Commuting - Clipped pedals for a commuter?

When I bought my RockHopper used the previous owner had clipped pedals on it. I swapped them out for platform pedals when I got the bike, but I've been thinking again about using them just to try them out.

Are you supposed to tighten them down or can you run them loosely tightened so that you can get out of them w/o opening the clasps.

And, is this bad for commuting in traffic?

Thanks.

I use clipless pedals on my commuter and would not switch back. I have grown used to the security of being attached to the pedals and it will increase your efficiency dramatically. Once you are used to them you can clip in and out without even thinking about it--so I think they are safer in traffic and normal commuting obstacles than conventional toe clips. Unfortunately running toe clips loosly defeats a lot of the reason for having them--that is being tightly fixed to the pedals.

If you're not ready to take the clipless expense plunge another alternative is PowerGrips (http://www.powergrips.com). I use PowerGrips in the stoker position on our tandem and they work well. You can be tightly held by them just by the twisting action of your foot (see the web site) so you can get in and out easily and still be held tightly to the pedal. Just a word of warning though, the straps supplied on the standard PowerGrips are good for smaller feet--if you have large feet or plan to wear them with larger shoes (say in the winter) they have a longer strap kit.

I cycled 20yrs ago with clips/straps. Then took a 20yr. break with only coffee shop bike trips.

I recently started commuting (800miles so far) starting with clips, straps, no cleats. Just this past Monday I switched to clipless (shimano PD-M520 pedal and MO38 shoe). I find it so much easier than clips. It took no adjustment period. I bought them Sunday, rode around my neighborhood for 20min, practiced by stopping at every intersection, and then used them Monday morning for my commute.

Not only are they easier than clips/straps, but are certainly more efficient. With the clips I couldn't clamp down the straps hard enough to get out quick and at the same time have a solid connection with pedal throughout stroke.

Al

When I bought my RockHopper used the previous owner had clipped pedals on it. I swapped them out for platform pedals when I got the bike, but I've been thinking again about using them just to try them out.

Are you supposed to tighten them down or can you run them loosely tightened so that you can get out of them w/o opening the clasps.

And, is this bad for commuting in traffic?

Thanks.

I think you can get used to clips & straps with some practice and that they are fine in traffic, just don't clamp them down hard. As an idea to get used to them try them for a while with no strap at all. Also don't worry about putting foot on opposite side of pedal, what I mean is when stopped start with one foot in clip, then cross intersection and don't worry about putting second foot in clip until clear from intersection and you have built up some speed which helps you keep stable and straight when you put the second foot in. The clips may scrape on road, especially if turning, but not enough to mess up handling.

Al

Use them lose. This is std practice amongst UK tourist/commuters who want to ride in any footwear. You should be able to slide your foot out instantly. Pick footwear with a fairly smooth profile and avoid knobbly soles. Leisure cycling shoes work well. Some of these do have horizontal slots in the sole to engage pedals, but these are invariably in the wrong position and can be annoying. I have used a knife to re-engineer the soles.
You may loose some efficiency compared to cinched down straps, but so what, they are a whole lot more efficient than plain platforms, and a lot more convenient than clipless for utility riding.
If your ride is long or you ride hard, then a sport style clipless system may be better, but for moderate speed riding, the difference is very small.

My transition to clipless pedals was a slow and steady one. Started with platforms but hated they whole shoe laces coming lose and being eaten by the chains.

I heard about the efficientcy gain of being connected to your bike but wasn't ready to take the plunge so I got the Powergrips. They were good easy to get out off and probably as good as clipless but I felt like some in between hybrid biker. So when Nashbar had a sale on Shimano M082s ($20) and Ritchey V3s ($20) I took the plunge. This all happened within a month and half's time (just goes to show how restless and impulsive I am). In retrospect, I probably could have gone to clipless immediately as the learning curve wan't really that hard.

One thing you have to remember is that you need to clipout before stopping as most falls happen when your slowing dowhn at some intersection and forget that your still clipped in. That being said, I trained my muscle memory by going through the clipping out motion everytime I stopped (while I had the platforms and the Powergrips). I haven't fallen yet (knock on wood) and having the pedals at the 1st click of tightness seems to be just right for commuting as it's secure and yet not too tight.

Just make sure to check/tighten your cleats regularly as that was almost cause for my first fall.

Personally I hate clips with a passion. It's either platforms or Time ATAC's for me

I've been riding clipless for about 2 months now, and highly recommend them. I was interested last year, but as a confirmed low end ($) biker, I couldn't justify spending more for pedals and shoes than I paid for the bike. Over the fall and winter I acquired a couple of pairs of Wellgo SPD's with 2 road bikes I bought (sold one - too small), so I just had to buy shoes, got some Shimano MTB shoes for $90 on sale.
I've been really impressed with the difference they make - especially with mountain biking. For commuting, there's not a big learning curve, you just have to remember to clip out while you're slowing down. My first couple of clipless rides were mountain biking in rock gardens - I soon learned how to clip out quickly (and often).
Mountain Bike shoes are pretty comfortable for walking around, so for commuting I wouldn't even consider road shoes (You never know when you might have to walk into a store or something)

I had clips and straps on my commuter for a while so I could ride them in my work shoes and still stay connected. I wasn't thrilled with them though because managing the pedals is one more thing to do in traffic. I even used the extra large nylon clips with true MKS platform pedals to help insertion with lugged soles but it was still a pain.

Since then, I have switched to Shimano SPD pedals with platforms on one side. This lets me wear regular shoes in cool weather when I commute in work clothes, and SPD sandals in summer when I ride in bike clothes and change at work. I am much happier with this arrangement.

Personally, I hate most cycle gear-- shorts, shoes, computers, heart monitors, jerseys, ect. All you really need is a bike, helment and the gumption to pedal. I've got friends who have the whole kit-and-kaboddle who think I'm some crazy biker just a step up from homeless

With that said, I stick to power grips or toe clips with lose straps, no straps or heavy speaker wire instead of straps. Clipless shoes/petals are better-- I'd go back to wearing the Look system I bought back in the 80s if I was riding 100 miles or more. But 20 miles or less in city traffic? Dragging funky shoes around at work? It's just not worth it to me.

Of course this is 100% personal choice-- I have never tried MTB petals and shoes, so these might be the ticket. Remember-- barrow before you buy if at all possible!

Like I said earlier I transitioned Monday this week to clipless from clips/straps. Again, wow - I am getting my best average times for my 8.6mi route (18.5mph yesterday, previous was 17.7 - no wind differences)

But a funny thing happened at an intersection on this ride. I unclipped my left foot while slowing down like I always do. Then I stopped and lifted left foot off of of pedal to place on ground, whoops, it had recliped in without me knowing - it does make a click noise, but I missed it in traffic sounds, etc. Luckily I managed to quickly unclip and avoided a fall, but it certainly was a learning for me to be careful about resting foot on pedal after unclipping.

In some ways this indicates how easy it is to snap in with clipless pedals - I have the two sided kind and after 4 days of using them its seems that 80% of the time on starting from a stop my second foot reclips in on the first contact with the pedal. With clipless I always fumbled a bit in flipping pedal over and sliding foot in and usually had to wait to do this after clearing the intersection.

Al