Long Distance Competition/Ultracycling, Randonneuring and Endurance Cycling - My newfound joy and freedom with platform pedals

In college I got into road riding and used toe straps for several years. After a decade away from road biking I got back into it 2 years ago. Thanks to the internet I learned all about the benefits of clipless pedals. Better efficiency, transfer of power, control, yadda-yadda. I drank the kool-aid, and it tasted good.

I adapted to clipless pedals very quickly. I learned to always be thinking about potential situations where I might need to unclip. Red light at the intersection, better unclip, because it might not turn green in time. Stop sign, better unclip. Is that car really going to pull out in front of me? Better unclip.

And I learned to put up with the inconveniences, which included:

- The constant unclipping and clipping in urban areas, described above
- Walking around like a buffoon at convenience stores, eateries, etc.
- Worrying about slipping on and/or damaging the floor surface in some places
- Intentionally avoiding dirt, sandy, or gravel areas
- Having to change from a different pair of shoes into cycling shoes before each ride
- When driving to a ride, I had to always double check that the cycling shoes were packed

I've been able to go on 4 rides the past 2 months of over 100 miles, 3 of those over 200K. I've been getting hotspots on my feet after 70 miles and sore feet in general by the end of the ride. A little bit of pain in the leg, too. I am fit to my bike very well, but figured out the problem is probably my feet swelling on these long rides causing the discomfort. I had loosened my shoes as much as a could, but my toes were still a little too cramped (although I've been wearing these shoes for a year without much problem until now).

I had a 125 mile ride planned with a friend today. Earlier this week I decided to remove the clipless pedals and put on a pair of platform pedals, waiting for a new, larger pair of PI Seeks to come in (changing from Sidi road shoes because I want a more walkable shoe). I thought I would do the 125 miles on platform pedals wearing my soft sole, mesh water shoes. I hoped I wouldn't loose control and that I wouldn't be a whole lot slower than the last time we did this ride.

EUREKA! I loved the freedom of the platforms! I loved walking up to my bike at the start of the ride, hopping on and going (not having to take time to change shoes). I enjoyed walking around convenience stores like a normal person. I liked being able to put my feet in whatever position I wanted on my pedals. I actually looked forward to stopping at intersections to be able to stop and put both feet down and stretch (with clipless I ALWAYS put my left foot down, right foot stayed clipped, which didn't allow that leg to stretch). I ended this ride with a faster average moving speed than the last time we rode this route (almost identical weather conditions) and a similar cadence. I worried about loosing control if my foot slipped. I worried I may not be able to stand to climb a hill or accelerate from a stop. Those worries were simply Kool-aid stains, because I felt I did everything on platforms I could do with clipless, except for pulling up the pedal at an intersection when I wanted to start to accelerate.

Anyway, I've stopped drinking the Klipless Kool-aid and thought I would post my experiences. This article (http://www.rivbike.com/article/clothing/the_shoes_ruse) at Rivendell Bikes concludes: The most important and liberating thing I've learned in 40 years of riding nearly daily, is that normal shoes and pedaling unconnected is the way to go. For me, at least, and for a growing number of people who try it.

Preach on, brother! I'm just a recreational rider. Done a couple MS150's and am getting into longer distance cycling because I enjoy it. Clipless pedals have been a minor pain, but one I was always willing to live with for the "benefits." I believe they did help my pedaling form. But today I have graduated, for I believe the benefits of platforms and regular shoes beats a clipless system for a rider like me.

Bless ya !!! The only time I missed the clipless is when its raining. Feet slip off platforms. Other than that, I prefer the platforms.

Platforms and chaco sandals all the way!

I have considered going clipless but am still hesitant because I've always liked my shoes to fit loose.....10-1\2 wwww. My very large platforms with small spikey things to grip my leather dress/work shoes work out well for me now. The 50 mile Sunday rides are in an area with many stop signs and intersections so maybe this is the best setup. Now if I rode in the country with endless miles of non-stop road it may be a different story?

