GrasB said:
You should be a bit faster as you're not flexing the sole of the shoe anywhere as much & also you can push forward/back on the pedal to make more effective use of the down stroke. Going up hill you can also use the upstroke to give a more power... a lot more power.
Yes, I found that, on the "flat", I'm starting to push even before the stroke reaches TDC and, when putting on the pressure, it's much easier to use the upstroke than it is with clips. Although it did feel strange lifting against the shoe rather than the toe clips, I know that'll be something I get used to.
I had a semi-clipless moment when practising in the garden but, tbh, I only tried it for a few minutes and it was more to set the tension than to practice. I'm not sure that clipping in and out when leaning against a wall is necessarily going to make it any more or less reflexive to unclip in a hurry when riding.
bauldbairn said:
It must be just me but I've never lost my grip on my flat pedals - I always choose my riding shoes carefully.
I took a brand new set of clips/straps off my new bike(a few months ago) as they didn't appeal - or feel safe.
Don't get me wrong, I'm not doubting any of you - I do intend giving clipless "a go" at some point because I feel I can't have an opinion on it if I don't try it myself. Maybe later on in the year - I still like reading the posts/threads about which shoes/pedals/cleats suit best though.
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Yesterday was the first time clipless with me and I agree with Shaun's comment about the additional stability on rough surfaces. The tow path is pretty lumpy in parts and has dried solid so riding it on the 700x32c tyres can be a challenge but it was all good with the new set up.
I have flats on the MTB and never had a problem with them, but I did prefer the toe clips on the road bikes so, when I spotted RyanW selling some shoes and pedals a couple of weeks ago, I decided to "give it a go". Going pre-loved obviously gives the chance to have a go without committing the £130-odd for new shoes and pedals. I then had the call about the new job on the way home from collecting the shoes and pedals, and I haven't had a chance to practice until yesterday.
I fitted Ryan's (egg whisk) pedals on the Secteur and went for a short run, and decided within about a dozen miles that it was the way to go, so picked up the M520s for the Tricross on the way home. I must admit that I like having the option of flats with the M520s. Whilst Eton Bridge is a bike path (part of NCN4, indeed), Windsor is rammed full of tourists and I was doing walking speed there.
The 5% difference in overall time was a bit of a surprise to me, an unexpected benefit which shows, for me, how much better I can get the power through the wheels.