I've been riding clip less all last season and until last week I decided to switch to flats. Last week I decided to switch to flats to see if I can improve ride comfort. I was surprised during my first ride. It felt weird and I maintain the same technique as if I was in clip less minus the pulling up the pedal. I noticed that first couple of rides I was struggling to place my feet, trying to find the "perfect spot" but then I forgot all about it and it became second nature. I didn't do long ride in flats yet but I rode bunch of smaller efforts during the week to combined 378km. I feel like my feet are changing positions during the ride depending on terrain and my saddle position (going up, down or during standing). I believe this change of position allows better comfort. Does anyone have similar experience or its just my bias or poor bike fit?
Clipless is only better for longer rides if your position/setup is good. Locking yourself into a bad position will probably be much worse than the gained efficiency from clipless over flat pedals, though whether it is noticed by the end of the ride or the end of the week is the hard part.