Commuting - Why go clipless?

Apologies if it's been covered before...... I have never used clipless pedals, I just commute in sneakers and the regular pedals that came with the bike, so I'm curious what is the benefit of going clipless? I never really slip off or around on the pedals, and the thought of not being able to unclip at a critical moment sort of worries me a bit. So why would/should I go clipless?

If it matters, I commute about 30 miles a day mostly on cycleways (rarely, if ever, on roads) and I mostly make a nuicanse of myself jumping on/off street furniture on weekends, or tearing along whatever dirt tracks I can find, on a MTB ofcourse.

Cheers,
Gab.

I don't use clipless either, but I am planning to upgrade in the next couple of weeks. The slip factor is only a small one - when wet, your feet WILL slip on most regular pedals. To me, the real advantage is getting power from your entire stroke. Without clipless pedals, you get power only when pushing your foot down. With clipless pedals, you can get power on the upstroke as well, because the pedal is attached to your foot.

As for getting in and out, from what I've heard it just takes a little practice. And if you're mostly on bikeways anyway, you won't be required to clip in/out all that often, I imagine.

Myself, I'm planning on getting the Performance Campus Pedals. The price is right, and they have a nice platform to allow me to just hop on the bike without cleats when I need to just run a quick errand.

it seems to me like toe-clips are much cheaper and for almost the same performance benefit.

With clipless pedals your foot is at such an angle that you get optimum torque from each leg pump. I switched to clipless about 1 year ago. I have never looked back. The benefits of the clipless pedal outwiegh any benefit of easy on off of sneaker riding. The ride is more comfortable and more efficient. Test it out you will never go back. Lots of companies make MTB clipless shoes and they are made to walk on.

Baseline ride what you like and feels comfortable to you.

You are the bikes engine all the energy gets to the bike via your feet. You will find that cycling shoes are a big improvement over sneakers and will make the commute better. I held off on clipless for a while but now I wouldn’t go back to riding without them.

Do what is right for you.

Cheers,
Dusk

Clipless pedals are one of the greatest innovations in cycling. They are the most efficient form of pedals. The clipless shoes have a rock solid base so they don't compress. I have been using clipless for nearly 10 years and apart from one or two spills at the start they are excellent. Toe-clips don't even come close. I can't even imagine trying to stand and pedal relying on toe-clips to keep my foot anchored. If toe-clips were as efficient and as comfortable as clipless then the Pros would still be using them.

I have never heard of anyone who went to clipless and didn't like them. Give them a go, you won't regret it. They really are that good.

CHEERS.

Mark

I will be going clipless too. From what I've heard, you'll be able to go faster because you're not only pushing but also pulling on the pedal, so you're able to transfer more force for each pedal cycle.

Another reason I'm going clipless is that it will probably reduce any risk of injury due to muscle imbalance, since with clipless I think you will be using your hamstrings as well as your quads, whereas without you'll be using mainly your quads.

Comfort... bottom line... then efficiency, and finally safety.

Comfort as your feet are not impacted by the singular load right at the balls of your feet... the load is spread across the entire foot by the stiff shoes.

Efficiency... as someone mentioned, you get power on both the upstroke and down stroke.

Safety... Your feet don't slip once "locked in" and unlike toe clips, you do not have to reach down to release them... all it take is simple movement of your foot to "lock out."

Now sadly I will almost guarentee that you will fall sometime in the first couple of weeks of getting used to them... you will forget to lock out or you will balance once the wrong way. Sorry, but if you remember right you probably fell a couple times when first learning to bike... didn't you?

I'm considering going clipless . . . is it difficult to "lock in"? How does that work? On my commute Red Stop Lights are rather common, so I always need a leg to balance on at the light. ...But would it be a messy/difficult thing to lock back in, while trying to accelerate off of the light once it's green?

I'm considering going clipless . . . is it difficult to "lock in"? How does that work? On my commute Red Stop Lights are rather common, so I always need a leg to balance on at the light. ...But would it be a messy/difficult thing to lock back in, while trying to accelerate off of the light once it's green?

If you get SPD pedals then fumbling to lock in is almost non-existent, it just happens. The great thing about SPDs is that you can pedal with the arch of your shoe for a few strokes then click in once you have a bit of momentum. A quick getaway is essential for up hill starts or when trying to get a gap on cars sitting on your tail. After a while you will be able to just slam your foot down and it will clip straight in without even having to look down.

