I started out mountain biking this summer clipped into Crank Bros Eggbeaters with a good pair of Bontrager Multisport shoes. After a few minor spills, I got the hang of getting out of them (rotate your heels outward) and I could feel some benefits to keeping my feet in the right position on the pedals.
But I was still nervous about tackling the advanced technical stuff that I like and after a few scary crashes, I found some blog posts with long discussion threads that opened my eyes:
James Wilson on MTB Strength Training Systems:
- The Flat Pedal Revolution Manifesto: How to Improve Your Riding With Flat Pedals
- Being pro-flat pedals doesn’t mean I’m anti-clipless pedals
Gene Hamilton on BetterRide.Net:
So I got a pair of Five-Ten Impact High shoes and thin VP-Vice pedals and they’ve made a huge difference. I’ve been way more adventuresome, not having to think or worry about being clipped in.
I’ll keep the Eggbeaters and Bontragers for the gravel rides.
Updates, November 2014: I’ve updated the expired links to the shoes and pedals. And I’ve added two more article links.