To clip or not to clip ?

[Drago]

The clear advantages are only if you're racing and need all the effectiveness in a sprint and to heck with efficiency. The other claimed advantages are very unclear.

Not racing? Get big grippy comfy flats and leave the racers to their bondage.

Being an all weather rider I like the security of being able to lay down the power regardless of conditions and not have to worry about foot positioning before doing so. But it is very much a taste thing and for every manly studmuffin like me there's another hunk that likes to be able to mover around and fine tune the contact points to suit the bikes attitude at any given moment. Cycling is a broad church in sooo many different ways.

 

[MichaelW2]

With a new style of bike and new brake/gear levers, I would aim to minimize distractions at the start. Fit some plain platform pedals until you can run the gears, brakes and track stand steering OK, then fit whatever system you like. You don't have to fit road pedals to a road bike. If you are not racing, then the walkability of mtb style pedals is useful.

 

[BigMeatball]

They do work well though. Have a pair on my hack. No shin bashing as of yet.

I've used them too. No shin bashing but I ripped more than a pair of socks

 

[mjr]

I've used them too. No shin bashing but I ripped more than a pair of socks

You're still meant to wear shoes!

 

[Dogtrousers]

With a new style if bike and new brake/gear levers, I would aim to minimize distractions at the start. Fit some plain platform pedals until you can run the gears, brakes and track stand steering OK, then fit whatever system you like. You don't have to fit road pedals to a road bike. If you are not racing, then the walkability of mtb style pedals is useful.

I was with you until track standing. Not something I've ever been able to do ... or indeed ever will be inclined to learn. Like wheelies, bunny hops and riding along the railings of bridges over enormous gorges. (Old dog, new tricks)

Generally agree with the rest though. Try to reduce the amount of changes you introduce at any one time.

 

[MichaelW2]

I was with you until track standing. Not something I've ever been able to do ... or indeed ever will be inclined to learn. Like wheelies, bunny hops and riding along the railings of bridges over enormous gorges. (Old dog, new tricks)

Generally agree with the rest though. Try to reduce the amount of changes you introduce at any one time.

Unlike stunt riding, track stands have a real use, enabling you to hold the line at lights and junctions with feet on pedals for a swift and safe getaway. You will need enhanced slow riding skills with clipless pedals, even if it is not the full monty track stand.

 

[Dogtrousers]

Unlike stunt riding, track stands have a real use, enabling you to hold the line at lights and junctions with feet on pedals for a swift and safe getaway. You will need enhanced slow riding skills with clipless pedals, even if it is not the full monty track stand.

I imagine they might be useful but I must say I've never found it necessary* to learn them, either with ye olde toeclips or SPDs. I just dab my foot down when necessary.

* Or possible. I doubt I'd be able to learn even if I tried. I'm a complete klutz.

 

[matticus]

track stands:
- you look really cool if you can keep really still;
- also good during a track sprint;
- you look a posey knob if you're wobbling about, all to save at most 2 seconds.

 

[Venod]

Track stand skills are OK if contesting a track sprint, at traffic lights etc they are just knobber fodder, in the same class as wheelies on the road.

 

[vickster]

Indeed there’s no bigger nobber on a bike than some muppet trackstanding in the middle of a junction waiting for a gap in traffic trying to pretend he's better and cleverer than any other RLJer

 

[Dogtrousers]

I'd just like to emphasise that the reason I don't trackstand isn't because I'm not a total nobber.

It's because I can't.

 

[ianrauk]

Never been beaten off the lights by a trackstander.
Whish I could do it though.

 

[Vapin' Joe]

I'd just like to emphasise that the reason I don't trackstand isn't because I'm not a total nobber.

It's because I can't.

Track stands were something everybody learned back in the day. No real reason, we just did.

 

[Drago]

They're a handy skill off road. Approach an obstacle and it gives you an extra second or two to scope itmout before committing.

I'm so so at them, but one course i ran one lad could just stand there indefinitely. Turns out he'd been a BMX champion in his yoof.

 

[pjd57]

I only started riding a road bike about two months ago, I ride in flats, with these to stop my feet flying off

View attachment 518415

Half toe clips, just under a fiver from Amazon. Hold feet in place without being tied to the bike, and you don't need special shoes.

After reading this I ordered a pair.
They arrived this afternoon after I'd been out.
Fitted them in two minutes and had a quick run round the block.

First impressions are good.
Updates to follow if that changes.