Originally Posted by
tomana
today I used some plastic toe clips with straps. Really liked the improvement but did not like trying to get my foot past the strap and into the clip - definitely not for me. Though I have a mountain bike (1990 Cannondale 3.0 and I strictly ride streets) I was thinking about shoe clips. I have no experience with shoes and shoe clips but I read there are at least three different types of clips. Haven't read much more than that yet.
Based on your experiences, what clips/shoes do you recommend (older models because I usually buy used). Feel free to reply with anything you feel will be helpful such as advantages, drawbacks, etc. Thanks ...
I run with about everything across my stable of bikes, from clipless to minis to straps and cages. To me, the most user friendly and utilitarian of the group are the Powergrips, with the one caveat that if you wear different profiled shoes from one ride to another they require adjusting - which is a PITA. Second best are mini toe clips, just not much positive connection to the pedals. I like fixie straps on a couple bikes, but they get hot on long rides and slipping in is not as fast a Powergrips, though they are easier to adjust. Cages and straps wreck your shoes and toes. Clipless are ...clipless, some advantages but you have to live with the whole clipless pedal and shoe thing - if you ride fast they are basic equipment, and I ride Shimano SPD with minimal VP pedals because I also take those shoes to spin class..
Powergrips, they come up used on eBay from time to time and you can buy the straps separately and mount them to platforms if you're handy:
http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00...MMCYE8H9KZBEH8