Clipless Pedals YES or NO

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09-09-10 | 02:30 PM

#51

noglider

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How does clipless give you a smaller Q factor?

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09-09-10 | 02:32 PM

#52

Zaphod Beeblebrox

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From: Smugglers Notch, Vermont

Bikes: Upright and Recumbent....too many to list, mostly Vintage.

Quote:

Originally Posted by ColonelJLloyd

Here's what I'm going to try: SR SP-155 pedals (I don't have a pic handy but I'll try and update this post with one) with VO Deep Half Clips. I'll let you know how it goes. I'm also considering modifying a pair of MKS Lambdas to accept half clips.

I've got the SR SP-155 pedals on my Miyata 1000LT and they are HUGE (and really comfortable)! They're original equipment for that model, and have some pretty big plastic Toe Clips. I've got size 10, regular width feet and these pedals are like having an entire family room for each foot....the clips are actually a bit too deep for me, my toes usually come up 1/2 and inch short of the clip. You'd need some seriously meaty feet to be hanging over the edge of those pedals.

I've never heard anything good about half-clips. All I've heard is that they're great if you're into not being able to use toe straps.

adidas makes shoes they call "Motorsport" or Driving shoes that I find work really well with toe clips...low profile.

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Last edited by Zaphod Beeblebrox; 09-09-10 at 02:39 PM.

09-09-10 | 02:33 PM

#53

Pars

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From: Aurora, IL

Bikes: '73 Raleigh RRA, 1986 Trek 500 commuter

Another shoe I have seen recommended for clips/straps but non cleated are Adidas Samba indoor soccer shoes. I haven't tried them, but have seen them and they do look like they would work. If my Avocet mod30s ever wear out...

09-09-10 | 02:34 PM

#54

ColonelJLloyd

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From: Louisville

Quote:

Originally Posted by noglider

How does clipless give you a smaller Q factor?

I asked myself the same question. He must mean that they keep your feet in the proper position if you have a tendency to push out.

Quote:

Originally Posted by Zaphod Beeblebrox

I've never heard anything good about half-clips. All I've heard is that they're great if you're into not being able to use toe straps.

Right on. I'll order large clips and straps as well and see which work best for me. I was attracted to half clips because of my wide feet and the fact that I ride in traffic a lot.

Last edited by ColonelJLloyd; 09-09-10 at 02:39 PM.

09-09-10 | 03:50 PM

#55

Grand Bois

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From: Pinole, CA, USA

Quote:

Originally Posted by jtgotsjets

Except for the big one: you still need special shoes.

Personally, I'm a platforms guy. Right now I only have one bike and it has to double as a car, so wide, grippy platforms are the obvious choice (to me). When my Ironman was in my possession I rode it with platforms too, but I would certainly consider foot retention. Thinking about power grips, so I can still wear sandals while I ride (I don't think I've worn socks once since I moved to Hawaii). When I ride fixed, I obviously use foot retention, but clips and straps seemed fine and still allow me to ride whenever I want.

Give the Power Grips a try. I have them on five of my bikes, so you know I must like them.

09-09-10 | 08:17 PM

#56

noglider

aka Tom Reingold

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From: New York, NY, and High Falls, NY, USA

Bikes: 1962 Rudge Sports, 1971 Raleigh Super Course, 1971 Raleigh Pro Track, 1974 Raleigh International, 1975 Viscount Fixie, 1982 McLean, 1996 Lemond (Ti), 2002 Burley Zydeco tandem

Toe clips like these help those of us with big feet (or big shoes).

09-09-10 | 08:41 PM

#57

Road Fan

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From: Ann Arbor, MI

Bikes: 1980 Masi, 1984 Mondonico, 1984 Trek 610, 1980 Woodrup Giro, 2005 Mondonico Futura Leggera ELOS, 1967 PX10E, 1971 Peugeot UO-8

Quote:

Originally Posted by Chombi

Frankly,
Clipless pedals have been around so long, I don't know how one could think up a "con" about them. I really can't think of how anyone would miss (sure don't) having to reach down all the time pull straps tight or release them when a quick flick of the ankle does this with clipless pedals. And again, it's not like clipless pedals were invented yesterday, so it's entirely "period correct on a lot of C&V bikes.
Just go for clipless if you haven't yet, you won't be sorry.

Chombi

Twice now, the assumption that with toeclips/straps the straps must be tightened. Truth is, they don't. If you don't tighten them, you don't have to reach down and loosen them at every stop sign.

09-09-10 | 08:44 PM

#58

Road Fan

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From: Ann Arbor, MI

Bikes: 1980 Masi, 1984 Mondonico, 1984 Trek 610, 1980 Woodrup Giro, 2005 Mondonico Futura Leggera ELOS, 1967 PX10E, 1971 Peugeot UO-8

Quote:

Originally Posted by ColonelJLloyd

I asked myself the same question. He must mean that they keep your feet in the proper position if you have a tendency to push out.

Right on. I'll order large clips and straps as well and see which work best for me. I was attracted to half clips because of my wide feet and the fact that I ride in traffic a lot.

If your feet tend to push out, doesn't that indicate that the Q you have is too low for you?

09-09-10 | 08:49 PM

#59

Road Fan

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From: Ann Arbor, MI

Bikes: 1980 Masi, 1984 Mondonico, 1984 Trek 610, 1980 Woodrup Giro, 2005 Mondonico Futura Leggera ELOS, 1967 PX10E, 1971 Peugeot UO-8

Quote:

Originally Posted by khatfull

Ok, since this question has come up...

I'm planning on trying clips for the first time with the Fuji America I'm building up. I have a few issues:

1) I wear 12s and have better than a 4E width. Am I going to be able to find deep enough clips such that I can get into a reasonable position on the pedals?
2) I'm using MKS Touring pedals on my touring bike now and in sneakers I overhang the pedal on the outside bad. Does that pose an issue?
3) What are some good shoes (either brand/model or general type) to use with clips (but not slotted cleats)?

Opinions welcome. Thanks.

Opinion: Don't go crazy when adjusting the toe straps. They should fit around your foot when inserted, but with minimal leftover loopiness. I don't recommend you pull them tight without a strong need for added foot stability, and then not for very long.

09-24-10 | 07:29 AM

#60

ColonelJLloyd

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From: Louisville

I tried the the SP-155s with the VO deep half clips (size L) on a 25 mile ride this week. I really liked them. No, they don't offer the same retention as clipless/special shoes or conventional clips and straps, but they provide a noticeable amount of retention. As advertised, they seem suited to city riding as I found them really easy to enter/exit.

The SP-155 pedals are huge and I love 'em. They were original equipment on my '87 Voyageur.

Tonight I'm going to take a long ride using MKS Touring pedals, large traditional clips and leather straps.