Originally Posted by
Scrodzilla
Traditional clips have no function other than holding a strap open so you can insert your foot (and anyone riding fixed with clips and no straps is an imbecile). It's the strap that secures your foot to the pedal.
clips without straps still allow you to pull up on the pedals and also help keep your feet in the proper position. i had an old road bike 10 years ago without straps and the clips provided some benefits
obviously clips by themselves don't provide much foot retention though which is important for FG