Clip in peddles - the pros and cons

[Electric_Andy]

pros for me: Good in the wet (non-slip), and don't have to think about where your foot is. Also if they are set up right are more comfortable on longer rides. As a beginner I used Shimano MTB SPDs and have them set to the loosest setting, so clipping in and out is easy.

 

[Kookas]

First ride with clipless pedals today; it was a short 4 mile ride from one house to another. Definitely felt more efficient than those loose toe cages - the acceleration in particular is a lot better. There's less room for clumsiness, too, since I can sprint without my feet wobbling around on the pedals.

My biggest fear was that I would try to pull my feet out of the clips and just not be able to, but it's actually incredibly easy and intuitive to get your feet off with these SPDs - just twist your foot, which isn't too far off what I would do without them.

So far, I've not forgotten to unclip, though I did almost have a clipless moment getting off the bike when I unclipped the right as usual, but leant left to get to the kerb. Good thing these pedals let me unclip in either direction, because my instinct had me swivelling my left foot inwards and not outwards.

Got a 50 mile club ride to give them a blast on, but what I'm really looking forward to is the start of college term. That's when I'll truly get to test these beauties.

 

[HLaB]

I found a difference (although it may have been in my head ) between the performance of spd and spd-sl but its more to do with the shoes (stiffness of the soles). I laterally bought stiffer mtb shoes and found no discernible difference and I prefer spd's for their off bike manoeuvrability. Having said that I put spd-sls on by kinesis a fortnight ago and Ive been too lazy or sic to change them back.

 

[inkd]

After reading this whole thread im still baffled as to which is easier/ better, mtb SPD or road SPD-SL ??
Im having the same problems as others with my feet slipping on my flat pedals. Im not bothered about walking in the shoes as its about 20 steps from house to work locker, commute is 10.5 miles each way with not much stopping. Is it just a personal choice like saddles??

 

[Cyclopathic]

Not wanting to spend a lot of money on something I might not like I simply lashed an old pair of Gola trainers to my cage pedals and got my partner to lace me up. I realised very quickly that I was going to have to stay moving if I wanted to avoid falling over as I had no way of releasing myself, a bit like that movie "Speed". I'm doing quite well and have adapted to life on a bike rather well, even mastering the art of conversing on the web as you can see. Overall I probably should have splashed out and got the pedals but I can't complain. I've seen a lot of the country, even if I do get shouted at for RLJing.

 

[adamhearn]

Not wanting to spend a lot of money on something I might not like I simply lashed an old pair of Gola trainers to my cage pedals and got my partner to lace me up. I realised very quickly that I was going to have to stay moving if I wanted to avoid falling over as I had no way of releasing myself, a bit like that movie "Speed". I'm doing quite well and have adapted to life on a bike rather well, even mastering the art of conversing on the web as you can see. Overall I probably should have splashed out and got the pedals but I can't complain. I've seen a lot of the country, even if I do get shouted at for RLJing.

Seems like a complete nutter idea! Pedals/shoes are cheap assuming you're not going for "look at me brands" - which you surely can't be given your current choice Assuming you're not track racing, being able to stop/get off the bike is surely up there as a priority!

I use SPD-SL's for road bike (leisure) and flats for hybrid (commute). I do find slipping around on the flats when it's wet a pain but it's only for 3 miles so they're good enough.

 

[bicyclos]

The pro's and cons with clip-ins will differ with each individual cyclist. The only way you will get the answer is try flat, clip-in and straps to see which has the yeh or nah for you. I use spd's on all my bikes and nothing else and have junked the pedals that have come with the new bikes I have bought. I feel as well normal walking shoes and cycling attire would make me look like a clown especially my size 12 shoes. I have been cycling for 42yrs now and tried the alternatives over the years and personally I find the spd set up the best for me (12yrs).
I introduced 2 people at work who cycle to clip-in pedals and one of them is getting used to clip-ins and likes very much and the other thinks they are a pile of s**te and went back to flats and he fell off his bike the other day because is foot slipped off the pedal in the wet.

 

[Crankarm]

Basically newbs and chavs on BSOs who know no know better use flat pedals. Proper cyclists use some sort of cleat or SPD with a stiff soled shoe cycling shoe.

 

[adamhearn]

Basically newbs and chavs on BSOs who know no know better use flat pedals. Proper cyclists use some sort of cleat or SPD with a stiff soled shoe cycling shoe.

"Proper ..." = elitist crap. Not everyone's a racer - especially on the way to work!

 

[Black Country Ste]

I'll tell that to the bloke at work who's got more bikes than I have pairs of jeans who is perfectly happy with toeclips and straps.

 

[Andrew Brown]

Toe clips are fine, but if you like toe clips, clip less are just a refinement of that principle

 

[campbellab]

I'm going to totally disagree with this - I'd like to see this study because everything I've read about good pedalling technique shows a foot movement that would result in a pull up on the back stroke and beginning of the forward stroke, and it's something I certainly do - not all the time when I'm cycling as my pedalling technique is still rubbish, but certainly on uphills I find it gets me uphill easier, and I pull up a great deal when riding fixed.

http://www.bikejames.com/strength/the-science-behind-barefoot-pedaling/ Has some research quoted. (NB its Mountain biking focussed)

http://www.bikejames.com/strength/which-muscles-are-really-used-during-the-pedal-stroke/ http://www.bikejames.com/strength/im-really-not-anti-clipless-pedals-im-pro-flat-pedals/

 

[Profpointy]

pro's : more efficient, more comfortable, safer (once you get the hang of - see con). Easier to unclip that toe clips

Con's: special shoes, falling off unclipping ( until you get the hang of - and should only happen about). Harder to unclip than flat pedals.

i'm sold on 'em, despite dislikie activities needing special shoes

 

[Crankarm]

"Proper ..." = elitist crap. Not everyone's a racer - especially on the way to work!

Who mentioned racing? You.

Nothing to do with elitist crap. It is about having the proper kit.

I am referring to any one who knows anything about cycling and who cycles regularly and who wants efficient pedalling and to ride further, expending less energy, in a shorter time and be comfortable.
You carry on wearing your toe clips and straps with non cycling shoes ie trainers .

 

[Crankarm]

It must have already been mentioned but the title is misspelt.

Pedals not peddles .