I'm gonna go back to Standard Pedals
04-21-17, 12:47 PM
#26
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I can switch from flat pedals to toe clips to clipless easily enough, I guess because I have a lot of experience with all of them. The funny thing is that when I pull out of toe clips, I habitually twist my foot out. But of course, this is benign.
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Tom Reingold, tom@noglider.com
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Blogs: The Experienced Cyclist; noglider's ride blog
“When man invented the bicycle he reached the peak of his attainments.” — Elizabeth West, US author
Please email me rather than PM'ing me. Thanks.
04-21-17, 01:15 PM
#27
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Thread Starter
I think you will have even more difficulties if you just mount the clipless occasionally. You are already having troubles with unclipping due to being out of practice.
So, if you go back too flats, then mount up your clipless for an annual century ride, you'll be in worse shape.
You have several decisions. Keep at it, and get out on the bike more? Dump them and go to flats? Try half-clips as suggested (more to learn)? Easier release pedals (multi-release, click-r, etc)?
I've heard that some flat pedals (pins) also hold the shoes in place better.
So, if you go back too flats, then mount up your clipless for an annual century ride, you'll be in worse shape.
You have several decisions. Keep at it, and get out on the bike more? Dump them and go to flats? Try half-clips as suggested (more to learn)? Easier release pedals (multi-release, click-r, etc)?
I've heard that some flat pedals (pins) also hold the shoes in place better.
04-21-17, 01:35 PM
#28
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I alternate between the two, no problems. Although I just bought a new set of shoes, and cleats, and while in the trainer (setting up the shoes) the first thing I noticed was how much harder it was to unclip. I guess well-worn cleats are easier to unclip (who would have guessed?).
04-21-17, 01:43 PM
#29
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I have SPD-SL pedals on my road bike. Often I'll take the long way on one leg of my commute in bibs, jersey, and shoes. On the other, I'll just put on a pant cuff band, hop on, and take the short way. You can use SPD-SL pedals as passable flats with rubber soled shoes for short rides. NBD.
04-21-17, 02:04 PM
#30
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I alternate between the two, no problems. Although I just bought a new set of shoes, and cleats, and while in the trainer (setting up the shoes) the first thing I noticed was how much harder it was to unclip. I guess well-worn cleats are easier to unclip (who would have guessed?).
Those that ride clipless daily don't get stuck in the clips. I suppose I never think about how to remove the foot from the pedal, just put the foot down. Hopefully going back to toe clips someday won't be a big problem.
But, if being away from the bike for a few months gets you out of practice, then stopping for a few months installing flats, then putting the clipless on for a day, then going back to flats will be more difficult as you'll lose the instinctual smooth unclip and put foot down motion, and always have to think.. "oh, clipless... so now what,... twist, ..."
04-21-17, 02:34 PM
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I am a long time clipless rider who has also switched to platform pedals.
04-21-17, 04:12 PM
#32
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04-21-17, 04:47 PM
#33
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I hear you, I have no use for clipless pedals (I also don't understand the terminology, the have bloody clips!!!)
I use these pedals:
VP-196 - VP Components
And with them, these strapless nylon clips:
VP-700 - VP Components
Best of worlds for me. The pedals are light-weight, all alloy, only 264g/pair, with nice smooth sealed roller bearings.
The clips are awesome - I initially installed the same VP brand nylon ones, but the kind with the straps, they were pretty good, but I sometimes felt a bit too "locked in", even though I left the straps loose.
Then I gave the strapless ones a try, and honestly, I found they have all of the benefits of the strap variety, with no discernible downside (IE, I get nice firm footing, never slip off the pedals, and can still pedal on the upstroke to the same degree if I want), but I am never "locked in", I can get both in and out of these instantly with any kind of shoes. Plus, they look nice and sleek, not clunky like the strapped variety do.
Give them a try, you might find these to be a great alternative as I did.
Cheers
TRJB
I use these pedals:
VP-196 - VP Components
And with them, these strapless nylon clips:
VP-700 - VP Components
Best of worlds for me. The pedals are light-weight, all alloy, only 264g/pair, with nice smooth sealed roller bearings.
The clips are awesome - I initially installed the same VP brand nylon ones, but the kind with the straps, they were pretty good, but I sometimes felt a bit too "locked in", even though I left the straps loose.
