To clip or not to clip ?

[CXRAndy]

If you're riding shortish distances, I would stick with flats. If you're planning all day then SPD wiil be great. I use SPD pedals and have ridden all day. You can walk too without looking like a duck

 

[CanucksTraveller]

Until you go arse over tit on a slippery floor after looking like a constipated duck walking into the cafe

Hey, if they were designed for walking in, then they wouldn't look nearly so streamlined and pro on the bike, where they're meant to be. The cafe duck waddle and the "ice skating in the pub toilet" look is the badge of honour of the committed roadie. 😄

 

[pawl]

Good advice.My winter bike is equipped with Shimano double sided pedals

 

[JhnBssll]

Just to echo what has already been said, don't feel pressed in to using clipless pedals - there are clear advantages if you do decide to go that way, but flats are perfectly adequate with a decent pair of shoes.

I'm also an SPD user - I started off with XT SPD's in the mid 90's a few years after they were released so know them well. I have never felt the need to try 'road' style pedal/cleat systems and have SPD 'MTB' style pedals on all my road bikes - I could be missing out on something life changing In fact the one bike I don't have 'MTB' pedals on is a MTB

Another benefit of the SPD system is the wide variety of shoes available. I have some carbon soled jobbies that are great on the road bike, I have some ankle length neoprene covered ones that are fully waterproof and fleece lined for winter or off-road use, and I have a pair of specialized shoes that could be mistaken for trainers that I commute in. They're extremely comfortable to walk in and aside from the occasional clip-clop of cleats on concrete you'd forget you were wearing them

 

[Drago]

Try it and see what you think. You may like it, you may not. If you struggle, or have lots of so called "clipless moments" then go back to flats and try again in the future when your fundamental control skills and coordination have improved.

 

[Cuchilo]

I only clip in on bikes i dont intend to get off of . How was my English ?

 

[HMS_Dave]

Get a trike and all the problems go away.

 

[sheddy]

Speed is important. But knees are More important.

 

[vickster]

Speed is important. But knees are More important.

Indeed. I have done ‘000s of miles with SPDs over the last 8 years or so but I’ve had to go back to flats as an arthritic knee that won’t bend beyond 100 degrees complains bitterly and painfully when clipped in

 

[noddy63]

Very interesting as I had a full knee replacement just a year ago, I've had no problems cycling so far in fact it's done me a lot of good, but might be an idea to stay on flats for now.

 

[vickster]

Very interesting as I had a full knee replacement just a year ago, I've had no problems cycling so far in fact it's done me a lot of good, but might be an idea to stay on flats for now.

How much flexion do you have? Try pedalling with toes/ball of foot on pedal only, not arch or heel. That’ll tell you if you have enough bend for clipless

You’re quite young for a tkr

 

[noddy63]

Will try that tomorrow cheers.

 

[raleighnut]

I use allsorts of pedals across my range of bikes from flat to single sided flat (track pedals) to SPD/flat combos on my hybrid and tourer and A520* single Sided SPD on my 2 'racier' bikes.

* These are definitely good looking on my 'racier' bikes,

 

[NotAsGoodAsMyBike]

If you’re ok with flats don’t feel pressured to change. I did after a year or so (to Shimano M520s) and loved them and never looked back. I also have a slightly dodgy right knee (courtesy of falling down a spiral staircase, bending it very far the wrong way!). Clipless pedals actually help because it keeps my foot/knee in the “right” position - I just use the easy-release cleats and loosen the screws on the pedals to the easiest setting so I can very easily unclip at a moments notice.

I tried roadie style pedals (Look pedals) when I got my first road bike. Stupid idea. Lasted about 2 months before throwing them away and fitting 520s. Main problem was the shoes. Can’t walk in them and even unclipping and putting one foot down could (if done at the wrong angle) cause the cleat to slip on the tarmac and me to end up in a pile in the middle of the road. Life’s too short.

Good luck!

 

[SkipdiverJohn]

The cafe duck waddle and the "ice skating in the pub toilet" look is the badge of honour of the committed roadie. 😄

The sort of roadie who ought to be committed to a lunatic asylum you mean.....Style above substance every time.