Clip in peddles - the pros and cons

[Boris Bajic]

I am a convert (of many years) and I am thoroughly in favour of clipless systems. All my children have used them from around age 10 and continue to do so as they head for their twenties.

However, they are not some magic solution to all the world's problems and it is perfectly cool not to like them. Their non-use elicits some slightly acid snobbery from some cyclists, but I'm not sure why. Some people heap scorn on someone riding a high-end bicycle with flat pedals. It's a choice, noyt an obligation.

Last summer, I lent a nice road bike to a pal who rode on flat pedals. He lives 23 mles away on a favourite route of mine, so my wife droive me to pick the bike up after he'd done his charity event. Aaaargh! I'd forgotten I'd put flats on it.

No problem. I rode home on the flats in my SPuD shoes. It was just as fast as if I'd had my feet clipped in.

I like clipless systems, but a pedal is just a pedal and a bicycle is just a bicycle. Racing is something else, but if you're just training or just riding or just commuting, it's all the same.

 

[Shut Up Legs]

I find SPD pedals are much better for my ankles. I used to ride a lot using platform pedals, and started getting Achilles tendon problems, but after switching to SPDs, the problems disappeared. I'm pretty sure that it was switching to SPDs that removed the pain, because my ankles didn't have to work to keep my feet on the pedals. Of course, if you ride less, then this is less of an issue and platform pedals may be perfectly adequate.

 

[Crankarm]

If you are an occasional leisure cyclist then stick to flat pedals. If you are a proper cyclist doing significant mileage then you should be using some sort of clip-in or cleats on your shoes. They are so much more efficient than flats. You can pedal for longer as you expend less energy each revolution so you can ride a lot further. I can't imagine any more what riding a bike with flat medals would be like other than it must be a real chore in comparison. I have SPDs - never ever altered the pedal settings from factory. The pedals have behaved faultlessly over the years. I also have Shimano SL Ultegra pedals and Sidi Road shoes with Campag Chorus cleats. All are easy to get in and out of and don't let go.

 

[Kookas]

I am a convert (of many years) and I am thoroughly in favour of clipless systems. All my children have used them from around age 10 and continue to do so as they head for their twenties.

However, they are not some magic solution to all the world's problems and it is perfectly cool not to like them. Their non-use elicits some slightly acid snobbery from some cyclists, but I'm not sure why. Some people heap scorn on someone riding a high-end bicycle with flat pedals. It's a choice, noyt an obligation.

Last summer, I lent a nice road bike to a pal who rode on flat pedals. He lives 23 mles away on a favourite route of mine, so my wife droive me to pick the bike up after he'd done his charity event. Aaaargh! I'd forgotten I'd put flats on it.

No problem. I rode home on the flats in my SPuD shoes. It was just as fast as if I'd had my feet clipped in.

I like clipless systems, but a pedal is just a pedal and a bicycle is just a bicycle. Racing is something else, but if you're just training or just riding or just commuting, it's all the same.

I find riding more enjoyable if I can ride faster, and though I have only thus far used toe cages (still waiting on my clipless shoes), I have found being able to pull up incredibly useful in sprinting (as a utility cyclist, that's something I tend to do when I'm nearing my destination or on short trips).

 

[Maylian]

I am a convert to clip in pedals. Firstly it makes my lycra clad look feel a lot less silly since I look the whole part. As for power it does make it a lot easier on climbs and at very high revolution rates as you don't need to worry about your foot slipping out. Something especially important for people on fixed gear bikes.

You do eventually get used to clipping in and out and being aware of when you might need to do it. When I do ride my hybrid and go back to flats I like how relaxed it is to be able to put my foot down without having to think. I've had a couple of incidents with not clipping out in time, normally when a car in front does something unexpected, also with my foot slipping out on accelerating (although I've caught my balance before I fall off but that is very scary)

 

[Shut Up Legs]

They're also useful in wet weather, because your feet won't slip off the pedals. The same applies to toe-clips, of course.

 

[BenM]

If you ride lying down, as I do these days, clip in pedals are definitely a bonus... not least because they stop me running over my own legs... also regarding pulling back (up on a DF) - when I fail to clip in the loose foot tends to float away from the pedal because I still "pull" back...

 

[IanSmithCSE]

Good morning

As you seem unsure about clipless I am guessing that you may also be unsure about the older toe clips and straps.

At some point I would seriously recommend that you try toe clips and straps, Halfords sell some pretty cheap pedals and clips for about £30, they might even be included with your new bike.

For a quick trip to the shops leave the straps totally loose.

For general riding tighten the straps up so that they press ever so slightly on the foot, you can still remove your foot.

When really in a hurry or going up a hill, tighten the straps.

I much prefer the flexibility of clips and straps over clipless on a general purpose or commute bike.

Bye

Ian

 

[Glow worm]

Seems like a dumb idea to me especially as I'm not interested in speed, and don't give a toss about image- old pair of shoes or trainers and flat pedals all the way.

 

[John McLean]

My advise practice before you hit the road, make sure you are comfortable with the mechanism.

 

[GrumpyGregry]

[QUOTE 2386245, member: 1314"]Clipless and fixed. You'll never look back.[/quote]
Just avoid certain parts of Buckinghamshire

 

[Kookas]

Well, if I lived in London, I would definitely ride fixed. It's not as if you'll ever need to change gears there anyway.

 

[dodd82]

Thanks everyone for their input. Haven't made my mind up yet!

 

[apb]

Just started with clipless a couple of weeks ago. The major pro, as mentioned, is your feet don't slip and your foot position is very good for the transfer of power to your bike. When i am riding I am aware that i am clipped in and as of yet haven't had a clipless moment, touch wood. i keep my right pedal loose as i prefer to lead with my left.

I also use SH56 cleats which are mutli directional release. i haven't had any problem with an unwelcome release and they have saved me from a clipless moment when my bar end come off in my hand at a red light. apparently they're not so go for jumping, which doesn't concern me

clipping in is not completely fluid for me at the moment and once or twice at a green light i have fumbled around with the pedal. But you get better quickly.

i would recommend having a go.

 

[HLaB]

I suppose it can be done but riding the fixie without spds would be unpleasant; mainly for the foot not slipping thing on constantly rotating cranks; also because it'd be a night mare to get going as it weighs a ton!