I'm no great shakes at climbing, never was, but if you have a good pedal stroke, it's fine. If your pedal stroke wasn't so great in the first place, you'll find out!
@luliski , another point here - people have been doing front wheel lifts, rear wheel lifts, and bunny hops since long before clipless shoes were invented. If people can lift their bike in the air on flats, they should be able to pedal pretty well.
This is still a pretty big area of controversy, and many will swear up and down that clipless are definitely more efficient, but there's some counterevidence, at least for mountain biking, where spinning just isn't as relevant. But there are still reasons to choose clipless, if you wish.
In a conversation with
@AmyPJ about this topic a few weeks ago, I hit on my personal philosophy: "Dealing with obstacles while mountain biking is entirely about confidence. If you're more confident riding obstacles in clipless, use clipless. If you're more confident on flats, use flats." This is the sum total of what I believe about mountain biking pedals. I have been riding for about 15 years (with some notable absences due to injury), during which time I started on clipless, went to flats, went back to a clipless that had a platform frame around it, and finally have settled on flats for the last 5ish years. I will admit that this season, for the first time, I spun out my pedals on an obstacle, leading to a pretty big scratch on my shin that seems like it will likely scar. But I wasn't going to be a model, anyway.
If you go to a clinic, they will likely ask you to use flats. I assume this is because the use of clipless pedals can obscure bad technique - you can get away with sloppier riding and still do a bunny hop etc. This could also be an argument for why you want to use clipless - maybe you find it more fun and want the forgiveness. Personal preference.
http://www.nourishbalancethrive.com/blog/2015/10/02/its-not-about-pulling-why-flat-pedals-work/ -- "Both studies offer compelling evidence that support the idea that clipless pedals offer no mechanical advantage over flat pedals." (however there is acknowledgement of flaws in the studies)
https://www.bikejames.com/strength/...lats-are-more-efficient-than-clipless-pedals/ -- (emphasis theirs) "
Despite being on crappy flat pedals and using his clipless pedal shoes (hardly a fair comparison to a decent set of flats and shoes), the end result of the test was that the rider pedaled more efficiently on flats. He consumed less oxygen to complete the test on them than he did on the clipless pedals, which obviously shocked everyone." Also: "
The real takeaway lesson from the video was that clipless pedals let you get away with a less efficient pedal stroke because you can pull up on the backstroke."
Here's an article that shares my view on personal preference:
http://ebike-mtb.com/en/pedal-group-test-flats-vs-clipless/
"
Before we move further, there is a minefield to cross! There are two types of pedals: in one corner we have ‘flats,’ which are the standard platform pedals with pins that we all know and love, and in the other corner the confusingly named ‘clipless,’ where your shoe is clipped to the pedal. The age old question of ‘clipless vs flats’ is an emotional topic that often reduces internet forums to childish warfare – but in the end, it’s really a matter of personal preference. It’s possible to shred hard and have a great time on either type, and there are advantages and disadvantages to both. Most racers tend towards clipless pedals, as the increased efficiency and the ability to sneak in a few extra pedal strokes puts them at an advantage. Clipless riders prefer the improved connection to the bike, but it’s easy to get lazy and use poor technique when jumping.
In defence of flat pedals, fans will shout, “What about Sam Hill?” – but let’s put that argument to bed. Sam Hill is a freak of MTB nature, and he could win a race in high heels! However, let’s not write off the flat pedal. Riding flats will not only supercharge your technique as you have to pedal and weight the bike properly but will also have you grinning from ear to ear. Those with bad knees will also enjoy the free feeling of flat pedals.
In the end there’s no definitive answer – try both and see which one makes you happiest.
"
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