- The constant unclipping and clipping in urban areas, described above
- Walking around like a buffoon at convenience stores, eateries, etc.
- Worrying about slipping on and/or damaging the floor surface in some places
- Intentionally avoiding dirt, sandy, or gravel areas
- Having to change from a different pair of shoes into cycling shoes before each ride
- When driving to a ride, I had to always double check that the cycling shoes were packed
You do realize that there are pedals that have practically none of those concerns (except having different pairs of shoes)?

My frogs clip and unclip so easily I don't notice them. You can walk in sand and gravel or on hardwood floors silently and normally. And I don't slip because I have a walkable touring shoe (Shimano R085) with no crazy treads.

I rode platforms or toeclips for over 20 years before I drank the koolaid. I'll never consider anything but clipless for any ride over a few miles.

I'm also wondering about cadence, can you get a high cadence with platform pedals? I tried the platform pedals with the little spikes in them and my feet came off the pedals a few times.

You do realize that there are pedals that have practically none of those concerns (except having different pairs of shoes)?

My frogs clip and unclip so easily I don't notice them. You can walk in sand and gravel or on hardwood floors silently and normally. And I don't slip because I have a walkable touring shoe (Shimano R085) with no crazy treads.

I rode platforms or toeclips for over 20 years before I drank the koolaid. I'll never consider anything but clipless for any ride over a few miles.

I have the MO75 shoes and the Shimano 424 pedals and I have all the float I need. They are so easy to get out of, it surprised me. Anyway to each his own, but I really like my setup.

Have you ever tried a mountain shoe/pedal combo on your road bike? If not, you'll be pleasantly surprised.

but with platforms you resign to mashing/stomping on the pedals... how do you get uphill efficiently, e.g. 'round' pedaling?

if i used platforms, i'd at least use straps/cages, and a stiff-soled shoe of some kind. i used to ride fixed in sneakers and after doing hills all day my arches were killing me!

have fun! whatever works for you. my SPDs with a mtn shoe for walkability works well for me. we all drink kool-aid of some flavor.

Mmmm, maybe it's time to give clipless a try, they do peak my curiosity.

I use platform pedals, but not because I feel like they're any profound improvement- I just never have had a need to go to anything else. Part of it's just the style of bike, too. Cruisers come with platform pedals, road bikes don't.

However, I would guess that pretty much 100% of the riders of clipless pedals have also used platform pedals in the past as well (as a kid, if nothing else). So I wouldn't expect them to be be any big revelation for most riders.

By the way, I have found that flexible-sole shoes can make my feet start going numb. While I can shift my feet around and take care of the problem, just using a shoe with stiffer sole will also prevent the problem.

I've got one foot in each camp ..... my left foot is clipped in, my right foot is on a platform pedal. Works great!! :D

I'm also wondering about cadence, can you get a high cadence with platform pedals? I tried the platform pedals with the little spikes in them and my feet came off the pedals a few times.
Depends on your stroke. Maintaining 120 RPM is not hard if your stroke is smooth. However, as mattm observes you can get power out of much more of the stroke if you're attached to the pedal.


I've got one foot in each camp ..... my left foot is clipped in, my right foot is on a platform pedal. Works great!! :D
That Fred award you won was well-deserved :p

That Fred award you won was well-deserved :p

You better believe it!! :lol:

Platform pedals? As in the kind on a kids bike? I use those and just put toe clips on. It's a decent compromise. I don't do more than about 15-20 miles at once though.

Platform pedals? As in the kind on a kids bike?

The kind on most bicycles when you first buy them.

You do realize that there are pedals that have practically none of those concerns (except having different pairs of shoes)?

I don't mean that its a huge deal to unclip, but I've been in quite a few situations where I had to unclip unexpectedly and being clipped in caused a problem that would not have existed had I been on platforms. But I do realize certain mountain shoes are good, like (I'm hoping) the Pearl Izumi Seek pair I ordered. I'll probably still keep the Seeks as they are mesh (which is what I want here in TX) and they will have a harder sole than any of the other shoes I have. They have a plate that covers the cleat area. I use Bebops, but with road shoes, so always walk on the cleat and the rubber heal. I always felt like I should be part of a circus show.


