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I like flats for city commuting- since I cant trackstand- I'm unclipping every 30-60 seconds on most of my rides around town, and there are lots of steep hills where I live. If conditions are wet, I recommend cages to prevent slippage.
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Originally Posted by Wattsup
(Post 20682444)
I recently had two examples on the same ride that reinforced my decision to use flat pedals, rather than clipless. It was 35 degrees and runoff from a storm from the previous day had created a number of puddles, some six inches deep on the asphalt trail. On two occasions, while riding very slowly, (I didn't want to get sprayed) the rear wheel slipped out from me. Very rapidly. I think the runoff had deposited a very thin layer of very slippery mud/silt. It was only ability to put that leg down quickly that stopped me from falling in that puddle. Being soaking wet on a windy, 35 degree day ain't fun....I was 15 miles from home.
In your situation, I would likely have clipped out and put a foot done as well. But I might also have been able to use body English to recover the slip so that I wouldn’t end up with wet feet. On the other hand, putting out a foot to catch yourself is more likely to just result in your foot slipping on whatever your tire slipped on. And, in all likelihood, your foot and bike are going to slip in different directions. That seldom ends well. I’d rather be wet than be broken. |
Originally Posted by cyccommute
(Post 20684243)
Why do people think that clipless isn’t something you can get out of. Modern clipless pedals aren’t Cinelli Death Pedals. I mountain bike in clipless where clipping out has never been a problem even on narrow trails that cut across steep slopes. I can clip out on either side as needed and do it quickly enough that I don’t crash. In your situation, I would likely have clipped out and put a foot done as well. But I might also have been able to use body English to recover the slip so that I wouldn’t end up with wet feet. On the other hand, putting out a foot to catch yourself is more likely to just result in your foot slipping on whatever your tire slipped on. And, in all likelihood, your foot and bike are going to slip in different directions. That seldom ends well. I’d rather be wet than be broken. |
I just sped though this thread of only three days duration, and I was impressed by all the prolific cycle commuters who posted. I use clipless and like them.
FWIW, I did not see this explanation suggested:
Originally Posted by Jim from Boston
(Post 20683475)
…It reminded me of the brouhaha on the General Cycling Discussion thread, “Do Cyclists Have a Negative Reputation?,” about the difference between a cyclist and a bike rider....
Originally Posted by Gresp15C
(Post 20675883)
Anybody who happens to be riding a bike at a given moment, or who intends to do so regularly, is a cyclist.
Originally Posted by Doge
(Post 20678659)
Look at images from Internet search "people riding bikes" . Then search "cyclist"
One group all have cleats, the others mostly do not. The Internet knows |
On further reading, I noted the right vs left unclipping discussion. We have plenty of curbs and I unclip right. In fact, when I'm on the left side of the road, left foot unclipping seems awkward.
I first to thought about it when I started riding with a regular companion, and he always unclipped left. |
Originally Posted by Jim from Boston
(Post 20684422)
On further reading, I noted the right vs left unclipping discussion. We have plenty of curbs and I unclip right. In fact, when I'm on the left side of the road, left foot unclipping seems awkward.
I first to thought about it when I started riding with a regular companion, and he always unclipped left. Also, I need to support myself on the curb in the city at stop lights, which is a pain in the ass with clipless in the winter or on the footrest at lights. When cycling around CPH last time, I've noticed that I've lost some right leg dexterity as my left leg has done this for the last 5 years (since moving to the UK). https://cimg3.ibsrv.net/gimg/bikefor...c735a9aff7.jpg |
Originally Posted by Jim from Boston
(Post 20684422)
On further reading, I noted the right vs left unclipping discussion. We have plenty of curbs and I unclip right. In fact, when I'm on the left side of the road, left foot unclipping seems awkward.
I first to thought about it when I started riding with a regular companion, and he always unclipped left. Also, I need to support myself on the curb in the city at stop lights, which is a pain in the ass with clipless in the winter or on the footrest at lights. When cycling around CPH last time, I've noticed that I've lost some right leg dexterity as much left leg has done this for the last 5 years (since moving to the UK). https://cimg3.ibsrv.net/gimg/bikefor...c735a9aff7.jpg |
It's so important I posted it twice!
