Hybrid Bicycles - Going Clipless; anything I need to know?

I hit a pole today (I'm an idiot) at ~7mph. I knocked the front wheel severely out of true. I got it relatively true. But I noticed that I tore one of the toe straps on my toe clips. I have the choice of getting new toe straps (which I don't want to do because the pedals are from a ca. 1980 road bike and I'd like to get something more modern), new pedals+clips+straps (approx. $30 at the local Performance bike shop), or a MTB clipless setup (road is too expensive for me). The MTB clipless setup would be $35 for Forté Campus pedals (http://www.performancebike.com/bikes/Product_10052_10551_1033468_-1_1589016_1586500_400264) and roughly $60 for the shoes at Performance Bike. On Nashbar (www.nashbar.com), I could get nicer Shimano pedals (http://www.nashbar.com/bikes/Product_10053_10052_197367_-1) for $33 and shoes (http://www.nashbar.com/bikes/Product_10053_10052_169010_-1) for $28.80.

I'd really like to go clipless, so that's probably what I'll end up doing (if my parents allow it). At Performance, a clipless setup would be more expensive and of lower quality pedals than at Nashbar. So what I think I'll do is go to Performance, get sized for shoes and then order that size shoe at Nashbar (along with the Shimano pedals). I wouldn't feel guilty about this because I give Performance tons of business.

I just went clipless last week after 43 years of using toeclips. I shopped on eBay for some Wellgo pedals and some Exustar shoes. Spent under $100 for new stuff. I was nervous, but now I wish I had done this years ago.

It is so much easier than straps; faster in and faster out. I'm using MTB shoes because they're more convenient for how I use the bike. I'm still a little nervous and I unclip early when coming to a stop, but I'm getting more familiar with them every day. It's so cool to look down at your feet and see your shoes without all the cages and straps, yet you are more firmly attached to the pedals than you ever were.

Set them for minimum retention, practice while leaning up against the wall and remember, the left hand pedal is threaded backwards (turn it clockwise to loosen).

Good Luck,
Eric

Don't repair the old pedals. Go clipless

Bought a hybrid last month and went clipless - it takes a little practice and some thought at first but it's simple and easy to do. I also suggest you set the tension very light and increase it later if you desire . . . I'm still happy at the low setting and very pleased with the transition.

Rachel

I went clipless 2 years ago and love them. I have taken a few spill but only hurt my pride

Been riding clipless for about 18 years now on my road bikes. It becomes second nature very quickly.

I've owned some for years but don't use them at all anymore. I just hated not being able to move my feet around at will. Plus, they always ended up hurting my knees, even though I had lots of float, and my feet got sore from being in the same spot. They do not make one faster. But lots of people like them so it must just be me, I guess. They were designed for racing and hardcore offroading where they definetly help in keeping one's feet on the pedals. You should try them though. You won't know if you will like them until you do.

Falling from a standstill doesn't hurt the body as much as it hurts the pride...just don't do it in front of a car. That's my .02

I've owned some for years but don't use them at all anymore. I just hated not being able to move my feet around at will. Plus, they always ended up hurting my knees, even though I had lots of float, and my feet got sore from being in the same spot. They do not make one faster. But lots of people like them so it must just be me, I guess. They were designed for racing and hardcore offroading where they definetly help in keeping one's feet on the pedals. You should try them though. You won't know if you will like them until you do.

Must've had them improperly adjusted...mine hurt my knees for a while until I worked out the correct position, my feet would get sore too. Also, yes they do make you (well maybe not YOU) go faster ;)

Must've had them improperly adjusted...mine hurt my knees for a while until I worked out the correct position, my feet would get sore too. Also, yes they do make you (well maybe not YOU) go faster ;)

Mine were adjusted properly. I just don't like them ... personal preference. I'm curious as to why you think they make you faster.

Alpha~
To the title question of things you need to know, I can share my few pointers:

If you fall, don't stick your arm out. Curl and take the hit. I have seen and heard of people doing more harm to shoulder and elbow trying to catch the ground than just taking the hit on your side.

Give yourself more leeway in the rain. Mine (Look Quartz) get sticky in the wet and grit, and you need to plan more time to detach.

Most people have a preferred foot to unclip, but get used to doing both. Practice. I always unclip the left, and my three falls have been to the right. They all had different outside influences (rain, car stopping suddenly, and alcohol) that forced me to an unpracticed weak side.

As you are approaching a stop, unclip before you have to stop. I will do my poor imitation of a track stand with a foot unclipped just in case.

And I have no idea if they make you faster (I THINK that they don't), but I think they let you take all mental energy away from keeping your feet on the pedals and just concentrate on what you want to concentrate on. I am a huge fan.

