Clipless really worth it?
11-02-05 | 09:43 PM
#51
Infamous Member
Joined: Sep 2005
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From: Ohio
Bikes: Surly Big Dummy, Fuji World, 80ish Bianchi
Originally Posted by SDRider
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.
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.
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"Let us hope our weapons are never needed --but do not forget what the common people knew when they demanded the Bill of Rights: An armed citizenry is the first defense, the best defense, and the final defense against tyranny. If guns are outlawed, only the government will have guns. Only the police, the secret police, the military, the hired servants of our rulers. Only the government -- and a few outlaws. I intend to be among the outlaws" - Edward Abbey
11-02-05 | 11:01 PM
#52
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From: Oklahoma
Bikes: Trek 5500, Colnago C-50
If you think $150 is a lot for clipless pedals + shoes you need to re-think this. A good pair of road shoes will cost at least that much, and then there are the pedals.
Al
Al
11-02-05 | 11:52 PM
#53
Warning:Mild Peril
Joined: Jan 2005
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From: Seattle Refugee in Los Angeles
Bikes: Cilo, Surly Pacer, Kona Fire Mountain w/Bob Trailer, Scattante
Originally Posted by Al1943
If you think $150 is a lot for clipless pedals + shoes you need to re-think this. A good pair of road shoes will cost at least that much, and then there are the pedals.
Al
Al
Don't believe the hype.
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11-02-05 | 11:57 PM
#54
Thread Starter
Flying Pig
Joined: Oct 2005
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From: San Francisco, CA
Bikes: 06 Specialized Allez Sport, '10 Trek Fuel EX 7
Originally Posted by Al1943
If you think $150 is a lot for clipless pedals + shoes you need to re-think this. A good pair of road shoes will cost at least that much, and then there are the pedals.
Al
Al
11-03-05 | 12:17 AM
#55
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You can get really good stuff on sale this time of year...pedals that retail for $150-$170 for around $80. Shoes are tougher depending on what you need that fits your foot. If you can be patient and shop carefully, top end gear that's one or two seasons old but still in the box is the way to go. What was it? $75 for Look 396's? That's a great price for an excellent pedal.
Treespeed, your shoes might work great for you but don't be so quick to pass judgment on the more expensive gear. You might have got a great deal so count yourself lucky. Sometimes you have to get what fits. Sometimes its a good deal, sometimes it isn't. As mileage and workload go up, good shoes are worth as much as a good wheelset. Shoes, wheels, saddle...any place you come in contact with the bike and the bike contacts the ground is important.
Treespeed, your shoes might work great for you but don't be so quick to pass judgment on the more expensive gear. You might have got a great deal so count yourself lucky. Sometimes you have to get what fits. Sometimes its a good deal, sometimes it isn't. As mileage and workload go up, good shoes are worth as much as a good wheelset. Shoes, wheels, saddle...any place you come in contact with the bike and the bike contacts the ground is important.
11-03-05 | 05:19 AM
#56
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Joined: Oct 2004
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From: Melbourne in Australia
Bikes: Old 12-speed commuter, When I earn enough I'll get a fixed KHS flite 100
[QUOTE=Phantoj]The downside of clipless is that you always have to wear the fancy shoes when you want to ride. So you can't just hop on and ride a mile or two to the library or whereever. Or Starbucks, ha ha. But road bikes aren't ideal for that kind of utility riding, and you can buy inserts for your clipless pedals if that's important.
QUOTE]
I RECOMMEND SPD's 100%. YOU CAN WALK ON THEM LIKE REGULAR SHOES FOR HOURS. You can live with road shoes, but you DON'T HAVE to sacrifice being able to ride your bike to the shopping centre, meetings, office parties, strip clubs, whereever.
They are JUST AS EASY TO GET IN AND OUT, and THE DIFFERENCE IN PEDAL SURFACE makes a negligible difference.
SPD's eliminate most of the disadvantages of clipless pedals in day to day riding... cause we're not all Lance Armstrong.
QUOTE]
I RECOMMEND SPD's 100%. YOU CAN WALK ON THEM LIKE REGULAR SHOES FOR HOURS. You can live with road shoes, but you DON'T HAVE to sacrifice being able to ride your bike to the shopping centre, meetings, office parties, strip clubs, whereever.
