The Advantages of Using Clipless Mountain Bike Shoes

You've probably seen many riders using clipless pedals while mountain biking. Indeed, they are quite popular. Before you invest a lot of money in clipless pedals and shoes, you're wondering what the pros and cons are. There are a variety of advantages to clipless mountain biking shoes and they'll increase your efficiency, performance and possibly safety on the trail.

  1. Efficiency

    • The advantage of clipless mountain bike shoes that's cited most often is the increased pedaling efficiency. Since your shoes are connected directly to the pedals, you can transfer energy onto the pedals more effectively. You pull the pedals up in addition to pushing them down and maintain a steady cadence, pedaling in circles rather than up and down. On the trail, this means more steady riding, better speeds and additional force in extended flats and inclines.

    Positioning

    • Clipless mountain bike systems are designed to keep your feet in the optimal position the entire ride. The ball of your foot is placed on the center of the pedal. Unlike platform pedals that allow your feet to slip around, clipless pedals and shoes keep your feet in place the entire ride, maintaining the best physical riding form and enhancing control of the bike.

    Safety

    • Safety is increased by keeping your feet stable and in position. Mountain biking includes variable terrain that can easily knock your feet off the pedals, when you're not clipped in. This can result in injuries from falls as well as injuries to the legs and feet. Being clipped in prevents your feet from bouncing or slipping off the pedals and keeps you planted firmly on the bike. Of course, the other side of this argument is the fact that clipless shoes can be difficult to disengage from the pedals and can cause problems when you need to dismount or the bike begins to fall.

    Sport Specificity

    • Most of the benefits of clipless shoes are really benefits of the clipless system (pedals and shoes). In addition to these systemic advantages, clipless pedals also offer the advantage of being designed specifically for mountain biking. They feature rigid soles that provide more support and power when riding. Like any other sport, purchasing equipment designed solely for mountain biking can offer small but important advantages.

    Qualification

    • Clipless shoes are not for every rider. They offer advantages that are more geared toward cross country riders and racers. Downhill and freeride bikers that don't ride extended uphills and demand more maneuverability and the ability to bail out, won't be benefitted in the same manner as cross country riders. In fact, even recreational cross country riders may not see the need for purchasing clipless shoes, as they increase speed and performance, which may not be of concern to someone who takes a leisurely weekly ride. Additionally, clipless pedals are a personal choice that some riders don't feel comfortable in and/or don't want to spend the extra money on.