The majority of commuters seem to use SPD's or at least other brands of Mountain Bike pedals.

Stay away from LOOKs. Although I use them myself I wouldn't recommended them for commuting especially for people just venturing into clipless for the first time. They are too hard to walk in and require a lot more accuracy when looking for the pedal to lock in. Plus it is almost impossible to pedal with the arch of the shoe.

CHEERS.

Mark

Thanks for the feedback everyone, sounds like there's a very strong case for the affirmative for very good reasons. I will start educating myself on all things clipless....

What do you think of those 'hybrid' designs that have a platform surrounding the clip mechanism, would I be correct in assuming that you get the best of both worlds? I.E. a clipless system and a regular platform pedal, albeit at a weight penalty of maybe a couple hundred grams (insignificant to me)... or is there a serious downside that I'm not seeing there? - reason I ask is I like to at least have the option of going either way before fully commiting to 100% clipless.

Cheers,
Gab.

I have never heard of anyone who went to clipless and didn't like them.
I have. I tried SPDs for about 20 riding hours and then went back to my previous setup, Power Grips. Power Grips resemble traditional clips and straps, except there's no clip because the strap is stiff enough to stay open by itself. It's also wider than traditional straps, so the pressure on your foot is well distributed. But the biggest thing is that they are self-tightening: you enter at an angle, and as you straighten your foot the strap cinches down. You can vary the tightness instantaneously for performance or comfort reasons. Getting in and out is instant and silent.

Clipless performs well, but not so much better than Power Grips to be worth the inconvenience of not being able to wear whatever shoes I please. I wear street clothes for most every ride under 25 miles, and many longer ones too - about 5000 miles a year for 6 years with Power Grips, and a few years more with lower mileage.

I agree absolutely that some form of foot retention is a very worthwhile for all but slow short rides, and I'll grant that if maximum performance were the *only* consideration, clipless are the way to go. If I was racing, I'd use them. But for commuting, or touring, or even taking a pull in a paceline, clipless aren't meaningfully better than PG in my opinion.

I have to disagree, Power Grips I find baggy and torquey on my knees. Clipless (I use Time ATAC) are positive, allow you to pull, and are knee-friendly.

Personal preference is the final arbiter, of course, but most people who use clipless love 'em once they get used to 'em.

For racing, sport and long, fast commutes clipless systems are more efficient. If you are using the bike for short urban hops then the case for clipless is less clear.
The ability to wear any footwear is useful, from sneakers to winter boots, casual shoes to formal black work shoes. Sandals are the only footwear that requires clipless (for safety).
I use toe clips for my commuter/utility bike. I dont cinch the straps tight so I dont have to fumble around or unlock anything, my feet go in and come out without any trouble. I can stand, pedal hard up a hill, ride on and off road, pretty much anything but race.
The advantages of stiff cycling shoes depend on how powerful you are and how much force you use to pedal. Racers use absolutely stiff soles. Leisure riders can make do with some flex for better walking comfort. Shimano leisure shoes are good for everyday wear.
You can get fairly stiff non-cycling footwear. Trail shoes and sketeboard Vans shoes are good.

Guys'n'gals, I did it, I went by my LBS on the way home tonight and joined the clipless brigade. I went with the Shimano SH-M038 shoe and the PD-M545 pedals. The guys at the shop fitted the pedals to my bike, fitted the cleats to the shoes, got me all set up and patiently showed me how it all works, they also advised me to ride home on sneakers and practice at the park on grass for a while in case I fall off...... Half a mile down the road I'm not sure what happened but I found myself pulled over changing shoes, I'm on cycle paths anyhow, plenty of soft grass either side of the path. The next 15 miles were just amazing, I recruited muscles that were previusly just along for the ride, powered up hills like never before, I could actually feel the new recruits burning away giving the long suffering quads a bit of relief. I managed to not fall at all, in fact I find the clipping and unclipping processes quite natural - although the clips are set close to the loosest setting.... I don't want to get too cocky tho, I'm sure a spill or two is waiting for me down the track.

So there it is, only used them for about an hour so far but I really like them. Thanks again everyone for your replies.

Cheers,
Gab.

