goldfishin

i'm starting to find it annoying. today i fell over and jammed my middle finger. why? because my left shoes was clipped in even though i didn't know it.

clipping in at light also sucks.

envane

You don't get the massive efficiency gains that is claimed.

So, if you don't like it, ditch it.

Me, I've done centuries on platforms, in sandals.

jaxgtr

Just means you need to practice more. If they are new, it may take a few weeks for them to loosen up a tad.

Wordbiker

I like clipless pedals, even raced DH with them.

I really don't see an issue with them.

StanSeven

If you have that problem, get rid of them. Clipless help a lot when you pedal hard and get the benefit of pulling up so there's 360 degree force on the pedal movement. If you don't know you are clipped in, go with regular pedals.

DataJunkie

I could ride a century in a speedo. So what?
<-- tired of I have done this in that so you don't need blah blah blah posts.

Anyhow, I love clipless pedals but they are not for everyone. If you do not like them put platforms on. Tis your life.

StephenH

I've never used them, and haven't really seen the need. Doesn't mean I "hate" them, just not overly interested in them.

I noticed at the last charity ride I was at, I went in the building to find a bathroom. They had hard floors, and it sounded like a parade of horses clipclopping in there. So I think there must have been about ten of us out 2,000 that weren't using them.

Sprocket Man

One of the things I do is to clip out several yards before I actually need to stop. That way you'll be guaranteed to have one foot free when you come to a complete stop.

But if you're not racing, and if you're not really serious about riding fast, I don't think it's really all that necessary. Platform pedals are cool, and as an added bonus, you can use them with almost any type of footwear.

Velo Dog

I don't HATE clipless, but I don't use it anymore. I've had different systems on three road bikes and a mountain bike, and they worked fine, but about two years ago I realized it was more a PITA than a help. I went back to old school toe clips and mountain shoes (lugged soles) without cleats. I'm no slower anywhere, don't get any more tired on long rides and I can go in for coffee without walking like a duck.

goldfishin

i do that too. problem is that i never tried to clip in.

Gonzlobo

Nope.

Kabloink

I still prefer loose clips over clipless. Super easy to get in and out of and you can even use them with sneakers.

JanMM

If I said I rode a century barefoot on platform pedals with pins that would not be true.
https://bmxbc.homestead.com/694.jpg

alanbikehouston

Clipless is pointless...unless you are a pro who gets fittings from the very best people in the field. Locking yourself to a pedal is an excellent way to create business for knee surgeons but not a good way to ride a bike.

For fitness and recreational cyclists, a good BMX pedal (one that fully supports the entire forward portion of the foot) is a better way to go. It enables you to select the best foot position for your needs at a given moment, but easily change your foot to another position. A GOOD BMX pedal "locks" to a rubber soled shoe or sandal and your foot can NOT come off the pedal by accident.

Rivendell sells both an expensive and an inexpensive BMX pedal made by MKS. Both are fine pedals, but the expensive one is built to last a lifetime.

There are folks who do not know how a bike works, and they delude themselves into thinking that they are "lifting" the pedals with their feet. Every scientific study done on pedals proves the opposite...as the pedal rises, it is lifting your foot and leg.

The speed of the bike depends on the speed of your cadence. A person who can maintain a 100 RPM cadence for an hour with clipless pedals can also maintain a 100 RPM cadence with BMX pedals.

The best part about BMX pedals? They work just as well with some $20 sandals as they do with any rubber soled shoes you own. Heck, they even work with "flip flops" for a ride to the beach.

Slackerprince

Look KEO are pretty forgiving.


S.

Wordbiker

Hooey.

SweetLou

That makes no sense at all. Why would pros use clipless then? If they can just as easily do the same work in platforms? What would be the benefit of the ugly shoes and expensive pedals?

As for bad for the knees, maybe, but not in my case. It is great for the knees. I have arthritis in my left knee, when I ride my clipless, I can easily pedal in circles, putting far less pressure on my knees. If I ride one of my bikes with platforms, I can only go a couple of miles and my knee will be hurting, especially the next day.

Since I now ride every day in clipless, my arthritic knee has not been bothering me. My cadence is about 110 to 120. I use a low gear and pedal fast. I can't do this on platform and must mash. I can't do this with clips, because I don't like to strap in and out. So, my foot wants to slip out when pulling back. I am testing Powergrips, but I seem to have the same problem of the foot wanting to slip out when pulling back.

To each their own, but for me, the only way to ride is clipless.

TalkingHead

i think they are neat, i tried them on a rental for one day and didnt enjoy it much. I would forget i was clipped in and almost fall at lights. LOL Im sure it becomes second nature once you ride a few weeks on them. For now i will stick with my BMX platforms, they grip my shoe well, for the riding i do i dont need to be stuck to the bike.

BarracksSi

I've found it easier to use clipless than toeclips. I never realized how much of a pain it is to flip a toeclip pedal *just enough* so I can stick my foot in there and not on top of the clip itself.

If you forget to unclip, you can't blame the pedals, just yourself; it's not the pedals' fault that you forgot. Make it a habit, and you'll be fine.

SpaceNerd

Clipless are less effort for me than toe clips. The real reason I use them is because the stiffness in my cheap shimano shoes is enough to stop my toes from falling asleep nearly as quickly. To me that makes them worth their weight in gold. Thats why I use them though. If you aren't finding any particular benifits then get rid of them. They'll probably loosen up the more you ride but they'll probably also sell on craigslist. Your choice.

Cyclaholic

what a crock

Sirrus Rider

Clipless has it place. Racing, long distance commuting, touring anytime where you need optimum power transfer. Any other time you'll be better served with a a pair of sneakers and bear traps especially if you know you're going to be dismounting and walking around frequently. Or where you know you need to reach for the ground quickly.

Rogue Leader

Thats why I'm buying a set for my road bike, that I prettymuch only use for training and triathlons, however my Mountain Bike I will stick with the old set of BMX pedals that are on there, I don't want to worry about unclipping in the middle of the woods while I'm headed for a tree....

DataJunkie

+1

That post does not even deserve a reply. I call BS.

cyclezealot

Not that one need be forced to use what they don't like . But, I can't believe they have been given enough time to work all the bugs out. I love them. Just pushing down , rather than the option of spinning. It makes my feet ache to think all the pressure is spent solely pushing down. Plus, I'd never, ever stand on pedals without the security of clipless. Never. Its like you are far more vunerable. And I hate having your shins knocked all the time by pedals. / Can't say , I have expereinced your complaint once you give them time and get truly acquainted with them.