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Originally Posted by RubeRad
(Post 20683797)
Really? I had always heard that automatics were less fuel efficient, mainly because of the extra weight.
I've owned a Saab in OH, I totally believe that computerized traction control is effective, and better than human drivers (unless you're on the pro rally circuit or something) |
Right, that's another thing I remember from the past, automatics used to be only 3 speeds, whereas a commonly-available 5-speed manual allowed better gear ratio selection. But now automatics have more speeds. My 2013 Nissan Quest minivan has a continuously-variable transmission. (The manual for that says it is not good to shift in and out of neutral while driving, which I do in my 5sp manual Golf all the time to hypermile, and even used to do in my previous Honda Odyssey minivan)
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Originally Posted by noglider
(Post 20684869)
I believe more energy was lost in the automatic because of slippage and complexity, and also the shift points were not always optimized for fuel efficiency. I'm under the impression that computerization has pretty much solved these problems. Humans can no longer shift as intelligently as the new automatics. At least that's what I've heard. Not only that, automatics used to have fewer gears than manuals, and that's not true any more, either. I rented a Kia Soul with a 7-speed automatic.
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It's a mixed bag over here. On the very weakest engines, the auto (DSG) is much better. Otherwise, it's pretty even.
Also, why would anyone way to drive anything other than a VW Golf anyway :Dhttps://cimg4.ibsrv.net/gimg/bikefor...1530f28d12.png https://cimg7.ibsrv.net/gimg/bikefor...7747cef429.png |
Originally Posted by noglider
(Post 20684869)
I believe more energy was lost in the automatic because of slippage and complexity, and also the shift points were not always optimized for fuel efficiency. I'm under the impression that computerization has pretty much solved these problems. Humans can no longer shift as intelligently as the new automatics. At least that's what I've heard. Not only that, automatics used to have fewer gears than manuals, and that's not true any more, either. I rented a Kia Soul with a 7-speed automatic.
2018 Honda Civic https://www.fueleconomy.gov/feg/Find.do?action=sbs&id=39568 https://www.fueleconomy.gov/feg/Find.do?action=sbs&id=39567 Automatic / Manual 36 / 35 mpg (combined) 32 / 31 mpg (city) 42 / 42 mpg (highway) Like you were saying...the automatic is rated 1mpg better than the manual transmission... |
Originally Posted by PaulRivers
(Post 20684945)
FuelEconomy.org lists out mpg's.
2018 Honda Civic https://www.fueleconomy.gov/feg/Find...n=sbs&id=39568 https://www.fueleconomy.gov/feg/Find...n=sbs&id=39567 Automatic / Manual 36 / 35 mpg (combined) 32 / 31 mpg (city) 42 / 42 mpg (highway) Like you were saying...the automatic is rated 1mpg better than the manual transmission... |
Originally Posted by cyccommute
(Post 20685069)
And what is the margin of error on the measurements? One mpg might be significant or it might not be. Given that the listed fuel economy is often inaccurate, I’d say that 1 mpg is within the margin of error. In essence, you can’t say that one is better than the other. |
Originally Posted by cyccommute
(Post 20685069)
And what is the margin of error on the measurements? One mpg might be significant or it might not be. Given that the listed fuel economy is often inaccurate, I’d say that 1 mpg is within the margin of error. In essence, you can’t say that one is better than the other.
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Originally Posted by acidfast7
(Post 20684432)
I don't ride clipless, but how I mount the bicycle has changed as I had switched to riding on the left hand side in the UK. I now swing my right leg over. In the US/UK/GER/DK/SE I would always swing my left leg over.
