I had used toeclips since gradeschool in the 70's.

Last year I decided to go clipless (SPD). The transition was quick, easy, and complete. I did finally track down a set of Instep SPD toeclip adapters, and tried them once, perhaps not a good shake-down, they didn't hold the feet tight and just weren't pleasant. I have really enjoyed the SPDs.

I suppose part of the reason I chose the clipless was that I started going on longer rides again, and the feet were going crooked with the standard toeclips, and perhaps pressure points in the shoes.

Occasionally I'll ride flats for a "test ride", but it has been a long time since I've done any significant mileage with flats. I guess I have troubles imagining they would be fun for a 100+ mile ride, or a 20 mile hill climb like I did last Thursday.

Of course, the topic was about commuting, but once one is comfortable going on hundred mile rides with toeclips or cleats, then there really is no reason to go without for commuting, other than perhaps shoe selection.

I love commuting on SPDs, except trips that also involve long walks on concrete or asphalt. My typical commute only involves a handful of steps on pavement, the rest of the day is spent on linoleum and carpet.

Sometimes on rainy days it's a tough call for me, since the covered bike parking requires I walk about a quarter mile on concrete, where as the uncovered bike parking is only about 6 strides on concrete. I guess that's why they make rain bikes, though :)

I also found the toe clips to clipless transition pretty easy. I already angled my heel out when removing foot from toe clips, so popping out of SPDs was no problemo. Took a while to get good at clicking in but I'd guess it was easier than way back in the day when I had to learn how to get a foot into toe clip.

Oh no!! Let the autoharp/banjo debate rage. Wonder which is easier to tote along on the bike commute. Also, how do you tune a banjo? (answer:no one knows, it's never been done).

As for pedals. I think I'm going to give the half and half pedals a try. Like this one:
Shimano A530 Sport/Touring Road Pedals

I dunno. It was always tough to bike with the bass banjo. Do they make bass autoharps?

http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedi...s_banjo_ad.jpg

Anything is possible on a bike! http://bikeforums.net/attachment.php...hmentid=435401 http://www.bikefriday.com/blog/?p=814

+1 on the clippy-platform pedals. i'll be trying them on this winter project bike once the ice clears - picked these up used for about $30 or so. i think.
https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-e...o/IMG_7315.JPG

Yeah, it's not for me. I'm one of those guys who should steer well clear. But before I got that message, I put toeclips on my bike and I have been pretending I can ride for the past 50 years. I guess I am not too bright. My feet lift off the pedals many times each ride if I don't strap or clip them down.

Ben

This should do.
No more feet lifting off the pedals :)

http://www.taisha.org/test/today_rea...5814821011.jpg

I have a special place in my heart for the autoharp. :)

No, they didn't "support" anything, there was no motive behind sharing aside from to show me a video they wanted me to see.

- Andy

I see your deathtrap and raise you this:

http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-SfgXv12h6m...+Capture+3.png

;)

- Andy

Great idea !!..Pedals are such a controversial topic it would be better to just do away with them. I bet the first thing every cyclist looks at when they meet another cyclist is to see what type of pedals they are using...No pedals=no more controversy.

Oh, I didn't mean to imply that people sending you videos intended to present the videos to you in support of an argument they were making or that the videos themselves were posted in support of an argument, rather that you thought they could be used to support your position in the OP : "I feel they are after seeing so many crashes on youtube."

Maybe you could share some videos.

One can run SPDs pretty darn loose. I can't imagine how they'd be more dangerous in a crash. Increased ground clearance over typical two-sided platforms and most single-sided platforms also, should theoretically prevent some crashes from pedal strike.

Why stop at pedals, why not go further.... steering, brakes, handlebars... who needs em! just sit on a slotted plank with a comfy chair and wheels fore and aft and see how far you can go down each gentle undulation in the road! :D :D :D

To turn, simply stand up and point in the desired direction!

