Turns out clipless pedals no better than flat pedals
#151
Bike Mechanic
and I could care less how someone else chooses to ride as it does not have any affect on my riding
#152
Member
Join Date: Jun 2020
Posts: 31
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 12 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 11 Times
in
6 Posts
I just built my new bike, a single speed, and I decided that I was going to put platforms on it so that I can ride it around town easier and with my kids etc... without having to worry about changing my shoes. A few 20+ mile rides in my feet were killing me and I switched out the platforms for the SPD-SL pedals from my other road bike and all was right in the world again. I think the biggest advantage to me is having a carbon-soled shoe that will not bend and that contributes so much to comfort and power transfer.
#153
Full Member
Join Date: Nov 2006
Posts: 313
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 123 Post(s)
Liked 83 Times
in
63 Posts
Got some issues....two reasons...I was in a car wreck, many years ago....broke and shattered my right femur in three places, and after 65 days in traction, that leg was 1 1/4" shorter than the other....the other thing is, my feet are both very wide and weirdly shaped...all of my shoes are built up an inch. Cycling shoes can't be built up, and it doesn't matter, as: I have tried and tried: no cycling shoes will fit. Problem is, very wide front of my foot, very narrow heel...and I don't want to ride with one pedal that much further away than the other.
Found a place on in that would make cycling shoes custom molded to your foot. $750. I asked them if they could make built up...they could offer a half an inch extra. Didn't sound like a good deal to me.
So, first I took up toe clips. With an extra inch on sole of shoe that was a drag, a toe masher. Clever guy at my local bike store took a pair of metal toe clips, cut them, and added some tubing and then soldered it all back together. Still wasn't all that great.
I got straps instead of clips. Power grips. Had to get both sizes they make to get one funcional set. That kind of worked.
Then I discovered other kinds of straps, the best kind I found are made by Wynot....
Last summer, I went on a bike tour for a week. Last day it rained a lot, I came home with a gunk all over everything.
Next day it was really hot, high 90's. As opposed to cleaning those straps (which only work on flat pedals with an appropriate slot) I took them off. And discovered I felt fine that way....after a couple of days I was totally used to it (after riding nearly 20 years with feet attached somehow). Maybe they aren't as efficient, i don't know and I don't care, I'm happier this way. Plus I will sometimes commit a cycling crime and wear sandals. The straps always caused problems.
I also always wore cycling gloves (mainly, hoping that the padding would help my arthritic hands, but they dont' really seem to) and abandonded those, too.
#154
Senior Member
Join Date: Nov 2014
Location: Eugene, Oregon, USA
Posts: 27,548
Mentioned: 217 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 18423 Post(s)
Liked 4,544 Times
in
3,376 Posts
Your body uses carbohydrates + oxygen to make energy.
Energy efficiency is independent of pulling up, and to a large extent standing, sitting, or cadence.
The body is very good and pushing down (same as one does with walking or carrying a load). And, while one can pull up with some force, not as much as pushing down, and perhaps even less efficient overall.
However, what is clear is that cycling is far more complex than short-term pure mechanical efficiency.
Take cadence, for example, a low cadence may be just fine at slower speeds, perhaps up to 15 to 20 MPH. But, the increase in power necessary to maintain higher speeds, say 25 to 30 MPH on the level generally requires adaptations including higher cadence as there is a limit to one's downward force.
As mentioned, sprints and hill climbing take different physical requirements than simply riding on the level. Even MTB riding may benefit from different skills than road riding.
#155
Senior Member
My wife and I ride trikes; I find mountain bike pedals with metal studs to provide secure footing, even on big bumps. My wife used pedals with heel straps and then tried clipless but went back to the straps.
#156
Senior Member
Join Date: Jan 2016
Location: Alabama
Posts: 519
Bikes: Konas: Jake the Snake-Fire Mountain-Zing Supreme, Dew Deluxe,Zone Ltd. (frame, needs parts), Surly Long Haul Trucker, Santana Arriva tandem, Montagues: Paratrooper-Fit, Trek 1200, Bianchi Ocelot, Fantom Cross Uno, Bridgestone 200
Mentioned: 3 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 108 Post(s)
Liked 227 Times
in
122 Posts
On my 'planned ride' bikes, I have SPD pedals. On my Montague and Cannondale, which are ready for rides of opportunity, I have flats, which work just fine.
