[mmmbacn]

Does there need to be scientific evidence to convince you? Maybe you should do a time trial test up a mountain with flats vs clip less. Clip less provides the ability to apply power through the bottom of the stroke, which provides significant benefits when going uphill. Furthermore, you don’t need to worry about keeping proper position on the pedal as you do with flats, which is actually a non trivial mental burden, especially during high torque times like sprints. If you’re just cruising on a flat, flats are fine, but if you plan to be riding seriously on uphills and doing sprints, clipless is the way to go.

[frabbit]

Clip less provides the ability to apply power through the bottom of the stroke, which provides significant benefits when going uphill.

Only if you've never learnt how to spin.

[markandrewj]

I used to think like this, but it isn't true. After riding flats, rat traps, and clipless, I can say with confidence that clipless peddles are more efficient when climbing hills. I don't think it is as much about providing power on the bottom as it is about being able to pull up while going through the top. It especially makes it easier to keep a consistent tension while doing long uphill climbs. Rat traps work too, but I found they would catch on things constantly. That said, I use a pedal which is clipless on one side, and flat on the other. Depending on the situation I might use one side or the other (i.e. I might switch to my flats if I am riding in a busy downtown area where I might have to stop unexpectedly). Good technique will of course help you whether you are using clipless or flats.

[TheSpiceIsLife]

What does this mean?

[frabbit]

Knowing how to flex your ankles and set the seatpost height and gear ratio correctly lends itself to a style known as spinning that reduces the need to have the foot completely latched into a pedal while you mash and pull.