Going from clips to plats? Options

[h2old]

Have any of you gone this way. I have been riding clips for years. I have tried to play around on plats but find myself having a hard time with it. I broke my back 6 weeks ago and I am thinking about coming back on plats. I understand there are some things I will be giving up (better gates, first straights, pedal slippage, etc, but I would like to see how and if I can actually compete like this. Just wondering. Thanks for input.

btw this really is not because I broke my back, it has more to do with all the injuries I have sustained over the years.

[bmxshipp]

I've tried riding the track without my clip shoes and absolutely can't do it anymore. Of course this was with Vans but I was on my Shimano 545 clip pedals. I think I've only tried riding Plats one time and it just felt weird to me. I'm sure I coulda got use to it, but I found no reason to keep trying it.

[LeadSled1]

I haven't pedaled one pedal since October on a bicycle. When I do get back on one it will be on flat pedals, I'll let you know how it goes. I've noticed my knee pain has gone away even though I am still riding MX bikes for fun. I just think my knees and clipless pedals do not agree. Nothing else seems to bother them like that.

[Just JeffB now]

I`ll say this much...at least get some very grippy flats. I run my platforms at the track once in a while, and when I would use my cruddy ol` cast redlines I`d spend half my time on my heels. I`m now considering switching back to plats all together after using the Atomlab Aircorps. Big, Thin, and VERY grippy. Probably the grippiest pedal I`ve ever used, even in less than dry conditions.

As far as being competitive...Peewee seems to do OK.

[Tifo]

quote:

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btw this really is not because I broke my back, it has more to do with all the injuries I have sustained over the years.

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There is no statistic that says that racing on flat pedals means that you will be less prone to injury than racing on clipless.

But a lot of this is mental, so if you feel that this is what you have to do to come back, then do it.

[Bryan Teague]

Joey, go buy some Sun-Ringle Zuzus or Wellgo Mags, etc. and some Vans with the waffle sole at the Vans outlet store. You'll be fine. Just don't go for the "up" stroke when pedaling.

[Uncle_Todd]

I've been happy with Shimano DX pedals w/ the long pins and Vans high tops.

[h2old]

Oh I completely agree about the injuries being related to clips. I am just tired of that being in the back of my head.

Vans good. Going to store to buy now. I have 3 sets of plats. I am going to try a little of all 3 to see which works. I have some specialized from 98ish I have used that seem to grip good. If none work off to UC to add to the account.

[Elvis]

It would be good training at six or seven different levels to gain competence on plats. Clips all the time can get you into some bad habits.

The right pedal/shoe can be an art to find, however. Too grippy can be just as bad as too slippery.

[CA10]

I have been happy with Odyssey pedals and Vans shoe for years, NO PAIN!

Can't stand with the clipless alway pain to ankles/knees, BIG SUCK!