I'm also wondering about cadence, can you get a high cadence with platform pedals? I tried the platform pedals with the little spikes in them and my feet came off the pedals a few times.

On my recent ride I was able to maintain a cadence in the high 90's (my typical "fast" cadence) with peaks in the 100's with no problems. Same as with clipless.


I've got one foot in each camp ..... my left foot is clipped in, my right foot is on a platform pedal. Works great!! :D

I remember reading your post on this. I gave this a lot of thought on my last ride and still may give this a try, too. I suppose it would help with pulling the pedal up at stoplights. But, as I mentioned, I really liked putting both feet down and stretching the legs when I stopped. And Houston is FLAT. Only about 50 miles west does one start running into hills. The only hills I normally encounter on my rides are the overpasses.

As for toe clips, I had those on my road bike years ago and also the past 14 years or so on a mountain bike. Toe clips always fall down when you take your foot out -- when you start you need to fiddle around with one foot to slide your shoe back in. I got pretty proficient at it, but still. Not to mention when you wear shoes that are different widths, then the strap is either too loose or else your foot won't even fit in the strap without loosening it up.

Promise me you won't laugh. Here is the pedal I bought 2 years ago on clearance at Target for $10 for the pair. I really bought them for my son's bike, but the platform is large compared to his small bike. Hey, maybe I ought to try for one of those Fred awards. I've got a handlebar bag, too. ;)

http://www.mile43.com/peterson/LEDPedals.jpg

The problem with clips and straps is unless you cinch the straps tight and/or wear proper cleated shoes designed for them, they are no better than using standard flatform pedals with sneakers.

In college I got into road riding and used toe straps for several years. After a decade away from road biking I got back into it 2 years ago. Thanks to the internet I learned all about the benefits of clipless pedals. Better efficiency, transfer of power, control, yadda-yadda. I drank the kool-aid, and it tasted good.


Anyway, I've stopped drinking the Klipless Kool-aid and thought I would post my experiences. This article (http://www.rivbike.com/article/clothing/the_shoes_ruse) at Rivendell Bikes concludes: The most important and liberating thing I've learned in 40 years of riding nearly daily, is that normal shoes and pedaling unconnected is the way to go. For me, at least, and for a growing number of people who try it.


It sounds like you like the taste of Rivendell kool-aid better.

The problem with clips and straps is unless you cinch the straps tight and/or wear proper cleated shoes designed for them, they are no better than using standard flatform pedals with sneakers.

That doesn't seem to be true for me. I keep the straps loose, and I can still pull up and push forward when pedaling if desired. Also, the clips put my feet into the right position, and I feel confident that my feet won't slip off the pedals, especially when standing.

I got my wife a pair of strapless clips that I will give her on her birthday, and I'll be interested to see how well those work.

If you prefer platforms, go for it.

IMO platforms are a little more efficient (especially on hills), and I prefer the ride feel. For touring the one-side-clipless, one-side-platform is a decent compromise. However, I do agree that platforms are much more convenient than clipless.

I happen to use recessed SPD's, so walking is not a problem -- even carrying a heavy bike down stairs. I have no problems clipping / unclipping in NYC, it's an unconscious act by now; I even catch myself turning my ankle out when I use platforms. ;)

As to the hot spots, if you ever decide to use clipless again: move the cleats back.

By the way, "average speed" on a cyclometer, particularly on a single ride, is a very poor tool. Even if weather is the same, there are just too many variables.

I agree that not everyone should ride or even try clipless if they don't want. I made the switch because I simply can't keep my cadence reliably high with platform pedals, which I MUST do due to the condition of my knees.

The bottom line is ride what works best for you. :)

Some people may feel insecure about using clipless pedals under certain riding conditions and might not use them at all, thus never really reaping the benefits from this system. Riding clipless should become second nature where you're able to put that foot down instinctively almost as effectively as using platforms, regardless of riding condition.

Most of my bikes run clipless pedals but I have one bike with clips/straps and another one with platforms. You bet I can tell the difference in efficiency or lack of among these systems, no matter what distance I ride.

