Clip pedals?
#1
Senior Member
Thread Starter
Join Date: Sep 2011
Location: Marietta, Ga
Posts: 312
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 1 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 7 Times
in
1 Post
Clip pedals?
Would these be good for me? I can't afford the clip less just yet, but want to make my pedaling more efficient. Would these do OK for now?
https://freeflite.com/product/bontrag...ap-84008-1.htm
https://freeflite.com/product/bontrag...ap-84008-1.htm
#2
Senior Member
Join Date: Sep 2011
Location: Central Ohio
Posts: 726
Bikes: Waterford R33, 2019 Infinito, Gunnar Roadie, 1999 Colnago Tecnos, '04 Cannondale Optimo 800 & '51 Rudge Sports, Colnago Tecnos, Tom Kellogg Merlin..
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 55 Post(s)
Liked 140 Times
in
41 Posts
Yes you should gain some efficiency. However be sure to practice stopping and getting your foot on the ground. Sucks to be at a come to a stop or intersection and fall over. i would wear flat, smooth soled tennis shoes.
#3
Senior Member
Join Date: Aug 2011
Location: Binghamtony,NY
Posts: 171
Bikes: 2011 Trek 7.3 FX
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 0 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 0 Times
in
0 Posts
I have those... I am not a fan really and switched to clipless recently the biggest reason is the resin gives an aweful lot. It absolutely did help with pedaling effeciency however not as good as the clipless. Check your messages
#7
Banned.
Join Date: Dec 2005
Location: Upland Ca
Posts: 19,895
Bikes: Lemond Chambery/Cannondale R-900/Trek 8000 MTB/Burley Duet tandem
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 0 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 4 Times
in
3 Posts
For future reference, you see the big black plastic piece? That is a toe "clip".
So when others ask why do they call clipless pedals "clipless", it's because they don't have that big plastic toe "clip".
Cliples spedals "engage" by way of a "cleat".
So when others ask why do they call clipless pedals "clipless", it's because they don't have that big plastic toe "clip".
Cliples spedals "engage" by way of a "cleat".
#9
Senior Member
Would these be good for me? I can't afford the clip less just yet, but want to make my pedaling more efficient. Would these do OK for now?
https://freeflite.com/product/bontrag...ap-84008-1.htm
https://freeflite.com/product/bontrag...ap-84008-1.htm
#11
Keepin it Wheel
Join Date: Aug 2011
Location: San Diego
Posts: 10,238
Bikes: Surly CrossCheck, Krampus
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 26 Post(s)
Liked 3,399 Times
in
2,510 Posts
I think $20 is a reasonable interim purchase (especially for a guy without a job that wants to make progress biking!)
If you look on CL or eBay you can probably find clipless pedals for pretty cheap (or do you have any bike stores around that have used stuff? There's a vintage-only store near me that has buckets of all kinds of parts for cheap), but the problem is shoes. Cycling shoes are not cheap, not likely to be good-as-new if bought used, and they need to fit your feet!
I got a pair of these about a month ago, I see they are still on sale for $40. As far as I've seen, that's about as cheap as bike shoes get. And yes, those are "mountain-bike shoes", which are compatible with the 2-hole cleats for SPD pedals. (Road shoes have a three-hole cleat system).
If you look on CL or eBay you can probably find clipless pedals for pretty cheap (or do you have any bike stores around that have used stuff? There's a vintage-only store near me that has buckets of all kinds of parts for cheap), but the problem is shoes. Cycling shoes are not cheap, not likely to be good-as-new if bought used, and they need to fit your feet!
I got a pair of these about a month ago, I see they are still on sale for $40. As far as I've seen, that's about as cheap as bike shoes get. And yes, those are "mountain-bike shoes", which are compatible with the 2-hole cleats for SPD pedals. (Road shoes have a three-hole cleat system).
#12
Starting over
Join Date: Jun 2005
Location: Indianapolis
Posts: 4,077
Bikes: 1990 Trek 1500; 2006 Gary Fisher Marlin; 2011 Cannondale Synapse Alloy 105; 2012 Catrike Trail
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 10 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 3 Times
in
3 Posts
That's what the straps are for. Toeclips, regardless of make or material, are of marginal use without manually tightening the straps after you've inserted your foot (the need to tighten straps quickly and easily led to the creation of the toe strap button industry). The clip only maintains your foot in the proper fore/aft position on the pedal. It's the strap that provides the transfer of power.
Last edited by CraigB; 10-19-11 at 07:50 AM.
