Who rides in basic trainers?

[MontyVeda]

Used toe clips for about 15-20 years as I thought they were essential, but after buying a pair of flats (for no other reason than the colour) I quickly realised the toe clips were anything but essential... I never thought twice about flicking the pedal to get my foot in the clip until i didn't have to do it any more. Along with the little computer, the toe clips is one of the best things I've taken off my bike

 

[lesley_x]

I used flats for 4 years and made the switch to clipless (SPD) quite recently.

I much prefer clipless. I can't explain it, but I feel more confident on the bike. My brain is engaged more when I'm riding and I have to commit to manoeuvres fully. I feel more... in control? More confident?

Again, I don't know why, and I'm sure there is no rational basis for it but I feel more efficient climbing. I think it comes back to the feeling of control I have over the bike.

I wouldn't say I'm faster, after all a pair of shoes can't fix the engine but they add a level of enjoyment to cycling I didn't think they would.

My years of flat trainers definitely had a place, though. And I sure miss the flexibility of flat pedals. Since I'm using MTB shoes it's not so much of an issue though.

 

[akb]

I ride in either Astro Turf football trainers or hard soled walking shoes.

 

[SatNavSaysStraightOn]

I ride in hiking shoes, flat, grippy pedals with toe straps. I can't use clipless due to a disability and as far as I am concerned if people think that makes me less of a cyclist, I am more than happy to not know them.

 

[Big Nick]

I started with trainers and went to clipless a few months ago

Rode my new mtb last Saturday to test the set-up with the standard flat pedals on and really missed the clipless and my feet slipped on the pedals a couple of times

Put a set of clipless on when I got home!

Give them a try is the only advice really

 

[summerdays]

Depends really on what you are trying to achieve with cycling. For me a method of transport to get to work/shops or to go out and explore the countryside, why do I need my cycling to be "more efficient". I've also got several QOM's all achieved wearing Birkenstocks and I can't be bothered to cycle 5 seconds faster to get a faster time. Ok I would probably be able to do a better track stand if I wasn't wearing them but I can do enough of a one to be useful. I think I would most desire to be a utility cyclist rather than a sporty cyclist. I don't wear sports clothes either when I'm cycling most of the time.

 

[TheJDog]

Lets look on the bright side. At least no one has said they ride wearing flip flops.......not yet anyway.

I rode up the Vista Chinesa in Rio last month (category 2 according to Strava) in flip flops, on a very flexible rental bike. My time didn't trouble the leaderboard.

 

[welsh dragon]

I rode up the Vista Chinesa in Rio last month (category 2 according to Strava) in flip flops, on a very flexible rental bike. My time didn't trouble the leaderboard.

I wonder why

 

[KneesUp]

Used toe clips for about 15-20 years as I thought they were essential, but after buying a pair of flats (for no other reason than the colour) I quickly realised the toe clips were anything but essential... I never thought twice about flicking the pedal to get my foot in the clip until i didn't have to do it any more. Along with the little computer, the toe clips is one of the best things I've taken off my bike

I've gone the other way (in that I haven't got around to buying a set of clips for one bike) and I find I'm forever struggling to get the pedal in the correct place at traffic lights. I wasn't really aware that I never take my right foot out of the clip until now.