Toeclips & straps

[GuyBoden]

I used toeclips when I was younger on road bikes, I've just recently got back on a road bike and I'm using Toeclips and straps again.

I've no problem using anything that works well, so I might give clipless a try at some point.

 

[GuyBoden]

I use Zefal MT45 toe cups, £7 a pair:

At that price, I'll give these a try too.

 

[RichardB]

The Dawes came with strapless clips, which were surprisingly good at locating the foot properly, but I had a hankering for some proper clips and straps, so I fitted those. I've had toeclips on all bikes (except MTBs) since I was about 16, so I am happy with them. I can see the point of clipless, but I have no desire to fit them, as it would mean buying the shoes as well and that sort of loses the 'jump on anytime' feel. I ride with the straps slightly loose, as for me the purpose is not to locate the foot but to keep it secure when standing up, and a slightly slack strap will do that adequately. But straps just feel right.

 

[swansonj]

Clipless v toeclips, like Lycra, is an under-debated part of the politics of cycling (it is frequently debated but on ground of functionality). If we want to encourage more people to cycle, and for utility journeys, anything that sends the message that you need special equipment to do it - special sporting clothes, or, in this case special shoes - is surely detrimental, just like the perception that you need to wear a helmet* is surely detrimental.

*There, that's done it....

 

[wheresthetorch]

I've just 'liked' a post on this thread, only to notice it was written 4 years ago. Oh well, better late than never!

 

[GuyBoden]

If we want to encourage more people to cycle, and for utility journeys, anything that sends the message that you need special equipment to do it - special sporting clothes, or, in this case special shoes - is surely detrimental, just like the perception that you need to wear a helmet* is surely detrimental.

*There, that's done it....

I agree, we don't need anything that discourages people going cycling on the UK's roads, IMO the more people cycling on the UK's roads the safer it will be, I also feel that cyclists should make some contribute to Vehicle Road Tax.

 

[Profpointy]

I agree, we don't need anything that discourages people going cycling on the UK's roads, IMO the more people cycling on the UK's roads the safer it will be, I also feel that cyclists should make some contribute to Vehicle Road Tax.

yes, make the freeloading buggers pay extra for leaving their cars at home. And make them pay even more if they walk whilst we're at it.

 

[youngoldbloke]

I agree, we don't need anything that discourages people going cycling on the UK's roads, IMO the more people cycling on the UK's roads the safer it will be, I also feel that cyclists should make some contribute to Vehicle Road Tax.

WHY is that? (Ignoring the fact that there is no such thingn as 'road tax' - it is VED, which is emission based, and therefore shouldn't horses should be taxed at a much higher rate than us ? - and most of us pay VED on our cars anyway, and if we are on our bikes we are not adding to congestion etc etc etc etc ....... ) - and wouldn't the requirement to pay put people off cycling?

 

[Smurfy]

I`ve been cycling for over 30 years now and I`m still using toe clips & straps, I`ve never felt the need to change to clipless. So I was just wondering how many of you still ride in toe clips?

A lot of the benefit of clipless pedals comes from the stiffer sole of a dedicated cycling shoe. You can get a lot of the benefit by using cycling shoes with conventional pedals.

 

[DaveReading]

Dyed-in-the-wool toeclips and straps user here.

If I'm off to the pub in decent shoes, I'll normally turn the pedals over and use the plain side, with the straps tightened so the clips don't ground unless I forget to freewheel round corners.

 

[Profpointy]

A lot of the benefit of clipless pedals comes from the stiffer sole of a dedicated cycling shoe. You can get a lot of the benefit by using cycling shoes with conventional pedals.

yebbutt the (only?) benefit of clips and straps is that you don't need the dreaded "special shoes"; once you've crossed the Rubicon and bought special shoes, might as well go clipless.

 

[GuyBoden]

WHY is that? (Ignoring the fact that there is no such thing as 'road tax' - it is VED, which is emission based, and therefore shouldn't horses should be taxed at a much higher rate than us ? - and most of us pay VED on our cars anyway, and if we are on our bikes we are not adding to congestion etc etc etc etc ....... ) - and wouldn't the requirement to pay put people off cycling?

Yes, you're correct, "Road Tax" was abolished in 1937 and now replaced by VED, but unfortunately some Car drivers mistakenly think they have more rights on the road because they pay VED (unfortunately, it's still known by many as Road Tax or Car Tax.).

Would paying Cycle VED give Cyclists more perceived road rights, I don't know. Maybe, abolishing VED completely would be a better solution.

 

[swansonj]

yebbutt the (only?) benefit of clips and straps is that you don't need the dreaded "special shoes"; once you've crossed the Rubicon and bought special shoes, might as well go clipless.

The "only" benefit? I'd always assumed there was a reason why "clipless moments" are called "clipless" ...

 

[Smurfy]

yebbutt the (only?) benefit of clips and straps is that you don't need the dreaded "special shoes"; once you've crossed the Rubicon and bought special shoes, might as well go clipless.

I'd say yes and no. The old style spd shoes can be walked in, so they are very different from road shoes with protruding cleats, which make people waddle when off the bike. I've seen a few people using cycling shoes without clipless pedals, so it clearly appeals to some.

 

[Profpointy]

i

I'd say yes and no. The old style spd shoes can be walked in, so they are very different from road shoes with protruding cleats, which make people waddle when off the bike. I've seen a few people using cycling shoes without clipless pedals, so it clearly appeals to some.

I was being slightly flippant as I do recall "traditional" cycling shoes with stiff soles, maybe cleats too for use with clips and straps. I never bought a a pair but considered it. Then, as now, my ordinary shows are northampton made brogues or similar rather than trainers so tend to have stiff soles anyway, but did come a cropper trying to get commando soles out of the clips

I've now gone for "mountain bike" style pedals (crank brothers currently) and shoes I can walk in, but can see the benefit of just wearing ordinary shoes. I don't like riding without clips and straps (if not clipless) so haven't favoured the flat-one-side clipless pedals.