Commuting - Clip in pedals for a short commute?

I recently aquired a new bike, and, of course, have the itch to outfit it. Is it worth buying clip-in pedals for a 1.5 mile commute? I plan on using my new bike for recreational cycling, as well as trips to the grocery store and Target.

I don't really know a whole lot about clip-in pedals; a buddy of mine recently bought Crank Brothers Mallets, which seemed pretty darn cool (he let me try them out). The other challange is finding shoes that are still walk-able and normal looking.

Thoughts?!?!

Once you go clipless, you'll have a hard time riding regular pedals. I happen to have the Mallets and I love them, they work well for me. All of my riding is city streets and the occasional path.

If you like to be clipped in when you ride, the length of the trip is immaterial. Mountain bike shoes are easier to walk in, and attach you to the pedals just like road shoes. Many look almost like regular walking shoes. Pedals can always be swapped to another bike, so it's worth it.

For the short commute and the shopping, the pedals are absolutely not worth the hassle. For longer recreational rides, it's a matter of preference. For intense riding such as racing, clipless pedals are a must.

I commuted in clipless pedals for several years, took them off a couple of years ago, and haven't missed them. I'm planning to buy some for my pleasure bike but I won't bother to put them on my commuter again. I just ride in street shoes.

If your commute involves a lot of stops, you'd better go with platform pedals.
It's always entertaining to see how a hardcore bicyclist loses seconds clipping at every stop.

If your commute involves a lot of stops, you'd better go with platform pedals.
It's always entertaining to see how a hardcore bicyclist loses seconds clipping at every stop.

Which is why clipless platforms like the Mallet (as mentioned in the opening & second posts) are so handy. Full-circle stroke power when you want it, unclipped pedaling when you need it. I can start pedaling right away even if both feet aren't yet clipped in.

For a 1.5 mile commute, which is maybe 10 minutes, I wouldn't bother with clipless.
At all.

If your commute involves a lot of stops, you'd better go with platform pedals.
It's always entertaining to see how a hardcore bicyclist loses seconds clipping at every stop.


I don't ever see that. If I miss clipping in on the first try (VERY rare) I just mash through and clip on the way around the second time. And with the immediate, increased efficiency you far surpass someone on flats in a short time. It's like buying A-shares of mutual funds vs. C-shares. The C-shares seem cheap off the get go because they don't have a sales load, but the operating expenses are high and pretty soon the A-share value will outpace it.

Anyways, it depends on what you do for a commute and what else you do with your commuter bike. I like clipless lots, but if ALL you do is ride 1.5 miles twice a day then forgo it. If you use the same bike on weekends for rec riding or longer trips then it might be worth it. Do you ever head out to go somewhere from your job? If so it might be worth it. You see where I'm heading?

It's pretty easy to find shoes that are good looking and comfortable all day. Check out www.lakecycling.com

I have no affiliation, but think Lake is doing an awesome job with their shoe line.

Don't buy clip-ins for that commute. If you want clip-ins for your commuter bike get the ones with a platform on one side and a clipin on the other. Then you have a choice.

I'm totally sold on clipless and haven't used anything else for years. Having said that, if I were going 1.5 miles, there's no way I'd go clipless.

I use old style toe clips with the straps loosely adjusted on my commuter. On my road bike I use Crank bros. Candy Cs.
For commuting my old toe clips work well.

As for normal looking shoes my Shimano mt20 are pretty normal looking and walk fine.

I've gone from clipless, toe clips and platforms on various bikes to Power Grips. I really like the Power Grips over all the others. I should have gone to this years ago.

I always went clipless on my DF, but since I changed to a 'bent I've been using the platform pedals that came with it. But, I miss the clipless. I've just been looking for a set that would work well with the 'bent. With the different geometry I'm concerned about getting out of the clips quick enough without having to think about it.

I always have either full clipless or platform one side and clipless the other.
But for that commute there is nooooo way i'd use clipless. The hassle of having to wear special shoes is totally not worth it. If anything I would use platforms with powergrips. That's how I have my single speed setup and I love it because I can wear any shoes I want. I'll use it for anything from my 11 mile commute, short trips to starbucks, to 25 mile charity rides. Very versatile and they make a lot more sense than clipless for your situation.

Thanks for the input.

I had 'commuter clips' on my old bike (they look like cages w/o the straps), and now with my new bike, I really miss the feel of having some sort of retention. The amount of flex in the commuter clips was annoying, and full cages aren't that appealing to me. I don't mind having to wear special shoes, since I leave my work boots at work (no sense in lugging them back & forth!). The Crank Bros Mallets appealed to me since I could still ride with regular shoes if need be. As I mentioned, I plan on using this bike for commuting (albeit a short run), recreation (including pulling a child trailer), trips to Target & the grocery store. I managed to trash my old bike pretty good riding two winters on it, but I hope to salvage it and continue it as my winter beater so I don't muck up my new one, but if it doesn't work out, the Mallets would be good for riding w/ boots too, I suppose.