As to the hot spots, if you ever decide to use clipless again: move the cleats back.Tried that. Cleat position wasn't the problem.


By the way, "average speed" on a cyclometer, particularly on a single ride, is a very poor tool. Even if weather is the same, there are just too many variables.
It's kind of the only tool, isn't it? How else would you determine if you were any faster or slower comparing one ride to another? And I used AVS as a general guide to determine if I was slower with platforms. From the ride data, changing from clipless to platforms didn't slow me down, nor did it change my cadence any.

If you have a poor pedaling technique, clipless pedals might not help :p or the other way around?
Just joking.
I am using the shimano pedals, which are platform on one side and SPD on the other (giving one full freedom of choice). In my case, I only use the platform side on high speed descents.

For scientific support of your theory, you could record, in addition to speed and cadence, the heart rate and power input with a powertap or better with a SRM power meter ???
http://www.srm.de/usa/index.html
:)

In my case, I only use the platform side on high speed descents.


Why? I've never heard this before.

Somehow I do not trust the "safety eject mechanism" of the bike pedals. Compared to ski bindings they seem rather primitive. That is why I am using the platform side on somehow risky descents.
I have no data to support any beneficial effect of doing so,however.

Why? I've never heard this before.

Somehow I do not trust the "safety eject mechanism" of the bike pedals. Compared to ski bindings they seem rather primitive. That is why I am using the platform side on somehow risky descents.
I have no data to support any beneficial effect of doing so,however.
Especially at high speeds, I'd rather be clipped in. If your feet fly off the pedals at the wrong time, it could be dangerous.

Having fallen multiple times with and without clipless, even when you go down I think clipless is safer.

especially at high speeds, i'd rather be clipped in. If your feet fly off the pedals at the wrong time, it could be dangerous.

Having fallen multiple times with and without clipless, even when you go down i think clipless is safer.

+1

Having fallen multiple times with and without clipless, even when you go down I think clipless is safer.

I assume you still mean at high speeds. At low/no speeds, falling with clipless probably wouldn't have happened if you were on platforms. I can think of 2x where I fell with clipless where if I was on platforms I wouldn't have fallen. Bebops are a little harder to get free from compared to other clipless, I think. They have 19 degrees of float, so you got to get past that point to unclip.

WELL, I would prefer my body to dissociate entirely from the bike in case of a crash.
I am not going to "accidently" slip of the pedal in such a situation.


Especially at high speeds, I'd rather be clipped in. If your feet fly off the pedals at the wrong time, it could be dangerous.

Having fallen multiple times with and without clipless, even when you go down I think clipless is safer.

I assume you still mean at high speeds. At low/no speeds, falling with clipless probably wouldn't have happened if you were on platforms. I can think of 2x where I fell with clipless where if I was on platforms I wouldn't have fallen. Bebops are a little harder to get free from compared to other clipless, I think. They have 19 degrees of float, so you got to get past that point to unclip.
When I first got clipless, I think I fell over once or twice in my SPD's, and also once in LOOK's. I don't count falling this way as a crash.

Except in an impact crash, I think it is beneficial to stay clipped in. The brunt of the fall goes on your thigh, hip, and shoulder and your hands stay on the bars. The result is road rash, but no real injury. If you're not attached to the bike, you could put a hand down and break your arm, get your feet in your wheels, etc. I haven't had a serious impact crash on clipless yet, but I'm sure I'd pop right out if I really had to.

Bebops are a little harder to get free from compared to other clipless, I think. They have 19 degrees of float, so you got to get past that point to unclip.

sounds like you may want to do a bike fit with a cleat fit as well and move to some lower float pedals when you get your mountain style shoes. In my experience all of that float is there to make up for a poor bike fit that lets your knees flail and allows you to spend zero time time getting the cleats rotated properly. The downside is that you need to move your ankle a great deal to get unclipped. Also, you might want to work on your trackstands as they would allow you to stay clipped in all of the time.

At low/no speeds, falling with clipless probably wouldn't have happened if you were on platforms. I can think of 2x where I fell with clipless where if I was on platforms I wouldn't have fallen. Bebops are a little harder to get free from compared to other clipless, I think. They have 19 degrees of float, so you got to get past that point to unclip.

