Clipless Pedals
12-05-11 | 01:20 PM
#77
pan y agua
Joined: Aug 2005
Posts: 31,809
Likes: 1,232
From: Jacksonville
Bikes: Willier Zero 7; Merlin Extralight; Calfee Dragonfly tandem, Calfee Adventure tandem; Cervelo P2; Motebecane Ti Fly 29er; Motebecanne Phantom Cross; Schwinn Paramount Track bike
Common sense says to me that the crank arm and pedal don't need much help being efficient on the upstroke. Even though there is a minute dead spot, research just doesn't point to an advantage. Here's a study I ran across recently: https://www.thieme-connect.com/ejour...s-2008-1038374
It doesn't say that you can't sprint, climb, and time trial faster with clipless pedals versus platforms.
It would be pretty easy to do a study measuring time on various TT courses, and maximum sprinting speed. I'd bet dollars to donuts, the clock would show an advantage to clipless.
As for my own anecdote, 2 years ago at the Tour of Bahamas I was 2nd in the Circuit race, 3rd on GC after the time trial, and only needed to finish the Road race with the group I was in to finish on th podium, when my cleat imploded. After riding 20 plus miles barefoot on speedplays I abandonded. Stif shoes, and clipless pedals are definitely advantageous.
__________________
You could fall off a cliff and die.
You could get lost and die.
You could hit a tree and die.
OR YOU COULD STAY HOME AND FALL OFF THE COUCH AND DIE.
You could fall off a cliff and die.
You could get lost and die.
You could hit a tree and die.
OR YOU COULD STAY HOME AND FALL OFF THE COUCH AND DIE.
12-05-11 | 02:02 PM
#78
Senior Member
Joined: May 2011
Posts: 1,421
Likes: 1
From: NoVA
Bikes: Specialized Allez Sport
That study doesn't begin to say what you want it to. It simply says they didn't find a significant efficiency advantage at submaximal efforts.
It doesn't say that you can't sprint, climb, and time trial faster with clipless pedals versus platforms.
It would be pretty easy to do a study measuring time on various TT courses, and maximum sprinting speed. I'd bet dollars to donuts, the clock would show an advantage to clipless.
It doesn't say that you can't sprint, climb, and time trial faster with clipless pedals versus platforms.
It would be pretty easy to do a study measuring time on various TT courses, and maximum sprinting speed. I'd bet dollars to donuts, the clock would show an advantage to clipless.
12-05-11 | 03:14 PM
#79
Steel80's
Joined: Feb 2007
Posts: 684
Likes: 43
From: NJ
Bikes: Breezer Venturi, Schwinn Peloton, Marin Lucas Valley
Ow! I had a pair of Dueggi's, I'd forgotten just how uncomfortable they were, especially on long rides. The cleats would squeak, and loosen up since they only had 1 screw, and you couldn't walk in them. In comparison, clipless shoes are a vast improvement. But you can wear a touring shoe or Chuck Taylor's and do just fine with toeclips.
Clipless is lighter, or course, and it's easy to wear booties for winter riding. I don't get a speed difference, but my efforts are "sub-optimal"
Clipless is lighter, or course, and it's easy to wear booties for winter riding. I don't get a speed difference, but my efforts are "sub-optimal"
12-05-11 | 08:07 PM
#80
Old fart
Joined: Nov 2004
Posts: 26,329
Likes: 5,239
From: Appleton WI
Bikes: Several, mostly not name brands.
12-05-11 | 09:17 PM
#82
The space coyote lied.
Joined: Sep 2008
Posts: 48,697
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From: dusk 'til dawn.
Bikes: everywhere
12-06-11 | 01:46 PM
#85
Senior Member
Joined: May 2011
Posts: 1,421
Likes: 1
From: NoVA
Bikes: Specialized Allez Sport
12-06-11 | 02:16 PM
#86
Señor Blues
Joined: Jul 2009
Posts: 1,598
Likes: 6
From: upstate NY
Bikes: Cannondale CAAD 10, Breezer Venturi Custom Build, IRO Singlespeed
12-06-11 | 02:17 PM
#87
I got 99 problems....
Joined: Aug 2008
Posts: 2,087
Likes: 3
From: Does anyone know where the love of God goes, when the waves turn the minutes to hours?
For those of you considering clipless, let me tell you how it is:
The day you start using clipless, you will probably be disappointed that you did not gain 2 mph (just like you were when you got those new wheels). But....
After riding only a thousand miles clipless, try going back to platforms.
- That is when it becomes immediately and unequivocably obvious that clipless gives you more power.
- That is when you know you made the right choice.
- That is when you know that all the peeps who said clipless isn't any better were plum outta their gourds.
- That is when you can author awesome posts like this.
The day you start using clipless, you will probably be disappointed that you did not gain 2 mph (just like you were when you got those new wheels). But....
After riding only a thousand miles clipless, try going back to platforms.
- That is when it becomes immediately and unequivocably obvious that clipless gives you more power.
- That is when you know you made the right choice.
- That is when you know that all the peeps who said clipless isn't any better were plum outta their gourds.
- That is when you can author awesome posts like this.
