Originally Posted by
spare_wheel
clipless pedals allow one to optimize the contact patch between foot and pedal.
I don't think that even makes sense. Some studies have said that even tour de france level pro riders do not actually gain efficiency with clipless pedals. I haven't been 100% convinced that's the case, but at best even for them the difference is small.
That's not to say their aren't other benefits - foot retention and handling.
Originally Posted by
spare_wheel
they eliminate unnecessary movement and can decrease foot and knee pain for many riders.
Completely the opposite, if you have foot and knee pain you're far more likely to increase it with clipless systems that hold your foot in exactly 1 place the entire ride. I went through 3 pairs of shoes, 2 fitters, and doing specific exercises to eliminate knee pain from clipless, and that is not untypical. It's a lot easier to avoid knee pain with flats.
Originally Posted by
spare_wheel
they also encourage the development of cadence and track standing skills.
The foot retention might or might not help with cadence. Don't even see a benefit with track standing, in fact it makes it more risky if you do fall over that it's slower to get your foot down.
Originally Posted by
spare_wheel
many cyclists in denmark and the netherlands would be better cyclists if they road clipless. it's kind of sad that two of the bikiest nations in the world are largely stuck in the victorian era when it comes to cycling technology. heck, i'm surprised that the dutch don't still use clogs when riding their beloved oma/opafiets.
LOL, why don't you go over and tell the most advanced and societally used bike commuting culture that you know better than them and they're doing it wrong.
The people who mention they're commuting in the rain and foot retention have an interesting point. I'd argue that you can get the same grip for that situation with wide pedals with pins, plus decent shoes. But if you might have to change shoes anyways, then there's not as much advantage to go non-clipless. Like I said if you do longer or faster rides, it also makes sense to just stick with clipless for shorter rides as well and not switch. But most of the responses still sound like fashion to me - people do it because that's how other people do it, then afterwards try to come up with justifications. Which wouldn't really be bad if they weren't fanatical about it. I've seen the carbon fiber vs aluminum debates be more rational sometimes, and that's saying a lot.
For the few people that listed out practical reasons they used clipless, while saying they like them without getting fanatical that it's the only option or something, and likewise for the other people commenting on flats, thanks for your responses.