Cleats / Pedal system for someone with leg mobility problems

[kipster]

I've recently got my wife a new road bike, which she loves. She has mentioned trying clipless, the bike has flat pedals with toe clips at the moment. The problem is she has mobility problems with her left leg, which is the leg she naturally wants to unclip first, in that she can't flick her heal out. I'm inclined to leave her with toe clips as they work ok for her, but I wondered if other pedal systems are easy to unclip from. I use look and they wouldn't be suitable, she has tried SPD but couldn't unclip even on the lowest tension.

 

[vickster]

Have you tried SH56 cleats? You can release by pulling foot up

The Shimano Click’r range meant to be easy peasy to use

http://www.chainreactioncycles.com/mobile/shimano-pd-t400-click-r-clipless-mtb-pedals/rp-prod104618

 

[kipster]

Thanks @vickster I hadn't heard of them, will take a look.

 

[User6179]

I've recently got my wife a new road bike, which she loves. She has mentioned trying clipless, the bike has flat pedals with toe clips at the moment. The problem is she has mobility problems with her left leg, which is the leg she naturally wants to unclip first, in that she can't flick her heal out. I'm inclined to leave her with toe clips as they work ok for her, but I wondered if other pedal systems are easy to unclip from. I use look and they wouldn't be suitable, she has tried SPD but couldn't unclip even on the lowest tension.

Shimano Light Action pedals, easier to unclip, you will still need to twist your foot to unclip, nothing wrong with sticking with toe clips.

 

[oldfatfool]

Only one option if she can rotate her foot, speedplay frogs, no force required at all as you are not 'clipped' in as such. Also allow loads of free fliat rotation so leg joints follow their natural position rather than having to spend hours setting up. Been an absolute godsend to me after fracturing tibular plateau and ending with a wonky/ bowed leg/ knee.

 

[roadrash]

@mickle can probably offer advice on pedals for someone with mobility problems

 

[Racing roadkill]

If you really need the stability afforded by binding, and you have issues with leg mobility, I’d advise going for something like the speedplay system, and walkable cleats / cafe stop bungs, if on a road type bike, or something like SPD, with multi release cleats, if it’s on a Touring / Hybrid / MTB type bike.

http://www.chainreactioncycles.com/mobile/speedplay-zero-chromoly-road-pedals/rp-prod158499?gs=1&sku=sku580969UK&pgrid=55375185827&ptaid=pla-426043357651&utm_source=google&utm_term=&utm_campaign=PLA+All+Products&utm_medium=base&utm_content=mkwid|sNT7ssGnz_dm|pcrid|253998738371|pkw||pmt||prd|580969UK


https://www.tredz.co.uk/.Speedplay-14115-Zero-Aero-Walkable-Cleat-Set_79358.htm?sku=258499&utm_source=google&utm_medium=cpc&utm_campaign=google_shopping&mkwid=sibSt3XCt_dm|pcrid|77920470053|product|258499|&gclid=EAIaIQobChMIobnguuGg2gIVCZ4bCh0T1w_UEAQYAyABEgL8dfD_BwE


https://www.evanscycles.com/shimano-a520-spd-touring-pedals-oe-EV209928?lsft=esvt:52830-GOUKE2024056,esvq:,esvadt:999999-0-1145986-1,esvcrea:166226699417,esvplace:,esvd:m,esvtgla-353673483087,esvo:EV209928-NA-SVR,esvaid:50080&esvt=52830-GOUKE2024056&esvq=&esvadt=999999-0-1145986-1&esvcrea=166226699417&esvplace=&esvd=m&esvtg=pla-353673483087&esvo=EV209928-NA-SVR&esvaid=50080&gclid=EAIaIQobChMItM_v4uGg2gIVEyjTCh3axg4FEAQYDCABEgJy8_D_BwE


http://www.halfords.com/cycling/cycling-clothing/cycling-shoes/shimano-sh56-multi-release-mtb-spd-cleats?cm_mmc=Google+PLACycling+ClothingCycling+Shoes352895&istCompanyId=b8708c57-7a02-4cf6-b2c0-dc36b54a327e&istItemId=xtrrmwatr&istBid=tztx&_$ja=tsid:94971|cid:868555864|agid:49387668452|tidla-522011065112|crid:203456298957|nw:g|rnd:5879345737250246427|dvc:m|adp:1o2|mt:|loc:9045796&gclid=EAIaIQobChMI-b6RheKg2gIVSo0bCh1EDgJ7EAQYAiABEgKEwPD_BwE

 

[kipster]

Thanks all, really helpful options. I've got some SPD pedals spare so the multi release cleats will be the first option to try (already on order).

We'll see how she gets on with them. I suspect if she doesn't she'll stick with toe clips for the time being. But ill also take a look at the speedplay options.

Again, thanks very much.

 

[Pedropete]

...she has tried SPD but couldn't unclip even on the lowest tension.

Can she twist her heel out at all without any resistance? If she can then something like Powergrips might be an option: http://www.powergrips.com/
I used them for a year after a Potts fracture destroyed my right ankle and they worked a treat.

 

[alecstilleyedye]

you can get pedals which are flat on one side and with an spd fitting on the other. her right foot could be clipless and the left have the safety of a flat pedal…

 

[Mr Celine]

I'm sure my SPDs also release on turning my heel in the way. I'd go out to the garage and check but unfortunately I'm clipped in to the sofa.

 

[andrew_s]

I find that if I release my SPD at the top of the pedal stroke, twisting the heel inwards works well.
It may be worth trying out if the normal outwards twist is difficult.

Otherwise, there's nothing wrong with using toe clips, or even flats, so long as you are used to them