Kind of... I use SPD 'mountain' pedals (MO520) and even though they really don't have a platform, I find it no problem at all riding a mile or so to the coffee shop in regular shoes or even flip flops. Also using a system (like SPD) with a recessed cleat give one a lot of flexibility to get regular looking shoes (or sandals) with clipless that are easy to walk in.

Al

Yes, it makes a world of difference.

As all the other posters have said:

- much more efficient pedal stroke;
- safer on the road (when you crash the bike tends to separate from the rider).

Just do it!

Yeah, why is it they make road shoes impossible to walk in with that cleat sticking out of the bottom of the shoe so far?

Just an anecdote, take it for what its worth: when I was in college (dating myself here) a buddy of mine upgraded his "big red" Trek 970 mtn bike with clipless pedals. Several months later, he got himself a Rock Shox Mag 21. Because I was looking to upgrade my bike, but only had money to afford either clipless pedals/shoes OR front suspension, I asked him which he thought was a better upgrade. No hesitation, he said the clipless pedals.

BTW, aren't most of those track riders clipped AND strapped in? That is what I understand is common, though I honestly can't tell from those photos. I may be wrong on that.

Also, as someone may have noted above, the trackies' straps are much tighter than you would ordinarily run, if you ever want to tae your foot out at a stoplight, etc. I actually find clipless easier to get out of than anything other than the very loosest clip/strap setup.

Wat Aussie sed above....NJS requires dbl strapped toe clips. Pulling out of a pedal in a fixed gear is certain and very ugly disaster.

There was quite a noticeable difference in going from platforms to clips/straps; but there was a very small difference in going from clips/straps to clipless. If you're more of a masher, there's probably no difference. If you're more of a spinner, then that might make some difference.

I've taken the first step -- gotten some ATB shoes that are SPD compatible. Just the extra stiffness seems to have given my clipped arrangement a 1-2 MPH increase. But now I'm a little worried. Had a bike mechanic tell me this weekend that she once was ticketed for riding at night without reflectorized pedals. Well, clipless are usually un-reflectorized, and the reflectors they put on the "legal" clipless pedals tend to come off.

Anyone else have run-ins with the law over clip-less pedals?

I disagree with this. There is a big difference and it is that you don't have to reach with your hand to release tension on a strap to get your foot out of the pedal everytime you come to a stop and then reach down to tighten it again when you go.

Most (if not all) road shoes have reflective material on the heel and side. This should satisfy that requirement.

I use mountain pedals and shoes on all my bikes, a leftover from messengering and I don't see that big of a difference from my Carnac/Look days. Plus I don't have to walk around like a duck when I'm posing at the Starbucks.


I know folks will say that there is a huge difference in stiffness and other BS, but I really doubt that mtn bike racers would settle for second rate flexy pedals and shoes. Plus as I gaze at my fall pasta belly I don't think it's my shoes that are holding me back.

The other benefits of double sided mtn pedals for a clydesdale are if one side breaks you have the other side to get you home.

Me, I'll never go back to walking like a duck.

For whatever its worth, Sidi Genius, which is probably the most popular road shoe there is, do not. Or at least mine don't appear to have any. I don't think my old Diadoras did either, but I'll have to check on that. You can correct me if I'm wrong.

Get them. We haven't had any "Clipless Newb tips over at lights" threads lately.

Unless your clips are strapped really tight to your shoes, (to the point where you can't pull out) there will be more inefficiencies than using clipless. IMO

T.J.

Some Candy C pedals will let you use road or mtn shoes. You can even pedal them in sneakers too.

They are super fast to clip into also. In fact, I've clipped in accidently more than once when I was planning on coming to a stop.

I've done the same with Shimano SPDs. Gotta learn to rest the arch or side of foot on pedal after unclipping.
Al

I was in the same boat. Just bought a new bike and am not used to clipless. I asked the LBS to put on a pedal and straps until I got used to riding again (I will try clipless on a roller this winter.) When I go all clipless, I will return the pedal and straps back to them if they want. I clipless shoes are coming on Friday so I will get a chance to try them out soon hopefully. So far I've been riding two days with straps and haven't fallen yet- although I did come close once when I decided to stop on a slight uphill.

Wow, I could imagine a crowd just screaming "Just DO it" I AM a college student and in a tight@$$ budget after all, so wanted to be 100% sure going clipless is worth my allowance - and I'm now pretty much convinced I will now pedal to mach speed to my LBS. Thanks for the feedback.

Because almost everything to do with road cycling comes from road racing, or is trying to emulate road racing. There's no walking in road bike racing.

Hmm, my Specialized do and so do my Shimano road shoes.

Hey, I've been riding clipless for years now and I tipped over at a light just last weekend...first time in years.

It may be theoretically possible for a rider using clips and straps to be just as efficient on the upstroke as one using clipless, but I bet you that efficiency will degrade over time.

I have owned decent shoes, clips, and straps. No matter what the setup, all of the straps become loose during the course of the ride. My foot begins to wobble around inside the pedal. This has got to decrease efficiency.

Clipless pedals don't have this problem. You are always connected and don't ever feel a loss.

