I've been riding fix gears on the road for decades, often in hills. I have descended very fast; in the years after I stopped racing hitting 45+ riding a 42-17. (Yes, I was crazy.) Having a foot come out was one of my biggest fears. I did all my fix gear riding back then with Binda straps and saw to it they were pulled tight at the tops of hills. Also aluminum slotted cleats. Pulling a foot out was not an option.

I know that sounds dangerous. But but really it is just swapping risks. Yes I have injured myself quite a few times. But those injuries have been dirtied elbows and knees, road rash rarely drawing blood and real bruising of my ego. Real crashes have featured more skin lost and quite likely fewer broken bones for this non-gymnastic cyclist. Also, I have gotten creative and found ways to ride past, over and through things simply because there were no other options. (It is amazing how focused your mind gets.)

I have played a little with clipless pedals. Scare the **** out of me going downhill fast. I did an out of the saddle un-cleat in my early clipless days fixed. Going maybe 18 mph. Pulled muscles and slammed my shin, all before hitting the road. No thanks!

So I am still riding toeclips, quality leather straps and aluminum cleat. It worked 120 years (except they didn't have aluminum yet) and it still works.

Ben