The race team has a mix of riders who like to be clipped in with some sort of SPD style pedal as well as the guys who use platform pedals.
Here’s Team Racer Corey Pond using SPD pedals.
Team Racer, Joe Solancho using flat pedals.
So the question is, which is better? SPD or Platform?
Personally I’ve tried both. When I first started downhill mountain biking, I used flat pedals and I found that I didn’t have full control of the bike. I assume that I’ve grown accustomed to using my cleats to pull of on the bike when needed (make sense?) I also didn’t like how my feet would come off the pedals if I hit a bump. But the benefit of having platform pedals was getting your foot in and out quicker. It’s useful when you’re trying to prevent a crash or need your foot to catch you if you wash out.
I run flats on everything. I can’t stand it when I can’t get out of spd’s and crash because of it. I tore several ligaments in my right ankle because I couldn’t get unclipped in time. Si I determined that SPD’s are the work of the devil.
I’ve tried both. I noticed SPD pedals give me the benefit of full revolution, compared to just the downward stroke on platforms. I also can switch between downstroke and upstroke for variations.
@Nate: Sorry to hear about your troubles with SPD. Your SPD springs might be too tight. Technically, it should be easy to just clip in and out, and also be able to get out on a crash. It takes a while to get used to (took me a while). I did a lot of practice on grass. It became second nature, and I actually like using SPD now.
I used platforms with straps for years, tried spd’s and hated them; then tried the Time Atac Alium pedals and won’t be changing any time soon.No tension adjustments , easy to get in and out, and plenty of float so my knees don’t get messed up. Not sure if I would want to be clipped in while riding downhill, but I think the Time Atac “Z” pedals have a larger platform that might fit that style of riding pretty well.