Stay away from LOOKs. Although I use them myself I wouldn't recommended them for commuting especially for people just venturing into clipless for the first time. They are too hard to walk in and require a lot more accuracy when looking for the pedal to lock in. Plus it is almost impossible to pedal with the arch of the shoe.


100% right. I'm using Look's as my first cleated system, and there's no way I'd commute with these. They're fine for long distance rides, though.

<snip>I don't want to get too cocky tho, I'm sure a spill or two is waiting for me down the track. <snip>

Oh, if it was only a "spill" that awaits you. It is the humiliation and embarassment that should be feared.

Someday, you'll be approaching a light or stop sign, and you'll be distracted, thinking about the appoinment your headed to, or that you really should call your grandmother, or about that girl you met the night before, anything but the fact that you are approaching a light and will need to stop and clip out. Your brake hand will clutch automatically, you will pause for a moment, and it will occur to you: isn't there something else I should do - what is it? And then, you feel the pull of gravity, tugging gently to one side at first, then more insistent. Madly, you will pull up, back, out, anyway but the requiste twist. TOO LATE! You will be performing your first horizontal track stand, there in front of the world, or at least the cars around you.

Prepare yourself, my friend. Have a ploy on hand - a quick bike inspection to see what went wrong? a dust off and the 1000 yard stare that implies "I meant to do that" ? A gleeful, mad laugh? You can choose your response, but you cannot elude your fate! Bwaa-ha-ha-ha!

P.S. Glad they worked out for you! And, really, watch out for those 0 mph crashes!

Well, yesterday I just bought pedals and shoes after thinking about it for a few months. I got the Shimano M120 shoes and Crank Brother Mallet C pedals. They didn't have the M038 shoes in stock at the LBS, and after trying on 5-6 other pairs (Cannondale Roam, Forte, Pearl Izumi) the M120 was the only one that fit like a glove and had no pinch spots for my slightly wide feet.

The Crank Bros. pedal I selected because I often ride 1-3 miles around town (Center City Philadelphia) returning movies, going to the grocery store, etc. in sneakers. My "commute" is 32 miles one way (4 miles in the AM with a train ride) 1-2 times a week, and I do regular 20-25 mile rides on the weekends. This is on a Giant Cypress DX hybrid.

Yesterday I spent about an hour doing all the installation and then practicing clipping in/out. Strangely, my right foot/pedal is very smooth and easier. The left foot isn't working nearly as well. I might have to sand down some of the shoe to reduce the friction in clipping out. Or maybe the cleats will wear in quickly.

Hopefully I'll be able to do a few practice rides before I attempt the whole 32-miler next week, which will probably be a learning (falling) experience.

-=$>Dave<$=-

Yesterday I spent about an hour doing all the installation and then practicing clipping in/out. Strangely, my right foot/pedal is very smooth and easier. The left foot isn't working nearly as well. I might have to sand down some of the shoe to reduce the friction in clipping out. Or maybe the cleats will wear in quickly.


Before you sand down anything, give it one or two weeks. My eggs started out stiff, and gradually became easier to clip into after two weeks of daily use. My shoe also rubbed a bit, and would squeak if wet, but that cleared up with time and wear.

Before you sand down anything, give it one or two weeks. My eggs started out stiff, and gradually became easier to clip into after two weeks of daily use. My shoe also rubbed a bit, and would squeak if wet, but that cleared up with time and wear.

Will do. Too bad it's on my favored foot to clip out & stand on when waiting at a red light.

-=$>Dave<$=-

I had my first tip-over on my new roadie at a stop light yesterday.... I was already clipped out of my right, but at a path crossing, I turned the bike left.... still clipped in on the left.... queue the slow-motion fall to the left....! :rolleyes: Whoops! Got up thought no one really noticed.... but from another direction was a good looking young woman on her hybrid... she didn't say anything.... either she was too polite, or too into her iPod..... either way, when the light went green, I went to cross the street to make the "getaway" and lo-and-behold my seat was sideways from the fall! So much for getting away clean... Ha!

It was my first fall in almost three years in that scenario.... it happens! But the benefits of the clipless are SO WORTH IT!

Prepare yourself, my friend. Have a ploy on hand - a quick bike inspection to see what went wrong? a dust off and the 1000 yard stare that implies "I meant to do that" ? A gleeful, mad laugh? You can choose your response, but you cannot elude your fate! Bwaa-ha-ha-ha!
How 'about just "First day with my new pedals! Ha ha...". Humourous with the advantage of being true, more or less.

