Clipess - how much better?

[Tynan]

brill

the man in the LBS said 50-60%,m of what I'm still not sure

they make a huge difference, you feel like a proper cyclist

 

[Kobie]

Thanks folks - looks pretty unanimous then I've just got myself a new tourer, so I want to get used to that before adding the extras, but clipless does seem the way to go!

 

[Tynan]

can be pricey admittedly but an utter no brainer if you can afford it

 

[leoc]

I'm probably going to get my first set of clipless at the wknd too. I understand that there would be a massive improvement over flats, but I've been using toeclips for a while now, so is there likely to be a big difference going from toeclips with straps to clipless?

 

[bonj2]

it's definitely better, but not that much of a performance benefit although it is a bit so you might aswell do it. Just feels better and more connected. Wouldn't ever have them on a MTB though - would be a bit like putting dump valves on a landrover.

 

[bonj2]

Thanks folks - looks pretty unanimous then I've just got myself a new tourer, so I want to get used to that before adding the extras, but clipless does seem the way to go!

Definitely get double-sided ones, and the ones meant for MTBs (SPD), the ones meant for roadies (SPD-SL) are silly as you can't walk in the shoes as the cleats are sticking out - which seems a ridiculous idea to me, but hey. They like them though because they've got stiff soles.
Roadie ones I think are also single-sided which makes it a lot harder to clip in to them.

 

[domtyler]

Definitely get double-sided ones, and the ones meant for MTBs (SPD), the ones meant for roadies (SPD-SL) are silly as you can't walk in the shoes as the cleats are sticking out - which seems a ridiculous idea to me, but hey. They like them though because they've got stiff soles.
Roadie ones I think are also single-sided which makes it a lot harder to clip in to them.

In other words, he has never used roadie style pedals but has heard some overstated pitfalls and is now recounting them for us. Cheers for that bonj.

The truth is they are easier to get into and out of than MTB style ones,
you can walk short distances easily once you get used to it,
they have very stiff soles and together with the pedals are super efficient for pedaling,
they only need to be single sided as they automatically correct themselves to be hanging down the right way.

However a lot of less confident and/or older cyclists prefer SPDs so I wouldn't dismiss them altogether.

 

[HJ]

However a lot of less confident and/or older cyclists prefer SPDs so I wouldn't dismiss them altogether.

What has age got to do with it?

SPD-SL are fine if all you doing is racing, but if you are cycling as a means of transport i.e. commuting, touring, going to the shops etc, then MTB style SPDs are a lot more convenient.

As for confidence, that just show the level of arrogance of some roadies!

 

[Tynan]

I'm probably going to get my first set of clipless at the wknd too. I understand that there would be a massive improvement over flats, but I've been using toeclips for a while now, so is there likely to be a big difference going from toeclips with straps to clipless?

I used toe clips for ages and thought they were good, it's another league again, you clip your feet in and forget about them thereafter and concentrate on your legs

 

[skwerl]

What has age got to do with it?

SPD-SL are fine if all you doing is racing, but if you are cycling as a means of transport i.e. commuting, touring, going to the shops etc, then MTB style SPDs are a lot more convenient.

As for confidence, that just show the level of arrogance of some roadies!

Agreed. MTB cleats are much better if you're unclipping 20 odd times along your commute, especially if it's wet. Road shoes aren't any stiffer than decent MTB shoes, the difference is that MTB shoes have grippy soles.
Road cleats give a bigger platform and I find them more comfy on long rides. I'd say they're harder to unclip from but that's probably cos my egg beaters (which I wouldn't recommend unless you want to change cleats every 4 months) are easy to unclip. Road cleats are easy enough to clip into

 

[andy_wrx]

Wouldn't ever have them on a MTB though

I would very much have them on a MTB - without them, your feet are bounced off the pedals at the slightest bump and it's downright dangerous.

 

[Lardyboy]

Once you've gone clipless you never go back.

 

[peejay78]

one-sided pedals are weighted and ridiculously easy to clip into.

road pedals with a bigger cleat are made for cycling, not walking.

 

[asterix]

Wouldn't ever have them on a MTB though - would be a bit like putting dump valves on a landrover.

There's no way I'd EVER put dump valves on a landrover. Well you just wouldn't would you?

 

[fossyant]

Commuting and off road - proper double sided spd's.

Road work then deffo SPD SL, TIME or LOOK (or egg beaters etc) - the cleat is bigger, more stable, shoes stiffer - I prefer them for distance/low stop rides.