Toe strap pedals
 

I just picked up some toe strap pedals from my lbs. I've never used toe straps before so I don't know how these are exactly supposed to fit, but they feel like the shoe should slip in a little deeper. Do these come in larger sizes or is this the correct fit for the straps? The cycling shoes are a size 12.

http://www.johnbencina.com/cyclingshoes.jpg

Are these shoes for clipless pedals? I've ridden my friends' bikes with my bike shoes and it did feel like I was not slipped all the way in, I felt the same way in plastic toe clips with regular shoes.

Last I remember, toe clips came in S, M & L. Looks like your shoes have mounting holes for clipless pedals, something to consider if you want to take the plunge to more efficient cycling. Toe straps worked for millions of us for years, but clipless are a big improvement.

The shoes can be used with clipless. My regular sneakers feel the same way, but these are narrower so they slip in easier. I'm thinking I should either try putting a plastic wedge on the bottom to extend the cage outward and see what happens. Unfortunately the box says these pedals are a large.

I considered getting clipless pedals, but don't know how I feel riding in busy areas with them. My daily route takes me across a busy bike path, and I'm frequently stopping at stop lights on my other routes. I know people ride through NYC with clipless, but I'm hesitant to plunk down money for pedals which I'm not sure I'll like

it looks those are mountain bike shoes. If they are then there won't be a lot of trouble with clipless pedals. Most mtb pedals are double sided and they're easy to get in and out of .

the weird thing about using bike shoes with toe clips is that the shoes angle up at the toes. This made riding my friends' bikes with toe clips feel awkward because the shoes didn't feel planted on the pedal.

Are you referring to how far forward the shoe lies over the pedal (if so, the ball of your foot should be approximately over the pedal spindle; toe clips are available in several lengths to accommodate this. A size 12 will probably need a "large" or "long" clip), or how far the pedal sinks into the sole of your shoe?

To get decent foot retention you can install slotted cleats:
http://os2.dhs.org/~john/rivat.jpg
Yellow Jersey has a good variety of cleats, including some that convert modern shoes to traditional slotted cleats.

I don't think he wants cleats, he want to use the clips because he is afriad of being too locked in with clipless.
The first problem is the lugged sole mtb shoe wasn't meant to use that way and they might get snagged or stuck when you're trying to get out quickly.
In the last century I used those awful foot torture devices and I was able to obtain xxl clips from Christophe which I was able to bend to make more room for my feet.
If you get some SPD type pedals and loosen the tension and practice you will be fine.

My other concern is that I've pretty much torn up most of the cartilage in my left hip which limits the rotation of my left leg. I tend to keep my left foot pointed outward. The straps have lateral give which lets me pivot my foot for a little more comfort.

I don't know if the unclipping motion of the clipless pedals will irritate my injury.

Get Power Straps.

I ride on them and they are awesome.

Here is a picture of what they look like on my bike.


http://www.bikeforums.net/attachment...1&d=1248053746

That's a tough one. I do have one pair of SPD type pedals that are so worn out that they unclip with any side pressure at all.
Back when I used clips and straps I had "touring shoes". These were made for clips and straps and they had flat, smooth soles but the sole was very stiff. Good for walking and easy to get in and out of the straps. You can still get shoes like that.
The power straps might be another option. Super easy to get out of.

Flat pedals or clipless. Toe clips are more trouble and less safe than either.

Yes, the Power Straps are super easy to get out of, especially since they are fully adjustable. I have a wide foot and have more than enough room to put my whole foot through.

+1. Clipping out of clipless pedals MAY irritate the OP's injury, but if he has a fall while in the toeclips I suspect it will do a whole lot more damage.

If you can't get larger clips, you can space them out with longer bolts.
I have some on a commuter bike which I've spaced out with long bolts and valve stem washers.

Definitely. I rode with toe straps and cleated shoes for years, but one without the other is pointless and clipless is much better. If you're just riding around errands or whatever then plain flat pedals are easy too.

I commute on my MTB about 400 miles a month on old-school pedals in street shoes, and put another 600 miles a month on my road bike with Speedplays, in Sidis. Both ways work fine for the purpose.

you can also add a few drops of lube to the pedals. You'll unclip with 0 effort.

go clipless

If you never rode with straps and slotted cleats then you don;t know how much more of a pain and a danger (in heavy traffic for beginners) they might be.

Slip foot in, seat the cleat, reach down and pull on strap to tighten, ride, then when stopping reach down to loosen strap, pull up and out, repeat.

Clipless are much easier and more efficient, step on, ride, small rotation out, done.

You can set up the clipless cleats to be near maximum angle when riding so the clip out is really easy 4 degrees or something. Most people have trouble because they have the cleats angled so that they have to swing way out before it disengages.

Sounds like you should go with a loose powergrip or just a flat pedal if you have major damage.

+1

speedplay's x series have massive amounts of float (26º). you can put your foot in almost any position

in this modern day and age there is no good reason to ride with clips and staps

After returning the pedals to the bike shop last night, I decided to go with a set of clipless pedals. I'm going there to test them out tonight and see how they feel, but I'm looking at a set of 5050 which I think might be best for me.