Toeclips

[Crackle]

I also switched from toeclips to clipless. I do find the clipless better at holding my feet and better for pulling up on steep climbs but I am far from convinced yet, toeclips were easier and more convenient, especialy for touring.

 

[MartinC]

I even have Look footwear with recessed cleats. Joy

Not seen any of these? Interesting. Do you have the make?

 

[Davidc]

I am with MacB, I have been on toeclips for about 25 years, in 2007 I had clipless on my best bike for about six months, and hated them, I also got no benefit from using them, it was no easier, I was no faster and didn't climb any better,after six months I went back to toeclips.

I'm the same (only it was longer in the clips )

I think this is a case of each to his/her own.

I gave clipless a fair trial, for 2 months and about 400 miles, and had two clipless moments - had a couple of clip moments when I was getting used to them years earlier so no difference there.

I hated the feeling of being attached to the pedals, and didn't like being restricted to one pair of shoes which weren't much good off the bike.

I agree that there's an advantage with clipless when putting in a lot of force on the pedals, but not much. If they'd been around when I used to do time trials I'd have used clipless for that though.

I'm back to pedals with toe clips, much happier with that. If I'm going to be on the bike for any time I use a pair of Lidl trainer style cycling shoes with the flat plate screwed on. They're shockingly good for the price! The rest of the time I can wear whatever shoes are sensible for what I'm doing when I get where I'm going.

I also find the mtb type clip pedals with no straps good for around town. Can't imaginine what it's like using cleats when you have to unclip/clip 20 times in half a mile.

 

[leoc]

I think if you're really skilled in using the toe-clips you probably won't see an amazing improvement with clipless.

However I always found if I had to stop on a steep incline, flipping the pedal to get my foot back in to a toe-clip would make me lose momentum. So I changed to SPD (MTB style double sided clipless) and found I could just stomp in without having to get the pedal right side up. I understand from mates this is harder in road style SPD-SL / Looks though.

 

[Trevrev]

I can't believe what a big divide there seems to to over the two systems.
I've got my first commute tomorrow with clipless.......In heavy traffic.
I've had a good practise, so i'll let you all know how it went !!

 

[Davidc]

I can't believe what a big divide there seems to to over the two systems.
I've got my first commute tomorrow with clipless.......In heavy traffic.
I've had a good practise, so i'll let you all know how it went !!

I don't think there's really a divide. Just different preferences and each to his own.

 

[threebikesmcginty]

I don't think there's really a divide. Just different preferences and each to his own.

Yes, that's right - live and let live....







....unless you're a luddite toe-clipper!!

 

[jcb]

I found the dual-side shimano pedals - flat platform/SPD - good as I can use the cleats when I like, and ride in other shoes at other times. Only disadvantages are that they are very heavy, and also I do have the difficulty in flipping the pedal round to get clipped in going uphill.

Is anyone else completely paranoid about traffic lights though? I'm unclipped one side 150m out, pedalling down the gears with my left heel so I can put my foot down at any time. It's not that I can't get unclipped quickly, just that I hate that moment of inertia when you think you're going to fall...

 

[g00se]

Just to confuse matters - what are folks views on these. Best of both worlds or not up to much?

http://www.evanscycles.com/products/powergrips/pedal-straps-ec005334

http://www.mtbr.com/cat/accessories/Extras/power-grips/pedal-strap/PRD_360092_117crx.aspx

 

[gaz]

i've heard good reviews of the power grips but how it's any quicker to get out, i can't see.

 

[661-Pete]

There is a divide - and the retail industry is feeding it, methinks. Try buying, at a large retailer, a middle-of-the-range road bike already fitted with clipless pedals, and then asking them to swap for flat pedals/toeclips instead.

To do them credit, a small retailer from whom I bought a road bike in France, duly obliged, when I asked this exact question (in my broken French). They swapped over the pedals for me and even threw in toe clips and straps, all for no extra charge. Big British distributors take note!

 

[Davidc]

There is a divide - and the retail industry is feeding it, methinks. Try buying, at a large retailer, a middle-of-the-range road bike already fitted with clipless pedals, and then asking them to swap for flat pedals/toeclips instead.

To do them credit, a small retailer from whom I bought a road bike in France, duly obliged, when I asked this exact question (in my broken French). They swapped over the pedals for me and even threw in toe clips and straps, all for no extra charge. Big British distributors take note!

Retailers will use anything to help profits, it's up to them whether and how they chose to try to keep or lose your business!

For the user, both systems are still readily available, and I hope that remains so for a long time.

Many bikes seem to be sold new without pedals, leaving the choice to the buyer. That makes sense to me with there being such a variety of pedals, toe clips, clipless systems and so on.

 

[Trevrev]

Right people. Apart from the cleats needing a little tweak to get my feet more comfortable on the pedals, all seems to be OK. Clip in Ok, and come out Ok. Any advantages?? I'm not sure yet.

 

[MacB]

Right people. Apart from the cleats needing a little tweak to get my feet more comfortable on the pedals, all seems to be OK. Clip in Ok, and come out Ok. Any advantages?? I'm not sure yet.

Look forward to the reviews

 

[bagpuss]

Hmm.I have both systems on different bikes{of course} ie clipless on modern and toe clips on classics.So I always have to think about what I am doing.Overall the Shimano SPD system is a clear winner IMO .