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-   -   Thinking about going clipless. (https://www.bikeforums.net/commuting/975691-thinking-about-going-clipless.html)

PaulRivers 10-13-14 02:48 PM


Originally Posted by Rich Gibson (Post 17213045)
The problem I encountered with these was when a foot slipped off the pedal my shin received several quite painful pin imprints which lasted a few weeks.

Rich

Really? You know, I bought a pair of these, but they haven't seemed quite as grippy as the previous Specialized pinned pedals I had ridden before. Hrm.

Was there anything particularly different about your situation, like it was raining? Or was it a regular ride?

Jaywalk3r 10-13-14 03:03 PM


Originally Posted by mikeybikes (Post 17213276)
I don't know if I ever exceed 20mph while commuting, and if I do, it's downhill while coasting. Platforms work. I don't see a need for foot retention on my commute.

I often exceed 20 mph, pedaling, while commuting, and I've never had any issues with my feet slipping off of flat BMX pedals. I also completed a 3200 mile tour this summer with the BMX pedals, with no issues.

I don't like the drawbacks of any foot retention system, and have never noticed any of the problems they supposedly solve. (If I rode fixed gear, I'd probably adopt a retention system.)

wolfchild 10-13-14 03:40 PM


Originally Posted by Rich Gibson (Post 17213045)
The problem I encountered with these was when a foot slipped off the pedal my shin received several quite painful pin imprints which lasted a few weeks.

Rich

Not all pedals are created equal, some pinned pedals are more grippy then others, I never had a problem when using them for mountain biking, you need shoes with grippy soles, many types of trail running shoes or hiking shoes work very well with pinned pedals. There are some shoes which just don't work well for cycling no matter how grippy those pinned pedals are.

cyccommute 10-13-14 03:56 PM


Originally Posted by caloso (Post 17213068)
On a freewheel bike if your foot comes off, you can just stop the cranks and put the foot back on the pedal. On a FG, the pedals keep going around. If this happens during a sprint, I think most riders will simply crash. No wait, I take that back. First they'll be flung hard forward, their reproductive bits onto the top tube and their teeth on to the handlebars, and then they'll crash.

As I've said above, if your foot comes off a flat pedal in a sprint, the result would be exactly the same on either type of bike. Sprints aren't usually made from a seated position and if you lose contact with the pedal, the dangly bits aren't going to like it.

acidfast7 10-13-14 04:03 PM

1 Attachment(s)

Originally Posted by cyccommute (Post 17213514)
As I've said above, if your foot comes off a flat pedal in a sprint, the result would be exactly the same on either type of bike. Sprints aren't usually made from a seated position and if you lose contact with the pedal, the dangly bits aren't going to like it.

I love the commuting forum ... discussions about sprinting.

I'll head back to my bike ...

http://bikeforums.net/attachment.php...hmentid=411701

tjspiel 10-13-14 04:17 PM


Originally Posted by cyccommute (Post 17213514)
As I've said above, if your foot comes off a flat pedal in a sprint, the result would be exactly the same on either type of bike. Sprints aren't usually made from a seated position and if you lose contact with the pedal, the dangly bits aren't going to like it.

You can't imagine how spinning cranks could inflict more injury?

acidfast7 10-13-14 04:33 PM


Originally Posted by tjspiel (Post 17213572)
You can't imagine how spinning cranks could inflict more injury?

I think I've done about 12,500 km since commute and that hasn't happened once.

I haven't slipped off the pedals once even when commuting in the winter.

wolfchild 10-13-14 04:38 PM


Originally Posted by acidfast7 (Post 17213617)
I think I've done about 12,500 km since commute and that hasn't happened once.

I haven't slipped off the pedals once even when commuting in the winter.

Did you ride those 12,500 km fixed gear or freewheel ??...there is a difference.

tjspiel 10-13-14 04:42 PM


Originally Posted by acidfast7 (Post 17213617)
I think I've done about 12,500 km since commute and that hasn't happened once.

I haven't slipped off the pedals once even when commuting in the winter.