One thing I won't budge on... our tandem. I offered the use of the stoker position to a sight impaired guy, but he wanted flat pedals back there, and didn't want to give on the subject.
A foot coming off one of those pedals, while I'm kronking on it up front, can make things quite painful for him, and depending on his reaction to getting whacked with a pedal under power... could cause a crash.
He may come around eventually, we'll see. I'd be fine with toe cages, but some form of retention is required to ride with me.
One thing I won't budge on... our tandem. I offered the use of the stoker position to a sight impaired guy, but he wanted flat pedals back there, and didn't want to give on the subject.
A foot coming off one of those pedals, while I'm kronking on it up front, can make things quite painful for him, and depending on his reaction to getting whacked with a pedal under power... could cause a crash.
He may come around eventually, we'll see. I'd be fine with toe cages, but some form of retention is required to ride with me.
#157
Senior Member
Clipless pedals make certain aspects of riding easier for me (climbing, acceleration, keeping my feet from slipping or bouncing off the pedals), mostly due to my skill level. As a Mtn bike newb, I like the flats.
#158
Junior Member
I always enjoy his science-based videos. Towards the end of this one he pointed out all the studies were on stationary bikes and didn't include climbing or sprints, and they pretty much focused on efficiency gained from pulling up on the pedal not being pushed down. I remember years ago being told measurements show no one (including pro racers) was really pulling up, but they were taking more weight off the pedal going up.
On my gravel bike I have dual sided pedals - I use the flats when riding with my wife at lower speeds on paved trails. or on commutes where I don't want to carry extra shoes or clip in/out every few blocks. Kinda like on the stationary bike at the gym, not much difference in my speed on those rides whether I clipped in or rode flat side on those rides. But, on the occasional hilly ride on less than perfect surface in sneakers on the flat pedals, I find my feet are all over the place and I am definitely slower climbing and overall speed on the same ride.
A lot of the science around why skinny high pressure tires are not always faster than fatter lower pressure tires came about when the tests started to be done on realistic road surfaces and rides simulations - would be good to see the same kind of tests here.
On my gravel bike I have dual sided pedals - I use the flats when riding with my wife at lower speeds on paved trails. or on commutes where I don't want to carry extra shoes or clip in/out every few blocks. Kinda like on the stationary bike at the gym, not much difference in my speed on those rides whether I clipped in or rode flat side on those rides. But, on the occasional hilly ride on less than perfect surface in sneakers on the flat pedals, I find my feet are all over the place and I am definitely slower climbing and overall speed on the same ride.
A lot of the science around why skinny high pressure tires are not always faster than fatter lower pressure tires came about when the tests started to be done on realistic road surfaces and rides simulations - would be good to see the same kind of tests here.
#159
Senior Member
To each their own, but for me, toe clips and straps are my current choice, and only because an accident a few years back trashed my right heel and ankle, and I can't remove my right foot from a clipless pedal without swinging my whole right leg out at the hips, and even then it's not a sure bet my shoe will come out every time. And it hurts. And this is with the tension set at its lowest, which leaves my feet rotating every which with each pedal stroke. I started out with toe clips and straps in early 70s. I can pull up hills and I wouldn't sprint without them--and yes, regardless of what the so called experts say the pros do or don't do now, in the 'old days' we were taught ankling, and I learned and use clips and straps (or clipless pedals when I could use them) on the up stroke.
By the way, in answer to those who have fallen over at a stop because they couldn't get their foot dismounted in time, I hear ya. Here's one for you: try coming to a quick stop as the light turns red on you at a high traffic, major intersection, and you realize as you are going down you forgot to unlock your Cinelli Model 71 pedals, then struggle like you are having an epileptic fit trying to reach each lock while traffic is honking and people are saying all sorts of not nice things at you. The things we do when we are young, immortal, indomitable of will, and utterly invincible in our minds.
By the way, in answer to those who have fallen over at a stop because they couldn't get their foot dismounted in time, I hear ya. Here's one for you: try coming to a quick stop as the light turns red on you at a high traffic, major intersection, and you realize as you are going down you forgot to unlock your Cinelli Model 71 pedals, then struggle like you are having an epileptic fit trying to reach each lock while traffic is honking and people are saying all sorts of not nice things at you. The things we do when we are young, immortal, indomitable of will, and utterly invincible in our minds.
