First time out NOT clipless

[freewheelwilly]

It was the oddest feeling ever! I have been using some form of clipless pedal set up on my commute and weekend rides for around 20 years now. Just last month i bought a mountain bike so that i could ride with the better half on forest trails and light off road routes (She's no fan of the roads in London) on the weekends and evenings. Naturally the bike came with the standard flat pedals and i've not had the time nor the money to buy spd cleats and shoes to match (My usual set up on my roadie are keo's). Anyway, have been out a few times and i feel like i'm vulnerable not having a connection between me and the bike. I still rotate my heel out to unclip when i come to a stop, still nudge the pedal with my toe to flip it over and clip in and still lift my foot when i'm stationary to pull the pedal up ready for the off. On the other hand my girlfriend thinks i'm bonkers that i moan about this.
Its not nice and i cannot wait to pay day so i can buy those shoes and pedals.

 

[fossyant]

Get SPD's quick !

 

[TheJDog]

I have half and half pedals on my hybrid so that I can ride in ordinary shoes if necessary. In three years I've done it once, and I hated it so much I said I would never do it again. The feeling is odd.

 

[freewheelwilly]

...and don't even get me started on the weight of this thing. Thought i'd use it for a commute on its first proper test ride. Boy was i knackered by the time i got to work. Admittedly i hadn't changed the tyres but there is no point seeing as though from now on its going to have little if any contact with tarmac. That said it is a joy to be able to cycle with the girlfriend now.

 

[Theseus]

Of my 5 bikes, 2 have SPD's, 1 has straps and 2 have flats

The SPD's are on the posh fixed and the tourer.
The straps are on the pub fixed.
The flats are on the utility and sedate bikes.

I try to ride one of each regularly and seem to have avoided any confusion for the time being.

I have yet to get into bouncing down hillsides, but would like to think I would be comfortable using flats. Some of the flat/shoe combinations provide a pretty secure grip, particularly if you are letting your legs take the strain. Also quicker to disengage in case of a prang.

 

[musa]

Last time I rode without my Spd-sls I got aches in my feets. worked so much harder

 

[Nearly there]

My road bike is without wheels at the min so this morning I took my hardtail out and did 30 miles on it with flat pedals what a difference my feet started to ache after about an hour and i kept forgetting i wasnt clipped in at stops i just felt odd not being attached.

 

[gaz]

I once had the option to ride an offroad trail with flats on SPD-SL's. I choose SL's

 

[Scruffmonster]

Just picked up a new commuter and havent put SPD's on yet. Left calf is bruised and cut from razor sharp metal pedals smacking into it when stopping/setting off. Forget every time.

 

[biggs682]

still in to straps as never really got on with spd's last time i tried them

 

[derrick]

Can't beat clipless, feel so secure.

 

[Deleted member 1258]

still in to straps as never really got on with spd's last time i tried them

I run clips and straps on the fixed and clipless on the geared bike, of the two systems I prefer clips and straps, I haven't rode without some form of foot retention for years.