switched back to clips and straps
09-01-06 | 02:11 AM
#51
Senior Member
Joined: Oct 2005
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From: Salem, MA
Bikes: Land Shark, Level Professional, Tsunami singlespeed, Giant Reign 1
I've found a shoe that works better than any other I've tried with track pedals clips and straps....
my Sidi Dominators.
The rear cage rests on the flat rubber part on the middle tread - directly behind the rased part. The cleat is directly above the axle and isn't close to touching anything. This allowed me to pull directly back on the pedal, like I do with clipless. Even when the straps are really tight, there's sort of a trick to rotating your foot out that is hard to describe. Entry isn't as smooth, but it's not difficult.
While this is all novel, there's no way i'm going to start tearing up my dominators in clips and straps. I'm going to look into finding a cheap mtb shoe with a similar tread pattern though.
my Sidi Dominators.
The rear cage rests on the flat rubber part on the middle tread - directly behind the rased part. The cleat is directly above the axle and isn't close to touching anything. This allowed me to pull directly back on the pedal, like I do with clipless. Even when the straps are really tight, there's sort of a trick to rotating your foot out that is hard to describe. Entry isn't as smooth, but it's not difficult.
While this is all novel, there's no way i'm going to start tearing up my dominators in clips and straps. I'm going to look into finding a cheap mtb shoe with a similar tread pattern though.
09-01-06 | 06:35 AM
#52
hell's angels h/q e3st ny
Joined: Oct 2005
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From: boston area/morningside heights manhattan
Bikes: surly steamroller, independent fabrication titanium club racer, iro jamie roy--44/16, independent fabrication steel crown jewel--47/17, surly karate. monkey (rohloff speed hub), unicycle
major taylor rocked clips and straps. 'nuff said.
09-01-06 | 07:14 AM
#53
Junior Member
Joined: Jul 2006
Posts: 14
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Originally Posted by sers
off the top of my head for mountain clipless there's ATAC, Eggbeater, Frog, SPD, SPD clones (wellgo, ritchey, nashbar...). Now I can understand the argument against clipless and brakeless for all of the above, except ATAC. The reason being, is that ATAC's have positive feedback at the end of the float, whereas Eggbeaters and Frogs don't. Based on heresay, SPD's are notorious for releasing at inopportune times.
I recently gave clips and straps another shot recently - setup was MKS Sylvans, MKS Aluminum clips, and nylon straps. Even with the straps tight, I found that the middle of my foot felt like it was bending over the rear cage, there was uncomfortable pressure on my toes, and that I lost the feeling of control that I had with clipless from 9 to 3 'o clock - essentially the motion of pulling back on the pedal. I'll probably give it another go with a different pair of sneakers, but I have doubts that something like a MKS Royal Nuevo with double straps, and steel clips would afford me the same control, comfort, and efficency that I get with my Sidi Dominators and Time ATAC XS carbons. That said, I honestly don't know if unclipping accidentally, due to a cleat wearing down or whatever would be more likely than breaking a strap (that tends to rub against the crank arm).
If anyone wants to lend me a nice clip & strap setup for a week so I can give it a fair evaluation feel free to pm me.
I recently gave clips and straps another shot recently - setup was MKS Sylvans, MKS Aluminum clips, and nylon straps. Even with the straps tight, I found that the middle of my foot felt like it was bending over the rear cage, there was uncomfortable pressure on my toes, and that I lost the feeling of control that I had with clipless from 9 to 3 'o clock - essentially the motion of pulling back on the pedal. I'll probably give it another go with a different pair of sneakers, but I have doubts that something like a MKS Royal Nuevo with double straps, and steel clips would afford me the same control, comfort, and efficency that I get with my Sidi Dominators and Time ATAC XS carbons. That said, I honestly don't know if unclipping accidentally, due to a cleat wearing down or whatever would be more likely than breaking a strap (that tends to rub against the crank arm).
If anyone wants to lend me a nice clip & strap setup for a week so I can give it a fair evaluation feel free to pm me.
If it matters, I'm using Shimano shoes and weigh 225lbs.
Last edited by Scott V; 09-01-06 at 07:26 AM.
