Ed in GA

Just bought my new bike about 3 weeks ago and been back riding a bike only sice July 5.

I took the day off from work for the purpose of going to the LBS and, along with some adjustments like seat height and position, getting clipless pedals on my bike.

I got the Look Sprint Pedals, spent some time in the trainer at the LBS, took my wife to lunch, then came home and suited up for a short ride which ended up being about 9 miles.

I really don't know if there's enough I can say about how much easier it was to ride, get up to speed, go up small hills without having to downshift.

I took a route that would require me to stop at about 10 stop signs and through a couple of neighborhoods where people will back out in front of you and you have to be ready. This, of course, was to practice getting in and out of the pedals.

I really like the clipless pedals and feel like my riding gear is about complete. Now, to build some miles and lose weight will be next.

Thanks for looking,

Ed

rjh299

Nice pedals to really make a difference. I also have the sprints on my 4.7 Madone and really like them.
If your having no trouble clippin in and out already your doing well. Enjoy the bike

BarryJo

They are the best upgrade you can purchase.
Be careful, they take some time getting used to, unclipping when needing to quickly stop. I lost track of how many times I fell the first year I rode them.

datlas 

As someone who has been riding since before clipless was available, I would venture to say that these (clipless pedals) are one of the most important innovations in bicycle technology since the derailleur and quick release...moreso than carbon fiber frames, indexed shifting, aero bars, STI, etc.

Enjoy!

jsmithepa

If I had a nickel for every "First Time on clipless!"


The bike was basically unchanged since our Grandfathers, then in a spur of genious, came Index Shifting and Clipless. We won't see another bike improvement that truly make a sudden marked difference for another generation.

Danolink

Glad you like the clipless system.
I started using clipless about 2 years ago no way would I go back to straps.
Ride on and get that weight off.
Good luck.

rasamatoo

I tried my first road bike today. Was my first ride with pedals with the clipless systems and the shoes and all. I haven't had it fit, nor have I had bottle cages installed on my bike. So, going out for a 1 hour ride, I brought a woter bottle in my backpack. Needless to say, fell while trying to get my WB out. Wasn't going fast, but, w/e , kinda funny.

EvanWCbus

May I ask what the huge advantage of clipless pedals are? Not trying to sound condescending. I don't ride clipless (not out of choice, s'just how it is.)

Saying they're the biggest innovation to bicycles since the derailer makes me feel pretty stupid. Like, did I really miss something that big?!?!?

ZXiMan

When I first started cycling on the road (Sept 2005), I refused to get clipless pedals because of all the horrible stories I heard about falling and crashing. I rode "flats" for the first 6 months. I rode around 7,000 miles that way. Finally I grew some balls and upgraded to a set of Look Keo Carbons and rode another 6-7k miles. Then on a trip to Tucson, Az I rented a bike and tried to ride with platform pedals again. I couldn't even ride it! How I lived without clipless is a mystery.. heh.

timmhaan

when i went clipless, i thought i could never go back.

then i got a commuting bike with platform pedals, and "re-realized" that those are just fine too. actually, i'm not any slower with platforms.

different tools for different needs...

ZXiMan

I can't ride aggressively OR fast on platforms...

My feet come off the pedals, especially over bumps or when pedalling at 120+ rpm.

bikeride

Yes. Yes you did. And I'm not trying to sound condescending.

ZXiMan

Pedalling efficiency and control?

Try sprinting at 150 rpm (or more) keeping your tennis shoes planted to platforms. The result is usually a foot flying off.

Also, pedalling in full circles is more efficient than mashing, at least for me.

CharlieWoo

Clipless pedals < platforms

- Allenbikehouston

timmhaan

for me, it depends on the sole of the shoe. if i'm wearing something with a hard sole, my feet come off as you describe.

i actually have a really good connection when i wear sneakers. the teeth on the pedal seem to grip them pretty well, and i actually pedal very closely to how i would with clipless. not something i would race on, or do a century with, but for commuting it's perfect.

jsmithepa

If u never had the need to go long distance and the urge to beat the neighbourd's car then u haven't missed anything.

Is an item for the "exclusive" club.

Kuma

Congrats, OP. Glad they're working out for you.

Just remember - those who ride clipless pedals are divided into two types of people -- those who have come to a stop at an intersection, forgotten they were clipped in, and done the slow-motion fall to the side, and those who will experience such a fall. When it happens, it'll definitely happen in view of several people, usually attractive ones of the opposite sex. When it does, don't worry - it happens to everyone. It will most likely be so humiliating that you'll remember to clip out the next time (though some of the denser ones, like yours truly, take more than one fall for the message to sink in).

operapixie

Total Noobie question, sorry: If they're "clipless", wouldn't that mean you do NOT clip in and out since it seems there are no clips? Maybe I don't understand these Keo pedals. Aren't they just another type of clip?

(please don't throw anything)

~Laura

Ed in GA

Being a noob myself, I too was confused about this. "Clipless", as I understand it, simply means that the pedals do no have toe clips or straps that go over your toes.

I think it's just one of those oxymoronic things that you just have to accept.

theextremist04

They're called clipless because they don't have toe clips.

jsmithepa

CLIPless (noun) refers to the old style toe-clips. Maybe u seen them on pictures.

CLIP-in/out (verb) refers to the action of attaching your feet to the pedals.



Oh my God, I've been doing this toooooooo long!

Wanderer

Clipless pedals keep your feet firmly planted on the pedals where they belong, and, where they can do the most good.

They make it much easier to stay "connected" (actually feel part of ) to your bike, which makes pedalling easier.

They make it much easier to pedal in "circles", so both legs can be much more efficient, and do less heavy work.

They make it much easier to "sprint" away from a stoplight, and keep your feet ready to pounce if doing a quick stop and go.

If you happen to have a bad joint, like my knee, they are a godsend, as they keep it where it is supposed to be.

They make riding more FUN!

I'm pretty new to clipless, after 55+ years without them, but, I'd never go back!