Cyclaholic, you're convincing me. I too have always used regular street shoes and have thought about trying clipless, but have not done it yet. This thread is giving me more to think about. Thanks to all contributors.

It was my first fall in almost three years in that scenario.... it happens!

Last week, at an intersection of bike path and street, I was a million miles away from my bike and clipping out, and my brain froze trying to decide whether to stop or go. I tipped, and my chosen response was mouth-frothing curses. :roflmao: At all moments other than when it happens, tipping is hilarious. A real leveler.

Before you sand down anything, give it one or two weeks. My eggs started out stiff, and gradually became easier to clip into after two weeks of daily use. My shoe also rubbed a bit, and would squeak if wet, but that cleared up with time and wear.

I agree. I too am a newbie clipless rider. I have the regular egg beaters. I found in the beginning that the left foot clipped in much easier than the right. It isn't so much that way a week later. Now they seem more equal. Just leave them alone and ride.

I haven't fallen yet and probably have ridden 150 miles or so. It seems odd that everyone mentions that you will fall once. I sort of think there will always be the potential for tipping over. Any odd sequence of events could probably make even a veteran tip over. One thing i have found is that even if you unclip at a light it is possible for the cleat to re-engage if you are not careful.

I didn't fall for the first few weeks that I had my clipless. Then I fell just as I pulled up to work a few weeks ago. The worst part was that there was a VP of the company out there and another guy smoking a cig. They thought it was great. Since then I've only had one more clipless related fall, and it was because I was thinking more about the broken spoke I had than the unclipping.

I got LOOK pedals for my first pair, and I've been pretty happy with them. They're hard as hell to walk around in, but other than that they're fantastic. I haven't tried SPDs, but I like the large surface area of the LOOK cleats, it seems like that's better.

360 degree power, no straps to loosen to get out, and once adjusted your foot is always on the right position on the pedal. I have never fallen with clipless though I have had several falls with toeclips. Try getting out after you stop when you forget to loosen the straps.

Cyclaholic I know you have already bought them and are happy. I think most bicyclists once they change will be very happy.

jnbacon It is not just spills but things like clipping in or stopped at a light with foot on ground in normal position when a 15-25 mph gust of wind hits you from the side. That can create quite a dance. Why do problems seem to be directly related to the size of the audience? I think many if not most experienced riders suffer from some of these problems.

For others still making the decision, some thoughts:
Road pedals are good if you ride long distances and do not expect to walk any. Open cleats on road shoes become skates.
Commuters should consider pedals that will accept shoes with tread and heels that protrude past the cleats. This is especially true if you must walk up any stairs. Try some stairs with the heels knocked off of a pair of shoes.
On several other threads the talk is about how hard it is to clip in or out. In most cases I think the pedals are adjusted to tight. Loosen the adjustment screws of the pedals until they just barely hold your shoes. Do not loosen so much that the screws become loose. It is much easier to get in and out while getting used to them. Tighten but not too tight as you progress.
If you have any knee or ankle problems try shifting the cleats small amounts.
If cleats become loose, put a little locktite on the threads.
A little lube on new pedals may also help ease of entry and exit.
Above all, practice and have fun.
Phil

Regular gas $2.32 at the Shell station on the way to work.

I agree. I too am a newbie clipless rider. I have the regular egg beaters. I found in the beginning that the left foot clipped in much easier than the right. It isn't so much that way a week later. Now they seem more equal. Just leave them alone and ride.

I haven't fallen yet and probably have ridden 150 miles or so. It seems odd that everyone mentions that you will fall once. I sort of think there will always be the potential for tipping over. Any odd sequence of events could probably make even a veteran tip over. One thing i have found is that even if you unclip at a light it is possible for the cleat to re-engage if you are not careful.

I think one of the benefits of the Mallet is that it is easier to ride clipped out, with the large platform
and especially with the general friction from an MTB shoe tread. It looks like with the
regular eggbeaters virtually any forward or back foot motion will re-engage the cleat.

That being said, I had plenty of interesting falls yesterday onto my car (practicing inside a garage with
3 feet between the car and the wall). I was trying to see how "emergency clipouts would fare if I had
to come to a full stop quickly (which happens often especially with city riding).

