How many mph do people usually gain by going from plateform to clipless pedals?
#3
Senior Member
Joined: Aug 2008
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From: Madison, WI
Bikes: '08 Trek 7.3FX
I think I'm stealing this from another of the five million friggin threads that people have posted about clipless pedals because they didn't bother to use the search function:
Switching to clipless? It enabled me to do the Kessell Run in under twelve parsecs!
Switching to clipless? It enabled me to do the Kessell Run in under twelve parsecs!
#4
Senior Member
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From: Los Angeles
Bikes: Bianchi Via Nirone 7, Jamis Sputnik
That's fast enough for ya..
#6
Goathead Magnet
Joined: Nov 2005
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From: Albuquerque, NM
Bikes: Surly LHT, Cannondale Caffeine F3
I'm so fast with my clipless pedals that I get up to relativistic speeds - I can go cycling for weeks, and when I get back only a few minutes have elapsed. It's also almost completely eliminated right hooks.
Seriously, little, if any, difference in speed, but I find it much easier to ride, and the shoes are stiffer and more comfortable for riding.
Seriously, little, if any, difference in speed, but I find it much easier to ride, and the shoes are stiffer and more comfortable for riding.
#7
I've seen claims for anywhere from 0 to 5 mph. I really doubt anyone is 5 mph quicker with clipless. For me personally, I'm faster in specific situations but it doesn't make that great of difference overall.
#10
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I doubt there's any speed gain at all, unless you're traveling long distances without stopping.
I ride in the city, and I don't ride fast at all, but it's much easier for me to get going at a green light faster than someone with clipless. They might go slightly faster, but it takes them longer to get going too, what with having to clip in and all.
I ride in the city, and I don't ride fast at all, but it's much easier for me to get going at a green light faster than someone with clipless. They might go slightly faster, but it takes them longer to get going too, what with having to clip in and all.
#12
It's true, man.
Joined: Aug 2005
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From: North Texas
Bikes: Cannondale T1000, Inbred SS 29er, Supercaliber 29er, Crescent Mark XX, Burley Rumba Tandem
Nothing in MPH, but an ocean of joy when I hop off a curb and the point of my saddle doesn't get rammed into my grundle when a foot slips off the pedal
#13
born again cyclist
Joined: Jun 2010
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From: Chicago
Bikes: I have five of brikes
clever clipless riders don't have to clip out at all at red lights, they just balance the bike at a standstill. i haven't mastered the technique yet, but i'm definitely getting better.
#14
L T X B O M P F A N S R
Joined: Jun 2008
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From: Malden, MA
Bikes: Bianchi Volpe, Bianchi San Jose, Redline 925
I doubt there's any speed gain at all, unless you're traveling long distances without stopping.
I ride in the city, and I don't ride fast at all, but it's much easier for me to get going at a green light faster than someone with clipless. They might go slightly faster, but it takes them longer to get going too, what with having to clip in and all.
I ride in the city, and I don't ride fast at all, but it's much easier for me to get going at a green light faster than someone with clipless. They might go slightly faster, but it takes them longer to get going too, what with having to clip in and all.
#15
Senior Member
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I am by no means perfect but can sort of do it from time to time.
#16
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From: Los Angeles
Bikes: Bianchi Via Nirone 7, Jamis Sputnik
#17
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I doubt there's any speed gain at all, unless you're traveling long distances without stopping.
I ride in the city, and I don't ride fast at all, but it's much easier for me to get going at a green light faster than someone with clipless. They might go slightly faster, but it takes them longer to get going too, what with having to clip in and all.
I ride in the city, and I don't ride fast at all, but it's much easier for me to get going at a green light faster than someone with clipless. They might go slightly faster, but it takes them longer to get going too, what with having to clip in and all.
#18
Rides again
Joined: Oct 2004
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From: SW. Sacramento Region, aka, down river
Bikes: Giant OCR T, Trek SC
Best guess is .75 mph. At least .50 and any claim of results over 1.50 is very suspect. Part of the differences will depend on how much the rider pulls with clipless.
#19
I'd say 1 mph, but if I had some dice to role, they might give me a different answer. Seriously, I think there's a few mph gain in average speed in my case. I live in Hilltown, so your mileage may vary. I'll see if I can get an answer from my GPS data, though.
The longest I've proven to myself that I can track stand is about 30 seconds. Most lights are longer than that, but major thoroughfares through residential districts that rich people don't live in, have long red lights. Whenever I come to a light and have to stop for it, I'll balance until the light turns, or I can't hold it anymore. The more practice I get, the better I seem to be at it. But I've been doing this for years; even before I went clipless, I used clips, and still preferred to keep my feet on the pedals.
The longest I've proven to myself that I can track stand is about 30 seconds. Most lights are longer than that, but major thoroughfares through residential districts that rich people don't live in, have long red lights. Whenever I come to a light and have to stop for it, I'll balance until the light turns, or I can't hold it anymore. The more practice I get, the better I seem to be at it. But I've been doing this for years; even before I went clipless, I used clips, and still preferred to keep my feet on the pedals.
#20
This. And it helps your endurance as you tend to pedal more efficiently. The pedal stroke is no longer a square when you are clipped in. I find it helps most in my climbing.
#21
Goathead Magnet
Joined: Nov 2005
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From: Albuquerque, NM
Bikes: Surly LHT, Cannondale Caffeine F3
#22
Senior Member
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From: Pittsburgh, PA area
Bikes: Novara Safari; Specialized Hard Rock (set up for street use)
I'm still transitioning to clipless and I don't know that it's responsible for any increase in speed but like the others accelerating is easier. In the city for those short stop & go sections (roughly a furlong or less) I'll keep one foot uncliped (I have platform on one side spd on the other).
#23
#24
I'm still transitioning to clipless and I don't know that it's responsible for any increase in speed but like the others accelerating is easier. In the city for those short stop & go sections (roughly a furlong or less) I'll keep one foot uncliped (I have platform on one side spd on the other).