I just got the pedals and shoes. Cost $80 for the set. I have them set up, but I think I still have a lot of adjusting to do (angle/position of the cleat). I went with Shimano PD-520 pedals.

Picture of my bike with the new pedals:

http://i736.photobucket.com/albums/xx1/igesundheit/IMG_1284.jpg

If you've been riding with toe clips and not tipping over, clipless is easy. Any decent system will work better and easier than toe clips.

My suggestion for cheap pedals:
http://www.nashbar.com/bikes/Product_10053_10052_512515_-1___

I've had the single-sided Shimanos and others. Do. Not. Like.

The eggbeater clips in and out fast, and with the cleats on a certain way they have a lot of float, something like 12-15 degrees.

Doh! Too late, you are a fast buyer if you posted 10/19 about the pedals and then 10/20 have them installed. ;)

Dont forget to pull the pedal on the way up...that can really change all you know about effective pedalling!

Dont forget to pull the pedal on the way up...that can really change all you know about effective pedalling!

FWIW, a lot of people believe that the ability to pull up is what makes clipless pedals more efficient, faster, etc., etc. But pulling up is ineffective and actually depletes energy while adding nothing. People think they are adding energy to their pedal stroke when trying to pull up but are, in fact, not. Even world class pro cyclists do not pull up on the pedals. Testing has shown them it just does not work to any advantage and is actually detrimental. Clipless basically keep your feet in one desired position, and that is a benefit in various situations.

FWIW, a lot of people believe that the ability to pull up is what makes clipless pedals more efficient, faster, etc., etc. But pulling up is ineffective and actually depletes energy while adding nothing. People think they are adding energy to their pedal stroke when trying to pull up but are, in fact, not. Even world class pro cyclists do not pull up on the pedals. Testing has shown them it just does not work to any advantage and is actually detrimental. Clipless basically keep your feet in one desired position, and that is a benefit in various situations.

In a totally non-scientific opinion based injection, +1. What I meant when I said "no mental effort in keeping foot on the pedal" is that you don't have to worry about maintaining downward force or position to keep your foot in place as it is propelled upwards. I try to slightly unload the foot but not pull. Seems like pulling would also wear on your toes or the top of your foot, as you have to pull against something.

And I have every confidence that Talldog's cleats were properly adjusted. Knowing nothing about him other than his posts, I believe that that is how he rolls. :lol:

Falling from a standstill doesn't hurt the body as much as it hurts the pride...just don't do it in front of a car. That's my .02

Unfortunately, that hasn't been the case for me. I broke a rib. :mad:

I've noticed with my clipless setup that I can move my foot side to side a little bit. I tightened the cleats down to the shoes. Is this normal?

Here are pictures of the pedals up close.

http://i736.photobucket.com/albums/xx1/igesundheit/IMG_1288.jpg

http://i736.photobucket.com/albums/xx1/igesundheit/IMG_1289.jpg

Compared to a platform pedal that came with my bike (haven't used it in a while, I had been using toe clips prior to these clipless pedals):
http://i736.photobucket.com/albums/xx1/igesundheit/IMG_1291.jpg

Testing has shown them it just does not work to any advantage and is actually detrimental.

Gotta disagree with this statement...Pulling up helps me quite a bit on climbs and I definitely see the advantage. Even if only because it helps take some of the work off of my pushing muscles...I notice the help.

If you pedal like a piston, all power straight down, then clipped in or platform are the same.

If you pedal like your foot is stirring something, then you can get some power on the back and up stroke. It isn't equal though, not even close.

1-you will fall
2-you will do it at least once in front of others and be mortified
3-you will never want to go back to platform and straps

you will never want to go back to platform and straps

After 25mi on the pedals, this is the only thing in your list that is true.

I've noticed with my clipless setup that I can move my foot side to side a little bit. I tightened the cleats down to the shoes. Is this normal?

Sometimes you have to tweak your cleats to get the tension that feels right. Mine have been too tight at times making them EXTREMELY hard for me to clip out of so I actually had to loosen them.

Nice work on 25 with/out falling! Watch for your quick stops... those are the ones that dump ya went your not expecting it! I love clipless...

I also have to agree with the riders above ( ColinL & Vuduchyld5) I also feel as though I get bettter power transfer from clipless! It also helps me to "pull" up on hill climbs, as well as "stirring" my spin on the straight aways!--

Nice work on 25 with/out falling! Watch for your quick stops... those are the ones that dump ya went your not expecting it!
I had a couple quick stops, and took a shortcut through some steep singletrack-esque terrain (on my 28mm tires, this was no easy feat!). I unclipped one foot and rode down the dirt, so I could catch myself with my foot if I fell.