Also, I need to support myself on the curb in the city at stop lights, which is a pain in the ass with clipless in the winter or on the footrest at lights. When cycling around CPH last time, I've noticed that I've lost some right leg dexterity as much left leg has done this for the last 5 years (since moving to the UK). https://cimg3.ibsrv.net/gimg/bikefor...c735a9aff7.jpg |
Originally Posted by RubeRad
(Post 20685106)
Right. Whereas in the past, automatics were significantly worse.
https://www.fueleconomy.gov/feg/Find.do?action=sbs&id=26573 https://www.fueleconomy.gov/feg/Find.do?action=sbs&id=26574 https://www.fueleconomy.gov/feg/Find.do?action=sbs&id=26572 Automatic (highest mpg listed) / Manual (same 1.5L engine) / Manual (highest mpg listed 1.3L engine) Combined Mpg: 27 mpg / 30 mpg / 41 mpg Probably a bigger gap if you could go back further in time. It's different today though. |
Originally Posted by Archwhorides
(Post 20683830)
When the thermometer dips below 20F, I switch from a mountain bike shoe with a neoprene cover and aerogel footbed to clipless winter biking boots. I have Lake MXZ 303 boots, my coworker has 45NRTH. Aerogel footbeds come pretty much standard with this gear class.
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Originally Posted by RidingMatthew
(Post 20685200)
nice heels [MENTION=200073]acidfast7[/MENTION] i love how they match your capris :roflmao:
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This may have been discussed many, many times on this forum before, but based on the number of responses in such a short time, it sure is still a hot topic among cyclists!
Strictly speaking about bicycle commuting, my response is "not." I don't use clipless pedals for any type of riding, but I can see where some long-distance cyclists might like them for pounding away at the road and/or hill-climbing. For the type of stop-and-go involved in my personal commute, I sooooo much prefer simple platforms. My reasons are the same as those already provided by others. |
I have combo pedals but mostly just commute with the flats since my work is only 15 minutes away
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Originally Posted by Hoopdriver
(Post 20685434)
Thanks, I appreciate the advice. The thing is that there is no way that I'm going to spring for $200+ boots with cleats, when my $40 insulated winter boots with Zefal half clips work great.
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Originally Posted by Archwhorides
(Post 20685548)
Yeah, that is the problem with the specialized winter gear = $$$. Santa Babe got me my toasty winter biking boots. I love Santa Babe.
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I went to clipless pedals as my right heel tends to work its way inward while I ride. After ruining my last pair of cycling shoes against the crank, I went to clipless and adjusted them so my foot tends to be straight, not heel slightly in. No knee or leg pain after long rides, and no hitting my heel against the bicycle. Clipless solved the problem.
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Just threaded these beauties onto my main commuter/touring bike. 'Nuff said.
https://cimg7.ibsrv.net/gimg/bikefor...6ec44b3e82.jpg |
I ride in NYC and dont have a car anymore. Like some others, I use dual platform/SPD mountain bike pedals and think they are great. I ride clipped in 95% of the time. But on rare occasion, I can ride in regular shoes when needed including boots in the winter. I keep a pair of shoes at work so I don't have to carry a pair around. WIth the SPDs you can walk almost anywhere, regardless. Since my office is carpeted; sometime I forget I have the SPDs on and wear them around the office. I have a few pairs of SPD shoes including sandals.
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Originally Posted by BobbyMo
(Post 20689836)
I ride in NYC and dont have a car anymore. Like some others, I use dual platform/SPD mountain bike pedals and think they are great. I ride clipped in 95% of the time. But on rare occasion, I can ride in regular shoes when needed including boots in the winter. I keep a pair of shoes at work so I don't have to carry a pair around. WIth the SPDs you can walk almost anywhere, regardless. Since my office is carpeted; sometime I forget I have the SPDs on and wear them around the office. I have a few pairs of SPD shoes including sandals.
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^ with the exception of the " i ride in NYC and don't have a car anymore" part, BobbyMo's post is exactly what i would say as well.
i love the versatility of combo pedals. i can have my cake and eat it too! |
Originally Posted by Steely Dan
(Post 20690279)
^ with the exception of the " i ride in NYC and don't have a car anymore" part, BobbyMo's post is exactly what i would say as well.
i love the versatility of combo pedals. i can have my cake and eat it too! |
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