The amount of flex in the commuter clips was annoying, and full cages aren't that appealing to me. I don't mind having to wear special shoes, since I leave my work boots at work (no sense in lugging them back & forth!).

Trussssst me. Give the powergrips a try. I doubt you'll be disappointed. They are seriously the best of both worlds. They grab your foot real tight and they are a cinch to slip out of.
You don't leave a pair of shoes at Target or the grocery store do you? ;)

No point in clipless for that distance. Heck, I doubt I would ride either. Sounds like a reasonable walk to me.

I always went clipless on my DF, but since I changed to a 'bent I've been using the platform pedals that came with it. But, I miss the clipless. I've just been looking for a set that would work well with the 'bent. With the different geometry I'm concerned about getting out of the clips quick enough without having to think about it.

It won't take long to get used to. I've got spd pedals with a full platform, so I have the choice of just bombing down to the shops in my thongs (flip-flops to non-Australians) or my work shoes if I want, but I find it more physically draining than if I clip in because you not only have to pedal, but hold your legs up on the pedals, which you don't get with DF bikes.

To the OP: I love clipless pedals, and if you're going to use your bike other purposes as well as the commute, I think you'll appreciate difference. Clipping in and out feels pretty natural once you've had a bit of practice. But people are all different. My wife tried out spds on my recommendation for about a year, but just didn't have the same confidence in getting her foot out as she does with more traditional clips, despite me setting them as loose as they could go. She's gone back to platform pedals with clips now.

Whatever pedal system you go for though, I can't recommend a shoe with a good stiff sole highly enough. I started commuting in canvas sneakers, and it really didn't do my feet any favours. A good solid platform to push against gets more power to the pedals and saves you from any fatigue injuries. Your work boots could be the very thing.

Heck, I doubt I would ride either. Sounds like a reasonable walk to me.

I often ride my bike for short trips like that because I'm too lazy to walk. :p

If you have to put on special shoes, you'll ride less. I used to wear clipless when I was younger, but I've learned how to pedal correctly and I don't need them anymore.

I often ride my bike for short trips like that because I'm too lazy to walk. :p


I am a hypocrite and do the same. :p

Don't buy clip-ins for that commute. If you want clip-ins for your commuter bike get the ones with a platform on one side and a clipin on the other. Then you have a choice.

I agree. I ride 6 mi. each way to work and part of that is through downtown where I am constantly stopping. It's a hassle being clipped in when stopping alot. I am using the Forte Campus pedals which are platform on one side and SPD compatible cleats on the other. Everywhere exept downtown I prefer to be clipped in because I seem to have a much more efficient pedal stoke. I would recommend the campus pedals. You can utilize the platform side for your 1.5 mi. commute and clip in if you ride furthur.

I often ride my bike for short trips like that because I'm too lazy to walk. :p Bike commuting for me started out of thrift, and once I figured out I could get to work faster on a bike (more direct route w/ MUP's) than in a car, I was sold! I continue out of thift (about $3.30/gal here), stubbornness, and as far as walking- I agree- laziness.

I agree. I ride 6 mi. each way to work and part of that is through downtown where I am constantly stopping. It's a hassle being clipped in when stopping alot. I am using the Forte Campus pedals which are platform on one side and SPD compatible cleats on the other. Everywhere exept downtown I prefer to be clipped in because I seem to have a much more efficient pedal stoke. I would recommend the campus pedals. You can utilize the platform side for your 1.5 mi. commute and clip in if you ride furthur.
I'm really lucky- 1.5 mile commute, and I only have to stop once- if there's any vehicle coming, that is. Frequency of stopping isn't an issue.

Oh- and another thing- This is a great group of people that post here. I appreciate all of your opinions and insights, espically for a reative novice as myself (two years bike commuting, a solid 1.5 year full-time). I'm very impressed that there aren't a bunch of far-winged a-holes bashing opinions and thoughts. I've learned a lot from reading what all of you say (albeit too late for my last bike's winter survival!), and I look forward to more opionions, expierences, and views.

A second on the clipless/platform pedals.

I recently aquired a new bike, and, of course, have the itch to outfit it. Is it worth buying clip-in pedals for a 1.5 mile commute? I plan on using my new bike for recreational cycling, as well as trips to the grocery store and Target.

I don't really know a whole lot about clip-in pedals; a buddy of mine recently bought Crank Brothers Mallets, which seemed pretty darn cool (he let me try them out). The other challange is finding shoes that are still walk-able and normal looking.

Thoughts?!?!

