gains from clipless pedals

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Profpointy

Legendary Member

better than nothing I guess, but simply looks like an inferior design of toe clip to me. I've never used 'em but as this is the internet I will opine they are crap anywat
 

Citius

Guest
They're actually pretty good - I used them for MTB back in the early 90s before SPD came out. No special shoes needed and they do hold your foot (or feet) very securely.
 

KneesUp

Guru
better than nothing I guess, but simply looks like an inferior design of toe clip to me. I've never used 'em but as this is the internet I will opine they are crap anywat
I'm the same - never used them, but as you can't tighten them whilst riding they are clearly rubbish compared to toe clips.
 

Citius

Guest
I'm the same - never used them, but as you can't tighten them whilst riding they are clearly rubbish compared to toe clips.

You don't need to tighten them while riding. The design means your foot goes in at an angle, then when you straighten it, the strap effectively tightens down. Difficult to explain without actually seeing it...
 

youngoldbloke

The older I get, the faster I used to be ...
[QUOTE="Profpointy, post: 3795522, member: 20456"
I do find clipless more convenient than clips and straps for clipping in and out, but both pretty much the same when you're actually going along. Conversely you are then stuck with needing "special shoes" - which I dislike on philosophical grounds, albeit have now gone that route grudginlgy. I hate "special shoes" for activities![/QUOTE]
There were always special shoes - the Italian all leather shoes with soft pierced uppers and smooth stiff soles were things of beauty. Worn with straps and clips, shoe plates (cleats) were nailed to the sole to make contact with the pedals more complete - and made 'getting your foot out' even more tricky! I still have a pair from the early 90s I wear on the old Peugeot. However nowadays I prefer the Look Keos I use on the other Bikes, and find I tend to pull out from the clips and straps.
 

Profpointy

Legendary Member
true, there was always the option of "special shoes" with toeclips, but you didn't have to have them. Funnily enough my current (clipin) shoes are hole-punched "italian" - nice but sla bit overpriced given they're actually made in far east, and not as nicely made as a nice pair of Northampton made oxfords say
 

Milkfloat

An Peanut
Location
Midlands
You don't need to tighten them while riding. The design means your foot goes in at an angle, then when you straighten it, the strap effectively tightens down. Difficult to explain without actually seeing it...

I had a pair of those in the mid 90s. There is a reason they are not a big seller now. SPDs completely outclass them.
 

KneesUp

Guru
I see them as the worst of both worlds - but I have only had a few hundred miles experince on them. You oldies may have it sussed by now.
They are dead cheap, they keep your feet on the pedals and yet allow you much more 'float' than clipless pedals, plus you can wear whatever shoes you want. Where's the downside?
 
Don't knock Powergrips. Mrs SJ used them for years and loved them as they kept her feet securely on the pedals, the harder you push the tighter they grip and as soon as you power off you can just slide your foot out. I tried them round the block a few times and I was quite happy with them, though I've been a confirmed clipless user since they first appeared about thirty years ago.
 
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