Originally Posted by
Darth_Firebolt
if there was no power benefit from clipless, why are the pros still using them?
and you don't pull up to create power, you pull up just to get your weight off the pedal coming up, so the leg pushing the other pedal down doesn't have to push the weight of your other leg back up. just like walking. you lift the leg you aren't currently standing on in preparation to put it in front of the other leg. the reason this is extra effective with clipless pedals is because you don't have to worry about your foot flying off the pedal when you're putting the power down.
The pros use aero helmets when doing time trials. They probably make a difference when you're averaging 30mph. When you're averaging much less (the way those of us who aren't professional cyclists do) I'd reckon they make a lot less difference. To the average commuter they probably make less difference than the vagaries of traffic would cause.
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