Originally Posted by
Bacciagalupe
Foot retention helps, but not because it gets more power to the pedal. Retention lets you maintain contact, have better control of the pedal stroke, and keep your foot in the right spot for your fit.
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DING!DING!DING!DING!DING!DING!DING!
End of story; no further discussion needed. THAT is the simple truth.
Any other ideas have just been formulated from cycle industry marketing campaigns. (Why they can't just tout the real benefits of clipless to push their product, instead of having to invent lies about upstroke power and all, I don't know- but I guess the idea of increased power sells cycling products like big boobs on the cover sell secks magazines....)