#161
Bikeman
Clipless vs platform pedals
I've been biking year around here in Minnesota over 38 years. I commuted to work, toured and leisure cruised and always used clipless pedals (well, since they came out, toe clips before that). Now that I'm retired and still riding regularly I've gone to platform pedals on a few of my bikes. It helps me to ride more regularly running errands, restaurants, and joy rides. They both have their advantages and disadvantages. That said, I'm happy with my choice. I'm still racking up the miles. it does help on recumbents which I have a few. I own 8 bikes.
#162
RidesOldTrek
Ever notice how many styles of pedals are on the market? Supports the fact that there is no single right answer. Commute or race? Cyclocross or Track? Group Ride or Solo? Going to the market 1 mile away or Solo Unsupported World Tour?
I'm 63 and I commute almost 2,000 miles per year, in a dense urban environment. I like platforms riding in traffic in the city (downtown Minneapolis). Now working from home I do 16 miles every morning on paved trails. Clip-in would be better, but I'm not complaining. I ride a touring/commuting/all-purpose bike. I've probably ridden my last 5,000 miles on platforms. Some platform pins are slippery when wet, depends on the shoes I'm wearing. I'm sure I'll go back to clipless sometime. I think.
We all have different needs, wants, preferences. Ride what works for you.
I'm 63 and I commute almost 2,000 miles per year, in a dense urban environment. I like platforms riding in traffic in the city (downtown Minneapolis). Now working from home I do 16 miles every morning on paved trails. Clip-in would be better, but I'm not complaining. I ride a touring/commuting/all-purpose bike. I've probably ridden my last 5,000 miles on platforms. Some platform pins are slippery when wet, depends on the shoes I'm wearing. I'm sure I'll go back to clipless sometime. I think.
We all have different needs, wants, preferences. Ride what works for you.
#163
Senior Member
Join Date: Oct 2014
Location: Portland, OR
Posts: 12,963
Bikes: (2) ti TiCycles, 2007 w/ triple and 2011 fixed, 1979 Peter Mooney, ~1983 Trek 420 now fixed and ~1973 Raleigh Carlton Competition gravel grinder
Mentioned: 129 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 4852 Post(s)
Liked 3,990 Times
in
2,589 Posts
I do pull up... but similar to what many studies have shown, I only pull up part of the time, not all of the time.
Most of the studies I've seen were lab studies, and only looked at efficiency, and not at maximum power or longterm endurance.
Another thing I've noticed are times when I'm struggling to get home, totally exhausted, then I may have ZERO extra power pushing down... reserves are totally depleted. But, I may have a little extra reserve power with pulling up. I have to wonder if racers also experience the same thing when trying to sprint after a 100 mile race.
With cargo cycling, I think I also noticed certain types of drag which seemed to benefit from pulling up. I think I saw a similar research study mentioned in one cycling book. I may try to look it up, but they found benefits of pulling up with certain types of higher load situations as one might experience with cargo or hill climbs.
Most of the studies I've seen were lab studies, and only looked at efficiency, and not at maximum power or longterm endurance.
Another thing I've noticed are times when I'm struggling to get home, totally exhausted, then I may have ZERO extra power pushing down... reserves are totally depleted. But, I may have a little extra reserve power with pulling up. I have to wonder if racers also experience the same thing when trying to sprint after a 100 mile race.
With cargo cycling, I think I also noticed certain types of drag which seemed to benefit from pulling up. I think I saw a similar research study mentioned in one cycling book. I may try to look it up, but they found benefits of pulling up with certain types of higher load situations as one might experience with cargo or hill climbs.
I've also ridden many times in recent years with my knee issues flaring and "deleting" the down stroke. With platforms, those would be long days!
As I've said before, I always chuckle when experts tell me what I've been doing for years is not possible. My take on clipless/toeclips and straps - like any good tool, they only work if you learn how to use 'em and even then, only if you actually do.
Ben
Likes For 79pmooney:
#164
With a mighty wind
Join Date: May 2015
Posts: 2,628
Mentioned: 13 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 1112 Post(s)
Liked 910 Times
in
511 Posts
I used to work as a pedicab rider. Like 3 years.
These are trikes at slow speed and low gearing and lots of stops. Maybe my second day, I swapped to clipless. With 6-10 hours on the bike, comfort was key. Funny thing, everyone else did too, even those who didn't have clipless on their regular bikes. An entire fleet of very hard workers must have been wrong.
When was the last time someone rode the tdf unrestrained? I bet in the 50's. Fwiw, I have Dura Ace toeclips and slotted cleats. It's more restrained than clipless, so way earlier than Sean Kelly.
