Singlespeed & Fixed Gear - Do straps (like Holdfast/Retrogression/etc) provide better foot retention than clips?

I currently run some Burro straps on my bike, but have been wanting to try out some clips with double leather straps (like these: http://www.retro-gression.com/product/4x-clips-straps-combo) but am wondering if they provide as firm foot retention as the straps? My straps feel great, and I have never had an issue, but really like the look of clips. I run brakeless and am wondering if the double straps + clips would provide enough foot retention and stopping power by themselves ? - for some reason they seem like theyd be a little flimsy and forgiving...

If they are good fitting, well maintained, and properly set up they will provide all of the retention you will need. But most people dont do any of those. Straps are easier to get fit and require less maintenance.

If they are good fitting, well maintained, and properly set up they will provide all of the retention you will need. But most people dont do any of those. Straps are easier to get fit and require less maintenance.

My fear is that I will set them up/fit them incorrectly and because my life rests in this foot retention, the last thing I want is for them to fail.. Reasons you listed are precisely why I chose straps.

You couldn't under any circumstance stop if your retention failed :|

You need to learn to ted shred e-stop. Stomp your back tire and lean back.

Or if you were riding fixed on the east coast 5 years ago there is also the "jamacan stop". Put your lead foot under the pedal and pull up.

Straps are worse than properly cinched clips and straps, I'm guessing. But do you really want to release and tighten your foot retention every time you come to a stop and go again?

what i like about holdfast straps (the only kind of just-straps that i've used) is that they fit well with ANY of my shoes, and do hold my foot in quite well. i have had a couple bikes with clips/straps, but i only have a couple pair of shoes that really fit in them well.

I'm sure if you had a good quality strap set up correctly it would be as good as a toe clip/strap setup, however, when set up right, toe clips and straps feel really secure.

The only reason I think clips+straps would be better is because they retain the foot forward-back as well as up-down. I don't, however, think it's an important difference, and infinitely prefer retrogression-style footstraps.

ive used both and they both hold my feet well. the clips and straps require constant adjusting where as holdfast/retrogression is a set and forget kind of thing. if i had to choose between the two id go with the holdfast/retrogression style.

Or if you were riding fixed on the east coast 5 years ago there is also the "jamacan stop". Put your lead foot under the pedal and pull up.
I used that before I had straps. It works decently well, but scary as f**k when going like 25mph and you have to let go of and catch your pedal on the underside without it slamming into your shin or calf. Not really advised.

The advantage that stomping your tire has too, is that it is the only way to stop if your chain comes off for some reason, assuming you don't have brakes.

because my life rests in this foot retention, the last thing I want is for them to fail..

THIS is your problem

My bike came with clips, but I recently switched over to the Retrogression straps and I prefer them so much more.

My fear is that I will set them up/fit them incorrectly and because my life rests in this foot retention, the last thing I want is for them to fail.. Reasons you listed are precisely why I chose straps.

Don't be so dramatic, your life rests in much more than your foot retention.
I have both (holdfast and exustar double straps and steel clips). They both work great, I tend to prefer the clips and straps, I think because the pedals I have them on flip better than my bmx platforms. I use the straps in the winter so I can wear boots if it's really sloppy out (I'm in chicago).
If you get the double straps I'd go with the exustar ones http://www.retro-gression.com/product/laminated-leather-double-straps

properly set up clips + straps will be plenty secure and provide all the foot retention you need.
fitting different shoes was never a problem for me because I always ride with casual or narrow low-profile shoes. riding around in a pair of bulky skate shoes just feels awkward in any foot retention setup.

I'm in the same boat as you. I rode holdfast straps for over a year and loved them but also prefer the looks of traditional clips/straps on certain builds.
I don't think either set up will be much securer than the other providing that both are set up correctly.

also, why no front brake? too cool for safety?(i kid) how are the riding conditions in SLC?

also, why no front brake?
I don't want to hijack the post but I think having a front break is a good idea. even if you never really use it. One time I overheard two lawyers discussing a case where a cyclist was hit by a car and the specifics of who was breaking when and how they were breaking where very important.

also, why no front brake?
Weight saving, brah.

Weight saving, brah.

+ sick barspinz

I don't do toe straps anymore.

And im my personal opinion, I found clips+straps to feel more comfortable and secure than toe straps.

What? You're using clips without straps?

fixed ;)

properly set up clips + straps will be plenty secure and provide all the foot retention you need.
fitting different shoes was never a problem for me because I always ride with casual or narrow low-profile shoes. riding around in a pair of bulky skate shoes just feels awkward in any foot retention setup.

I'm in the same boat as you. I rode holdfast straps for over a year and loved them but also prefer the looks of traditional clips/straps on certain builds.
I don't think either set up will be much securer than the other providing that both are set up correctly.

also, why no front brake? too cool for safety?(i kid) how are the riding conditions in SLC?

Street cred of course. Not really wanting this to turn into another brake/brakeless argument as that will never resolve. The riding conditions in SLC are mostly flat downtown, unless you go a little outside of the towns where it gets a bit hilly. Not trying to be dramatic, just wondering about the retention of the systems when compared together.

I use all three, holdfasts, Toshi Doubles and Sylvans, and most of the time, I used Shimano M520s. Holdfasts are good for cruising speeds and for those that have bigger feet like myself. Clips and Straps for those that want to ride a little faster and want better pedal efficiency. And mountain bike clipless pedals for even better pedal efficiency and walkable shoes and road clipless for those that really want to ride hard and fast and get the most out of their riding experience.