They are JUST AS EASY TO GET IN AND OUT, and THE DIFFERENCE IN PEDAL SURFACE makes a negligible difference.
SPD's eliminate most of the disadvantages of clipless pedals in day to day riding... cause we're not all Lance Armstrong.
11-03-05 | 08:19 AM
#57
Красный Октябрь
Joined: Aug 2005
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From: Austin, Texas
Bikes: Kona Major Jake - CX/Gravel Kona Jake The Snake - Commuter, Pinarello Galileo - RoadieAF, Niner Air 9 - HT MTB.
Originally Posted by rolliepollie
I've browsed some forums and talked to a LBS and it seems clipless makes a world of difference even compared to regular clips and straps that I'm still using. Thing is, I'm not convinced yet that they're worth spending $150 for (pedals+shoes), plus the cost of maintenance. I mean I could "clip" onto the old-school straps within one second from a stop and I feel pretty connected to the pedals. The clipless system is stiffer, but why not just buy shoes with stiffer soles? I'm curious on other riders' experiences with switching from straps to clipless. Oh, if it helps, I like to do 30 miles (more once I get back in shape) each ride.
Eddy Merckx said they were the greatest single technological advance in cycling since he retired.
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11-03-05 | 08:37 AM
#58
Cat None
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From: San Diego
Bikes: LOOK KG 461, LeMond Zurich, Giant Talon 29er 0
Originally Posted by Treespeed
Talk about a sales pitch and a complete lie. You can get an efficient and comfortable shoe and pedal setup for under a $100. If performance is your goal then you are way better off putting more money into a better wheelset than wasting a bunch of money on shoes because of some BS bling factor. The most important thing for the shoes as with anything you wear is comfort. Don't let some blowhard forum member or salesperson tell you that you can only get $150 brand X shoes and pedals. It's a lie. Get what fits and what you can afford. Even the cheapest no name online store brands will last a couple of seasons until you can afford better and get to know what you want.
Don't believe the hype.
Don't believe the hype.
Last edited by SDRider; 11-03-05 at 10:48 AM.
11-03-05 | 10:42 AM
#59
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Joined: Jan 2005
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Deals are definitely to be had. For example, right now I could pick up a pair of Northwave Genetix road shoes from Nashbar for $90 plus shipping, and a pair of Time Impact Mag pedals from Competitive Cyclist for $85 plus shipping. For a little under $200, I would have what would have been pretty top of the line shoe/pedal combo just a year or two ago. (In fact, the Impact deal was so good, I picked up a pair for my winter bike, so I wouldn't have to switch cleats or shoes.) Obviously, step down a bit and you could do even better, probably easily into your $150 limit.
Now for the really important part: no matter how good the deal appears, you're just pi$$ing away your cash if the shoes don't fit properly, so make sure you either are absolutely sure of what you want/need and/or buy from someplace with a good return policy.
Now for the really important part: no matter how good the deal appears, you're just pi$$ing away your cash if the shoes don't fit properly, so make sure you either are absolutely sure of what you want/need and/or buy from someplace with a good return policy.
Last edited by Cycling Giraffe; 11-03-05 at 11:00 AM.
11-03-05 | 02:09 PM
#60
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Joined: Jan 2005
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From: Seattle Refugee in Los Angeles
Bikes: Cilo, Surly Pacer, Kona Fire Mountain w/Bob Trailer, Scattante
Originally Posted by puddin' legs
Treespeed, your shoes might work great for you but don't be so quick to pass judgment on the more expensive gear. You might have got a great deal so count yourself lucky. Sometimes you have to get what fits. Sometimes its a good deal, sometimes it isn't. As mileage and workload go up, good shoes are worth as much as a good wheelset. Shoes, wheels, saddle...any place you come in contact with the bike and the bike contacts the ground is important.
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Non semper erit aestas.
Non semper erit aestas.
11-03-05 | 08:21 PM
#61
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I was the biggest clipless pedal skeptic until I bought my new bike with clipless pedals, which 'forced' me to make the switch. It's one of those things that make you say "why didn't I listen to my friends and do this years ago" once you start using them.
