Atlas95

Would I be a social outcast to show up to a group ride without clipless pedals in a carbon bike?

Tomm Willians

You be you, if your friends are offended by that, find new friends. How you set your bike up is no one else’s business anymore than how you decorate your house.

Maelochs

I was going to ask why you even asked the question .... @TomM_Willians pretty much nailed it.

Go ride your bike.

t2p

off road - big yes

lotz of flat pedals on carbon off road bikes

Pearson100

After 2 knee replacements, I've switched to flat pedals on all of my bikes, including my carbon road bike.

shelbyfv

1) It would be uncommon on a road bike but don't let that stop you. 2) You'll likely be accepted on a group ride if you aren't a squirrel or an ass and can keep up. Your pedals are unlikely to be an issue.

Troul 

not sure. will they notice?

unless you're in a HOA...

Atlas95

That's kinda what I figured. Cool 😎

Sy Reene

If it's a club, check if they have rules related to this.

BobbyG

Don't let anyone steal your joy...ride your ride.

freeranger

A woman who rides frequently with our group was using clipless pedals while riding her carbon road bike. She wasn't really liking clipping in and out, and noticed I use pinned flats on my alum. road bike. She tried flats and is now what she rides. Noone has ever "called me out" for using pinned flats. Never heard a negative comment, if anything, someone might just ask how I like them. Ride what works for you.

dedhed

People would have rules on this?

Sy Reene

Sometimes. Depends on the 'seriousness' of the club/rides. Can be found in similar 'rules' sometimes about no aero-bars/clipons, helmets required, and that bike should have standard drop bars (narrower) -- eg. no hybrid bike setups, etc.

t2p

thought you were kidding

smh

Sy Reene

We should get LarrySellerz in on this topic :-)

shelbyfv

Please don't poke the trolls....

andrewclaus

I've been riding in a new neighborhood this year, on my old steel Trek with pinned flats. I often change pace a little to meet other cyclists, chat a bit. I'm strong for my age and can keep up with most, but I definitely do not fit in, given the old bike, my lack of cycling clothing, and I don't like stopping for coffee or pastries. But a guy in one group was on a new CF road bike riding flats. He's the first one to ask my number and we've ridden together a few times. Do flat pedals make you friendlier?

msu2001la

I can only speak to the group rides I participate in, but no one cares what kind of frame material other people's bikes are made out of, and while someone might notice and comment on the choice of flats vs clipless pedals, it would be more out of curiosity than judgement.

Aero bars and helmets are pretty standard safety-oriented policies for group rides.

I can see recommendations on drop bars and clipless pedals, but I've never heard of a group ride requiring them. I'm sure they exist, but if it's an open ride and someone can hang with the group on a hybrid with tennis shoes and isn't causing danger to others, they should get nothing but respect.

Sy Reene

These would be 'open' rides to members of the club, who in turn are signing up for a club ride where the leader of said ride can to some degree set their own rules and expectations. Other possibilities = No Drop vs Not-no-drop, rotating Paceline skills req'd (or not), etc.

wolfchild

It's your bike and you have a right to choose whatever pedals you want to ride...If your group gives you hard time about it, it's time to find another group or ride alone. Don't give in to peer pressure.

jlaw

If you get 'pedal-shamed' on a group ride then you may be fraternizing with the wrong group!

And, if you are going to ride flats on a carbon bike - something I wholeheartedly agree with - get some flats with style!


(my apologies to those who have seen this bike posted recently elsewhere on BF)

jaxgtr

I've been in group rides where people had road, mountain, flats, flats with straps. I personally have Time ATAC on all my bikes where I clip in and flats on my hybrid. Never bothered anyone.

shelbyfv

Nevertheless, keep an open mind. If it's a road group there are some good reasons why most/all others will be using clipless. Don't be afraid to learn from folks with more experience.

MarcusT

and there it is

bykemike 

I ride off/on road, lots of miles a year and never use anything but flat pedals and stiffer soled sneakers. I ride a highish end BMC Roadmachine, Sram Red eTap with Enve wheels and what some of my fellow riders comment on are the Chester off road pedals. Switching to flat pedals from clipless pedals resolved years of chasing various knee pain in a month.

Some of the push to go to flats came from reading Phil Cavels remarkable book "The Midlife Cyclist" as a world class bike fitter he had a lot to say about riding flat pedals, all good, as well as the section on "uplift" as being anatomically impossible.

GNC has a recent set of run offs , one rider doing the same courses on the same bike against the clock, one run on flats and one on clipless, the time differences were almost negligible and flat pedals were slightly faster on the hilly course.

I ride choice sections of the Blue Ridge Parkway a few times every year, if I pull over at a waterfall I can easily hike down for a break, a nice plus!