I have commuted as much as 56 miles RT without the use of clip in pedals and my current commute is only 18 mile RT. I do this on a 1980's "two speed" road bike. I ride with Teva sandals and use 50/50 Crank Brothers pin pedals on one bike and cheap BMX cage pedals on the two speed. I've never had a foot slippage problem or a sore foot and finally, my toes don't get numb. I don't worry about having to walk even for miles if necessary. I never have to buy 'special' cycling shoes and with large surface area pedals I can and have used winter boots and even slippers for shorter trips under 3 miles. Don't fall for the 'high efficiency' concept, its a fallacy in my opinion, especially for a commuter.

Not this again......

Not this again......

Yeah, it's the, "I rode across three states daily, in sleet & hail, uphill and upwind both ways, on a 95-lb wrought iron push bike. Thus, new technology sucks."

:D

Well, I guess I will have to be on the other side. If I didn't have clipless pedals, I wouldn't ride the 1.5 mile trip, I'd take my car. Since I have arthritis in my left knee, if I try to pedal without clipless, my knee will hurt very much. It wouldn't be worth the pain. With clipless, I can pedal all day long.

You can do both, some pedals have clipless pedals for longer rides and the other side is a platform for those short trips. My commute is only 3 miles but I won't ever go platforms again!!

I'm very impressed that there aren't a bunch of far-winged a-holes bashing opinions and thoughts..

Well if that's what you want, the Road Cycling forum has it in spades!!

Seriously, though, this is the place to come for help and info.

It also depends on your riding style. Unlike other cyclists I don't have tree trunks for thighs so I have a compact crankset and try and keep a cadence of anything between 90-100. When I ride my old chromoly bike I am just not able to spin that fast without my feet slipping off. If I am riding to work or a friends house it's no problem for me to wear a backpack with shoes in it as I usually have stuff I need to bring anyway.

I have Look style cleats and it gets annoying if you just want to go down to the corner store or other trivial odd-jobs, so perhaps the one-side clipless / other side platform could be a good compromise? Alternatively get a SPD setup with some decent shoes and then you can wear them anywhere.

I have Look style cleats and it gets annoying if you just want to go down to the corner store or other trivial odd-jobs, so perhaps the one-side clipless / other side platform could be a good compromise? Alternatively get a SPD setup with some decent shoes and then you can wear them anywhere.

Yup, that's the idea. Either a two-sided pedal or one with a big, BMX-sized platform. Plus the small cleats that don't stick out from the soles too much.

I think folks say that if they had to put on "special" shoes everytime they'd ride less are funny. I gave you a link to Lake cycling, which is one manufacturer among many who offer shoes that only differ from regular street shoes by having a cleat and a touch more stiffness.

They way I see it you have to put some shoes on, might as well be comfy, good looking ones with a cleat, right?

I don't do a car, but run errands all the time on my bike with clipless pedals. I put the special shoes on every time, even to go 3 blocks...because, after all, I have to put some shoes on, right?

Also, I shower at the gym about 1 mi. from work and ride from there to work in my business casual outfit and dress shoes on Shimano 520s. It's not ideal, but it works just fine to pedal the short distance.

Bottom line is they all work, and it's what you enjoy. I like clipless lots, but I have an 18 mi. one way commute and I use my bike every day, including weekends (when I go on longer rides). Platforms are fine, as are Power Grips. Get what you like and what you'll enjoy.

One thing to consider is your commute always going to be 1.5 each way.
Take myself for example: I ride strait to work in the morning, trying to keep from starting to sweat ~ 3 mi ( Saves time, because of not having to shower). On the way home I get to really ride, up and around the lake or over into the country side for extra miles, or explore new routes.
When I am going for extra miles after work I want to use clipless, but on days my round trip was 3 miles, it wouldn't be worth the money or having to worry about a second pair of shoes.

I have the Shimano pedlas that have the platform on one side and the SPD on the other. My ride to school is 4 miles one-way; I normally always use my SHimano mt41's. Having the platforms I guess is a nice option---I can use them if need be...but I use the platform sides very rarely.

Tim C.

I have the pedals which are plain old flat platform on one side, and clipless on the other. I find them perfect.

I have several bicycles, and all but one sport these:

http://www.rivbike.com/images/products/full/0000/0899/14-020_main_photo.jpg

I am thrilled with them. Get thee to Rivendell (www.rivbike.com (http://www.rivbike.com)) and try a pair (they are MKS Touring/Cyclocross pedals).

Keep in mind that I ride a bicycle everywhere, in any weather, all the time, and do so primarily in non-cycling specific clothing. These pedals (and riding in street shoes and boots, for that matter) are not for everyone, but I do manage a 30-mile round trip daily commute with whatever I have on my feet at the time. It works for me.

I dumped my clip-in's for BMX pedals. This was probably the best decision I have made in my few years of commuting. Clip ins adds hassle, cost, and complexity that was not worth it for me.

