Originally Posted by
RobotGuy
Love those guys. Endlessly studying complex issues for cavemen like myself.
The results were really cool - I myself like dissenting evidence - it's how we grow.
The results make me rethink my clip-less pedals on the mountain bike, especially as I continue to ride with my children as they grow. (Right now I just wear running shoes over my SPD pedals with the kids. Perhaps I go to platforms full time and never look back.)
Road riding has a different purpose for me, so I don't see the Look's leaving anytime soon. That said, he wasn't exactly using running shoes or penny loafers on those platforms.
I think what most people miss on that video is the bit at the end (around 7:15). The test they ran was one test at a steady state. Simon states that he's not going to give up his clipless because he does pull up on the pedals during hard efforts. This is something that I have noticed as well. Even on a touring bike, there are times when I have to pull up on the pedals to get a little more boost. Out of saddle efforts if nothing other than to stretch out muscles is much easier if your feet are attached to the pedals.
Off-road, clipless offer more security because your feet are attached to the pedals and are less likely to slip off. Additionally, as Simon said in the video, it's much easier to bunny hop while clipped in. Even if you are just lofting the rear wheel over a rock, clipless makes it much, much easier.