So I've been riding clipless for about 18 months now (always SS - its the reason I got them in the first place) on a HT. I mostly do longer rides - most which I'd consider being trail/AM. Never had the stop to fall over like a fool, never had an issue where I couldn't unclip, and after around 2 months of riding I had the pedals done up as tight as I can - I had the same clipless pedals (M520) on both the roadie/Commuter and MTB - both SS.
Even with the pedals done up as tight as possible they still could be pulled 'straight' out. This was more of an issue when I had the pedals on the 'fixie' which was brakeless, as they could be pulled out while skidding.
3 weeks ago I bought some xtr race pedals which are porn - they came with 'single release' cleats, which although I had a set to try already, decided to use these as the pedals were new. Now I have no idea what setting the xtr's came stock with but the single release cleats and xtr pedals are the perfect combo on the MTB. I can get out when needed but haven't pulled out on any climbs or unclip when pedal mashing rocks.
Fast forward to 2 days ago, coming back from a roadie ride (first time with the new cleats. Still running the m520 pedals wound up tight) haven't had to unclip in the 80odd k's of riding; Pull into the drive way, roll into the courtyard, go to unclip, try to unclip, start loosing my balance, try to unclip, pull as hard as I can, try to unclip (cue cut scene of shock horror on my face), fall over sideways. Seriously retarded me, still attached to the bike, unable to get out, on the ground, in lycra, with a fluro pink jersey on... so glad nobody was/came home.
Moral of the story - single release cleats + really tight pedals = trouble for newbies. I almost have to dislocate my ankles to get out of the pedals on the roadie now. Nice.
Anyway moral of the story:
- Clipless pedals are good if you ride a HT and want to pedal over rough stuff
- Clipless pedals require a cycling shoe, which are stiff, which are awesome to ride (avoid walking in them, they suck) in.
- Clipless pedals allow you to pick the back of the bike up with ease/ pull up on pedals; this makes changing lines, tech climbing, climbing in general and bunny hopping shit easier.
- If you are going to run flats, grip a stiff soled, grippy rubber shoe and decent pedals
To add some food for thought two of my biggest crashes have happening on my mtb while on flats. One happened at high speed, one happened slow speed - both were my own fault. One of those crashes WOULDN'T of happened on clipless pedals, one of hose would possibly of been worse in clipless pedals.