I used to work at a place 3 miles from home. I put flats on to commute. Drove me insane. I don't know that I was slower but I never got comfortable.
I certainly did some serious mountain biking on flats in the 90s. It was a fun diversion. I had no problems handling myself on the pedals, I just didn't care for it.
These are trikes at slow speed and low gearing and lots of stops. Maybe my second day, I swapped to clipless. With 6-10 hours on the bike, comfort was key. Funny thing, everyone else did too, even those who didn't have clipless on their regular bikes. An entire fleet of very hard workers must have been wrong.
When was the last time someone rode the tdf unrestrained? I bet in the 50's. Fwiw, I have Dura Ace toeclips and slotted cleats. It's more restrained than clipless, so way earlier than Sean Kelly.
I used to work at a place 3 miles from home. I put flats on to commute. Drove me insane. I don't know that I was slower but I never got comfortable.
I certainly did some serious mountain biking on flats in the 90s. It was a fun diversion. I had no problems handling myself on the pedals, I just didn't care for it.
#165
Senior Member
Join Date: Jun 2013
Location: location location
Posts: 3,035
Bikes: MBK Super Mirage 1991, CAAD10, Yuba Mundo Lux, and a Cannondale Criterium Single Speed
Mentioned: 1 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 344 Post(s)
Liked 297 Times
in
207 Posts
The '50s? You're not even back to the days of nailing wooden soles to the pedals when you go back that far. Maurice Garin had clips (but no straps) on his 1903 race-winning bike, and I bet most of the field did.
Likes For Leinster:
#166
Senior Member
Join Date: Jun 2014
Location: Ontario, Canada
Posts: 4,624
Bikes: iele Latina, Miele Suprema, Miele Uno LS, Miele Miele Beta, MMTB, Bianchi Model Unknown, Fiori Venezia, Fiori Napoli, VeloSport Adamas AX
Mentioned: 16 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 1324 Post(s)
Liked 927 Times
in
640 Posts
To each their own, but for me, toe clips and straps are my current choice, and only because an accident a few years back trashed my right heel and ankle, and I can't remove my right foot from a clipless pedal without swinging my whole right leg out at the hips, and even then it's not a sure bet my shoe will come out every time. And it hurts. And this is with the tension set at its lowest, which leaves my feet rotating every which with each pedal stroke. I started out with toe clips and straps in early 70s. I can pull up hills and I wouldn't sprint without them--and yes, regardless of what the so called experts say the pros do or don't do now, in the 'old days' we were taught ankling, and I learned and use clips and straps (or clipless pedals when I could use them) on the up stroke.
By the way, in answer to those who have fallen over at a stop because they couldn't get their foot dismounted in time, I hear ya. Here's one for you: try coming to a quick stop as the light turns red on you at a high traffic, major intersection, and you realize as you are going down you forgot to unlock your Cinelli Model 71 pedals, then struggle like you are having an epileptic fit trying to reach each lock while traffic is honking and people are saying all sorts of not nice things at you. The things we do when we are young, immortal, indomitable of will, and utterly invincible in our minds.
By the way, in answer to those who have fallen over at a stop because they couldn't get their foot dismounted in time, I hear ya. Here's one for you: try coming to a quick stop as the light turns red on you at a high traffic, major intersection, and you realize as you are going down you forgot to unlock your Cinelli Model 71 pedals, then struggle like you are having an epileptic fit trying to reach each lock while traffic is honking and people are saying all sorts of not nice things at you. The things we do when we are young, immortal, indomitable of will, and utterly invincible in our minds.
I like my toe-clips and straps since I can wear nearly any shoe with them.
Cheers
Likes For Miele Man:
#167
Senior Member
Join Date: Oct 2015
Location: SE Wisconsin
Posts: 775
Bikes: Trek 970, Bianchi Volpe,Casati
Mentioned: 3 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 359 Post(s)
Liked 122 Times
in
87 Posts
Debates
I will throw my 2 cents in. As a rider that rode in the early 80s with the original cleats and clips. My first road race bike . I noticed better transfer of power . I had never ridden a bike other than a Schwinn continental and a schwinn Typhoon. .
So maybe was the bike. Later I ride newer style clip in pedals. Personally I find some clip in methods silly, like the the ones onmy Crank brothers. Weird to clip in and if you pull up hard enough you can actually pull out of the pedal accidentally , , not safe. I don't use them any more.