The shoes I got are 43's. They are a little bit big, so I think I am going to return them to Performance for a pair of 42's.

FWIW, a lot of people believe that the ability to pull up is what makes clipless pedals more efficient, faster, etc., etc. But pulling up is ineffective and actually depletes energy while adding nothing. People think they are adding energy to their pedal stroke when trying to pull up but are, in fact, not. Even world class pro cyclists do not pull up on the pedals. Testing has shown them it just does not work to any advantage and is actually detrimental. Clipless basically keep your feet in one desired position, and that is a benefit in various situations.

FWIW, for roadies I would say its absolutely a question about effectiveness. And its rather simple: to pull up at the same time as you push down enables the rider to use both legs at the same time. Less fatigue on both legs actually. FWIW, I never met any serious rides with a different opinion on that subject. Keeping your feet in one place? Then you need nothing at all I would say...except pedals.

After 25mi on the pedals, this is the only thing in your list that is true.
It's actually after you've ridden for quite a bit longer that the falls can come. At first, you are so focused on unclipping and not falling. After 2-3 months, it becomes second nature...almost! At that point, you're thinking about what to make for dinner that night, you come to an intersection and have to stop suddenly, forget about unclipping and BAM! over you go.

One thing I have learned the hard way...If another vehicle is already stopped at a 4 way stop...DO NOT try to avoid clipping out by creeping super slow to your stop sign while waiting for the car to go! CLIP OUT!!! I have been that lazy ass who stays clipped in, and the commuter freaked out like I was an alien or something and braked right in the intersection-even though I was probably 10 feet from my stop sign doing negative 2 miles an hour! I was on a downward slope to my right and had to do the silliest of movements to click out towards the incline as to not fall down the bank...Somehow I managed to crack my knee into my top tube when pulling my leg up and it hurt like hell and it was totally AWKWARD!

One thing I have learned the hard way...If another vehicle is already stopped at a 4 way stop...DO NOT try to avoid clipping out by creeping super slow to your stop sign while waiting for the car to go! CLIP OUT!!! I have been that lazy ass who stays clipped in, and the commuter freaked out like I was an alien or something and braked right in the intersection-even though I was probably 10 feet from my stop sign doing negative 2 miles an hour! I was on a downward slope to my right and had to do the silliest of movements to click out towards the incline as to not fall down the bank...Somehow I managed to crack my knee into my top tube when pulling my leg up and it hurt like hell and it was totally AWKWARD!

All too true. Even worse, I admit of still doing it. Creeping and awaiting the right moment to fire away. Really, really stupid.

FWIW, for roadies I would say its absolutely a question about effectiveness. And its rather simple: to pull up at the same time as you push down enables the rider to use both legs at the same time. Less fatigue on both legs actually. FWIW, I never met any serious rides with a different opinion on that subject. Keeping your feet in one place? Then you need nothing at all I would say...except pedals.

I don't know who these "serious" riders are that you know but what you, and apparently they, are saying is just plain wrong. Just do a simple Google search on the mechanics of pedalling. There are a ton of references and articles resulting from in depth testing. This is not my personal opinion, it is a fact based on biomechanics and the laws of physics. Lance Armstrong's own trainer (C, Carmichael) was one of the preeminent trainers who recognized and proved via testing that "pulling up" on the upstroke was not only fruitless, but detrimental. But believe whatever you want. I mean FWIW, some people still think Elvis is alive.

I don't know who these "serious" riders are that you know but what you, and apparently they, are saying is just plain wrong. Just do a simple Google search on the mechanics of pedalling. There are a ton of references and articles resulting from in depth testing. This is not my personal opinion, it is a fact based on biomechanics and the laws of physics. Lance Armstrong's own trainer (C, Carmichael) was one of the preeminent trainers who recognized and proved via testing that "pulling up" on the upstroke was not only fruitless, but detrimental. But believe whatever you want. I mean FWIW, some people still think Elvis is alive.

http://thesportfactory.com/site/trainingnews/Pedaling_Technique_and_Efficiency_44.shtml


The way to improve mechanical efficiency is to learn to apply force through as much of the pedal stroke as possible, especially through the top and bottom. Overgeared, high-power, low-cadence workouts are essential. Climbing hills, seated, in a big gear forces George to keep force flowing to the pedals over the top and through the bottom of the stroke

It is easier to do what he's describing when you are clipped in. It is not impossible to do it with platforms, just less efficient. Forgive me for previously describing this as 'mixing with your feet'.

FWIW, I got clipless to replace my antiquated system for foot retention (toe clips). I did not get it for more power (though I notice I go faster with clipless), I got it for foot retention.

I got it for foot retention.

