Originally Posted by
Biketiger
I'm not sure if any studies are actually necessary but if there's any question about which is more efficient and provides greater power transfer, could you name a single pro road rider in the last 30 years who uses toe clips? Here is a quote from a 2009 interview with Eddy Merckx in nyvelocity.com:
What products have recently been introduced that excite you and what do you see on the horizon that will change the way people ride?
"Over the years the shift from toeclips to clipless pedals and the integrated shifting solutions of different brands are the 2 major ideas that changed the way people ride in a very spectacular way. For now I don’t see another product or concept having such a great impact."
I own 9 bikes, 6 have Shimano SPD, 2 have cages, 1 has neither. I can tell you without a doubt that it's a lot easier to get your foot off a clipless pedal than it is trying to extricate it from inside a cage. Also, since your comparison includes cycling shoes, I do not recommend using cages with nice, expensive cycling shoes: the metal cages will quickly chew up the leather.
Ok, you realize this thread is simply about pedals, mainly oldschool with clips purely for aesthetics.
As I said, I have a crooked ankle that will not tolerate clipless which doesn't mater since I can't stand the look and would not use them if I could, especially on C+V.
I don't ride that hard and don't care anyway, what clipless lack in elegance they more than make up for in efficiency, no one should dispute that.
My clips and straps are set to simply cradle my foot in the proper position, no cleats, not cinched down, just riding along with simple shoes that slip in and out without much thought.
So, what pedals are you running on the 2 with clips?