I think one of the benefits of the Mallet is that it is easier to ride clipped out, with the large platform
and especially with the general friction from an MTB shoe tread.

I have been looking at the mallets and also the shimano's with the pedals around the edge so I can go with either regular shoe or cleated in. I've talked with several people at the LBS who say that they work, but the clip side always goes to the bottom of the pedal and is a pain in the --er-- tookus to flip over when you are ready to clip in and go.. don't know from personal experience, but it give you something to think about.

I've got the Performance Campus pedals which are platforms one side clips the other. I've only used the platform sides so far but it didn't take long for me to get used to flipping them whenever my foot came down on the wrong side. And if you use shoes with a tread on the bottom, they should work just fine on the platform side for a few strokes until you're able to flip 'em and clip in.

Don't forget to practice clipping out - inwards. And in different parts of the stroke. Saved my ass a couple of times.

I used to think the oft-repeated benefit of clipless pedals that "your feet won't slip around or off the pedals" wouldn't be much of a benefit for me, since my feet didn't seem to move much. Since then, I have rode thousands of miles with clipless pedals. In practice, the clipless pedals allow you to pedal faster and harder than you would otherwise. Your feet may not be sliding around the platform pedals, but that's only because you're limiting your cadence and intensity. It doesn't sound like much, but not having to maintain your foot position on the pedal does allow you push harder.

I now feel safer with my feet clipped in than otherwise. I did fall like everyone said I would though. It took several hundred miles before I fell, but I did it eventually. The thing about clipless-pedal-related falls is that they tend to be at low speeds, while bmx-pedal-related falls tend to be at high speeds, or at least high accelerations. Falling from a stop tends to do much less damage than slipping off the pedal during a sprint and endoing.

......... I don't want to get too cocky tho, I'm sure a spill or two is waiting for me down the track.....

Been there done that. I was one cool dude until I fell over right in the middle of the street while waiting for my wife to catch up. Just HAD to be a bunch of guys out by the street working on some contraption when I fell over. They did actually ask me if I was ok....as I was hopping back up. Felt like a real idjit. :o

You'll like clipless even better after you get used to them a little more. Like you, I didn't really understand what all the hype was either.....until I tried them. :beer:

I have been looking at the mallets and also the shimano's with the pedals around the edge so I can go with either regular shoe or cleated in. I've talked with several people at the LBS who say that they work, but the clip side always goes to the bottom of the pedal and is a pain in the --er-- tookus to flip over when you are ready to clip in and go.. don't know from personal experience, but it give you something to think about.

The mallets are symmetric -- both sides are both platform as well as eggbeater clip. That's the major
reason I didn't go with the Shimano or the Performance Campus.

That being said, I'll post my opinions in a couple weeks once I've actually tried using the pedals on my
commute and also in sneakers around town.

The mallets are symmetric -- both sides are both platform as well as eggbeater clip. That's the major
reason I didn't go with the Shimano or the Performance Campus.

That being said, I'll post my opinions in a couple weeks once I've actually tried using the pedals on my
commute and also in sneakers around town.


Please do, I've been looking for someone who has actually used them.

I didn't tip with clipless, but I did once with traditional straps cinched tight. I had just finished a tough climb, wanted to stop, and couldn't be bothered to reach down and loosen the straps. So I veered toward a metal utility pole and reached out to lean on it. Next thing I knew I was hugging the pole as hard as I could, but my sweaty arms were slipping as my bike slid further away from the pole beneath me, feet still cinched in tight. Probably took 20 humble seconds before my shoulder hit the ground. The last 10 seconds were witnessed by an approaching car. It probably looked like I was trying to keep from being blown away by a tornado as my body approached horizontal. I'd pay to have it on video.

100% right. I'm using Look's as my first cleated system, and there's no way I'd commute with these. They're fine for long distance rides, though.

You get used to them... I went with them as they were there when SPDs weren't... SPDs came out shortly after. I learned with Looks and have few problems with them... the biggest issue I have is if I actually look, I mess up... it becomes very natural after a while.

I want to try SPDs simply because a want to use a "Campus" pedal on one of my bikes and there is no Look version.

Oh, if it was only a "spill" that awaits you. It is the humiliation and embarassment that should be feared.