Then I gave the strapless ones a try, and honestly, I found they have all of the benefits of the strap variety, with no discernible downside (IE, I get nice firm footing, never slip off the pedals, and can still pedal on the upstroke to the same degree if I want), but I am never "locked in", I can get both in and out of these instantly with any kind of shoes. Plus, they look nice and sleek, not clunky like the strapped variety do.
Give them a try, you might find these to be a great alternative as I did.
Cheers
TRJB
04-21-17, 04:53 PM
#34
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Lol at myself. I am thinking, 'Wow those pedals are 40 grams lighter than what I have on my touring bike right now."
No, see, it Really matters--- that's an Ounce and a Half .... on my Touring Bike. The bolts holding all my racks on weight that much, probably.
I can't decide if weight weenieism is an addiction or a disease,... but it is hard to shake.
No, see, it Really matters--- that's an Ounce and a Half .... on my Touring Bike. The bolts holding all my racks on weight that much, probably.
I can't decide if weight weenieism is an addiction or a disease,... but it is hard to shake.
04-21-17, 05:19 PM
#36
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I switch back and forth all time time, if i'm going on a group ride or any ride longer then about 10 miles I will take my primary bike with clip-less pedals. If i'm just getting out alone or any ride less then about 10 miles i just take my older bike with flat pedals..
just depends on the situation, I think once you've done it a couple times there is no trouble going back and forth.
just depends on the situation, I think once you've done it a couple times there is no trouble going back and forth.
04-21-17, 05:21 PM
#37
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To chime in I hung up my SPD pedals and shoes years ago. All the bikes I ride outdoors have clips and straps ( I rarely tighten the straps ) and my roller and stationary trainer bikes both have flat pedals without clips. I wear tennis shoes all the time even on my longest rides. I'm the guy in jeans ( I may have bike shorts on underneath ) and tennis shoes with beer where my water bottle should be.
04-21-17, 08:45 PM
#38
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Shimano Click'R pedals are intended for those new to clipless, or desire a clipless system where one can can unclip instantaneously in any direction with moderate, little, or no resistance. Click'R falls functionally between pinned platforms, and traditional clipless
SHIMANO CLICK'R - TECHNOLOGIES - CYCLING FOOTWEAR AND PEDALS - LIFESTYLE GEAR - SHIMANO
SHIMANO CLICK'R - TECHNOLOGIES - CYCLING FOOTWEAR AND PEDALS - LIFESTYLE GEAR - SHIMANO
04-21-17, 09:24 PM
#39
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For the life of me, I do not understand why anyone would want a pedal that releases your foot if you pull straight up.
04-21-17, 09:46 PM
#40
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If the OP is using SPD then he may have the wrong cleats or just have the release tension set too high. Most people who use SPD pedals don't realize that Shimano makes two different cleats.
Sometimes aggressive riders get SH56 cleats, pull out when riding hard and come to the conclusion that SPD is a poor design or somehow unsafe. Sometimes more casual riders get SH51 cleats, can't unclip and come to the same conclusion, that SPD is unsafe. Switching usually solves the problem.
I'd be interested to hear if the OP is using SPD and if so, what type of cleat he has and what the release tension is.
-Tim-
- SH51 "Single release" cleats only release when the heel is rotated to the side. These are designed for aggressive riding and racing.
- SH56 "Multi release" cleats release when the heel is rotated to the side or lifted. These are designed for riders new to clipless, urban riders who have to unclip frequently, touring, etc.
Sometimes aggressive riders get SH56 cleats, pull out when riding hard and come to the conclusion that SPD is a poor design or somehow unsafe. Sometimes more casual riders get SH51 cleats, can't unclip and come to the same conclusion, that SPD is unsafe. Switching usually solves the problem.
I'd be interested to hear if the OP is using SPD and if so, what type of cleat he has and what the release tension is.
-Tim-
Last edited by TimothyH; 04-21-17 at 09:53 PM.
04-21-17, 10:58 PM
#42
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I never did try any of this shenanigans. Flat pedals with the ball of my foot in the middle.
I guess a foot slipped once in my whole life. Does it make me slower? I doubt it. The less my foot does, the better. IMO. Power/ weight goes directly down my leg bones. Dozens of times I needed instant leg movements to stop falls or the bike flew out from under me.
