gains from clipless pedals

[jonny jeez]

Personally I find I am much faster clipless. Also if I am wearing the "right gear" and if my bike makes no noise (rattles and the like)

Any one of these factors seems to have a direct impact on my performance.

Ps I am absolutley serious. I just can't get it together if either or all of these things are wrong.

 

[Deleted member 1258]

I think the argument is between clips/clipless versus flat pedals. For some bizarre reason some people claim clipless (and presumably toeclips also) are a fad from people aping racers. This is clearly a risible view that I'm not interested in arguing against. Fair enough to prefer the free and easy casualness of flat pedals or just can't be arsed clipping in - bit it's frankly silly to argue there's no benefit. I hate not being clipped in and feel insecure, but I'd not claim those who don't are misguided or wrong if they don't value those benefits above convenience say.

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!

Yes I've gone a bit off topic, but as both systems were being talked about I thought my experience might interest some people, as for flats, its been well over 25 years since I rode without some form of foot retention so I can't comment on those. I find clips and straps as convenient as you find clipless, but that might just be because I've been using them for over 25 years, the time I've been using clips and straps might also have a bearing on why I got no benefit from clipless.

 

[Deleted member 1258]

Pervert.

??? you'll have to explain that one.

 

[Profpointy]

Yes I've gone a bit off topic, but as both systems were being talked about I thought my experience might interest some people, as for flats, its been well over 25 years since I rode without some form of foot retention so I can't comment on those. I find clips and straps as convenient as you find clipless but that might just be because I've been using them for over 25 years, the time I've been using clips and straps might also have a bearing on why I got no benefit from clipless.

Nowt wrong with clips and straps. for commuting the ease of clipping in and out of clipless (mtb style - crank brothers on my case) is a big plus, but if mostly cracking on clips and straps are fine - and don't need the dreaded special shoes. Was thinking about an easy way of swapping to clips and straps for hillwalking round trips - ie bike chained up and cycling back to car. I really can't be doing without clips (or clipless) for a 10 or 20 mile ride - and don't want to have to carry shoes round all day either

 

[Deleted member 1258]

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

Yes I remember cleats with clips and straps, I only stopped using them when my last set disintegrated and I couldn't get any more. I also remember skating round on Cafe floors in them, there is one Cafe locally with a smooth concrete floor outside the toilets and I ended up on my arse a couple of times on that surface.

 

[Deleted member 1258]

Nowt wrong with clips and straps. for commuting the ease of clipping in and out of clipless (mtb style - crank brothers on my case) is a big plus, but if mostly cracking on clips and straps are fine - and don't need the dreaded special shoes. Was thinking about an easy way of swapping to clips and straps for hillwalking round trips - ie bike chained up and cycling back to car. I really can't be doing without clips (or clipless) for a 10 or 20 mile ride - and don't want to have to carry shoes round all day either

I must admit that all the time I've been on clips and straps I've been in the habit of straightening the toeclips then rebending them round my steel toe capped boots so I can commute in the boots, not difficult to do but care needed as its easy to crack them. I also use the sweet spot, where the strap is tight enough to pull up and pedal circles but I can ease a foot out when needed, saves me constantly adjusting the straps.

 

[Cuchilo]

I found clipping in faster . I actually swore out loud when I first clipped in and set off .

 

[markharry66]

Sorry was a joke can only apologise.

 

[Chooch]

I make full use of my pedal stroke when clipped in, when I used flats I didn't have the same peddling efficiency which meant my muscles got tired quicker and I got slower so yes I'd say that clipless pedals will improve your gains.

 

[PhilDawson8270]

I make full use of my pedal stroke when clipped in, when I used flats I didn't have the same peddling efficiency which meant my muscles got tired quicker and I got slower so yes I'd say that clipless pedals will improve your gains.

How do you use more of your pedal stroke when clipped in?

 

[Citius]

I sense another 'upstroke' discussion coming on...

 

[PhilDawson8270]

I sense another 'upstroke' discussion coming on...

I was trying to be subtle ya'know