gains from clipless pedals

[grellboy]

Afternoon. Just upgraded from Boardman Hybrid (21 kph avg) to Specialized Allez (25 kph avg). Not sure how much the increase is due to a better bike or more psychological (better bike so better try harder!?). Probably a bit of both. Anyway, looking to crank it up another level and wondering what extra kph I could expect from getting clipless pedals/shoes etc. Anyone got any figures gained from experience?

 

[Supersuperleeds]

My lbs told me I could be 2mph faster if I went clipless, since I've stayed on flats I've no idea if this is true or not.

 

[PhilDawson8270]

Very little.

Security is the main benefit of being clipped in, but greater performance, for most people isn't happening.

 

[Citius]

As above - you won't go faster using clipless. The benefit is secure foot retention. If you want to go faster, get fitter.

 

[Easytigers]

Not sure about the benefits in terms of speed but it just feels better (once you've got used to being clipped in and have had a couple of very slow embarrassing falls!).

Go for it :-)

 

[Drago]

In doubt you'll see much direct performance gain. You may benefit from the feeling of extra security and from your foot always being in the prime position, but I doubt you can expect to go much, if any, faster as a result.

 

[alecstilleyedye]

the benefits of clipless are probably better going uphill.

any gain on the flat will primarily be due to the shoes; cycling shoes are still of sole, wheras normal shoes or trainers less so, so some of the pedal stroke goes into compressing the sole...

 

[Torvi]

it does have effect on me, about 0.2 mph average increase on my work route if i wear spds.

the route is uphill to work

 

[Vapin' Joe]

I'm definitely faster across a tiled café floor when I'm wearing cleats. In fact I once flew across so fast I took the counter down and injured a waitress.

Never dropped the cigarette from my mouth though.

 

[marshmella]

I'm definitely faster across a tiled café floor when I'm wearing cleats. In fact I once flew across so fast I took the counter down and injured a waitress.

Never dropped the cigarette from my mouth though.

So they don't affect drag then?

 

[Eribiste]

I wouldn't know. When I'm in drag I don't wear my cycling shoes.

 

[simon the viking]

I took Mrs V's Boardman out the other day to try and diagnose a noise... And thought how awkward it was with flat pedals and trainers...

 

[youngoldbloke]

Why not try them and see? Then report back. I can't ride a bike without them - I've used clips and straps (and cleats) from the early 1960s, and then clipless from the 90s, so I would say yes, obviously, wouldn't I?

 

[Mo1959]

My lbs told me I could be 2mph faster if I went clipless, since I've stayed on flats I've no idea if this is true or not.

If that were true, I might even be persuaded to try them, but I think he was hoping for a sale if you ask me! Lol.

 

[Citius]

If that were true, I might even be persuaded to try them, but I think he was hoping for a sale if you ask me! Lol.

I can save you the bother - it's not true.