So I guess for me it depends on the brand. On my Casati bike I like the system is much better and more solid clip in and can spin better I think. So in conclusion ,, do what floats your boat 🤥😅
So maybe was the bike. Later I ride newer style clip in pedals. Personally I find some clip in methods silly, like the the ones onmy Crank brothers. Weird to clip in and if you pull up hard enough you can actually pull out of the pedal accidentally , , not safe. I don't use them any more.
So I guess for me it depends on the brand. On my Casati bike I like the system is much better and more solid clip in and can spin better I think. So in conclusion ,, do what floats your boat 🤥😅
Last edited by rossiny; 07-06-20 at 07:26 PM.
#168
Fxxxxr
Join Date: Jan 2017
Location: falfurrias texas
Posts: 1,013
Bikes: wabi classic (stolen & recovered)
Mentioned: 4 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 2675 Post(s)
Liked 1,156 Times
in
876 Posts
one ass buster with clips turned me into a dedicated flat peddler
__________________
Nothing is true---everything is permitted
Nothing is true---everything is permitted
#169
Senior Member
Join Date: Apr 2005
Location: Ann Arbor, MI
Posts: 16,900
Bikes: 1980 Masi, 1984 Mondonico, 1984 Trek 610, 1980 Woodrup Giro, 2005 Mondonico Futura Leggera ELOS, 1967 PX10E, 1971 Peugeot UO-8
Mentioned: 49 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 1869 Post(s)
Liked 666 Times
in
508 Posts
So every few months I again realize my toe-clip pedals where the straps are not tight and I have no cleats, should have caused my death at least once a year since I startedi riding road bikes back in 1970. Strange, I had already been riding bicycles for 10 years at that point in dress shoes or sneakers (US Keds ftw!) on rubber block pedals. So is that a 50 year span of statistically incredible results, ie. a charmed life? Or is the claimed superiority of clipless over toeclips just a lot of bull?
#170
Senior Member
Join Date: Apr 2012
Location: Nor Cal
Posts: 6,016
Mentioned: 17 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 1814 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 923 Times
in
569 Posts
So every few months I again realize my toe-clip pedals where the straps are not tight and I have no cleats, should have caused my death at least once a year since I startedi riding road bikes back in 1970. Strange, I had already been riding bicycles for 10 years at that point in dress shoes or sneakers (US Keds ftw!) on rubber block pedals. So is that a 50 year span of statistically incredible results, ie. a charmed life? Or is the claimed superiority of clipless over toeclips just a lot of bull?
Looks like you will never know.
#171
Junior Member
Efficiency is increased by:
1. Keeping your foot in the correct ball-over-pedal-axle position
2. preventing your foot from moving out of position when unloading the weight of the upstroke leg
Toe clips, mini-clips or clipless all accomplish this, and mini's are the easiest to escape from when going down.
All lashed-in and going hell-for-TT is great but who rides like that regularly? Climbing, pedaling hard and then your foot slips while unloading the upstroke is a bummer to correct, so......I just use simple mini-cliips and can focus on a smooth cadence, and not having to use my downstroke leg to lift that ungrateful heavy upstroke leg.....what's not to like?
1. Keeping your foot in the correct ball-over-pedal-axle position
2. preventing your foot from moving out of position when unloading the weight of the upstroke leg
Toe clips, mini-clips or clipless all accomplish this, and mini's are the easiest to escape from when going down.
All lashed-in and going hell-for-TT is great but who rides like that regularly? Climbing, pedaling hard and then your foot slips while unloading the upstroke is a bummer to correct, so......I just use simple mini-cliips and can focus on a smooth cadence, and not having to use my downstroke leg to lift that ungrateful heavy upstroke leg.....what's not to like?
Likes For plittle2005:
#172
Senior Member
Join Date: Apr 2005
Location: Ann Arbor, MI
Posts: 16,900
Bikes: 1980 Masi, 1984 Mondonico, 1984 Trek 610, 1980 Woodrup Giro, 2005 Mondonico Futura Leggera ELOS, 1967 PX10E, 1971 Peugeot UO-8
Mentioned: 49 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 1869 Post(s)
Liked 666 Times
in
508 Posts
Efficiency is increased by:
1. Keeping your foot in the correct ball-over-pedal-axle position
2. preventing your foot from moving out of position when unloading the weight of the upstroke leg
Toe clips, mini-clips or clipless all accomplish this, and mini's are the easiest to escape from when going down.
