Toe Clips/Straps
#1
Thread Starter
Senior Member
Joined: Nov 2008
Posts: 292
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From: Virginia Beach
Bikes: 2005 Cannondale R5000 1986 Basso Gap(Super Record) 1986 Schwinn Voyager SP 1975 Schwinn Paramount Track Bike 1974 Raleigh RRA
Toe Clips/Straps
I've been a very comitted rider for many years,and a former cat.2 racer many years ago. Because I have several bikes all with Campy quill type pedals,I never made the switch to clipless. For a while,I took comfort that Sean Kelley also held off switching for many years. My newest bike is a 2005 Cannondale R5000,Dura Ace with Campy track pedals and Binda straps.
It's a little unnerving when i join a large group for A pace spirited riding,and I'm the only one without clipless pedals.
Am I crazy?
It's a little unnerving when i join a large group for A pace spirited riding,and I'm the only one without clipless pedals.
Am I crazy?
#2
No, just retro. Seriously though.. you have a nice bike, I think you should get a look style clipless system and shoes, you'll wonder why you went without for so long.
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1 Super Record bike, 1 Nuovo Record bike, 1 Pista, 1 Road, 1 Cyclocross/Allrounder, 1 MTB, 1 Touring, 1 Fixed gear
1 Super Record bike, 1 Nuovo Record bike, 1 Pista, 1 Road, 1 Cyclocross/Allrounder, 1 MTB, 1 Touring, 1 Fixed gear
#5
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Everyone I know who switched wondered why they hadn't done it before, and all feel it's not only easier on the knees, but are getting more power to the pedal.
I only know one guy using clips now, and he uses 3 straps on each foot.
I train/recreate on Looks with some float, no problems. I tri on Looks locked in. My knees ache the next day, but it's worth it to maintain a relentless pace for 15m or so.
I only know one guy using clips now, and he uses 3 straps on each foot.
I train/recreate on Looks with some float, no problems. I tri on Looks locked in. My knees ache the next day, but it's worth it to maintain a relentless pace for 15m or so.
#6
I really like toe clips.
A lot.
I've been thinking about getting some cleats for the toe clips, yellow jersey has them, they really lock your feet into the pedals nicely. But do what you like, don't let what others do-
I know!
"What is popular is not always right, what is right is not always popular."
A teacher at my junior high had a sign hanging that said that.
Do what you like.
A lot.
I've been thinking about getting some cleats for the toe clips, yellow jersey has them, they really lock your feet into the pedals nicely. But do what you like, don't let what others do-
I know!
"What is popular is not always right, what is right is not always popular."
A teacher at my junior high had a sign hanging that said that.
Do what you like.
#7
I have an entire box of everything from the original Looks, Time, Speed Play, lots of SPD's, and something else which I have forgotten. I have 18 bikes, 15 with clips/strps, 2 with Powergrips, and one with nothing. I should have an e-bay-aromma.
Someday I might figure out this new-fangled electricity thing too.
Someday I might figure out this new-fangled electricity thing too.
#9
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Joined: Nov 2005
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Bikes: Cinelli, Paramount, Raleigh, Carlton, Zeus, Gemniani, Frejus, Legnano, Pinarello, Falcon
I switched to clipless some years ago, then switched back to toe clips after a year or two. Didn't find clipless any better.
#10
Super Moderator

Joined: Jul 2004
Posts: 21,979
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From: Ffld Cnty Connecticut
Bikes: Old Steelies I made, Old Cannondales
I really like toe clips.
A lot.
I've been thinking about getting some cleats for the toe clips, yellow jersey has them, they really lock your feet into the pedals nicely. But do what you like, don't let what others do-
I know!
"What is popular is not always right, what is right is not always popular."
A teacher at my junior high had a sign hanging that said that.
Do what you like.
A lot.
I've been thinking about getting some cleats for the toe clips, yellow jersey has them, they really lock your feet into the pedals nicely. But do what you like, don't let what others do-
I know!
"What is popular is not always right, what is right is not always popular."
A teacher at my junior high had a sign hanging that said that.
Do what you like.
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Bikes: Old steel race bikes, old Cannondale race bikes, less old Cannondale race bike, crappy old mtn bike.
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#12
feros ferio