Aren't you young to have your feet fall off? For 41 years, mine have remained rigidly attached. :lol:

Aren't you young to have your feet fall off? For 41 years, mine have remained rigidly attached. :lol:

I lol'd.

I had an awful mental picture of one of your feet popping off and bouncing down the road. At least with clipless, you can find it attached to your crank. :lol:

http://thesportfactory.com/site/trainingnews/Pedaling_Technique_and_Efficiency_44.shtml



It is easier to do what he's describing when you are clipped in. It is not impossible to do it with platforms, just less efficient. Forgive me for previously describing this as 'mixing with your feet'.

That is one facet of pedalling that some espouse, but it is not universally accepted amoung biomechanical specialists as providing great benefit, ie, the backstroke. Testing has not borne it out conclusively. The biggest benefit to efficiency is unweighting the foot/leg on the upstroke (but not pulling). The backstroke proponents believe that poo wiping, as Lemond describes it, contributes to this. But you do not need clip-ins to do it anyway. The vast majority of cyclists, including myself (most definetly) and probably everyone on this board, don't have great pedalling form at any rate, clip-ins or not. Great pedalling efficiency is not easy and many top level pros struggle with it.

But this was never the question as I believe pulling up on the upstroke was the question, or issue, or questionable practice, or whatever... I never said that clip-ins did not provide any benefits.

Toe cups

http://cdn.mos.bikeradar.com/images/bikes-and-gear/accessories/1257941674898-1tnmzoqhwu8r-399-75.jpg

Will keep your feet on the pedal. Stick in any footwear you like. They'll accept anything from sandals to boots (within reason). Getting out is easy. Anyway but forward will get you out. Only $6 a pair. The only downside is having to do the 'flip'. You get used to that pretty quickly though.

If you're interested in foot retention, this should be your first port of call in my opinion.

Toe cups

http://cdn.mos.bikeradar.com/images/bikes-and-gear/accessories/1257941674898-1tnmzoqhwu8r-399-75.jpg

Will keep your feet on the pedal. Stick in any footwear you like. They'll accept anything from sandals to boots (within reason). Getting out is easy. Anyway but forward will get you out. Only $6 a pair. The only downside is having to do the 'flip'. You get used to that pretty quickly though.

If you're interested in foot retention, this should be your first port of call in my opinion.

I had toe clips, which I loved for the foot retention. But I hated actually having something on my feet. I love the feeling of the clipless system that I installed, as there is nothing to push down on my toes. If you had read the thread fully, you would have seen that I considered toe clips/cups.

I don't know who these "serious" riders are that you know but what you, and apparently they, are saying is just plain wrong. Just do a simple Google search on the mechanics of pedalling. There are a ton of references and articles resulting from in depth testing. This is not my personal opinion, it is a fact based on biomechanics and the laws of physics. Lance Armstrong's own trainer (C, Carmichael) was one of the preeminent trainers who recognized and proved via testing that "pulling up" on the upstroke was not only fruitless, but detrimental. But believe whatever you want. I mean FWIW, some people still think Elvis is alive.

Your suggestions are rather hilarious, but here goes;
FWIW, your kind of second-hand arguments absolutely suggests that Elvis is alive. I mean, theres departments and multi-million foundings that still thrive on that natures decline is natural. Your source means nothing to me. Join a local bike club, have a small talk with other riders. Riders who appreciate speed and effectiveness. Lets see what they think about your biomechanics. Having your feet fixated is just the side effect of wanting more pedalling power.
Anything else you´ve discoverd while you´re at it?

If you had read the thread fully, you would have seen that I considered toe clips/cups.

My comment wasn't aimed at you in particular. I just thought I'd chip in given that the thread was moving towards a discussion of the benefits of foot retention in general.

Your suggestions are rather hilarious, but here goes;
FWIW, your kind of second-hand arguments absolutely suggests that Elvis is alive. I mean, theres departments and multi-million foundings that still thrive on that natures decline is natural. Your source means nothing to me. Join a local bike club, have a small talk with other riders. Riders who appreciate speed and effectiveness. Lets see what they think about your biomechanics. Having your feet fixated is just the side effect of wanting more pedalling power.
Anything else you´ve discoverd while you´re at it?

Second hand ?? .... OK, whatever .... LOL.

After 50 miles on clipless (25 more yesterday), I still haven not fallen. I almost fell yesterday, when I stopped behind a cyclist, and tried to pull my foot out of a (nonexistent) toe clip. when I pulled my foot up and backwards to get it out of the (nonexistent) toe clip, it just moved the pedal+crank, it would not let my foot go. I almost fell at this point, but there was a railing for me to hold on to. Had that railing not been there, I would have toppled over.