One time I did a slowish slide on sand and decided to land on my knee instead of my hip/ arm, not so good. The top of the leg bone cracked and had a lump for 8 months. Was sore to touch for 3 weeks. Stayed off for 3 days and tootled for a couple weeks. 3 other times I landed simultaneously on both knees and both palm heels, like a cat, ha. The road made dents in the skin all 4 spots also.
PS-- Actually I meant the arch of my foot in the middle.
I guess a foot slipped once in my whole life. Does it make me slower? I doubt it. The less my foot does, the better. IMO. Power/ weight goes directly down my leg bones. Dozens of times I needed instant leg movements to stop falls or the bike flew out from under me.
One time I did a slowish slide on sand and decided to land on my knee instead of my hip/ arm, not so good. The top of the leg bone cracked and had a lump for 8 months. Was sore to touch for 3 weeks. Stayed off for 3 days and tootled for a couple weeks. 3 other times I landed simultaneously on both knees and both palm heels, like a cat, ha. The road made dents in the skin all 4 spots also.
PS-- Actually I meant the arch of my foot in the middle.
Last edited by GamblerGORD53; 04-22-17 at 07:47 AM.
04-22-17, 07:37 AM
#44
Senior Member
I never did try any of this shenanigans. Flat pedals with the ball of my foot in the middle.
I guess a foot slipped once in my whole life. Does it make me slower? I doubt it. The less my foot does, the better. IMO. Power/ weight goes directly down my leg bones. Dozens of times I needed instant leg movements to stop falls or the bike flew out from under me.
I guess a foot slipped once in my whole life. Does it make me slower? I doubt it. The less my foot does, the better. IMO. Power/ weight goes directly down my leg bones. Dozens of times I needed instant leg movements to stop falls or the bike flew out from under me.
04-22-17, 08:15 AM
#45
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I never used clipless pedals and have no desire to try. I am comfortable using platforms or pedals with toe clips, can wear any type of shoes I want.
04-22-17, 08:21 AM
#46
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04-22-17, 08:43 AM
#47
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I prefer using plain platform pedals, without clips or straps, and have been happy using them for the last 64 years.
Last edited by I-Like-To-Bike; 04-22-17 at 08:46 AM.
04-22-17, 08:56 AM
#48
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Apparently not so for the numerous BF posters who post umpteen posts seeking a crowd sourced consensus opinion before choosing bicycles and their parts or confirmation of the correctness of their purchasing decisions already made: what do you guys think I should buy?/do you guys think I should buy this or that?/ do you guys think I bought the right bicycle thing?
I prefer using plain platform pedals, without clips or straps, and have been happy using them for the last 64 years.
I prefer using plain platform pedals, without clips or straps, and have been happy using them for the last 64 years.
Simply helps with the learning curve.
04-22-17, 11:11 AM
#49
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Its funny how I have "adapted" to clipless pedals over the years. I feel connected to my bike and pedaling becomes more efficient. I ride trails and road pretty much knowing I'll be on the bike for an hour or two without getting off, perhaps if I went on technical mountain trails or if I did riding on heavy traffic I would give flat pedals a chance just in case of a quick dismount.
04-22-17, 11:39 AM
#50
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One thing often ignored in discussions about clipless is that there are lots of different clipless pedals, and some behave very differently than others.
I HATE spd pedals, and if those were the only option out there, I would never have stuck with clipless.
I tried Frogs and I love them. For me they are ridiculously easy and fast to get in and out of. I can drop a foot in a hard corner and be clipped back in by the end of the next pedal stroke. They are not for everyone, though (evidenced by the fact that very few people use them).
My point is that just because you may not have liked one kind of clipless pedal does not necessarily mean that you won't like any of them.
I HATE spd pedals, and if those were the only option out there, I would never have stuck with clipless.
I tried Frogs and I love them. For me they are ridiculously easy and fast to get in and out of. I can drop a foot in a hard corner and be clipped back in by the end of the next pedal stroke. They are not for everyone, though (evidenced by the fact that very few people use them).
My point is that just because you may not have liked one kind of clipless pedal does not necessarily mean that you won't like any of them.