Accidental Unclips and Recommendations
03-26-11, 09:39 AM
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Accidental Unclips and Recommendations
Hi everyone,
I have a specific question. I commute on an old track bike, and I ride clip-less pedals. I've been using SPDs for the last two and a half years. They do great on my touring bike, and for the most part they're okay on my track bike.
But... I've put a steeper ratio on it recently, and my accidental unclips have increased exponentially. I put new cleats on and adjusted the tension. It hasn't helped much.
I'm ready to make a switch. From listening to friends that have tried more pedal styles than I have, I'm leaning towards Time ATACs, but I'm wondering if anyone has experienced riding fixed with them. I guess I'm worried that I put more stress on my pedals than the average rider, and I'm expecting too much.
Thoughts? I know you'll have plenty!
Thanks everyone!
-Adam
I have a specific question. I commute on an old track bike, and I ride clip-less pedals. I've been using SPDs for the last two and a half years. They do great on my touring bike, and for the most part they're okay on my track bike.
But... I've put a steeper ratio on it recently, and my accidental unclips have increased exponentially. I put new cleats on and adjusted the tension. It hasn't helped much.
I'm ready to make a switch. From listening to friends that have tried more pedal styles than I have, I'm leaning towards Time ATACs, but I'm wondering if anyone has experienced riding fixed with them. I guess I'm worried that I put more stress on my pedals than the average rider, and I'm expecting too much.
Thoughts? I know you'll have plenty!
Thanks everyone!
-Adam
03-26-11, 10:10 AM
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Accidental unclipping on clipless pedals is usually the result of poor pedalling technique where you twist your feet sidways when pulling hard on the pedals. Since SPDs don't have any float, it takes very little sideways foot movement to unclip. You either need to improve your technique to avoid this sideways movement or get a pedal system that allows a lot of float before you unclip from the pedal.
03-26-11, 10:11 AM
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Atacs are great. I have 4 pairs, no issues with unclipping.
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03-26-11, 10:16 AM
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Accidental unclipping on clipless pedals is usually the result of poor pedalling technique where you twist your feet sidways when pulling hard on the pedals. Since SPDs don't have any float, it takes very little sideways foot movement to unclip. You either need to improve your technique to avoid this sideways movement or get a pedal system that allows a lot of float before you unclip from the pedal.
ATACs do feel a lot nicer than SPDs though
03-26-11, 10:57 AM
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Are you set on mountain pedals?
I've only heard great things about SPD-SL, and you can adjust the tension to make it pretty hard to accidentally unclip
I've only heard great things about SPD-SL, and you can adjust the tension to make it pretty hard to accidentally unclip
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03-26-11, 11:04 AM
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Accidental unclipping on clipless pedals is usually the result of poor pedalling technique where you twist your feet sidways when pulling hard on the pedals. Since SPDs don't have any float, it takes very little sideways foot movement to unclip. You either need to improve your technique to avoid this sideways movement or get a pedal system that allows a lot of float before you unclip from the pedal.
Poor pedaling technique is the #1 cause to unclipping.
The ways to solve this are either:
A) Fix your pedal stroke. You are probably twisting and/or leaning the bike.
B) Get some pedals that have float in them that offer some leeway to accommodate for your pedal stroke.
03-26-11, 12:12 PM
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I use Time ATACS XS and love them. I have never once unclipped on accident. I actually have a pair for sale that are like new. You can check the main For Sale subforum for them. I am selling them, because I only have one bike now.
03-27-11, 08:26 AM
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I use the ATAC XS too... If you can unclip those I'll be amazed. I actually miss the ease of unclipping of my Eggbeater SL pedals. That said the ATACs are the ****, I would just go with the the XS because you can adjust how hard it is to unclip, where the regular models you need to either brake in or file your cleats.
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