All lashed-in and going hell-for-TT is great but who rides like that regularly? Climbing, pedaling hard and then your foot slips while unloading the upstroke is a bummer to correct, so......I just use simple mini-cliips and can focus on a smooth cadence, and not having to use my downstroke leg to lift that ungrateful heavy upstroke leg.....what's not to like?
1. Keeping your foot in the correct ball-over-pedal-axle position
2. preventing your foot from moving out of position when unloading the weight of the upstroke leg
Toe clips, mini-clips or clipless all accomplish this, and mini's are the easiest to escape from when going down.
All lashed-in and going hell-for-TT is great but who rides like that regularly? Climbing, pedaling hard and then your foot slips while unloading the upstroke is a bummer to correct, so......I just use simple mini-cliips and can focus on a smooth cadence, and not having to use my downstroke leg to lift that ungrateful heavy upstroke leg.....what's not to like?
#173
Senior Member
Join Date: Apr 2005
Location: Ann Arbor, MI
Posts: 16,900
Bikes: 1980 Masi, 1984 Mondonico, 1984 Trek 610, 1980 Woodrup Giro, 2005 Mondonico Futura Leggera ELOS, 1967 PX10E, 1971 Peugeot UO-8
Mentioned: 49 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 1869 Post(s)
Liked 666 Times
in
508 Posts
Efficiency is increased by:
1. Keeping your foot in the correct ball-over-pedal-axle position
2. preventing your foot from moving out of position when unloading the weight of the upstroke leg
Toe clips, mini-clips or clipless all accomplish this, and mini's are the easiest to escape from when going down.
All lashed-in and going hell-for-TT is great but who rides like that regularly? Climbing, pedaling hard and then your foot slips while unloading the upstroke is a bummer to correct, so......I just use simple mini-cliips and can focus on a smooth cadence, and not having to use my downstroke leg to lift that ungrateful heavy upstroke leg.....what's not to like?
1. Keeping your foot in the correct ball-over-pedal-axle position
2. preventing your foot from moving out of position when unloading the weight of the upstroke leg
Toe clips, mini-clips or clipless all accomplish this, and mini's are the easiest to escape from when going down.
All lashed-in and going hell-for-TT is great but who rides like that regularly? Climbing, pedaling hard and then your foot slips while unloading the upstroke is a bummer to correct, so......I just use simple mini-cliips and can focus on a smooth cadence, and not having to use my downstroke leg to lift that ungrateful heavy upstroke leg.....what's not to like?
Likes For Road Fan:
#174
Senior Member
Join Date: Oct 2014
Location: Portland, OR
Posts: 12,963
Bikes: (2) ti TiCycles, 2007 w/ triple and 2011 fixed, 1979 Peter Mooney, ~1983 Trek 420 now fixed and ~1973 Raleigh Carlton Competition gravel grinder
Mentioned: 129 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 4852 Post(s)
Liked 3,990 Times
in
2,589 Posts
1950s? If it's never been done, it wouldn't surprise me. Look at the photos of Major Taylor. He was riding toeclips, straps and slotted cleats 120 years ago. Plus those early Tour de France riders didn't have low gears. Anybody who has done much fix gear or single speed riding in steep hills knows well that after a certain grade, all your weight on the pedal isn't enough to keep going uphill. It's foot retention or walking. My guess is that good foot retention started soon after people started racing bicycles, so what? 1880?
Likes For 79pmooney:
#175
Dirty Heathen
Join Date: Oct 2015
Location: MC-778, 6250 fsw
Posts: 2,202
Bikes: 1997 Cannondale, 1976 Bridgestone, 1998 SoftRide, 1989 Klein, 1989 Black Lightning #0033
Mentioned: 19 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 891 Post(s)
Liked 930 Times
in
543 Posts
So every few months I again realize my toe-clip pedals where the straps are not tight and I have no cleats, should have caused my death at least once a year since I startedi riding road bikes back in 1970. Strange, I had already been riding bicycles for 10 years at that point in dress shoes or sneakers (US Keds ftw!) on rubber block pedals. So is that a 50 year span of statistically incredible results, ie. a charmed life? Or is the claimed superiority of clipless over toeclips just a lot of bull?
Seriously; it’s a tool. It only works if you know how to use it, and then only if you actually do. (use it)
Likes For Ironfish653: