Foot retention

[Jonathing]

I've been using my singlespeed with flat pedals for the last few months as my commuting bike, as I work 'in the community' I don't have the ability to leave a change of shoes or anything at work. This has prevented me from using spd's as the kids I work with wouldn't be seen dead walking around with a guy wearing such dorky shoes.
However the freewheel has given up and while I've been off work I've been riding fixed. I can't get on with toeclips, trying to flip them over and slide your foot in is all but bloody impossible while they're moving. Royal Fail seem to be unable to deliver the powergrips I've ordered from Evans so now I need to get to work tomorrow and I have no 'preferred peddling solution'. Even trying to remove the freewheel using the hammer and screwdriver method so I could replace it nearly cost me a finger.

I'm at something of a loss here, surely cycling to work shouldn't be this hard!?

 

[david1701]

get someone to tape your feet to the pedals at either end and make sure you are really really good at trackstanding for stops in between?

 

[guitarpete247]

I spotted this photo on another forum and thought of your predicament.

 

[Rob3rt]

I've been using my singlespeed with flat pedals for the last few months as my commuting bike, as I work 'in the community' I don't have the ability to leave a change of shoes or anything at work. This has prevented me from using spd's as the kids I work with wouldn't be seen dead walking around with a guy wearing such dorky shoes.
However the freewheel has given up and while I've been off work I've been riding fixed. I can't get on with toeclips, trying to flip them over and slide your foot in is all but bloody impossible while they're moving. Royal Fail seem to be unable to deliver the powergrips I've ordered from Evans so now I need to get to work tomorrow and I have no 'preferred peddling solution'. Even trying to remove the freewheel using the hammer and screwdriver method so I could replace it nearly cost me a finger.

I'm at something of a loss here, surely cycling to work shouldn't be this hard!?

Try Re-strap instead of power grips, they are excellent for knocking about on, they are very secure despite what they look like. Basically they are power grips but thicker, stronger, and more adjustable

 

[MacB]

Just ride your usual flats, there are others that ride Fixed without retention

 

[colinr]

Or some incognito SPD shoes?
http://www.alwaysrid...s/dzr-shoes-52/

Just ride your usual flats, there are others that ride Fixed without retention

I wouldn't ride at any speed/distance retention. I've slipped off before, it's not great.

 

[3narf]

You can get 'street' (I believe this the correct youth terminology) style shoes which will take SPD cleats; have a look at the ads in MBUK or the like...

 

[redjedi]

Or some incognito SPD shoes?

My flatmate just got these and they look quite smart and not bikey at all

 

[Rob3rt]

Just ride your usual flats, there are others that ride Fixed without retention

I did for a while, I wouldnt recommend it, I'm with Colin on this, if you plan to go a reasonable speed, retention is almost a must, slipping off the pedals at high speed without the ability to freewheel would/could throw you massively off balance and likely end up in a right wreckage. The amount of control you get from being attached is very noticable IMO and worth getting retention alone.

But for 1 trip, then I wouldnt worry, I'd just keep the speed well in check.

 

[Deleted member 1258]

I haven't come across the re-straps before, to me they look ugly, but the people who are using them seem to like them. jonathing what's the problem with the clips and straps? I've always used clips and straps on fixed and haven't had any problems with them, curently using VeloSolo's deep clips with platform pedals.

 

[Bicycle]

There are some OK-looking shoes that fit SPD cleats. Finding a pair that match the aesthetic criteria of your workmates shouldn't be an issue.

Alternatively, put a bag over your shoulder with the cool shoes in it and change after riding.

You're going to have a little bag of sorts anyway to carry layers, showerproofs and the like...

A couple of shoes don't take up much space and don't weigh much.

 

[Jonathing]

I decided that my preferred option, (cleats) was the way to go. I have no trouble walking in my Bonty mtb shoes and the clients can suck it up, if it's the first time they've been embarrassed by an adult's clothes they've been lucky.
Although the spd court shoes might be suitable for weekends.