I think you need to try another type of clipless pedals. Some of the easiest ones to get in and out of are the SPDs. Eggbeaters are also very popular and very easy to click out of. They all have recessed cleats so they are extremely walkable. I sometimes commute to work wearing my mountain/touring shoes and don't even bother changing. I wear them all day long while at work.
I believe the pedal system you're using now is giving you too many problems.

It's kind of the only tool, isn't it? How else would you determine if you were any faster or slower comparing one ride to another?
The problem is that it's not a very accurate tool. My theory is that the stops and starts and walking around will throw off those stats. Separately, a single ride is too low a sample size. Unfortunately the only genuinely objective way I know of (so far) to figure it out is with a power meter.

But if you're riding at a pace you like with platforms, like the feel and/or convenience, and climb well enough to satisfy you, I wouldn't worry about it.

I don't have a power meter but do have a garmin edge 305 with heartrate/cadence. Ride stats for the two comparable rides were (going from memory, but I believe I've got these numbers down, at least):

Ride 1 with clipless pedals
Average Speed: 17.3mph
Avg. Cadence: 89
Avg. Heartrate: 136

Ride 2 with platforms
Average Speed: 17.6mph
Avg. Cadence: 86
Avg. Heartrate: 127

Both rides started with a 5:30ish start in the dark, running lights for the first 1:30 in the city meant lower cadence and speed. At the first highway intersection we came to on both rides we were at exactly 57 minutes into the ride. The rides were literally 10 seconds apart. How's that for consistency between rides?

The routes were varied just a little bit in that on Ride 1 we bypassed a town via a loop and therefore had non-stop riding, while Ride 2 went through that town for several miles and had more stops and starts, which is probably one of the reasons why the average cadence for ride 2 is lower.

And I have my Garmin set to not record data once my speed gets under 4MPH, so as to only record actual riding data, and not my stopped or walking time. But even with a few extra stops and starts of one ride to the next, over 125 miles and 7 hours of riding time, the few extra slowdowns and accelerations are not going to affect the averages in any meaningful way. Maybe by a tenth of a MPH.

So, I think it is a safe statement to say that platforms didn't slow me down any, even considering all the variables. I expected to see a decrease in average speed with platforms, which I did not.

Even when I got my clipless pedals and shoes, I remember another friend (who doesn't ride a whole lot) admire them on my feet on one of our rides together and say "Those must make you 1-2 MPH faster." Guess what, tubby, your engine really is slower! (He's not here, so I can say that, but don't tell him I said that, would ya?) :p But that's the misconception that goes around with clipless pedals, which is the reason for my original post.

Thanks for the feedback on other pedals/cleats. If I give clipless a try with my new PI Seek walkable shoes at some point in the future, I'll have to try another pedal system, like eggbeaters or SPDs. I'm going to do the platform thing for a while. In the spring I ride with a group where everyone dons clipless pedals. I'm one of the stronger riders, so I'd like to see their reaction when I show up in regular platforms instead of a clipless system and they struggle to keep up. :lol:

I use these pedals:

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3162/2837458604_e055855509.jpg?v=0

Well, there's no question that a good clipless setup is more efficient for trained cyclists. (A proper toeclip-and-strap setup is just as efficient, BTW, but essentially dead outside of track racing.)

After going back and forth between clipless and clips-and-straps with non-cleated shoes, I've finally gotten comfortable with the latter. I had a very hard time giving up the "free speed" of clipless, and it also took quite a while to get used to limiting my upward and backward movements when accelerating, climbing, etc.

I also tend to dismiss complaints about being unable to unclip from a clipless system. It simply isn't that hard. I've met all sorts of incompetents and mental defectives who could unclip, so for folks who are avoiding clipless solely or largely on that basis, I think they're making a mistake.

For myself, it was comfort in walking, and not looking like "Bicycle Man!" while off the bike, that led me to shift from clipless. Yes, there are systems that are almost like street shoes, but none that completely did the job, and none that kept the metal cleats completely off the hardwood floors without massive knobs/cleats.

I finally found happiness with Carnac Carlit leather shoes with rubber soles, MKS touring pedals with teeth, and toe clips and straps. This is extremely comfortable, walks like a street shoe, and still allows me some upward/rearward effort even with the straps comfortably loose. And yes, I've lost some efficiency, and my pedal stroke is not as good as it once was. If speed was important, this setup would be a mistake, but as a series of trade-offs, it's about perfect.

Take off the clips and straps? I don't see any reason for it. It wouldn't be any more comfortable or convenient, but it would be an even further reduction in efficiency and, IMO, somewhat dangerous, as there is nothing to prevent the foot from coming off the pedal. As a kid on a BMX bike, that was a regular occurence, and I'm sure I still have the shin scars from it.

Well, there's no question that a good clipless setup is more efficient for trained cyclists.The way I read the article at Rivendell (http://www.rivbike.com/article/clothing/the_shoes_ruse), I believe the author would argue the opposite would be true -- that an untrained cyclist would be more efficent with a good clipless system to be forced to go in circles, while a trained/experienced cyclist knows how to pedal in circles and does not benefit from a clipless system in terms of efficiency. One may or may not agree, but at least it is questionable.


Take off the clips and straps? I don't see any reason for it. It wouldn't be any more comfortable or convenient, but it would be an even further reduction in efficiency and, IMO, somewhat dangerous, as there is nothing to prevent the foot from coming off the pedal. As a kid on a BMX bike, that was a regular occurence, and I'm sure I still have the shin scars from it.

I appreciate the rest of your comments and your feedback. I don't know if I completely agree with everything in the above paragraph. As to comparing yourself to when you were a kid, I would think there is no comparison to your cycling skill and experience now as an adult vs. that when you were a kid. A 20" BMX bike just begs to go over dirt hills, gravel, curbs, lending itself to a greater likelihood of accidents, while most road cyclists try to avoid anything but smooth pavement.

Regarding convenience, I don't see how having to find a specific spot on the bottom of your shoe, or having to flip a pedal and put your foot in a hole is any more convenient than just stepping on a pedal in no specific spot. Compare that to contact lenses (clipless or straps) vs. Lasik surgery (platform pedals). I can tell you from experience that Lasik surgery is a heck of a lot more convenient than daily wear contact lenses, for the simple reason I don't have to mess with putting contacts in or taking them out every day. Not to mention with clipless road shoes, which I am coming from, those are a heck of a lot more inconvenient walking off the bike.

Regarding efficiency, with platforms one can move their foot into different positions on the pedal, using different leg muscles for different activities like sprinting, climbing, or just trudging along. The Rivendell article talks about this. Being attached to the pedal is certainly an advantage in wet conditions or powering through a short, steep hill, but with my regular pedaling, I didn't see any efficiency benefit to be attached to the pedal vs now riding on platforms.

Two more things to consider: comfort and cost. I think it is just more comfortable to be able to move your foot around on a pedal and use different muscles and have different pressure points than to be fixed in one position.

My platform pedals cost me $10. My shoes and clipless pedals cost $300.

So now you can see why I titled this thread My newfound joy and freedom with platform pedals.


And yes, I've lost some efficiency, and my pedal stroke is not as good as it once was. If speed was important, this setup would be a mistake, but as a series of trade-offs, it's about perfect.

I want to point out that the reason I posted this in the long distance forum is that I am talking about what is best for me for my long rides. If one races I definitely think clipped in is the way to go. My riding partner rocks toe clips and straps. Its just a matter of personal preference. At this stage, platforms are about perfect for me. Until I came across that Rivendell article recently, I would have never seen in print a point of view talking about platforms being a good alternative. Everything I have read in the past couple years looks down on platforms as something that is inferior and only suited for a child's bike. But after experiencing them, I have a new perspective on platform pedals and wanted to share it.

I discovered a negative with platforms yesterday. I pedaled through a sharp corner (greater than 90 degrees) and ended up striking the pedal on the ground. Almost lost control of the bike. The Bebop pedals I used to use have awesome pedal clearance, and not once did they strike the ground through a turn. So now with my platforms on sharp turns I have to remember to keep the inside leg high.

