Originally Posted by
slcbob
We all like what we are comfortable with. That doesn't mean it is best. But it may require some discomfort to move over the absorption hump into the new / better (?) zone.
Sixty Fiver loves his clips and straps. For many folks, if the strap is tight enough to be doing a darn thing, it is harder to get out of than most clipless pedals. Not for him. But for many. And it took some getting used to, even for Sixty Fiver, at least at some point (way back). He is in a good spot for him now.
Everyone falls down once, or a few times, in making the transition to clipless. But the fact that most mountain bikers use clipless is proof that they are, in the net, better for efficiency and still allow you to put a foot down before you dab. The hybrid or platform pedals do have places here and there (DH, some trials), but mountain bikers (XC) have far more need for a quick release than commuters, and they overwhelmingly use clipless.
If you are unwilling to burn through the uncomfortable period of getting used to clipless, then platform pedals are your happy place (at least for now). But do NOT make the mistake of thinking they are inherently inferior or dangerous for commuting. They just take some getting used to before you get to that better place. It is a better place.
Yes...exactly.
If you feel unsure about clipless, by all means you may wish not to use them. I've been using them for a long time and unclipping is second nature for me by now. I would agree with the other guy - it's usually not "good luck" that's the reason people unclip in an emergency. It's what the shoe was designed to do.
On the other hand, I spent a lot of cautious time learning to clip and unclip when I first got the shoes/pedals. I've never had a bad fall because of clipless - when I was learning I just fell over once or twice when I had brought the bike to nearly a complete stop, then went to put my foot down but hadn't quite unclipped in time. I just looked stupid and scraped my handlebar tape.
But a much less cautious friend of mine decided to do clipless last year, and he's had a hell of a time with it. He just jumps into things...hasn't been the best for him. I mean, he hasn't broken anything or anything, but he's seemed to have a lot of trouble.
I certainly wouldn't suggest using clipless in difficult conditions if you're uncomfortable with it. Either spend more time getting comfortable clipping in and out, or if you're more comfortable use platforms.
But personally, and this is just my opinion, I can't imagine how straps would be anything but more dangerous. If they're tight enough to make a difference, you may have trouble getting your foot in and out. If you don't, getting your foot out in an emergency is still inherently more time consuming than it is with clipless or bare pedals.
The motion to put your foot down is to push it to the side. Not coincidentally, this is also the primary motion you use to unclip. With straps, you have to move your foot backwards first to get out of the straps, then move it to the side to put your foot down. It's farther for your foot to travel - it's not as fast. The only way straps seem better than clipless is if you had used them for years and years already and were completely comfortable with them already.
So I think either taking the time and effort to learn clipless and ingrain clipping in and out habits, or just using bare platforms would be the way to go.