Note that all of the track sprinters in the pictures above use DOUBLE straps. This is, presumably, becuase single straps loosen over time. Also, are these double-strap setups commercially available? How easy are they to get into and out of? They look pretty difficult to me, and the extra effort would presumably negate any safety advantage of clips and straps for us non-track riders.

My Trek 2100 came with SPD clipless pedals. I had them switch to toe clips to make it easy for me to get back into cycling. I didn't want to hassle with learning clipless while learning new bike routes. I also didn't want to spend money on shoes right away until I knew what I wanted.

I had trouble using the toe clips with certain shoes. I would keep the toe clips loose, I never adjusted them. When I cycled in my two pairs of walking shoes, it felt like I was pedaling with my toes. The only shoes that felt good was a pair of canvas topsiders, so I could pedal with the ball of my foot.

After two months and 300 miles, I decided to switch to the clipless pedals since I would hardly ever have to get out of the toe clips. I purchased the Shimano touring shoes that let you walk easily with the SPD clips. I adjusted the pedals on the loose setting and have been using them ever since.

lol...the majority of the responses run like a commercial for clip-in pedals!

Rolliepollie, I can tell one mans opinion, which won't be popular with the masses. I bought my road bike in 2004, with toe straps. I rode all of 2004 and early 05 with the straps. I made the switch partly due to all the hoopla touted by so many riders in my club. I installed the clip-ins and rode them from late June until October, about 873 miles. I didn't like them from day one. I wanted to take them off immediately but I gave them a chance to see if I would adjust to wearing them, but I didn't.

I made sure my measurements were correct, I aligned my cleats with my foot position on the pedal etc...I followed advice from experienced riders, and carmichael's book to no avail. It didn't matter what adjustment I made or position the shoes/clips were in - they were uncomfortable. I also did not notice any significant difference in efficiency and/or power. I coudn't climb any faster or longer etc. I was not faster in any way, nor did I gain any more noticable efficiency.

I did not feel any more 'connected' to my bike at all. In fact, I felt just the opposite.
With the clip-ins it seems that only a small portion of the shoe is in contact with the pedal, whereas with the toe straps there is more of your foot on the pedal, it feels more secure and stable. It may be a perception but I like being in the toe straps and cinched down tight. But I believe that most who boast of this new found improvement is really just a case of perception as well.

I have to laugh when you get new riders geting exclamatory on how you will improve 20%! Geez...it really is funny how a lot of new riders are brainwashed by marketing and shop owners/sales people. Perhaps if your in the pro peleton and are one of the best cyclists on the planet, then and only then could you maybe see a 20% increase. I would say that most if not all new riders have bikes that are better than them. So pedals are not going to make a huge difference. Work on endurance, strength, power, and smoothness first. Which isn't going to happen overnight, in fact it won't happen for a few years or more. Spend money on things that matter, such as a good helmet, safety, clothing gear, and a trainer.

Now, it seems that most of riders who favor clip-ins like the way they feel, so then that is the choice for each of them. I also have no doub t that if riders who like them are going to fully believe that they are better off using the clip-ins.
If they feel good, they ride better, they are happier. Which is the real point anyway.


Bottom line is, there is not the marked claimed 20% improvement for the typical average rider with average capability. I believe it is more hype than reality, because every individual is different, with varying needs. You should ride both before making a decision, if that is possible. Go with what feels best, and makes riding fun.

Not true at all. I grew up riding during the 80s and toe clips were it. I've ridden many thousands of miles with toe clips and the flat edged cleats that really freaking lock you to your bike. I resisted clipless pedals for quite a while for no logical reason whatsoever until I started riding mtb and fell over many times because I could not release the toe straps quick enough (yes, my mtb came with toe clips).

Anyway, I finally decided to give clipless a try on my road bike while commuting. I was aprehensive at first and my riding buddies all told me that it was only a matter of time until I fell over but as I rode them I got more comfortable with them and now I can't imagine going back to toe clips. Man, that would be a real step back...might as well suggest that downtube shifters are the wave of the future...or 5 speed freewheels...or centerpull brakes.

I'll say it again: clipless pedals are much better in that they are much more comfortable, much less of a pain in the ass to get in and out of, a little safer, the overall combination is lighter, and some people with dodgey knees need a lot of float, BUT compared to good clips, straps and shoes, they are no more efficient or 'speed increasing', or whatever.

Velco straps are just as likely to work loose over time, and leather straps are just as easy to re-tighten.

Track riders use double straps coz of their freaky power, and they can't risk pulling a foot in such short events.


Hinault, et al, and the bazillion other superstars before him had no problem with 'efficiciency' using single toe-straps -- in fact, perhaps LeMond decided to increase his efficiency be adding a strap to his TIme pedals in '89.






Perhaps the toe-straps helped LeMond snag the '89 World's

you're not bloody wrong!! All this 'increase you power' BS. A bunch of youngins regurgitating what the guy at the bike shop told them. Ask Curt Harnett if he thinks clipless pedals would've made him beat his 200m time of 9"865


The number 1 reason by a gazillion miles why clipless became so popular is the comfort factor