[kestrel0222]

I recently returned to cycling after a 25 year absence. I am looking for toe clips for my new bike (Trek 7100). I ride mostly on paved bike trails and paved streets. I have seen both toe clips with and without straps. When I used to ride (25 years ago) the only kind that I used were the ones with a strap that were adjustable.

I am not sure what the advantages/disadvantages are for each type.

Any help?

Thanks,

Tom

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[masiman]

I am not sure what the advantages/disadvantages are for each type.

Any help?

Thanks,

Tom

Toe clips with straps hold you more firmly. The strapless toeclips are like slip on shoes. They hold you some but really only keep your foot from sliding forward and provide extremely little support for upstrokes.

Clipless pedals are very good nowadays. I'd highly recommend upgrading to them later if you find yourself riding more miles.

[Velo Dog]

Toe clips are very widely available--every bike shop should have at least a few old pairs stuck away, and you can get them from the mail order places, like Nashbar and Performance. I still use them on a couple of bikes (commuter and singlespeed) so I can ride in street shoes when I feel like it, and I really don't think clipless offer nearly the advantage many people claim. I've always sort of suspected that once you pay $100+ for clipless pedals and another $100+ for shoes, you pretty much HAVE to like them. But I don't go any faster with SPDs or Looks than I do with platforms and toe clips on the same bike.

[masiman]

Toe clips are very widely available--every bike shop should have at least a few old pairs stuck away, and you can get them from the mail order places, like Nashbar and Performance. I still use them on a couple of bikes (commuter and singlespeed) so I can ride in street shoes when I feel like it, and I really don't think clipless offer nearly the advantage many people claim. I've always sort of suspected that once you pay $100+ for clipless pedals and another $100+ for shoes, you pretty much HAVE to like them. But I don't go any faster with SPDs or Looks than I do with platforms and toe clips on the same bike.

The clipless are much more reliable for racing. You don't have the hotspots, you can have more float. In general they have better cornering angles. They are much more convenient to get in and out of. Less selection of toeclip pedals than clipless. If you are just crusin around the block or not doing alot of miles for speed than toeclips are fine. Toeclips are fine if you are doing the other stuff too but clipless perform better. For offroad use, toeclips are a hindrance, clipless or platforms without toeclips is the only way to go.

I really do like my clipless better than my toeclips, and I still do keep a pair of toeclips around.

[Gingergin]

I have a Trek 7200 for paved trails and love my mini toe clips (no straps). They keep my feet from slipping and I can get a bit of upstroke power. They are very inexpensive (Nashbar). They work for me because I'm not a speed demon and I'm a scaredy cat of being trapped in!

[arej00dazed]

I bought a pair of clips from my local bike shop for $6. Ive used them w/o the straps (cause they didnt come with em) and went back for the straps cause the clips are just to flimsy to get any power from an upstroke. now a friend of mine has the pedals/shoes that locks in (clipless pedals?) and he says he prefers them over clips cause they're easier to get locked into and gives u more upstroke power. I personaly dont like the idea of having my feet "locked" onto anything with only 2 wheels.

edit: the stock pedals on my bike can accomodate aftermarket toe clips. clips and pedals will run bout $35+ (at my local store)

[metabike]

I've always sort of suspected that once you pay $100+ for clipless pedals and another $100+ for shoes, you pretty much HAVE to like them. But I don't go any faster with SPDs or Looks than I do with platforms and toe clips on the same bike.

I have been into cycling for almost 30-years now and while there is truly a lot of BS-hype, clipless pedals are the real deal. My first pair were the classic white Looks (just like Bernard & Greg used in the TdF) and every bike I now own has some variety installed. Benefits? comfort (God how I hated those straps after a few hours), security (I am not alone in having pulled my foot out of toe clips) & higher efficiency. I put clipless pedals in my pantheon of great cycling innovations that have come along in my time (along with Camelbaks, linear pull brakes, modern FS mountain bikes, quality comfortable helmets and Kevlar belted road tires).