Humiliation and embarassment are my middle name.... last Monday I was back on slicks after a dirty weekend on knobbies (that could be misinterpreted! ;) ) anyhow, I stopped for some reason, can't remember why, but my tyres were just off the pavement. As I went to ride off I turned onto the pavement but because of a 1 inch height difference the front tyre slid on the sidewall along the edge of the pavement while my body was already commited to veering back onto the path - bike goes straight me goes for a sideways tumble into a masterfully executed ninja roll.... several minutes later, after I stopped laughing I noticed all the commuters at the bus stop, about 20 feet away staring, so i did a little rain dance around the bike - to exorcice the evil spirits that pushed me over ofcourse! :p ....

Tomorrow (saturday) will be my first mountain track ride in clipless, wish me luck :)

I didn't tip with clipless, but I did once with traditional straps cinched tight. I had just finished a tough climb, wanted to stop, and couldn't be bothered to reach down and loosen the straps. So I veered toward a metal utility pole and reached out to lean on it. Next thing I knew I was hugging the pole as hard as I could, but my sweaty arms were slipping as my bike slid further away from the pole beneath me, feet still cinched in tight. Probably took 20 humble seconds before my shoulder hit the ground. The last 10 seconds were witnessed by an approaching car. It probably looked like I was trying to keep from being blown away by a tornado as my body approached horizontal. I'd pay to have it on video.

ROFLMAO!!

That sounds soooo funny, I would have p!ssed myself if I saw it happen... no offence, not laughing at you, just the situation... I'm sure you understand :o :D

I raced in the 70's with Detto Pietros and slot cleats with clips and straps and went clipless in the very early eighties. I was the first clipless rider in a club of 500+. I can not imagain not being clipped in. It is so efficient. The only bikes I have without clips are my LowRider Crusier and my DaHon Piccolo Folder. Roadie, Recumbents, Fixie/SS and MTB's have clipless.

Crank Brothers Mallet C + Shimano M120: First Rides.

Earlier in this thread you can see my 'day 0' of installng my new pedals and practicing clipless entry and exit.

Background: 1300+ miles on my Giant Cypress DX hybrid with stock pedals and sneakers, no toeclips no straps no nothin'.

Commute: 1-2 times a week, 32 miles ride home in the PM, 1 mile + train + 3 miles in the AM.

Today I did a first test ride in the new pedals, about 6 1/2 miles (mostly MUT). I tried almost every style of riding I could think of. Riding clipped out, Riding fully clipped in, I did about 1/2 mile with each foot doing all the pedaling and the other foot just dangling away from the pedals. The MUT has a 1/8 mile moderate incline that I powered up. I tried powering on the flats with as much 'spinning' as I could do as a newbie, as well as just 'natural' pedaling like I had been doing for years. I practiced clipping out one pedal, coming to a stop at a traffic light, then starting up again. I didn't practice any 'e-stops' today, just tried to be natural about things, clipping out fully when going slowly over a gravel rail crossing for example.

Summary: I like it. I felt the most added power on the moderate incline; I felt like I was "spinning up the hill". On the flats I definitely was able to hold a much higher cadence than ever previously. When I was finished, I definitely felt that some muscles (on the back of my thighs) were newly used; hopefully I won't be sore after only 6 1/2 miles.

The Mallet C pedals were much easier to clip in and out of today while riding than standing still in the garage. Only a few times did I have to try multiple times to clip in. It was a bit difficult to stay clipped out when putting acceleration pressure on the pedals, like from a stoplight. I think the solution is to have my foot further forward when clipped out.

Street shoe test: Mallet C pedals with my normal sneakers. After doing the clipless test, I put my sneakers on and did a 3 mile ride (same city streets + MUT). Definitely not nearly as comfortable as the old standard pedals, but wasn't too bad for 3 miles. My foot kept slipping forward & back (rotating the eggbeaters) mostly for the first mile, as I adjusted not only to the pedal but also to get back to the old pedal stroke. I definitely noticed the lack of 'spinning up the hill' that I had only 20 minutes earlier. I probably wouldn't want to ride the Mallet + Sneaker combo for many miles (say, more than 5-10), nor up any hard climbs due to the slipping issue. But for the around-town errand (which is why I got them) it was absolutely fine. I don't know about wet weather though.

