jlin

pretty much

Judge_Posner

if i wanted "ultimate power transfer," i'd be riding clipless. i ride clips n straps because its super easy to get in and out and not ever have to think about it. for that reason, i never tighten/loose them. i found a good setting and just leave them there. this gives the added benefit of being able to tuck the ends into the buckles which keeps them from slipping. i've gotten used to the fact that i have a couple millimeters of play. as i said, i'm worried more about ease/comfort than power transfer.

acoldspoon

I ride with tightened straps in NYC traffic. Not so tight as when I'm time trialing, but snug to be sure. With touring shoes or street sneakers it is easy enough to release the shoe even if the strap is tightened up a bit.

acoldspoon

Unless you have long legs and a shorts torso, then it is actually a bit tricky, but when I can't easily reach, I can still usually yank my cleatless shoes out anyway. We'll have to see if that remains to be true about my NOS Avocets though, they have a pretty large profile rubber cleat.

skinnyland

If Campy is murder, then murder is sexy.

due ruote 

If you look closely at the Yellow Jersey pics, I think their main point is that the user has the strap threaded incorrectly through the buckle; ie. it's through the end of the buckle and can't engage the teeth. The only way they get any retention out of the strap that way is to tuck the end in, and even then it ain't much. There's really no reason to tuck the straps in if they're threaded correctly and if you're any good at all it's a quick and easy reach down to loosen them. Plus, in moments of desperation you'd be surprised at what you can pull your feet out of.

(edit) Just looked again at the picture and now I'm not so sure what's going on there. But my other comments still hold.

Dr.PooLittle

Ever fail a trackstand and then fall on your butt because your shoelaces got caught in your clips? That explains why you don't cinch down your straps on every ride if you're in traffic. It also explains why hipsters wear old-skool slip-on Vans.

Jazz

Haha. Sorry if I upset anyone out there with the brand in question. Tried to make a point with the difference in when someone is riding at the track and when you're just going for a casual spin in the city in non-lycra clothing. Guess I'm too crap at writing

Anyway. Me personally I like to have the straps just tight enough so I can get my feet in without having to let go of the handlebar. Good speed isn't my main concern but more to get into the flow of traffic. And the straps are merely just there to help me brake fast.