Hey guys, new to the forum/community. I recently started cycling again and stumbled across these 2-Step Cleats on Kickstarter. Something I noticed was how sore and strained my muscles feel after cycling for even just a little bit, I think it has to do with how strenuously I’m pedaling against uphill courses. The cleats supposedly help with this? I’ve been looking around for something to help ease my way back into it and these seem promising but i’m still not sure, should I go for it, or do you guys recommend something else?

I can't seem to post links on here yet, so if you could help me out by just searching for: "2-Step Cleats: Clip Into Optimized Pedaling" on Google, it should be the first website.

Thanks!

Brandon

They seem kind of gimmicky. Two different positions for more efficient pedaling? I'd just find a type of pedal you like, whether it's platform pedals or some kind of foot retention, i.e. clipless pedals. These have a proven, decades-long track record. When you're just starting to ride bikes again, you can expect to have some soreness unless you ease yourself into it very gradually. If it doesn't subside on its own soon, I'd check with your doctor. Going to some newfangled pedal design on Kickstarter doesn't seem like the most prudent response.

I would think heel down pedaling would accomplish the same thing, but if you want to try them go for it.

John

If you recently started cycling then you are going to have to build up your muscles. Until then you are going to experience sore and strained muscles. As you build up your muscles, you'll be able to cycle further and faster without the strain you are currently experiencing..

As far as those pedal go? I'd personally take a hard pass on them..

oh, hell no. those look terrible.

But they make you 20% more efficient!!

Are they 20, or 30% more efficient? Sign me up!

These would be even more versatile.

https://www.powergrips.com/

If your legs are sore during and after you ride your bike and you pedal strenuously going up hills, then your problem isn't cleats or lack of cleats. It's likely that you just pedal in too hard a gear. Shift to a lower gear if you have one. If you don't have low enough gears, then you need to remedy that by either getting the stuff to give you lower gearing on that bike or buy a different bike that has the lower gearing.

IMO, you really only need cleats once you get to the point where you are developing a high cadence and your feet no longer can stay firmly on the pedals.

Circling back to this thread raises a couple of questions:

Who's giving odds on the OP being associated with the Kickstarter? I'll take some of that action.
Is the kickstarter page supposed to be funny/satire?
How in the blue **** is a $5000 funding goal going to get manufacturing for something like this off the ground?

I thought the same and then I also wonder who the backers of it are.. Family, friends, socks who backed it? No way in heck that project comes even close to meeting it's goal.

My opinion..

30% more efficient, wow all the big money teams must be using them.

I didn't see anywhere what pedals these cleats are supposed to fit. What if I buy a set and can't use them?

SPD-SL. From their Kickstarter -

I think the better question is what if you buy them and don't want to use them because they are.... Well, ya know..

This looks too much like a Kickstarter promotion that violates Bike Forums solicitation rules. Thread closed.