#13
Senior Member
Join Date: Jun 2011
Location: Thomaston, Georgia
Posts: 217
Bikes: 2013 Raleigh Clubman, 2010 Schwinn LeTour, 2012 Raleigh Sojourn, 2011 Schwinn Voyaguer 7
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 0 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 0 Times
in
0 Posts
I bought these for my Comfort bike and really noticed an improvement in pedaling efficiency. https://www.amazon.com/Avenir-Alloy-P...KU/ref=lh_ni_t
In fact, I'm going to get another set of these for my '83 World Tourist.
In fact, I'm going to get another set of these for my '83 World Tourist.
#14
Guest
Posts: n/a
Mentioned: Post(s)
Tagged: Thread(s)
Quoted: Post(s)
At the risk of being told I have a nasty soul or that I'm biased against the disabled, I suggest the OP ignore any idea of going clipless for now. Just two days ago he was confessing that he was depressed and not riding. Getting sucked into the gear game won't help him. I've been there.
#15
Senior Member
I would skip clipless for now.
I do like Power Grips, that is what I use on my Cannondale Quick. They are easy to use and help anchor your feet in the pedals. They are far easier to exit than the old strap kind.
https://www.amazon.com/Power-Grips-Sp.../dp/B001FYGGLC
I didn't get anything until I had 700 miles under my belt. Now I am at 1200 and will be getting a clipless system for my road bike. The pedals are waiting for me for when I return to town. That said, I am not entirely convinced any anchoring system is necessary. I do find the Powergrips helpful because I spin my pedals pretty fast and they help keep my feet on the pedals.
I do like Power Grips, that is what I use on my Cannondale Quick. They are easy to use and help anchor your feet in the pedals. They are far easier to exit than the old strap kind.
https://www.amazon.com/Power-Grips-Sp.../dp/B001FYGGLC
I didn't get anything until I had 700 miles under my belt. Now I am at 1200 and will be getting a clipless system for my road bike. The pedals are waiting for me for when I return to town. That said, I am not entirely convinced any anchoring system is necessary. I do find the Powergrips helpful because I spin my pedals pretty fast and they help keep my feet on the pedals.
Last edited by goldfinch; 10-19-11 at 09:03 AM.
#16
Senior Member
Join Date: Mar 2010
Location: Seattle, WA
Posts: 23,208
Mentioned: 89 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 18883 Post(s)
Liked 10,645 Times
in
6,054 Posts
Those are a gateway drug, and pretty soon you'll be using clipless pedals. But if this is what you need to get there, more power to you.
BUT: Will you put these on the bike yourself, or will you take them into a shop and pay to have them switched out? For $10 at most bike stores, you should be able to get a pair of toe clips that threads into the pedals on your bike now, which you can do yourself, easily.
I got a pair of carbon fiber soled MTB shoes on Craigslist for $40 or $45 a year ago. Great shoes with very stiff soles, which are wonderful on SPDs. They were a bit too big for their former owner. They came with a bit of wear, but have held up very well for the past several thousand miles. A friend of mine got a pair of shoes with cleats and crummy SPD pedals (double sided, but eager to release no matter where the tension is set) for $75 on Craigslist. I think this is a good way to get started ... I wound up with a few pairs of bike shoes, mostly because it rains a lot here, stuff dries slowly when the air is so wet, and I hate putting damp things on. Our hero, Allen, might like the toe clips, and ultimately go clipless; there's no shame in beginning used, especially when a lot of people will like it and get another pair of shoes.
BUT: Will you put these on the bike yourself, or will you take them into a shop and pay to have them switched out? For $10 at most bike stores, you should be able to get a pair of toe clips that threads into the pedals on your bike now, which you can do yourself, easily.
If you look on CL or eBay you can probably find clipless pedals for pretty cheap (or do you have any bike stores around that have used stuff? There's a vintage-only store near me that has buckets of all kinds of parts for cheap), but the problem is shoes. Cycling shoes are not cheap, not likely to be good-as-new if bought used, and they need to fit your feet!
#17
Senior Member
Join Date: Oct 2011
Location: Northeastern NJ - NYC Metro Area
Posts: 795
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 0 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 0 Times
in
0 Posts
I use clips on my street bike. I have a set of the resin ones somewhere, but the ones I actually use are metal - they seem to grab my shoe better. I wear ordinary cross-trainers (NewBalance, if it matters), and I find that they're great with the clips. The shoes stick in the clips when I want them to (so I can use the up-stroke to add power to my pedaling), and pop out instantly when I want them to, like when I stop at a light. As you get used to them, you get good at just slipping into and out of the clip without looking or even thinking about it.
