Originally Posted by
matimeo
Common sense says to me that the crank arm and pedal don't need much help being efficient on the upstroke. Even though there is a minute dead spot, research just doesn't point to an advantage. Here's a study I ran across recently:
https://www.thieme-connect.com/ejour...s-2008-1038374
That study doesn't begin to say what you want it to. It simply says they didn't find a significant efficiency advantage at submaximal efforts.
It doesn't say that you can't sprint, climb, and time trial faster with clipless pedals versus platforms.
It would be pretty easy to do a study measuring time on various TT courses, and maximum sprinting speed. I'd bet dollars to donuts, the clock would show an advantage to clipless.
As for my own anecdote, 2 years ago at the Tour of Bahamas I was 2nd in the Circuit race, 3rd on GC after the time trial, and only needed to finish the Road race with the group I was in to finish on th podium, when my cleat imploded. After riding 20 plus miles barefoot on speedplays I abandonded. Stif shoes, and clipless pedals are definitely advantageous.