Can I use flat pedals for cross-country touring, and why do so many cyclists still swear by clipless pedals when the technology of modern flat pedals has come so far, providing almost the same level of efficiency and control as their clipless counterparts, and isnt it time for the stubborn old guard to admit that clipless pedals are a relic of a bygone era, only still clung to by road cyclists who wouldnt know a real mountain biking challenge if it bit them, and whats the real difference between the two when it comes to long-distance touring, where the need for frequent stops and varied terrain would seem to make flat pedals the more practical choice, and are the benefits of clipless pedals on long climbs really enough to outweigh the inconvenience of having to deal with the hassle of clipless pedals in the first place, and dont the advances in modern flat pedal design, with their improved grip and stability, make them a viable alternative for even the most demanding cross-country tours, and what about the issue of foot fatigue, wouldnt flat pedals allow for a more natural foot movement and reduce the strain on the feet and ankles over long distances, and is it really necessary to be attached to the bike at all times, arent there situations where being able to quickly dismount and move around the bike would be beneficial, and isnt it time to rethink the conventional wisdom on pedals and consider the benefits of flat pedals for cross-country touring, and can anyone provide a legitimate reason why flat pedals wouldnt be suitable for long-distance mountain biking, and arent the road cyclists who claim that clipless pedals are essential just trying to justify their own outdated technology and lack of skill on anything other than a smooth, paved road.