#18
Galveston County Texas
Join Date: Nov 2007
Location: In The Wind
Posts: 33,220
Bikes: 02 GTO, 2011 Magnum
Mentioned: 18 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 1346 Post(s)
Liked 1,235 Times
in
616 Posts
Toe Clips...No Straps needed. 40,000 miles
__________________
Fred "The Real Fred"
Fred "The Real Fred"
Last edited by 10 Wheels; 10-19-11 at 10:10 AM.
#19
Senior Member
Join Date: Sep 2010
Location: Tampa Bay, Fl
Posts: 531
Bikes: Vitus 979, KHS Montana Comp
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 0 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 0 Times
in
0 Posts
MKS GR-9 Pedals with toe clips and straps will last years. We've used them on tours where we wanted to wear normal shoes or sandals.
https://www.amazon.com/MKS-GR-9-Platf...9040085&sr=1-1
Eventually, you may get SPD or other clipless pedals and shoes but these will make a big, immediate, difference in your cycling efficiency.
https://www.amazon.com/MKS-GR-9-Platf...9040085&sr=1-1
Eventually, you may get SPD or other clipless pedals and shoes but these will make a big, immediate, difference in your cycling efficiency.
#20
Banned.
Join Date: Jul 2011
Location: San Francisco Bay Area
Posts: 7
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 0 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 0 Times
in
0 Posts
These power grips look pretty neat, but I think you have to pull up on the band to get your foot in.
If you still haven't bought the new pedals you can have mine off my bike - I'm going to get a clip ins the week.
If you still haven't bought the new pedals you can have mine off my bike - I'm going to get a clip ins the week.
#21
Senior Member
Join Date: Oct 2010
Location: Minnesota- the frozen tundra
Posts: 1,947
Bikes: 1977 Raleigh Super Grand Prix, 1976 Gitane Tour de France
Mentioned: 1 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 0 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 2 Times
in
2 Posts
I use good old fashioned Christophe toe clips and leather straps, they work wonderfully and I can wear my street shoes with them.
I'm sure clipless with stiff riding shoes is an improvement but what I have works fine for me.
I'm sure clipless with stiff riding shoes is an improvement but what I have works fine for me.
#22
Senior Member
Depends on how tight you have the band. I don't have them very tight. I slip my foot in, twist a bit to the outside with my foot, and they hold me just fine. I actually keep the left foot looser as I want to be able to exit quickly.
#23
Humvee of bikes =Worksman
Join Date: May 2004
Posts: 5,362
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 10 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 6 Times
in
6 Posts
Would these be good for me? I can't afford the clip less just yet, but want to make my pedaling more efficient. Would these do OK for now?
https://freeflite.com/product/bontrag...ap-84008-1.htm
https://freeflite.com/product/bontrag...ap-84008-1.htm
Then there is the Power grip pedal that is also a fine way to get more power without going clipless.
https://bicycling.about.com/od/equipm...ower_grips.htm
Both of these pedals allow the ride to ride in street shoes saving a bundle in special shoe cost required for clipless.
__________________
My preferred bicycle brand is.......WORKSMAN CYCLES
I dislike clipless pedals on any city bike since I feel they are unsafe.
Originally Posted by krazygluon
Steel: nearly a thousand years of metallurgical development
Aluminum: barely a hundred, which one would you rather have under your butt at 30mph?
My preferred bicycle brand is.......WORKSMAN CYCLES
I dislike clipless pedals on any city bike since I feel they are unsafe.
Originally Posted by krazygluon
Steel: nearly a thousand years of metallurgical development
Aluminum: barely a hundred, which one would you rather have under your butt at 30mph?
#24
Humvee of bikes =Worksman
Join Date: May 2004
Posts: 5,362
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 10 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 6 Times
in
6 Posts
Nice in a common sense NON-clipless way!
__________________
My preferred bicycle brand is.......WORKSMAN CYCLES
I dislike clipless pedals on any city bike since I feel they are unsafe.
Originally Posted by krazygluon
Steel: nearly a thousand years of metallurgical development
Aluminum: barely a hundred, which one would you rather have under your butt at 30mph?
My preferred bicycle brand is.......WORKSMAN CYCLES
I dislike clipless pedals on any city bike since I feel they are unsafe.
Originally Posted by krazygluon
Steel: nearly a thousand years of metallurgical development
Aluminum: barely a hundred, which one would you rather have under your butt at 30mph?
#25
Senior Member
To get your foot into the strap, you point your toe toward the frame, stick it under the strap, then rotate your heel toward the bike to complete the process. Getting out is the reverse: rotate your heel away from the bike, then pull your toe out from under the strap, much like you would for a clipless pedal. There's an animation on the Power Grips website that illustrates this process.
For those with large feet (or bulky shoes) you can also buy PowerGrips with extra-long straps.