SavageHoutkop said:
could someone explain the difference between all these words (simply) to me?
Is there anything that you can do to improve existing pedals / shoes (not cycling specific) without needing to get special cycle shoes & matching pedals?
I don't really fancy getting special pedals which require special shoes if I'm just nipping to the shops in my 'normal' clothes....
Savage
Three basic pedal options. 1st is to use the flat cage pedals most bikes come with as standard. They work, are simple and uncomplicated. Best way to get the most out of them is to try them with different shoes you already have, but a soft ish trainer will give best grip, at the expense of comfort (you feel the pedal throught the sole at times) and efficiency (your foot flexes as you pedal)
2. Toeclips and straps. You can buy any number of aftermarket add-ons, the most basic being simple nylon clips that go on the front of your standard pedal, holding your foot in the right position, and giving some more efficiency to the pedalling stroke. Add straps to those, which effectively bind your foot to the pedal, which in simple terms means you can pull upwards on the upstroke, adding more pedalling efficiency. A bit old school, but efficient and don't mean the extra outlay for specialist shoes.
3. Clipless systems (referred to above as Cleats) There a loads of different versions, but basically the pedal itself has a sprung clamping system, and your specific cycling shoe has compatible metal cleats which are screwed into the sole and engage with the clamps onthe pedals. Worth the extra outlay if you can afford the systems, because the shoes themselves tend to have stiffer soles for best power transfer, and you can pull backwards as well as upwards on the pedals thereby offering greater efficiency.