I have 5 bikes with running SPD. My commmuter isn't one of them. I ride the 30 mile roundtrip on big platforms, and it works well.

I pulled my xtr pedals from my squished fixed gear and put them on my mountain bike. It is much easier to spin up to 20 mph with fat tires. My feet tend to fly of the pedals at high rpms.

I have clipless on my touring bike (which I occasionally commute on) but for my main city bike I prefer just wearing whatever shoes I want. My old commuter I had toe clips and straps on but I just bought a Kona Dew Plus for commuting. The platform pedals that came on it are quite grippy, and there is also tight space between the front pedal when rotated forward and the front fender. I figure if I install toe clips I would be bashing the fender more often. So I haven't bothered yet don't think I will.

There's really no need for all of this anecdotal discussion. Last time I had access to some research databases the available peer-reviewed literature indicated that an extremely skilled cyclist (i.e., world class) picks up a percentage point or two in cycling efficiency when attached to the pedals. The fact is that the bicycle drivetrain is an inherently efficient device for the transfer of power. Attaching yourself to it doesn't add that much. On the other hand, clipping or clicking in certainly adds to riding experience for meany people and it provides employment to a lot of designers, manufacturers and retailers. Feel free to do it.

I like this setup alot. Grip Kings and XL power grips. I can wear any shoes I want, and it's not as cumbersome as clips and straps.

http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2311/...a4d3a3.jpg?v=0

I've used clipless and platforms.. for now its bmx platform for me.. I got foot problem where my feet would get numb if they are stuck in one position for a long period. Even on platform I have to move them around. So its platform and stiff soled shoes for me.

When you can spin those cranks well in excess of 140 rpm a little retention is a good thing as having your foot come off on a fixed gear at these speeds is like putting your leg in a blender.

If you could provide more info I'd be very interested in reading it. Having a background in research I'm very dubious of the latest and greatest findings and results. After all, research has "proven" that pipe smokers live longer than individuals who don't smoke and for decades Dr Spock was an authority on child development due to his research on the subject yet even he eventually had to admit that he was wrong.;)

Heck yes. I took my FG on my training route when my geared rode bike was in the shop. During one downhill I hit 32.5 mph with 42X16 gearing. I plugged that into a cadence calculator and came up with 150 ish rpm.
However, I only managed it for 20 secs before my legs felt like they were going to fall off.
No way would I ever try that on platforms.

Posting cold.

I don't ride with clips. I ride in whatever clothes and shoes I plan to wear to work that day.

I'm not sure I'd want to try it either way.:eek:

Clipless. Lots of stops and stoplights. I might try clips some day.

I've gone from Powergrips to clipless on my dry weather bikes. For my rain bike and mtb I only use platforms now.

??

I am not sure if I want to try that again no matter the types of pedals. Very interesting feeling in my legs. :eek:

I've commuted for years now with platforms and regular shoes or sandals. works for me.

Just finished reading the thread...these look awesome! I want!

Use a helmet, you will fall at least once.

All of my mountain bikes have platform pedals, and all of my road bikes have MKS touring pedals without toeclips, except my Bertoni which has steel clips and leather straps (but I very rarely ride it). I used to always use toeclips, but once I started commuting I stop using them and haven't missed them yet. I've also tried clipless pedals and couldn't stand it. I hate having to put on any special clothing just to ride, so the shoes pretty much ruined it for me. Plus I didn't like not being able to move my feet around at will. I don't use a speedometer so I don't know if I'm any slower, but I doubt I am and I don't care anyway. :p

Is that a Nishiki? Any more photos of it handy?

I think that having your foot attached results in more balanced muscled development and less strain on legs/knees/ligaments than you would get if you are just limiting yourself to using the muscles that allow you to push downwards on a platform pedal (probably not a big deal for shorter commutes but over a season of daily riding it would make a difference). I just tried eggbeaters for the first time and found them to be far easier to get in/out of than I expoected and much easier than the toe straps/clips that I have used for years. I'm an instant convert! Wow.

+1

Sorry I'm late for the party.

Never had it, never will. ;) Real shoes only.

I use cheap toe clips... keeps me from slipping as I'm navigating that paved jungle...which has happened to me. :(

I use SPD, and before that, toe clips (and I'd go back to toe clips with no reservations) NOT for performance gains, but for safety. I went out and bought toe clips the day my sneakers slipped off the pedals TWICE in one day while I was first in line at a stoplight, a large truck behind me, and the light turned green. It's not fun to lose your power when there's a truck 5 feet behind you gaining speed.

I use SPDs mainly because I can get INTO them faster than I can toe clips. SPD is pretty cheap to get into; I buy mountain shoes when they're on sale for $35 or less, and I bought slightly-used pedals off eBay for $20.