Originally Posted by
Phamilton
Regarding speed? You’d have to be riding pretty hard in the first place for foot retention to make any speed/time difference. I doubt most commuters are trying to shave seconds off their commute. Those using commute for training for racing are already using retention. Those trying to shave seconds off their commute NOT training for racing - I mean, if getting to work faster is your goal, the bike may not be the best tool.
i'm not a racer, but i commute with clipless pedals (well, combo pedals actually) because i prefer it.
i have no delusions that clipless pedals make me appreciably faster* or more efficient, i simply prefer the sensation of having my foot locked onto the pedal. i just like it better.
other people prefer
NOT having their feet locked onto the pedals. and that's 100% perfectly ok too.
this need not be "the great debate". everyone just needs to respect the fact that we all have different preferences and make our own decisions about the equipment we use based on those preferences.
(*) the only time savings clipless might actually help me with is when the little don't walk timer on the traffic light ahead of me starts its count-down "14..... 13..... 12..... 11...." and i jump out of the saddle and start hammering like a crazy mo-fo to catch the green. i
LOVE being locked onto the pedals in those situations. i could also probably safely hammer with a good pinned platform and grippy shoes, but since i love riding with clipless pedals anyway, the extra layer of protection of being mechanically locked onto the pedals is a nice peace of mind thing for me. not necessary, but still nice.