gains from clipless pedals
- Thread starter grellboy
- Start date
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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
KneesUp
Guru
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
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.
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.
KneesUp
Guru
Still, yeah, unknown thing is rubbish
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
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.
Citius
Guest
Well obviously. But they're still a viable option to someone who has no desire to use clipless though...
Point taken, but if I could not get on with clipless, I think I would stick to some decent flats.
Profpointy
Legendary Member
or dare I say proper toe clips and straps like wot we 'ad in the olden days
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.
KneesUp
Guru
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?
Vapin' Joe
Formerly known as Smokin Joe
- Location
- Bare headed cyclist, Smoker
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.