Therefore it could never happen? FWIW, I have. Besides the post I was responding was discussing what would happen if your foot did slip off.

acidfast7 10-13-14 04:44 PM


Originally Posted by wolfchild (Post 17213631)
Did you ride those 12,500 km fixed gear or freewheel ??...there is a difference.

10,000 on a MTB

last 2,500 on a SS.

acidfast7 10-13-14 04:47 PM


Originally Posted by tjspiel (Post 17213651)
Therefore it could never happen? FWIW, I have. Besides the post I was responding was discussing what would happen if your foot did slip off.

I'm making the argument that after (2min/km [MENTION=43260]80rpm[/MENTION] so 160rpm/km for 12,500km) an estimated 2,000,000 rpm and it hasn't happened once, that I'm not considering clip less pedals.

Seems like flawed logic to invest a fair bit of £ for a tiny problem.

bhop 10-13-14 04:49 PM

I didn't read through all the arguing, but here are my thoughts.

I keep seeing people say stuff like "clipless for speed" "clipless won't really make you faster", etc. .. to that, I say that I prefer clipless (spd-sl) for climbing during my long uphill commute home. Being able to pull up while going up hills makes those hills easier. I also have a good connection to the pedals when it's raining and don't have to worry about my wet soles slipping around. Toe clips work ok in that case too, but still felt a little slippery.

I commute on my fixed gear mostly and being clipped in gives me a lot more speed and stopping control than regular toe-clips ever did. I keep a pair of shoes under my desk at work so no issues with changing shoes. If I do stop somewhere on the way home and need to walk around any stores or anything, it's really not hard at all, I don't understand why people have problems honestly. Sure i'm not going to walk for miles, but a little walking isn't difficult.

caloso 10-13-14 04:56 PM


Originally Posted by bhop (Post 17213681)
I didn't read through all the arguing, but here are my thoughts.

I keep seeing people say stuff like "clipless for speed" "clipless won't really make you faster", etc. .. to that, I say that I prefer clipless (spd-sl) for climbing during my long uphill commute home. Being able to pull up while going up hills makes those hills easier. I also have a good connection to the pedals when it's raining and don't have to worry about my wet soles slipping around. Toe clips work ok in that case too, but still felt a little slippery.

I commute on my fixed gear mostly and being clipped in gives me a lot more speed and stopping control than regular toe-clips ever did. I keep a pair of shoes under my desk at work so no issues with changing shoes. If I do stop somewhere on the way home and need to walk around any stores or anything, it's really not hard at all, I don't understand why people have problems honestly. Sure i'm not going to walk for miles, but a little walking isn't difficult.

Get out of here with your entirely reasonable response.

acidfast7 10-13-14 04:57 PM


Originally Posted by bhop (Post 17213681)
I don't understand why people have problems honestly.

Because they look like crap. I do understand that trainers/"sneakers" are acceptable footwear outside of the gym in North America. This is not true on most of the planet. I'd easily get turned away from most restaurants will clip less shoes (I always carry a bow tie with me if I don't have a jacket.)

And a fair bit of pubs won't allow them depending on the flooring they have (mostly solid wood).

It's not a workable option for people who use bikes as sole transport.

bhop 10-13-14 05:06 PM


Originally Posted by acidfast7 (Post 17213710)
Because they look like crap. I do understand that trainers/"sneakers" are acceptable footwear outside of the gym in North America. This is not true on most of the planet. I'd easily get turned away from most restaurants will clip less shoes (I always carry a bow tie with me if I don't have a jacket.)

And a fair bit of pubs won't allow them depending on the flooring they have (mostly solid wood).

It's not a workable option for people who use bikes as sole transport.

I just meant why people say it's hard to walk in them. I understand they're not good for much off the bike. I've had security at stores not want to let me in with my shoes, but I put a rubber cover on the cleat and they were fine with it.

That said, I can understand where you're coming from as far as 'sole transport'. If I were riding anywhere other than work/home on a regular basis, i'd probably keep regular pedals on at least one of my bikes for those rides, or bring my walking shoes in a "man-purse" or something.

acidfast7 10-13-14 05:10 PM


Originally Posted by bhop (Post 17213734)
I just meant why people say it's hard to walk in them. I understand they're not good for much off the bike. I've had security at stores not want to let me in with my shoes, but I put a rubber cover on the cleat and they were fine with it.