Speed and power comparison: According to my speedo, I was able to do 19-20 MPH on the flats using the bike shoes and pedals, compared to my normal 17.5 MPH in Mallet/sneakers. Powering up the hill I was doing 17 MPH on the bike shoes and 15 MPH on sneakers. So at least at first glance it looks like I'm adding 2 MPH just going clipless, at least on a first test.

Next step is to hopefully try a casual 20 mile ride over the weekend of in an evening if possible,
building to a full 32 miler next week. I just hope that I can build up the 'new' muscles used in spinning fairly quickly.

-=$>Dave<$=-

My preference is a good gripping platfrom pedal with a pair of "casual" biking shoe like Lakes fro everyday riding. My roadie, whick I consider my "Corvette", is clipless whick I love but my commuter/everyday bike does not. I use this bike to go everywhere and it just too much of a hassel to change shoes to go into the mall or grocery store. It's my "hoptie car". I still wear padded shorts when I ride this one but carry a pair of gym shorts, or something lake that, to pull over them when I'm at a stop.

I wouldn't use clipless for the simple fact that I use my bike as a practical tool and can't be bothered carrying trainers and shoes about with me when cycling. When cycling to tennis I want to wear my tennis shoes, when cycling to work I want to wear my work shoes, ect.... when I get on my bike I want to do so without thinking about it or having to change into special gear....but that's just me I suppose.

Went up the montains last weekend, did a 14km track and didn't fall once, came home feeling like a champion. Today, on my evening commute home I made my way down a river embankment to the cycle path below at barely walking speed, it's about a 20 foot high 45 degree slope of manicured lawn. I went down and across it at an angle at barely walking speed. As I neared the bottom the front wheel slid out from under me and over I went, and ofcourse right in front of a group of rather attaractive young ladies. I tried to get back up but just floundered around like a fish just landed, remembered to unclip, got up and casually rode away as if nothing happened... I said "good evening ladies" as I passed them, which just sent them into fits of giggles as they said "good evening" back........ I'm so glad I went clipless :o :p

What is up with the eggbeaters, and other Crank Bros. pedals? They just look so radically different from SPD's and Look pedals. Are they specific to mountain biking? What kind of cleat do they take?

I wouldn't use clipless for the simple fact that I use my bike as a practical tool and can't be bothered carrying trainers and shoes about with me when cycling. When cycling to tennis I want to wear my tennis shoes, when cycling to work I want to wear my work shoes, ect.... when I get on my bike I want to do so without thinking about it or having to change into special gear....but that's just me I suppose.

Campus pedals/equivalent:

http://www.performancebike.com/shop/profile.cfm?SKU=2275

Update: 2nd ride (Sunday) using clipless, 14 miles including 3 very modest climbs (total 250 ft vertical). The ride was fine, I don't think I was 'spinning' quite as much as I need to overall, and it was very windy and I was already tired from the day. I had some mild knee pain but I can't tell if it was from riding or leftover from spending 14 hours at Six Flags the day before. My overall speed didn't seem to be much above what it would normally be but with the wind it was hard to compare.

Unfortunately the weather this week looks like good chances of rain every single day. Hopefully I'll get to try the pedals for the full 32-miler this week but it might have to wait until next week.

I just installed and set up Nashbar Rodeos (similar to Campus) and Answer Impact shoes (cheap off Ebay) on Sun. Rode 15 miles and have commuted 1.5 times (about 7.5 miles) this week. The really make the ride nice.
I fell for the first time because of the SPDs yesterday on the ride home. I was paying attention to a car wreck, the light in front of me turned red, I quickly stopped, and hit the ground before I even remebered I was clipped to the pedals. I just laughed (as did everyone around me).

... If toe-clips were as efficient and as comfortable as clipless then the Pros would still be using them.

They do. Go to a track event and try to find clipless pedals :D That being said, clipless are nice. The only problem I've ever had with them was with cheap SPD pedals and not being able to get unclipped while flying through the air after t-boning a large dog. My wife has fallen twice, once she couldn't get unclipped (same cheap pedals), and once she forgot. My new bike has basic platforms and will until I get past the mental thing from the afore mentioned accident, but will eventually go with Crank Brothers pedals.

How crazy is it that we use the terms "clip in", "clip out", and "unclip" to describe "clipless" pedals? Why can't we come up with something better? Someone here said "uncleat" and got corrected -- what's wrong with "cleat in", "cleat out", etc?