It's been probably 20 years since I used a set of toe clips, I have a nice Ale set for the super sport, but I have forgotten the technique to using the things, any tips or pointers? I still need order a set of straps yet too, I'm trying to also find a set of bike shoes that were designed for clips, and not cleats, several people have suggested Vans, which I like the flat styles personally anyway

We've debated the shoes thing to death around here, and we all have our preferences. Use google to find those threads. in terms of properly using clips, obviously, you're going to need some straps. I'd probably get a button to put on them as well as it makes them easier to pull. Find a shoe that works for you and cinch them down. I'm hoping your clips are the right size so they're placing your foot on the pedal where you're most comfortable and able to put down the most power. The clip is really just there to keep your foot from going forward beyond that point. The strap does all the work in giving you pulling power.

The old quill pedal + toeclips/straps system works best with cycling shoes that can take one of the old-style slotted cleats. These cleats have a slot that fits over the rear side of the pedal cage, then you cinch the strap down to hold the shoe in place. It works great. As 20grit mentioned, the "button" really helps with tightening, and the straps can be quickly loosened by reaching down and pressing the release on the buckle.

Here's an Ebay search for "Detto Pietro", which is one model of shoe that can still be found. Others exist. https://www.ebay.com/sch/i.html?_trks...at=0&_from=R40

If you go with a cleat, the last time I looked, Yellow Jersey had slotted cleats that use the three bolt Look pattern. That opens up a lot of options for shoes. I would recommend staying away from shoes with Velcro straps across the top when using toeclips. The Velcro straps snag and make it hard to get your foot into position.

I've used Lake cycling shoes with yellow jersey's cleats with success. However, I will never ride toe clips ever again. While aesthetically pleasing and "Correct" for vintage bikes, they are dangerous and a royal pain in the rear compared to modern pedals.

Loosen at least one of the straps before coming to a stop.

^ And don't tighten the straps and then tuck the ends into the loop on the buckle for neatness. Makes the above, ummm, difficult.

Uh, make that WELL before coming to a stop...I sadly (in a now comedic way) know about this. If the majority of your bikes have a clipless sytem, lostforawhile, I suggest equipping this bike with the same.

Brad

Another option which I use on one of my personnel bikes for everyday use is a nicer set of half open clips in the correct size for your foot they work rather nicely and can alloy for a range of foot wear. A nice set should run about $10 or less online.

I can only add, that if you're not used to them, leave both straps loose for a while. Until you get used to them.

A different viewpoint - Wear them with comfortable sneakers and tighten the straps as much as is comfortable. A sneaker's rubber sole will grip the edge of a quill pedal fairly well, and the strap provides all the pulling power you'll want. (For some of us our aerobic capacity is the long-run limit anyway, and if you aren't racin' anyone it doesn't matter if you don't get that last ounce of back pull.)

You can practice pulling your foot out if you want, but in a panic you may forget to loosen the strap first. You'll find that a cleatless sneaker will generally come out of the strap and clip anyway. Or at least one of those without a lumpy mountain-boot-like sole will. (I know from personal experience.)

I think everyone makes that error at some point early on.
I did it the first week I had them, that was over 40 years ago though. You only make that error once.
Fortunately I fell onto a lawn.
The cinching up and reaching down to loosen one prior to a stop is now so much muscle memory automatic that I have to remember not to when I am using clipless.
I don't think it takes that long to get in the habit.

You will appreciate though the little "tooth" that Campagnolo introduced long ago to help your foot to catch and flip the pedal around.

Routing of the toe strap has some variations depending on the pedal, shoes, width of your feet and your natural stance.

This is how I use them: indoor soccer shoes with the straps not too tight, so no loosening is needed to pull out.

ooh, another thing.
Make sure that the toe clips are the correct length for your foot, so the ball of your foot is over the pedal spindle when the tip of the shoe butts up against the front of the clip. You can use washers to fine tune the length if need be.

+1 safe and effective

I've used toe clips for going on 40 years. I wear them ever so slightly loose (less than snug) as my feet will feel a numb inducing pinch after a couple hours. That magic setting also makes them easy to shed in an emergency but snug enough to not slip pedaling. Been in a few wrecks and never felt trapped in them. I roll with SPD's on my mountain bike, toe clips on the Moto B and early 90's Times clipless on the Colnago. The Times are a flamimg B to get out of...non-adjustable and they have to be clean and waxed to work right...some day soon the Times will be C @ V (if they aren't already).

That's what I do. I almost made a bad mistake a few months ago though. I did the ol pre dismount with my right foot, and swung it over to the left. Right about the time I got stopped, my left foot was twisted in the strap, making it hard to slide my shoe out. I almost went over, but the shoe slipped out right at the last second.,,,,BD

Tip number one - use them for picture taking then store them in a box. I have little or no use for straps and clips! I think they are antiquated and dangerous. With that in mind, I always use clip-in pedals on all of my bikes when riding.

I am sure that will elicit a flame, or two, but I feel strongly about pedal selection. I am a father and grandfather with lots of people responsibilities. I try to minimize riding danger, as much as I can, and the modern pedal/shoe system is a must for me...



And, though this is more opinion, once you try clip-ins, you will never want to go back to anything else.

Lace the strap through the clip first, then down and around the inside of the pedal. This lets you pull up on the clasp with one finger, making for easy loosening.

When working the strap through the pedal, put a full twist into the strap. This prevents the strap from slipping and moving the clasp.

Keep your cleats a wee bit loose on the shoes for the first few times out. This lets you twist your ankle to relocate the clip on the shoe, so you can find the best position without knee pain.

Wear gloves, so that when you fall at a stop sign, you won't scrape your palm.

2 more cents.
Sneakers: I can't use them myself. Too used to hard soled cycling shoes. Soft soled sneakers don't provide enough protection from the pedal for me.
Toe clips may be antiquated, but I don't think they're particularly dangerous. Plus, I love my old quill pedals too much and don't want to replace all my old Dettos with expensive, synthetic, modern cycling shoes.
Strap routing: I don't believe I've ever seen them routed as above, Ron. But, if it works. I like the buckle down low, on the side of the foot.
Pull up on the strap end to tighten. Flip buckle lip down with thumb to loosen.

If you're going to switch from a bike with cleated modern shoes and one with old style slotted toeclip/strap combos, leave enough time to forget which one you're using when you come to a stop. A lesson learned the hard way.

Not too mention walking around a convenience store in Look, Shimano, or Speedplay type cleats is almost as dangerous as riding with toe clips. For that main reason most of my "serious" riding is done with SPD's and mountain bike shoes. I love being able to clip out, and walk normally. My favorite set of pedals for this are Shimano road SPD's, which are light and more graceful looking than the Shimano mtb blocks, or Ritchey knockoffs like Randyjawa's.,,,,BD

Shimano A-520 road spd's..

https://www.rei.com/product/724917/sh...1-001b2166c2c0

Ritchey style knockoffs

https://www.pinkbike.com/photo/4163308/

My least favorites, what I called the Shimano "block" pedals. Super heavy, but also super durable. Never seen a set of these break, EVER!

https://ecx.images-amazon.com/images/...EL._AA300_.jpg

I use these adidas sneakers they are narrow and have a nice hard sole unlike most sneakers. I use half clips

https://www.ebay.com/itm/Adidas-Origi...item2321ff1c31

Anybody got a link for those or know anyplace else you can get them?

... never mind - just found 'em. https://www.yellowjersey.org/tocleat.html

What a great product. Never knew such a thing existed!

how I route the straps