A good reason to not use clip-in (clipless) pedals [Video warning: Nasty arm break]

[Citius]

How much power on the downstroke do you develp when your foot has been bounced off the pedal by the typical British road surface?

No idea - but it sounds like a good reason to be clipped in though...

 

[jonny jeez]

Conversely many people think being clipped in makes you faster or a better amateur cyclist, which it doesn't.

Does.

 

[jonny jeez]

2; refusing to use the start ramp built in the front garden for the start of my commute. .

Solid advice, I would add that if you are tempted, try to ride "DOWN" the ramp, not across it.

 

[jonny jeez]

Correction. He'd be a lot better off if he actually learned to ride properly with clipless.

ouch, seems harsh...he looks like a pro, he's got a colourful kit on, plastic frame, overshoes and his wheel are proper fat. He's just not so good at the whole ramp thing is all.

 

[Apollonius]

How are you going to (safely) use hard-soled cycling shoes without clips of some sort? Surely there can be little doubt that the hard sole gives an advantage in terms of power and comfort.
It is a horrible experience slipping off flat pedals and encountering the crossbar on the descent!

 

[Pat "5mph"]

I don't think many reading this forum are in danger of falling of a TT starting ramp

So that's what that ramp was?
I thought it was some new daredevil challenge sport!
Yes, one can safely assume nothing like that could ever happen to me.

 

[Cuchilo]

So that's what that ramp was?
I thought it was some new daredevil challenge sport!

 

[jonny jeez]

So that's what that ramp was?
I thought it was some new daredevil challenge sport!
Yes, one can safely assume nothing like that could ever happen to me.

Never say never Pat


....although....

 

[jhawk]

Arms aren't supposed to bend that way. Ouch. I ride with flat pedals and have had the ol' pedal-eats-shin... I may look into clipless, but with my balance, it's a recipe for disaster.

 

[Tojo]

I used to use the old cleats when I started serious cycling in my teens and they were downright dangerous clip on the to of back of a rat trap pedal and do your toe clip strap up, no way of getting out on a quick stop, needless to say I have no problem at all with modern clip-less pedals (as the name implies, no Fecking toe-clips)........

 

[Tojo]

Arms aren't supposed to bend that way. Ouch, ..

Unfortunately they do though when in my case someone pulls out on you and bounces a Honda Fireblade back on top of you.........

 

[Cathryn]

Eeek...my cycling shoes/clip-in pedals arrived today. This is not filling me with excitement and positivity. Last time I tried to ride clipped in, it freaked me out so much I got myself pregnant. I am too old to pull that trick a second time.

 

[jhawk]

Last time I tried to ride clipped in, it freaked me out so much I got myself pregnant. I am too old to pull that trick a second time.

Not sure if euphemism or serious point about what is I'm sure a fascinating story about clipped-in cycling and pregnancy.

 

[Cathryn]

Not sure if euphemism or serious point about what is I'm sure a fascinating story about clipped-in cycling and pregnancy.

The timing was coincidental, but I was glad to have an excuse to stop the clipping in.

 

[coffeejo]

The timing was coincidental, but I was glad to have an excuse to stop the clipping in.

Glad to hear it. I read plenty of warnings about falling over sideways in front of your mates but nothing about other effects on female cyclists.

Make sure they're set to the loosest setting and practice unclipping the foot you're most likely to put down when you stop. When you do need to stop, make yourself unclip in advance and remember to lean that way. It will soon become second nature, promise. Ask anyone who knows me about my elegance, grace and balance on a bike, but even I cope with being clipped in.