Frank
Sasquatch
There is certainly a period of adjustment involved when switching to flats. Until recently I struggled with going over larger logs, but I was fine with bunny hopping...go figure. Point is, you will find what works for you, for me it was switch or give up riding. Arthritis in both feet caused me too much pain using clipless as too much pressure was being put on the balls of my feet, now I ride with my feet way more forward on the pedal. I also ride with a a slightly lower saddle height as well. It took a little time for my muscles to get used to the new position, but you can easily adapt. I feel more power is being transferred as I’m using my hips more rather than my calves. If I should ride my roadie ever again, I will use flats on that as well.