Clips or flats ...

[Brandane]

I never understand how you can even start off with flat pedals, how do you pull it up for the first move off? I get into a right pickle when I hire flat pedal bikes on holiday ...

You've never used flats then? Not even as a beginner? How unusual.
I do it without really thinking about HOW I do it, but I have a feeling it might be something to do with sticking the top of your foot under the pedal and lifting it up to the required position; or spinning it backwards, or a bit of both. I just know it's not difficult.

 

[suzeworld]

Of course I used flats as a kid .... you guys need a humour infusion!

But actually, after several decades of not using them, it does not come back easily.

 

[MontyVeda]

I never understand how some people have such trouble keeping their feet on flat pedals.

Back in the day i always had toe strap type pedals... they were essential. Then i bought some flat pedals because i liked the colour and had every intention of somehow bodging the toe straps onto them, because they were essential. But after a couple of rides i realised they weren't and thoroughly enjoyed not having to spend a second doing that flippy thing to get my foot in... toe straps, along with the computer are the best two things i've taken off my bike, and i ain't looked back.

 

[threebikesmcginty]

Don't forget the zen-like oneness you achieve with your bike from being mechanically fixed with clipless and the surge in power you feel with every effortless turn of the cranks including the all important upstroke bonus from added connectivity.

 

[winjim]

...i ain't looked back.

You really ought to from time to time, especially when manoeuvring in traffic.

 

[pedaler]

Flats on commuter, clips on roadie

 

[Vapin' Joe]

Don't forget the zen-like oneness you achieve with your bike from being mechanically fixed with clipless and the surge in power you feel with every effortless turn of the cranks including the all important upstroke bonus from added connectivity.

Best post I've seen along those lines on either here or C+ was some poor sap talking about the Zen-like experience of reaching down and friction shifting the gears.

 

[threebikesmcginty]

Best post I've seen along those lines on either here or C+ was some poor sap talking about the Zen-like experience of reaching down and friction shifting the gears.

Tragic.

 

[raleighnut]

I am currently riding with what can only be described as full blown mountain bike pedals with toe clips attached on my road bike.

The more I seem to be enjoying riding the more I am tempted to by a set of clip less pedals. I already have a pair of shimano mtb shoes which were given to me from my brother which have the spd fitting option under a rubber cover but I am still very wary of clipping in and out. I have read so many reviews about spd pedals and some of the cheaper options state easy clipping in and out ideal for occasional riders and beginners but is this really the case. Yeah I know £20 ish isn't a lot to give it a try as I already have the shoes but I really don't know if I will get on with them due to a knee injury sustained many years ago which still niggles now?

Also how easy are they to adjust ie lossen or tighten so I can easily clip in and out without issues.

Really wished I had just got some before Christmas so I could of used them on the turbo and got used to them before heading out on the roads but hey!

There are 2 types of Shimano SPD cleats SH51 and SH 56, one releases with a twist of the foot only and the other releases with either a twist or an upward 'tug' with the foot, these are also marked with a big M for 'multirelease'. The release tension can also be adjusted on all of the Shimano SPD pedals, most people seem to leave em on minimum going by previous threads on this subject.

 

[Dogtrousers]

Best post I've seen along those lines on either here or C+ was some poor sap talking about the Zen-like experience of reaching down and friction shifting the gears.

I have one bike with both down tube friction shifters and SPDs.

Ommmmm....

 

[Drago]

Me too!

 

[arch684]

I have one bike with both down tube friction shifters and SPDs.

Ommmmm....

I have 3 bikes like that

 

[hennbell]

Clipless on all of my bicycles.

I have a circa 1992 giant Kronos road bike with down tube shifters and a cheap pair of spd knock offs.

Bike is a beautiful deep red with sparkles and the lugs are pinstriped.