OH THIS LOOKS FUN!

http://www.neoscooters.com/images/dirtsurfer-road.gif

In all seriousness though, this whole thread is not a debate its not an argument, it's simply "what do you think of platform vs "attach" pedals and explain why you feel that way". I stated my preference, why, and even showed images of the pedals i use(d). I did not start this thread so trolls could argue or to convince anyone to change to something, i started it to gather opinions. Can we do that, are e mature enough to understand the difference between expressing an opinion and why you have the opinion and it not turn into some mud slinging festival? Help me out here folks, please. Opinion and anecdotes...... thank you. :)

- Andy

Ok, sure. I don't really have any videos like that, and wouldnt even know what to put in the search bar to bring up videos that show strap pedal crashes. As i pointed out before, i don't use youtube for that, i use it for nerdy stuff like autoharps and exploding transformers.

- Andy

>>>>Help me out here folks, please. Opinion and anecdotes...... thank you. <<<<<<<

You've gotta know by now that we are ALL walking on eggshells here...ALL THE TIME!!!!! I'm very sensitive to people jabbing at me, so I've made good use of the "IGNORE" feature over the years.

Anyway, it's been so long since I read the original post that I can't even remember the premise. Something about platform pedals vs. other kinds. I ride platforms with those big, plastic mountain bike cages around them. Are those called "toe clips?" I don't even know. I try taking them off about once a year to simplify my ride as much as possible, but I always end up putting them back on. They seem to give me more pedal power when I'm climbing or when I need to get to a toilet really fast. That's it. They're staying on...or they're coming off. Whatever.

I understand the usage of all the various pedals - I did try other types and realized they are not for me or my riding style. I just replaced the pedals on my commuting bicycle with Alloy 'Platform' type (previous was some sort of resin which I managed to crack badly). The new have a nice grip, and since I tend to wear either 'Converse style' tennis shoes or work boots when I ride - I need a pedal that grips well.

On a side note - clip type pedals that require a 'SPD' shoe are really not for me - though several locals that I know use them and can have foot on ground just as quick as I can with my platform pedals. So on the OP question - I don't either being safer, nor do I see either being unsafe.

I'll vote for platforms being safer. One ancedote I detailed here: http://www.bikeforums.net/advocacy-s...-thursday.html

I would definitely have crashed if I'd been clipped in - or worse - possibly hit by a car.

I've been riding with toeclips since 1979, and clipless since 1991, so I've had plenty of experience being clipped in.

Personally, I've had some ugly crashes while clipped in. Sure, your pedals will probably release AFTER you hit the pavement. But if you are in a bailout situation, I think you are far safer not being attached to your bike.

The one situation where you really can't get out of your pedals is when you are heading over your handlebars.

I've experienced this a couple of times, unfortunately, and if I could have gotten unclipped, I would have. Instead, I went over the handlebars and dragged my bike with me. Hard to tuck and roll in that situation. Luckily, the first time it happened, I was able to break my fall with my face - thank god my bike was safely attached to my feet, out of harm's way!

I only got a pair of platforms about a year ago, for winter riding in Sorel boots. I won't ride clipped in in the winter. If you can get your foot out of your SPDs and onto the ground as fast as you can with a platform - good for you. I can't.

That said, I still use my clipless in the summer. I like SPDs, they are comfy, great for maximum efficiency. But they really don't help if (I'm) in a crash.

My post was a question. Please read the postings carefully before responding, trolling or criticizing.

Banjo repair kit:

http://bikeforums.net/attachment.php...hmentid=435485

A banjo and an upright vacuum cleaner are quite similar----they both have a dirtbag behind them.

With the exception of Jerry Garcia and Wes Corbett.

Probably best to jump into full pedestrian mode while crossing that crosswalk.

Edit to add: That should be about the same in Sorels or recessed cleat SPD shoes. :)

Yeah, my crossing strategies seem to change every day. What ever keeps me the farthest away from any autos.

I do that too, but just for practice in case I ever do decide to get clipless. :innocent:

Loosen your bindings. I can unclip simply by lifting my foot up forecefully and this is with sh51s cleats that only unclip in one direction.

and Bela Fleck........

Just get some cleats to use with your toeclips. The twist then is useful in extracting the feet with toeclips + cleats.