me going through rock gardens).
I think you mentioned you thought it was a 10-15% hit. Naturally curious, I have tried to figure out what the internet says about, it and what I have learned conclusively thus far is:
* Use aero bars
But onto the pedals, depending on how measured, some are claiming more like 5% or less (eg, 18:30 vs 18:00 lap time for an XC mtb loop), which then I think makes them viable for short races with frequent transitions, unless you are a fast shoe changer or can run in your clipless shoes, or you change shoes faster than some of my teammates! Get a drink, study map, drink more....candy bar...okay let's go....*2 per breakout section.
I think Mark's longer races are interesting, because he gives you just enough time to make you wish you were clipless before you pull over for the next foot section (eg C burg).
Fun thought experiment: extra shoes weight at least 1.5 lbs...how much do bike aficionados pay to save 1.5 lbs in bike weight?! I mean, obviously not now, as all squishy trail bikes through like $4k are pushing 35 lbs and people are fine with it, but in the old days, when you'd get made fun of for riding a 32 lb bike.
Of course none of this takes comfort/foot stress into the equation!
And I am tempted to try Saliga style toe only clips as a cheap experiment, if they provide any more perceived power with no loss of dab-ability (I love the confidence flats give me going through rock gardens).
Oct 19, 2020 2:00 PM
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I have used rat traps in short sprint events with some success. At least your feet aren’t flying off the pedals and you still have the ability to bunny hop.
Oct 19, 2020 5:44 PM
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Jay just nailed it. I can’t bunny hop or catch air (not a lot at least) on flatties. And, I had the weirdest cramping. The estimate came from comparing to strava segments.
Oct 19, 2020 6:34 PM
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I've been bunny hopping with flats more or less since ET phoned home!
This discussion thread is closed.