[Kartturi]

Interesting, I suppose there's a lesson about fact versus perception - I'm definitely open to the idea that given evidence flat pedals might be as efficient as on average as clipless. But what is this wealth of scientific evidence you speak of? I would very much like to see some citations to evaluate the evidence myself as this video qualifies mostly as a case study, and it's not a very strong platform for generalization.

 

[truogre]

Looking forward to other tests in this area!!

 

[80turbota]

I am intrigued by these tests. I don't think they give us an accurate view of efficiency between the two. More usable power throughout the peddle stroke. In saying all this, a 4 cylinder engine is more efficient than a V-8. It has to work harder to keep up. So is it actually more efficient?

 

[Neilo1]

I ride a cross country soft tail mtb on a road climb every day for training and use Time ATAC clippless pedals with Exostar shoes. I find that when I get tired of pushing the pedals down I can start to pull them up instead, This then gives me the spinning style that he was using in the test. I like it, it feels easier over a long distance because you can't do that with just flat pedals without straps. There's nothing worse than not un-clipping fast enough though and taking a tumble

 

[Laura]

In my opinion, the fact that the flat pedals use less oxygen than the clip pedals is because clip pedals require more muscle (hamstring for instance) because of the pulling. But the efficiency is better with clip pedal because at the same power, the guy is 5pbm below.

 

[crossracer01]

One thing was that he obviously wasnt used to using flat pedals and that "smoothness" wasnt there. If he rode flat pedals for a few months and developed both a flat pedal comfort and a cipless pedal comfort it woulf be a better test.

Still, all in all, interesting test. Not saying im running out to get a set to go ride on, but still interesting.

BIll

 

[W_Scott]

I'm not an athlete, but I am a scientist. First, the difference between 53 and 51 units of air intake likely isn't statistically significant. That result, and the other metrics, seem to indicate the differences are fairly minimal.

I used to be a "clipless" snob, until I broke my ankle and had to ride flat pedals during my recovery. I immediately noticed that combining spikey pedals and 5-10 shoes (which are quite adhesive) was a very good substitute for clipless pedals. I gradually went back to clipless on my road bike, but decided to keep the flat pedals on my mountain bike. It was only after going back to clipless pedals on my road bike that I was able to regain the ability to stand up on the pedals. I find it much harder to do on the flat pedals. There is a huge psychological component to this (or expectation bias), but the feeling of security that one gets, which the test subject alluded to in his concluding observations, is likely quite significant. In other words, even if it is all in your head, the result has real physical manifestations. Having said that, I have never slipped off the flat spikey pedals, so the difference in my (non-athletic) case is likely an artifact.

 

[Stephen2]

I claim no extended knowledge of how the body functions, but to me it seems that the 4% decrease in O2 consumption might be contributing to a 3% increase in heart rate. 1% difference is well within statistical error. As they said in the video, this is hardly a thorough scientific study, but does bring up interesting discussions on the topic.

 

[MerlinJude]

I have long been a fan of half toe-clips on a light cage pedal. They allow my foot to move around quite a bit which is good for ankles and knees, and yet stay in place. They give much confidence when standing in the pedals which I love to do. They are also very easy to get out of. I use them on both road and Mtb. All is missing is a stiff soled light weight shoe with narrow heels.

 

[elcycib]

Rick, I think you just missed the point. We don't really pull up and therefore no power is gained. Simon's sprint comment (he know he pulls up) may be true, but in almost all other scenarios we DO NOT pull up with any appreciable force. I always told people were are just getting the up foot out of the way. That does not really add power, but it does have a net effect of not requiring a foot making the power to push the back foot out of the way as well.

Bottom line, pedal circles! Pulling up hard makes those circles go away and you will be slower in almost all instances.

 

[BikeCommuter1]

Oxygen consumption is like the energy input, if you can take in LESS oxygen while beating your heart at a HIGHER rate, it means whatever you're doing is more energy efficient. Plus clipless pedals are smaller and therefore likely to flex more when under load than big metal platforms, hence less efficient. I noticed an increase in speed when switching to my new bigger flat than my old smaller ones.