I discovered a negative with platforms yesterday. I pedaled through a sharp corner (greater than 90 degrees) and ended up striking the pedal on the ground. Almost lost control of the bike. The Bebop pedals I used to use have awesome pedal clearance, and not once did they strike the ground through a turn. So now with my platforms on sharp turns I have to remember to keep the inside leg high.
You know there are low profile pedals that help minimize pedal strike.

I also tend to dismiss complaints about being unable to unclip from a clipless system. It simply isn't that hard. I've met all sorts of incompetents and mental defectives who could unclip, so for folks who are avoiding clipless solely or largely on that basis, I think they're making a mistake.


I agree.

I can also see people hesitating to go fully clipless in urban riding and even in heavy traffic. After reading through countless threads about riders not liking clipless pedals I've pretty much come to the conclusion that most simply lack the confidence in using them.

In mountain biking I went through the same thing. I was sacred as hell to go clipless for many years riding my bike on narrow singletracks and technical terrain. Eventually, I was able to make that transition.
Actually, mountain biking and fixed gear riding eventually forced me to learn to click out of either foot instinctively and this skill carries on to road riding effectively. I don't click out of the same foot every time when I come to a stop.

I can't hardly stand to go to the grocery store without my clipless...and it's a quarter of a mile away!

I can't hardly stand to go to the grocery store without my clipless...and it's a quarter of a mile away!You should be using your beater/errand bike with platforms for that...:p

Clipless pedals are a godsend, for people with bad knees or other bad joints. Keeps your feet where they are supposed to be, without fear of slipping off.

Whenever I stop, for even a little bit, (red light) my knee stiffens up, and the clipless keeps me attached, until it loosens back up. Then I'm good to go.

Clipless is the only way I can attain any kind of cadence, which for me is now up to 80. It's not that unusual to see the 90's now. If I ride to the store in tennies, I'm lucky to attain 45 RPM.

Considering I started in the 50's, that's a big improvement.

I even, surprisingly, found myself spinning at 119 the other day, and my legs didn't fly off!

You should be using your beater/errand bike with platforms for that...


It is my beater/errand bike! I HAD to put clipless on it!

I've got one foot in each camp ..... my left foot is clipped in, my right foot is on a platform pedal. Works great!! :D

Now that's an idea, except you have it backwards, your right foot should be clipped in and your left on a platform. Why? because that's what I do, and I must be right.

I would like to have the last word regarding clipless pedals.


:D

I use these pedals:

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3162/2837458604_e055855509.jpg?v=0 mmm. Campus pedals are a great option, used them for years with a mountain SPD shoe. I loved being able to unclip one foot, pedal on a different part of my foot for a bit to give it a rest, or sometimes when I'm in trafficky sections, or on super steep climbs thinking I'm about to bail out fast, yet have the ability to clip in whenever.

I'll make a few pro-clipless arguements I haven't seen mentioned here.

Where I live there are plenty of short, steep (10-20% grade) hills that you can either spin and suffer slowly over, or muscle them and get over the top without losing much breath. I find hard, short efforts much easier on clipless because I am not limited to just my quads, but can use all the muscles in my leg to turn the pedals over.

While not common randonnuering practice, simply being able to use all your leg muscles instead of just one is a great advantage in terms of injury prevention and reducing fatigue. You are no longer over-developing your quads to the extent platforms will. The problems with injuries and clipless pedals seem to have more about a poor bike fit and less about the actual pedals. Additionally, there have been many long steep climbs where after pedaling in circles in my lowest gear at 50 rpm to stay below LTHR, my quads did not feel completely dead because the other muscles in my leg were assisting them.

As for comparing average speeds with and without clipless pedals, you would have to repeat the experiment multiple times on the same course. Doing it on a different course when your body is more or less recovered tells nothing. Average speed is already easily influenced by wind, temperature and your own body so many experiments with someone getting the full benefit of clipless (no pedaling squares) are needed.