That said, I can understand where you're coming from as far as 'sole transport'. If I were riding anywhere other than work/home, i'd probably keep regular pedals on at least one of my bikes for those rides.

This is not a dig on you directly, but I find it humorous that people on this forum (commuting), don't understand that a pair of reasonable shoes is required when a bike is sole transport.

Some of the previously posted clipless shoes are woefully inadequate (and that's being nice).

My colleagues that ride clipless with cycle clothing usually hit the bathroom at the restaurant and do a quick change and they can usually get in. Also, the uni is the big employer in the area, so faculty get special treatment, which I don't really like.

wolfchild 10-13-14 05:11 PM


Originally Posted by acidfast7 (Post 17213710)
Because they look like crap. I do understand that trainers/"sneakers" are acceptable footwear outside of the gym in North America. This is not true on most of the planet. I'd easily get turned away from most restaurants will clip less shoes (I always carry a bow tie with me if I don't have a jacket.)

And a fair bit of pubs won't allow them depending on the flooring they have (mostly solid wood).

It's not a workable option for people who use bikes as sole transport.

I didn't know Europe had such strict dress codes for it's citizens. Are you saying most businesses in Europe turn away any person who is wearing athletic pants, running shoes and sleeveless top ??...I am glad I don't live in Europe anymore, I like my freedom.

acidfast7 10-13-14 05:16 PM


Originally Posted by wolfchild (Post 17213755)
I didn't know Europe had such strict dress codes for it's citizens. Are you saying most businesses in Europe turn away any person who is wearing athletic pants, running shoes and sleeveless top ??...I am glad I don't live in Europe anymore, I like my freedom.

tracksuits are a no-go for sure. i like it that way. i'm not on the sofa, i'm spending money to not be surrounded by lazy people.

in stockholm nearly every bar had a red carpet and coat check.

to be honest, i don't own a t-shirt and don't remember the last time i saw one in the wild (not in the gym).

Jaywalk3r 10-13-14 05:18 PM


Originally Posted by bhop (Post 17213681)
Being able to pull up while going up hills makes those hills easier.

To be fair, so does moving your foot forward on the pedal.

wolfchild 10-13-14 05:32 PM


Originally Posted by Jaywalk3r (Post 17213780)
To be fair, so does moving your foot forward on the pedal.

I find it easier to climb hills with toe clips and straps then with my bmx pedals without toe clips and straps. Pulling up does make a difference.

Jaywalk3r 10-13-14 05:35 PM


Originally Posted by wolfchild (Post 17213825)
I find it easier to climb hills with toe clips and straps then with my bmx pedals without toe clips and straps. Pulling up does make a difference.

The fact remains that moving one's feet forward on the pedals makes it easier to climb compared to ball over spindle positioning.

achoo 10-13-14 06:06 PM


Originally Posted by Jaywalk3r (Post 17213840)
The fact remains that moving one's feet forward on the pedals makes it easier to climb compared to ball over spindle positioning.

How?!?!?!

spare_wheel 10-13-14 07:37 PM


Originally Posted by acidfast7 (Post 17213710)
Because they look like crap. I do understand that trainers/"sneakers" are acceptable footwear outside of the gym in North America.

perhaps at a fancy restaurant but this is simply not true at most cafes, pubs, bars, and restaurants.



I always carry a bow tie with me if I don't have a jacket.
trolling.


And a fair bit of pubs won't allow them depending on the flooring they have (mostly solid wood).
i don't know what sort of pubs you frequent but i've worn clipless shoes in many dozens of pubs in the UK and have never been turned away (even stuffy pubs in the city). ditto for bars/cafes in southern europe.