Joined: Jul 2000
Posts: 22,397
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From: www.ci.encinitas.ca.us
Bikes: 1959 Capo Modell Campagnolo; 1960 Capo Sieger (2); 1962 Carlton Franco Suisse; 1970 Peugeot UO-8; 1982 Bianchi Campione d'Italia; 1988 Schwinn Project KOM-10;
Same here. I particularly dread the prospect of having toeclips on some of my bikes and snap-in retention systems on others, so I keep clips on all of them. I might feel differently if I were taking up cycling today, but this old dog feels no strong urge to switch.
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"Far and away the best prize that life offers is the chance to work hard at work worth doing." --Theodore Roosevelt
Capo: 1959 Modell Campagnolo, S/N 40324; 1960 Sieger (2), S/N 42624, 42597
Carlton: 1962 Franco Suisse, S/N K7911
Peugeot: 1970 UO-8, S/N 0010468
Bianchi: 1982 Campione d'Italia, S/N 1.M9914
Schwinn: 1988 Project KOM-10, S/N F804069
"Far and away the best prize that life offers is the chance to work hard at work worth doing." --Theodore Roosevelt
Capo: 1959 Modell Campagnolo, S/N 40324; 1960 Sieger (2), S/N 42624, 42597
Carlton: 1962 Franco Suisse, S/N K7911
Peugeot: 1970 UO-8, S/N 0010468
Bianchi: 1982 Campione d'Italia, S/N 1.M9914
Schwinn: 1988 Project KOM-10, S/N F804069
#13
Senior Member
Joined: Feb 2009
Posts: 782
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From: Southwest MO
Bikes: (2) 1994 Cannondale R900, red, Silver Trek hybrid
I vote for clipless. I don't miss the toe pain, the tightness over the top of my foot, the adusting the straps, the loosening, the tightening, the slipping, the reaching down to release them at every red light. No thanks, I'm done with that.
#14
Spin Forest! Spin!
Joined: Sep 2007
Posts: 5,956
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From: Arrid Zone-a
Bikes: I used to have many. And I Will again.
I believe in having both, and not have any. So, it depends on which bike and for what riding situation I'm contemplating. None for when I'm trotting with the misses and the kids. Where numerous stops and walking is part of the day's ride.
Clips for that era 'look', or spirited ride, but still have the flexibility to ride w/o the cleats.
After finally trying clipless, it was superior to toe clips in every aspect except the one above.
And even that has been solved with platform SPD pedals.
If you're a toe clip user and love performance biking, you owe yourself to at least try them. There aren't any more reasons not to....as cost was my major detractor back in the late 80s.
Look or SPD compatible pedals can be found for $20 new. And if you have a modern shoe, they can use both types.
You don't even have to walk like a duck anymore with SPD shoes.
I keep an old pair of shoes with traditional cleats, a pair for Look, and another pair for SPD.
Clips for that era 'look', or spirited ride, but still have the flexibility to ride w/o the cleats.
After finally trying clipless, it was superior to toe clips in every aspect except the one above.
And even that has been solved with platform SPD pedals.
If you're a toe clip user and love performance biking, you owe yourself to at least try them. There aren't any more reasons not to....as cost was my major detractor back in the late 80s.
Look or SPD compatible pedals can be found for $20 new. And if you have a modern shoe, they can use both types.
You don't even have to walk like a duck anymore with SPD shoes.
I keep an old pair of shoes with traditional cleats, a pair for Look, and another pair for SPD.
#15
Clips In Or Clips Out
I've got three sets of pedals.
Campy track w/titanium spindles
Campy SL road w/titanium spindles
Candy C clipless.
Got the Candy's about a month ago and put them on a mountain bike. I actually like them a lot. They are easy to get out of (its easier to get out of them than get in!) No doubt-I feel more attached to the pedal on the upstroke.
The track pedals are on my road bike and I'll probably leave them.
I've got a cyclocross bike that has the road pedals on it. The Candy's will get a tryout on them real soon.
I STRONGLY resisted clipless up until I got the Candy's-they MIGHT have converted me.
Tried the Speedlights when the first came out-long time ago. It seems like I didn't care for them because they had too much float.
Campy track w/titanium spindles
Campy SL road w/titanium spindles
Candy C clipless.
Got the Candy's about a month ago and put them on a mountain bike. I actually like them a lot. They are easy to get out of (its easier to get out of them than get in!) No doubt-I feel more attached to the pedal on the upstroke.
The track pedals are on my road bike and I'll probably leave them.
I've got a cyclocross bike that has the road pedals on it. The Candy's will get a tryout on them real soon.
I STRONGLY resisted clipless up until I got the Candy's-they MIGHT have converted me.
Tried the Speedlights when the first came out-long time ago. It seems like I didn't care for them because they had too much float.
#16
Senior Member

