Eric S.

I have “devolved” when it comes to the pedals I use on my commuter in the last year.

I was a clipless snob for a long time, addicted to that connection to the drivetrain and using mountain SPD-style pedals & shoes for everyday commuting.

Eventually I grew weary of needing to bring separate shoes when appearance was a concern, so I dug out an old set of Power Grips/Wellgo pedals from The Box. Those solved the problem of shoes, but could be a pain to get into with numerous traffic stops.

The next step was to try Zefal Mini clips for less than $10 and I think they're great. There hasn't been much said about them here on BikeForums so I thought I'd put my comments up.

The main reason I want to have some connection to the pedals is to get my left pedal ready for the push-off from a stop, especially if I need to get over to a pedestrian button to get a light to change and back into a bike lane.

If anyone has ever wondered about mini clips, I think they're great.

downwinded

I love 'em! Been using them for about eighteen months or so. I installed them with some longer bolts and used washers as spacers to allow my foot to go deep enough into the clip that the ball of my foot is directly over the pedal axle. Like you were describing ( I think), I keep my left foot on the pedal at a stop. I found it easier to get my right foot (strong side) in the clip once rolling than my left foot. Seems to me, it allows to you to start the power portion of the pedal stroke much earlier as well. Not like full clips, but much better than just mashing.

FrenchFit 

Have 'em, love 'em. However, riding non-clip I give Powergrips or fixie straps a tad more preference...zero toe pressure, higher cadence opportunty.

Eric S.

The Wellgo pedals I have them attached to have some pretty aggressive teeth but not quite enough to pull the pedals. I do find that I can begin pressure on the downstroke sooner as you described, just after the 12 o'clock position.

I'm generally a size 12 shoe and the L/XL clips are a perfect fit - the balls of my feet are directly over the pedal axle.

Murray Missile 

I used to use them but with my big feet when going clipless I prefer Powergrips as they allow a wider range of shoe choices. The half clips won't accommodate my cold weather footwear as well as the Powergrips.

Eric S.

The Powergrips I resurrected from my parts box were from 1997; I looked them up when I started to use them again and see that they offer longer straps. I think it was a "one size fits all" situation in the '90s.

Shoes have been designed to have wide, aggressive treads that make Powergrips difficult to use. When I started using them again I bought some inexpensive slip-on shoes similar to Vans with no obstructive sole or tread.

Doohickie

That's what I use too, even on my fixed gear bike.

Murray Missile 

I have the extra long straps on my Powergrips and they'll fit just about every shoe or boot I own except my insulated snow boots and if I have those on riding the bike is the last thing on my mind.

blakcloud

I used the Bruce Gordon half clips on my White Industries pedals and used them for years. They worked wonderfully. You could use any shoe, your shoes are less likely to slip on a wet pedal and as you mentioned, being able to pull the pedal to your start position was a real bonus.