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

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screenman

Squire
Only 10 years, a mere newbie, 25 here.

I think some people over think that which does not need thinking about. When was the last time you had to think about pushing the clutch down before changing gear? other comparisons are available.
 

Sharky

Guru
Location
Kent
Confused? Lost track of the discussion here.

In the video, it looks like he was pushed off the ramp sideways and fell.
His left foot looks as if is came unclipped from the pedal automatically as it should under stress and he fell without the bike being wrapped round his body and doing some associated damage. In the days of cleats, toe clips and straps, the rider would have pulled the strap so tight, that he would still have been connected to the bike and his foot would still have been attached to the bike.

This seems to be just a freak accident, caused by the pusher-off knocking him off balance. Nothing to do with pedal systems?

Sometimes in a club TT, I have been pushed off by an inexperienced pusher and almost lost my balance.
 

Venod

Eh up
Location
Yorkshire
I don't think many reading this forum are in danger of falling of a TT starting ramp, and if there are I am sure they will be confident clipless users, as I am sure the guy in the vid was, but shoot happens.
 

JMAG

Über Member
Location
Windsor
If I had a pound for every time someone has tried to insist that I change to clipless, I'd be able to afford top of the range clipless shoes and pedals. Lol

I'm delighted for everyone that sees or feels whatever benefits from clipless, but I don't need them all trying to convince me to join them.

Happy in my ignorance :biggrin:
 

Drago

Legendary Member
Good for you. If you just plain old prefer flats, then you stick with it.

However, there are others out there who try to justify their use of flats by telling is how clipless will make you die/become sterile/start liking Emmerdale, and that is just utter pap.

I, and most other clipless users, actually aren't interest in converting people to our religion. However, many of us do feel compelled to challenge the tripe that some people come up with to justify their choice of pedal. All that is required is to prefer one or the other - peddling (see what I did there?) a load of bullpois to justify their choice just makes them looks stupid.
 

Beebo

Firm and Fruity
Location
Hexleybeef
That video should have a warning on it, it isnt nice viewing.

And as pointed out in comments above how many of us ever use a start ramp and a track start in our everyday cycling.

The problem with that start is the ramp is too narrow and the marshal is too slow at trying to help when he sees the rider is in trouble.
 

winjim

Straddle the line, discord and rhyme
So we've established that many people commute clipless and have no problem - but does anyone TT with flats?
 

JMAG

Über Member
Location
Windsor
However, there are others out there who try to justify their use of flats by telling is how clipless will make you die/become sterile/start liking Emmerdale, and that is just utter pap.

Lol, I agree with the sentiment, but when was the last time you went into a bike shop and were told by the staff you should get flat pedals?
 
Sharky is absolutely right that this video tells us nothing about pedal choices. As an SL user, I am quite pleased to see how easily they broke out when the rider was in trouble. I have only been using them for two years so, touch wood, have not had the opportunity to fall off with them yet! As for the poor chap falling off the ramp. Not good. The ramp seems far too narrow and steep to me. I would not fancy cycling down that!
 

MiK1138

Veteran
Location
Glasgow
Could you let me have gopro footage for the entire period as evidence please.

As a side note, I have managed to slip on the flat pedal and smack my shin on one of the pedals, this has caused a bruise. I have now removed the flat pedals and lowered my saddle so that I can ride home balance bike style.

I will be taking advice from a local solicitor later about possible action against my LBS, how do they get away with selling these wheeled implements of torture in this day and age. He couldn't have put me in any more danger if he'd sold me a bear trap for use as a welcome mat!
Ah but at least a Bear Trap would secure you on the bike. :laugh:
 
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