Well, last Spring I decided to commit to flats on my sole mountain bike (which is a fatbike) and have been riding Catalyst Pedals. I love them. At that time I also decided to commit to flats for the year and moved my Fyxation pedals to my Crux. I like riding them and have moved toward more of a mid-foot position there for pedalling.
At this point I am riding with a set of FiveTens on both bikes. While I like them, I wonder if there are other lighter or better options out there for flats and long gravel riding (Giro Rumble comes to mind). The next question is as I start to get ready for 2018 and looking to ride some longer rides (>45 miles). Is there a reason to go back to clipless that I may be overlooking? I also wonder if I can achieve a similar mid-foot position or near mid-foot position clipped in like I do on a large set of flats.
I am not looking to start the great flats vs. clipless debate here. I see benefits in both and personal preference ultimately is the decider.
Pearl Izumi just released a new flat pedal shoe but I'm not sure if it's really much lighter and worth the upgrade over Five Tens.
Since you have the Catalyst pedals you might be able to get away a light approach shoe like the Adidas Terrex Swift or Swift Solo. There might be something from Vans too. They used to have a BMX line that was a little stiffer but overall you get a nice flat and grippy sole.
Right on. The Vans BMX line might be a good call. I do not have Catalyst on my Crux yet...but may switch. I'm riding FiveTen Freerider Contacts now and just looking at options if I need new shoes.
