50000tears
Senior Member
- Location
- Weymouth, Dorset
I will say from the start that I am not questioning whether to go clipless or not. I already have both SPD and SPD-SL cleats and pedals. A ride I had yesterday though got me thinking.
In my 60 mile chilly morning ride yesterday I ended up having to go out using flat pedals and trainers, for reasons far too boring to get into! Although this was my furthest distance so far I was pretty disappointed with my overall pace and wondered how much of this I could put down to the pedal/shoe combination. The trainers I had on are basically a running shoe so there is a degree of give in the sole which I know would affect power transfer. Also because it is impossible to pedal proper circles on flat pedals I guess I lost out here too.
Does anybody know speed wise how much I would be losing due to not being clipless? Have studies been done on just how much that correct foot position and easier more powerful pedaling gives a rider?
As a slight aside does the cold weather also slow down overall speed?
In my 60 mile chilly morning ride yesterday I ended up having to go out using flat pedals and trainers, for reasons far too boring to get into! Although this was my furthest distance so far I was pretty disappointed with my overall pace and wondered how much of this I could put down to the pedal/shoe combination. The trainers I had on are basically a running shoe so there is a degree of give in the sole which I know would affect power transfer. Also because it is impossible to pedal proper circles on flat pedals I guess I lost out here too.
Does anybody know speed wise how much I would be losing due to not being clipless? Have studies been done on just how much that correct foot position and easier more powerful pedaling gives a rider?
As a slight aside does the cold weather also slow down overall speed?