It's not a workable option for people who use bikes as sole transport.
:rolleyes:

spare_wheel 10-13-14 07:43 PM


Originally Posted by wolfchild (Post 17213755)
I didn't know Europe had such strict dress codes for it's citizens. Are you saying most businesses in Europe turn away any person who is wearing athletic pants, running shoes and sleeveless top ??...I am glad I don't live in Europe anymore, I like my freedom.

there are many businesses in north america that would turn away someone dressed like this. clubs and fancy bars are more likely to have a dress code in europe but there are plenty of places where one can grab a nice meal/drink dressed in athletic pants and trainers in any european nation. heck, in many european nations people wearing expensive athletic pants and running shoes are club/bar VIPs (and you often don't want to mess with these people).

tjspiel 10-13-14 08:28 PM


Originally Posted by acidfast7 (Post 17213670)
I'm making the argument that after (2min/km @80rpm so 160rpm/km for 12,500km) an estimated 2,000,000 rpm and it hasn't happened once, that I'm not considering clip less pedals.

Seems like flawed logic to invest a fair bit of £ for a tiny problem.

On a MTB and a SS right? Fixed is different. Since the pedals are always moving, the chances of your foot coming off is greater and the consequences are worse. But a lot depends on how you ride. I'm comfortable on a fixed gear without foot retention but I ride more conservatively.

Some people like riding fixed in the winter because of the added feel it gives you. I don't ride fixed gear in the winter because I don't want any foot retention other than pins. I want to be able to get my foot down in a hurry if need be. So for me, clipless is less safe during the winter. I'm not a clipless evangelist but I find them advantages in certain situations.

tjspiel 10-13-14 08:41 PM


Originally Posted by acidfast7 (Post 17213710)
Because they look like crap. I do understand that trainers/"sneakers" are acceptable footwear outside of the gym in North America. This is not true on most of the planet. I'd easily get turned away from most restaurants will clip less shoes (I always carry a bow tie with me if I don't have a jacket.)

And a fair bit of pubs won't allow them depending on the flooring they have (mostly solid wood).

It's not a workable option for people who use bikes as sole transport.

Take a look at Quoc Pham or some of the DZR models. The Quoc Phams aren't really my cup of tea but I do like some of the DZRs. A suitably recessed cleat, especially with a cover isn't going to hurt a wood floor.

kickstart 10-13-14 09:12 PM


Originally Posted by acidfast7 (Post 17213710)
Because they look like crap. I do understand that trainers/"sneakers" are acceptable footwear outside of the gym in North America. This is not true on most of the planet.


Originally Posted by acidfast7 (Post 17213772)
tracksuits are a no-go for sure. i like it that way. i'm not on the sofa, i'm spending money to not be surrounded by lazy people.

That's interesting, when I lived in Germany in the mid 80s, and France in the early 90s, Nike tracksuits and running shoes were the ubiquitous casual day wear.

Rich Gibson 10-13-14 09:33 PM


Originally Posted by PaulRivers (Post 17213307)
Really? You know, I bought a pair of these, but they haven't seemed quite as grippy as the previous Specialized pinned pedals I had ridden before. Hrm.

Was there anything particularly different about your situation, like it was raining? Or was it a regular ride?

It was a regular ride over some bumps and my foot bounced off the pedal..not slipped..bounced so the grippiness of the pedal pins had no effect. Actually this happened about three times over a week's stretch...enough for my sorry shins.
Rich

spare_wheel 10-13-14 10:22 PM


Originally Posted by kickstart (Post 17214441)
That's interesting, when I lived in Germany in the mid 80s, and France in the early 90s, Nike tracksuits and running shoes were the ubiquitous casual day wear.

in the 80s germans wore really wild running shoes with neon colors and velcro straps. everyone else in europe made fun of them.

PaulRivers 10-14-14 12:24 AM


Originally Posted by Rich Gibson (Post 17214497)
It was a regular ride over some bumps and my foot bounced off the pedal..not slipped..bounced so the grippiness of the pedal pins had no effect. Actually this happened about three times over a week's stretch...enough for my sorry shins.
Rich

Huh. I guess it's difficult for me to relate to a situation where my foot would be on the peddle loosely enough that it could bounce off the pedal. If I hit bumps, it just...increases the force between my foot and the pedal...


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