If your commute involves a lot of stops, you'd better go with platform pedals.
It's always entertaining to see how a hardcore bicyclist loses seconds clipping at every stop.

This "hardcore" bicyclist finds it equally entertaining to see how much transfer of power is lost by those riding shoes and platform pedals. Even if I have to stop all 10 times on my route and miss my pedal every single time (which I don't) I'd still take the mechanical advantage during the 40 minutes I'm riding over the supposed 5-10 seconds time lost.

No point in clipless for that distance. Heck, I doubt I would ride either. Sounds like a reasonable walk to me. I would second that.

I would second that. Now that I've destroyed a bike over two winters, I figured out its better to walk on some days. I bike because its efficent in time, money (fuel), and gives me a tad bit of excercise. When its decent out, espically in the summer I take a really round about long way home to get a little fresh air, or hit the grocery store.

It sounds like you want to use this bike for running errands as well as commuting... so would you want to put on special shoes every time you just want to go to the store? That's the main downside to clipless. You don't even need them for recreational riding, but they can be nice.

I've been cycling for 25 years and have used platforms, toe-clips, clipless road racing pedals, clipless mountain pedals, etc. Clipless pedals do have some advantages of course: They increase efficiency and power since you can pull up and back on one pedal as you push down and forward on the other. They also keep your feet correctly aligned and positioned on the pedals (with a small degree of float). This can be good for people who have a tendency to position their feet incorrectly (which might lead to some knee problems). When mountain biking clipless pedals help you keep your feet on the pedals... so they are safer for mountain biking in my opinion.

For commuting and recreational riding I can take or leave them. My commuter (which is also my primary bike) has pedals that are platform on one side and SPD clipless on the other. If you want to try clipless I would get a pedal like this that you can still use with regular shoes. I rarely use the SPD side these days. If I'm going for a long ride I will, but most of the time I just pedal in whatever shoes I'm wearing to work that day. It's also nice to go for a Summer ride in sandals.

Sean

They increase efficiency and power since you can pull up and back on one pedal as you push down and forward on the other.

I keep hearing this in the bike forums, but through casual research (googled) I haven't been able to find any controlled studies that suggest more than an 1-2% increase in efficency when used by a cyclist of advanced skills (i.e., racers). Anybody know where we could see some controlled studies?

I always went clipless on my DF, but since I changed to a 'bent I've been using the platform pedals that came with it. But, I miss the clipless. I've just been looking for a set that would work well with the 'bent. With the different geometry I'm concerned about getting out of the clips quick enough without having to think about it.
Try speedplay frogs. They're walkable, they have plenty of float, and I have yet to find an easier pedal to get in or out of.

Clipless is the only way to go with bents because if your feet are in front of you, they'll want to fall off the pedals if you don't use clipless.

I keep hearing this in the bike forums, but through casual research (googled) I haven't been able to find any controlled studies that suggest more than an 1-2% increase in efficency when used by a cyclist of advanced skills (i.e., racers). Anybody know where we could see some controlled studies?

I know that it's not quantifiable, but when my legs get tired of pushing, I can start pulling instead and recuperate a bit.

If your commute involves a lot of stops, you'd better go with platform pedals.
It's always entertaining to see how a hardcore bicyclist loses seconds clipping at every stop.

Track stand... no seconds lost.

I know that it's not quantifiable, but when my legs get tired of pushing, I can start pulling instead and recuperate a bit.I do the same thing. If my quads are a bit tired, I will pull more for a couple of revolutions then go back to spinning and my legs are refreshed. I can go much longer and faster with clipless. Not because of the 0.5% more efficient transfer of power, but because I have a better pedal stroke.

I keep hearing this in the bike forums, but through casual research (googled) I haven't been able to find any controlled studies that suggest more than an 1-2% increase in efficency when used by a cyclist of advanced skills (i.e., racers). Anybody know where we could see some controlled studies?

Hmm... 1% increase is 24 seconds off a 40 minute commute. An additional 2 seconds to clip in (which again... it doesn't take that long) means I can stop 12 times on my route and come out the same. :p

One other thing about being clipped in. One never has to adjust their foot position while riding. Ever. My guess is that most people riding platform pedals slide their feet around enough during a ride to easily lose more time/efficiency/power than I spend at intersections.

BTW... I am in no way advocating people ride clipless to do their commute, especially the short ride mentioned by the OP. My commute bikes I use on days I'm not doing additional riding/training or when I need to make other stops like the grocery, actually have toe clips due to the obvious advantage of wearing street shoes.

Final thought... does anybody find it as strange as I do that we refer to using clipless pedals as "clipping in"?!? Yeah, I know, it's opposed to toe 'clips' and we are more "clicking in" than clipping in... which I always thought was better described as "strapping in". The semantics just crack me up.