Clip in peddles - the pros and cons

[Cyclopathic]

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.

On my everyday transport and trailer towing bike I use the BMX style of flat pedals and find them to be excellent for my specific use on that bike. It's fairly short runs in all weathers and any old shoes I happen to have on. The pedals have a large footprint and they have tiny little metal rounded spikes around the edge that give enough grip to prevent any slippage but are not large enough to chew up the bottoms of my shoes. They might look a bit weird but you haven't seen my face.

 

[BlackPanther]

I switched to spds when I started commuting to work (12 miles) and I've never looked back. I had a major worry of forgetting to unclip, but it's never happened. If you do long distance and/or want to go really fast, they're essential imho. Another factor for me is safety now I use the trike. If my foot slipped off the pedal at speed then it would hit the ground and drag underneath, probably snapping my ankle, leg, or both!

 

[deadpool7]

The biggest reason I got them was because my running shoe soles were too wide and would hit the bike frame every 10 minutes or so. At higher speeds, it was a safety issue for me. I figured if I had to buy new shoes anyway, why not go clipless.

I can definitely see the arguments either way, but I feel naked without mine now.

 

[Davidc]

Tried clipless. Got a knee injury as a result - consultant said it's very common in people whose foot alignment is more than a few degrees off straight.

Back to cage clips and straps. No noticeable difference to riding apart from flexibility and as with cleats no slippage in the wet, no danger of feet coming off pedals etc, and the same ability to reduce downward pressure on the upstroke.

On the round town mtb I use the plastic strapless clips shown earlier in the thread. They're very useful for that job, and of course accept any shoe you happen to be wearing.

My usual philosophy applies to this - it doesn't affect anyone else so do as you wish and what you feel comfortable with. If you're a pro rider sponsored by kit makers use the clipless you're paid to use, if you're comfortable with them or feel the need to follow fashion then just use clipless if they don't injure you, if you prefer cages with or without straps just use them, and if you prefer flat pedals on their own just use them.

It's all down to personal choice.

 

[deadpool7]

I'm a little worried about foot alignment as my right foot is a bit off center alignment when walking/running/pedaling.

 

[Rob500]

Correctly positioned cleats are the perfect way to stop you getting sore knees.

 

[Davidc]

Correctly positioned cleats are the perfect way to stop you getting sore knees.

So you know better than a muscular-skeletal medical consultant then? Congratulations!

 

[Rob500]

So you know better than a muscular-skeletal medical consultant then? Congratulations!

There's no need to be so cheeky and abrupt. You're off my Christmas card list.

 

[Davidc]

There's no need to be so cheeky and abrupt. You're off my Christmas card list.

On this occasion there is.

 

[Rob500]

On this occasion there is.

No there really isn't. I wasn't talking to you.

 

[Davidc]

No there really isn't. I wasn't talking to you.

As you posted dangerous misinformation there was every reason to respond abruptly.

 

[Kookas]

So you know better than a muscular-skeletal medical consultant then? Congratulations!

Does a muscular-skeletal medical consultant have expertise in cycling/clipless though? How could they say that clipless is at fault if they don't know precisely what it is?

 

[Davidc]

Does a muscular-skeletal medical consultant have expertise in cycling/clipless though? How could they say that clipless is at fault if they don't know precisely what it is?

Please read my earlier post.

The muscular-skeletal consultant who dealt with my knee is a specialist in sports injuries (that's why I was seeing him), a regular cyclist, cycling advocate, and advisor to a number of official sports bodies. He knows exactly what clipless is, as a user as well, and has plenty of expertise in cycling. This joint injury following use of correctly adjusted and fitted cleats is a result of a significant natural misalignment of foot to leg. Neither the cleated bike nor the misalignment is a problem, it's the combination. It's also permanent, and I have to be careful not to aggravate it.

He did point out that this issue is a lot less common than injuries from "clipless moment" falls.

 

[BlackPanther]

Does a muscular-skeletal medical consultant have expertise in cycling/clipless though? How could they say that clipless is at fault if they don't know precisely what it is?

Girls, girls. You're both right.....and wrong. Yes clipless pedals can in some cases aggravate an existing knee problem, and in others can alleviate knee problems, each case is different. May I offer a solution? Not tried them myself as I don't have clipless related knee problems, but the 'eggbeater' type pedals http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Crank-Bro...sure_cycling_bikeparts_SR&hash=item2575465d27 are better if you suffer from being 'locked into' an uncomfortable position with clipless pedals as they offer more sideways movement.

Now, lets have less and more please.

 

[Kookas]

Please read my earlier post.

The muscular-skeletal consultant who dealt with my knee is a specialist in sports injuries (that's why I was seeing him), a regular cyclist, cycling advocate, and advisor to a number of official sports bodies. He knows exactly what clipless is, as a user as well, and has plenty of expertise in cycling. This joint injury following use of correctly adjusted and fitted cleats is a result of a significant natural misalignment of foot to leg. Neither the cleated bike nor the misalignment is a problem, it's the combination. It's also permanent, and I have to be careful not to aggravate it.

He did point out that this issue is a lot less common than injuries from "clipless moment" falls.

Oh OK, fair enough.