Originally Posted by
veganbikes
Precisely! Dealing with clips and straps and either not being able to get your foot out easily or not getting a huge benefit of using clips and straps isn't for me. I like good solid foot retention that allows me to use the upstroke, keeps me from slipping at all (since I am clipped into the pedal) and allows me to get out as easily as I wish is great. Sure I do have to wear special shoes but since I use MTB pedals I can still walk on them if need be.
If you truly use toe clips and pedals properly you will actually have a cleated shoe and have the straps cranked down on your foot so you cannot really get out. That is what the pros did for many many many years till they invented clipless pedals and now you can twist your foot slightly and be out in no time!
I agree that there's nothing like cleats and toe-clips for solid foot retention ( I had them in the '80s), and clipless pedals and shoes give the same benefits but with more convenience. Some day, I may break down and try them.
I gotta say,though, the Power Grips were a big improvement over no foot retention at all. I rode that way for most of a year, taking the downhills slowly and carefully on my FG bike. The Power Grips allowed me to exceed 30 mph for the first time on a downhill. They are easier to get in and out of than toe-clips (have those on my geared bike) and become snug when you rotate your foot into proper position. I can see myself becoming more and more comfortable with them. So far, I've used them on just one 20-mile ride.