Originally Posted by 46x17
Go look at professionals that ride fixed (messengers and track races) and then count again.
Not too many clipless pedals around in those brackets and the clipless numbers will decline even more in hilly areas.
woah, let's step back a bit...and let's not use the term *professional* loosely here either:
I'm willing to bet, most messengers use clips and straps because they want to wear regular shoes/sneaks and not be bothered with cycling specific roadie shoes. (Regardless of the technical merits of either choice.) They also want something easy to get out of. I doubt messengers (or most users of clips and straps) tighten the straps on both pedals. Those that don't have those grievances, use clipless with mountain bike shoes or road shoes. Regardless, of riding fixed or not.
Regarding track riders, it seems only track sprinters have a need or desire to use clips and straps. If you look at a World Cup scratch race, most, if not all, of the riders are using clipless. Six-day racers, clipless. Then again, you may not consider these endurance riders professionals. And, the reason track sprinters use straps is because they don't want to pull their foot out during a sprint or standing start, so they tighten the sh*t out of their straps.
Now, as far as roadies and clips and straps goes, most older roadies still sport clips and straps. That's how they roll./
Originally Posted by 46x17
I know, I know, and they did the right thing of course, but fixed-wheel still does not equal free-wheel no matter what classifications we use. I am a firm believer that this difference influences pedal choice.
I, quite obviously, disagree.