I'm gonna go back to Standard Pedals
04-29-17, 05:43 PM
#101
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I just started using Shimano Click R Pedals (SHIMANO PD-T400 SPD PEDALS) at Jenson USA for 14.50 plus shipping - Total about $21.00 (cheapest I could find anywhere) and they work great, I really don't think they could be any easier to get out. If it was for these I may have given up on clipless for same reasons as you. Hope that helps.
04-29-17, 08:31 PM
#102
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For fun I took my SPD's off my road bike and put on my platforms. Not sure what they are, Wellgo M248 looks about right (going off a websearch--originally they had toe clips and straps, but I hated them so it's a bare platform). My legs were tired from this week but I wanted to do my "hill" ride for the first time this season (26miles, mapmyride said 3,000 feet of climbing this time, lots of short&steep hills, at least for me).
My initial thoughts? Meh...
I'm guessing clipless "cover some sins" in pedaling. I found my feet coming off the pedals early in the ride, when I would be working harder at a higher cadence. The rest of the time it seemed I had to spend some time "chasing" my foot, as it just wouldn't stay in one spot. Heel strike on the bottom bracket a couple of times. Another sin was shifting under power. I know when to let off and usually it's not an issue. Well, at least once my foot came off on a shift: the chain had skipped. I had a pedal rotate under my foot a couple of times, not sure why. Finally, I realized that most of the time I ride platforms I wear something like a hiking boot. With a step under the heel. That works great, although it tends to put the pedal axle under the arch of my foot--but I have less problems riding like that than today with sneakers, so it must make a difference, that step.
The wider platform did feel better, less foot discomfort: but I suspect more stiff sneakers would be good. Along with a pedal that has pins to control foot movement. I think I'll look for another pair of pedals, perhaps even wider, with pins, to try next.
My initial thoughts? Meh...
I'm guessing clipless "cover some sins" in pedaling. I found my feet coming off the pedals early in the ride, when I would be working harder at a higher cadence. The rest of the time it seemed I had to spend some time "chasing" my foot, as it just wouldn't stay in one spot. Heel strike on the bottom bracket a couple of times. Another sin was shifting under power. I know when to let off and usually it's not an issue. Well, at least once my foot came off on a shift: the chain had skipped. I had a pedal rotate under my foot a couple of times, not sure why. Finally, I realized that most of the time I ride platforms I wear something like a hiking boot. With a step under the heel. That works great, although it tends to put the pedal axle under the arch of my foot--but I have less problems riding like that than today with sneakers, so it must make a difference, that step.
The wider platform did feel better, less foot discomfort: but I suspect more stiff sneakers would be good. Along with a pedal that has pins to control foot movement. I think I'll look for another pair of pedals, perhaps even wider, with pins, to try next.
Cheers
TRJB
04-30-17, 06:00 AM
#103
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04-30-17, 06:06 AM
#104
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Right now I have "rat trap" MKS touring pedals with "deep" clips from MKS that accommodates any shoe. I am considering a set of Kona Wah Wah for camping trips.
04-30-17, 08:12 AM
#105
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Still like my SPD's, now if I could just find a decent shoe to go with them.
04-30-17, 10:31 AM
#106
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The best thing about good old platforms, is that you can vary the position of your feet on the pedals, according to changes in conditions/terrain, or just at various intervals of time; and that REALLY lessens fatigue- not just on your feet, but on your entire lower body. Being locked into one position for an entire ride with clipless, is oppressive!
Even if there were a noticeable benefit with clipless, it still wouldn't be enough to compensate for the reduced fatigue of platforms.
I find being able to change foot position especially helpful when climbing- which I do a lot of.
Even if there were a noticeable benefit with clipless, it still wouldn't be enough to compensate for the reduced fatigue of platforms.
I find being able to change foot position especially helpful when climbing- which I do a lot of.
04-30-17, 10:49 AM
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The best thing about good old platforms, is that you can vary the position of your feet on the pedals, according to changes in conditions/terrain, or just at various intervals of time; and that REALLY lessens fatigue- not just on your feet, but on your entire lower body. Being locked into one position for an entire ride with clipless, is oppressive!
Even if there were a noticeable benefit with clipless, it still wouldn't be enough to compensate for the reduced fatigue of platforms.
I find being able to change foot position especially helpful when climbing- which I do a lot of.
Even if there were a noticeable benefit with clipless, it still wouldn't be enough to compensate for the reduced fatigue of platforms.
I find being able to change foot position especially helpful when climbing- which I do a lot of.
04-30-17, 10:36 PM
#108
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Safe clipless pedals...
Shimano Click R Pedals (SHIMANO PD-T400 SPD PEDALS) at Jenson USA fit into my Shimano rode bike shoes had the cleat connect for both rode cleats (3) and mtn bike (SPD) 2 holes, so I was able to use the same shoes. But any standard SPD shoe (2 holes) should work. 2 hole mounting brackets came with the pedals. It nuts how much these pedals vary in price but I got mine dirt cheap.
Last edited by PastorJim; 04-30-17 at 10:41 PM. Reason: For clarity
05-09-17, 06:53 PM
#109
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Picked up a bike this weekend that had toe clips with the plastic bit that holds the strap up. I tried them out on a quick 21 mile ride. I could probably get used to getting into them but they are more work than SPD. But they allow regular shoes. But if I don't get in I drag the plastic, which makes riding on uneven ground kinda annoying. Kicking out though was easy, just like SPD. More practice I bet.
Made a mistake though: didn't change the seat position. I *think* I rode with my feet a bit more forward. Maybe my legs were worn out from the weekend but I've had tight soleus's since, particularly bad today (2nd day off the bike). I'm a bit reluctant to mess with the seat on this bike, as it's seemingly dialed in. Not sure if I can switch between the two pedals easily on the same bike.
Made a mistake though: didn't change the seat position. I *think* I rode with my feet a bit more forward. Maybe my legs were worn out from the weekend but I've had tight soleus's since, particularly bad today (2nd day off the bike). I'm a bit reluctant to mess with the seat on this bike, as it's seemingly dialed in. Not sure if I can switch between the two pedals easily on the same bike.
05-10-17, 06:56 AM
#110
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05-10-17, 07:21 AM
#111
Fredly Fredster
I could see why someone who lives in an urban area would prefer flats over clipless. If I had to stop and start frequently, I wouldn't use clipless. My clipless pedals are one of the easiest brands to use... Speedplay Frogs. They are double-sided and simple to clip in and out of. Plus mountain bike shoes are much more practical than road shoes. Mountain bike shoes are just as comfortable and durable as any good hiking shoe in my experience.
05-10-17, 07:20 PM
#112
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I could see why someone who lives in an urban area would prefer flats over clipless. If I had to stop and start frequently, I wouldn't use clipless. My clipless pedals are one of the easiest brands to use... Speedplay Frogs. They are double-sided and simple to clip in and out of. Plus mountain bike shoes are much more practical than road shoes. Mountain bike shoes are just as comfortable and durable as any good hiking shoe in my experience.
