Originally Posted by
calyco
Holy crap, just installed SPD SH56 cleat and the efficiency is out of this world. Now I understand why clipless is always recommended by so many cyclist. What a difference a stiffer sole and being clipped in makes, I feel like I have double the power and can go twice the distance I normally do (about 30 miles). And yes, 15 minutes in I almost busted my ass in slow motion, forgetting to unclip as I was approaching bench in park.
Luckily it was multi release cleat so I tumbled a bit on my bum and the shoes automatically released. Lesson learned, now everytime I approach a red light its like a replay loop in my head "unclip, unclip, uncliiip"
So any tips for a newbie? Only thing I did was put blue loctite on the cleat screws, just in case. Any maintenance for the spring and pedals? Generally, how long do the cleats last and when to replace? TIA
I have serious doubts that clipless are more "efficient" (at least to a degree that is noticable), but I do know that I am faster when I use them, at least on a short, fast ride.
There is a loop I do in town 1-2 times a week that typically takes around 70-75 minutes for me to do. It is a good mix of flat sections, some very steep climbing, and some rolling stuff. Also a bit of stop and start as a lot of it is in an urban area.
What I have found is that I am around 5 minutes faster on average when I use clipless, and this is remarkably consistent.
I don't think I am more efficient, I think it just allows me (or maybe encourages me?) to charge a little harder when I want to sprint from a stop, or just get up to speed faster.