Joined: Jul 2005
Posts: 4,985
Likes: 709
From: Boulder County, CO
Bikes: '80 Masi Gran Criterium, '12 Trek Madone, early '60s Frejus track
I liked toe clips, too, but I did not like the shoes I had to wear to use them. Those narrow shoes caused permanent nerve damage (Morton's neuroma) that once raised doubts that I'd ever ride longer than 35 miles again. Specialized insoles, and now a new pair of Pro Carbons, have allowed me to raise the bar.
I still keep a few sets of quills with clips, Campy and Lyotard, but the shoes are too painful.
I still keep a few sets of quills with clips, Campy and Lyotard, but the shoes are too painful.
#17
Galveston County Texas
Joined: Nov 2007
Posts: 33,335
Likes: 1,285
From: In The Wind
Bikes: 02 GTO, 2011 Magnum
I liked toe clips, too, but I did not like the shoes I had to wear to use them. Those narrow shoes caused permanent nerve damage (Morton's neuroma) that once raised doubts that I'd ever ride longer than 35 miles again. Specialized insoles, and now a new pair of Pro Carbons, have allowed me to raise the bar.
I still keep a few sets of quills with clips, Campy and Lyotard, but the shoes are too painful.
I still keep a few sets of quills with clips, Campy and Lyotard, but the shoes are too painful.
Walking shoes come in many sizes.
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Fred "The Real Fred"
Fred "The Real Fred"
#19
Nope.
I ride with a certified Cat 3 on a 34 year old steel road bike with clips and straps while he has an uberlight Al bike, is of course clipless, and rides in full kit.
My shoes and setup are great and I don't give up a thing to a guy who is only as old as my bike.
I was planning on racing Masters until my back threw in the towel and was planning on going old school because I know that it is always about the engine and being happy and comfortable with your setup.
I only use clipless on my mtb and even then I sometimes swap in the half steps.
I have not ruled out racing but think I would like to establish a vintage class here for us luddites who like dt shifters, straps, and clips.
I ride with a certified Cat 3 on a 34 year old steel road bike with clips and straps while he has an uberlight Al bike, is of course clipless, and rides in full kit.
My shoes and setup are great and I don't give up a thing to a guy who is only as old as my bike.
I was planning on racing Masters until my back threw in the towel and was planning on going old school because I know that it is always about the engine and being happy and comfortable with your setup.
I only use clipless on my mtb and even then I sometimes swap in the half steps.
I have not ruled out racing but think I would like to establish a vintage class here for us luddites who like dt shifters, straps, and clips.
#20
Senior Member

Joined: Jul 2005
Posts: 4,985
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From: Boulder County, CO
Bikes: '80 Masi Gran Criterium, '12 Trek Madone, early '60s Frejus track
Had I become a tourist I probably would have used LL Bean camp moccasins.
Modern shoes are a boon. Before the mid '90s it was assumed that you had to sacrifice comfort if you wanted performance. I know that sounds stupid to those who never raced, but the idea that comfortable feet could help you perform better is a recent devleopment.
#21
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Joined: Jun 2005
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From: South of Raleigh, North of New Hill, East of Harris Lake, NC
Bikes: Specialized Tarmac, Specialized Roubaix, Giant OCR-C, Specialized Stumpjumper FSR, Stumpjumper Comp, 88 & 92Nishiki Ariel, 87 Centurion Ironman, 92 Paramount, 84 Nishiki Medalist
I ride with Shimano SPD clipless. I started out with a set of SPDs because I could use them for mountain biking and road biking. I tried toe cages and straps a few times, darn near killed myself. I could never get my foot out of the darn things, looked like someone who didn't unclip as I fell over. I tried clipless with very good results and just kept going. I've got a box full of pedals with cages and straps from road bikes I flipped. I think I've got two or three sets of Shimano 600 vintage setups.
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#23
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Joined: Oct 2006
Posts: 1,141
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From: Madison, Wisconsin
Bikes: 2000 Litespeed Classic, 1984 Schwinn LeTour, 1998 Gary Fisher Marlin, 1969 Hercules, 1977 Sekai 5000 Superlite, 1993 Koga-Myata TerraLiner, 2013 Trek Farley.
Still on clips & straps w/Adidas Sambas here, including for the fast modern club rides. I've heard enough to suggest that switching might be good science. But I'm hooked on the retro thing (my 70s Weyless pedals
get compliments) and the convenience of hopping off the bike and being in sneakers. Plus I'm cheap.
#24
feros ferio

Joined: Jul 2000
Posts: 22,397
Likes: 1,864
From: www.ci.encinitas.ca.us
Bikes: 1959 Capo Modell Campagnolo; 1960 Capo Sieger (2); 1962 Carlton Franco Suisse; 1970 Peugeot UO-8; 1982 Bianchi Campione d'Italia; 1988 Schwinn Project KOM-10;
Still on clips & straps w/Adidas Sambas here, including for the fast modern club rides. I've heard enough to suggest that switching might be good science. But I'm hooked on the retro thing (my 70s Weyless pedals
get compliments) and the convenience of hopping off the bike and being in sneakers.
Plus I'm cheap.
get compliments) and the convenience of hopping off the bike and being in sneakers. Plus I'm cheap.
__________________
"Far and away the best prize that life offers is the chance to work hard at work worth doing." --Theodore Roosevelt
Capo: 1959 Modell Campagnolo, S/N 40324; 1960 Sieger (2), S/N 42624, 42597
Carlton: 1962 Franco Suisse, S/N K7911
Peugeot: 1970 UO-8, S/N 0010468
Bianchi: 1982 Campione d'Italia, S/N 1.M9914
Schwinn: 1988 Project KOM-10, S/N F804069
"Far and away the best prize that life offers is the chance to work hard at work worth doing." --Theodore Roosevelt
Capo: 1959 Modell Campagnolo, S/N 40324; 1960 Sieger (2), S/N 42624, 42597
Carlton: 1962 Franco Suisse, S/N K7911
Peugeot: 1970 UO-8, S/N 0010468
Bianchi: 1982 Campione d'Italia, S/N 1.M9914
Schwinn: 1988 Project KOM-10, S/N F804069
#25
Indeed.
Switched to Crank Bros. Candy C's on both my road & mountain bike. Not much to look at, but a big improvement.