09-01-06 | 08:08 AM
#54
Senior Member
Joined: May 2005
Posts: 195
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From: Decatur, GA
Bikes: 1985 Bridgestone 450, 1992 Trek 930 (SS Conversion), 2005 Bianchi Pista
Originally Posted by srsly
i've been kinda curious about trying clips/straps and i think i'll have an opportunity soon since i'm building up a crappy weather bike and don't feel like spending another 100+ on another set of speedplays.
10-25-07 | 01:47 PM
#56
Senior Member
Joined: Oct 2007
Posts: 199
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From: cincinnasti, oh
Bikes: Mercier Kilo TT
as a newb, i'm still getting used to all these things. i was riding my clips and straps the other day, got back home and as i slowed down i dismounted by pulling my right leg over the left side of the bike.. not even thinking about the fact that my left foot was still strapped in and i was now angled in a way that lodged my shoe in there. so as the bike kept moving, my left foot kept rotating with it and i had to do a 1 legged foot hop thing along the side of the bike. i bet it looked real cool. at least i didn't fall, i guess and at least it wasn't in front of a crowd. i felt like a genuine dork.
10-25-07 | 04:34 PM
#57
Paste Taster
Joined: May 2006
Posts: 4,392
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From: Sacramento, CA
Bikes: , Jury Bike, Moto Outcast 29, Spicer standard track frame and spicer custom steel sprint frame.
I went back to clips and straps after naccc because my knee was not liking the float much and I was also realizing that the granite steps at the hall o justice ant the capitol building wear a little slick with the sidi's and a brass cleat
however I am considering just getting som shimano or addidas mtb shoes ya'know the ones that look like sneakers
for now my work bike has bmx pedals on it its a good ss
however I am considering just getting som shimano or addidas mtb shoes ya'know the ones that look like sneakers
for now my work bike has bmx pedals on it its a good ss
10-25-07 | 05:19 PM
#59
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Joined: Jul 2006
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From: Savage Germanic Cults of Saskatchewan
With my Ritchey's and my ATAC's I have yet to come unclipped. I switched over from clips a while back after taking a slap shot off my right big toe, it was a comfort thing at the time.
10-25-07 | 05:32 PM
#60
The Legitimiser
Joined: Jul 2005
Posts: 4,849
Likes: 6
From: Southampton, UK
Bikes: Gazelle Trim Trophy, EG Bates Track Bike, HR Bates Cantiflex bike, Nigel Dean fixed gear conversion, Raleigh Royal, Falcon Westminster.
I've been trying Looks all summer, and I hate them. Stupid looking shoes plus falling over equals not good. It actually ended up putting me off riding my road bike, so I thought, why the hell am I sticking to this.
10-25-07 | 05:34 PM
#61
not actually Nickatina
Joined: Oct 2006
Posts: 4,447
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From: OR
i do have some sidi's on the way in the mail though, and can't wait to get them dialed in to these time atacs.
10-25-07 | 05:40 PM
#62
71 Peugeot. fixed.
Joined: Mar 2007
Posts: 1,159
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From: Twin Cities
Maybe I'm crazy, but i ride clips/straps(gr-9, mks steel, cinelli single straps) and can't picture needing any better setup to be able to skid well. I have no troubles with skidding. Even when i was rocking my last pair of shoes, which were for the last 4 months completely bald onitsuka tigers, I never felt insecure.
10-25-07 | 08:14 PM
#63
not actually Nickatina
Joined: Oct 2006
Posts: 4,447
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From: OR
I have about the same setup as you (Campy straps instead of cinelli). It's a decent setup but there's a way noticeable difference in skid ease and power transfer with MKS sylvan tracks and toshi doubles.
i can't wait to see how time atac compares to toshi 2x's though...
i can't wait to see how time atac compares to toshi 2x's though...
10-25-07 | 08:42 PM
#65
Thread Starter
live free or die trying
Joined: Oct 2005
Posts: 6,999
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From: where i lay my head is home.
Bikes: bianchi pista workhorse, cannondale r1000, mountain bike fixed conversion
yeah...i was having problems with my mks sylvans for a while there, they were eating up my shoes, but i have two pairs now that are holding up really well, so once those start having trouble, then i'll worry about putting on a pair of gr-9s i have laying around.
the only time i don't rock the clips is when i use powergrips. i was curious about those and i'm not totally into them, but i run them on my mtb, since its main purpose is ****ty weather, where the roads might be slick and i might have to get out really fast. i don't feel as secure in them, which is weird--everyone else with them loves them, it seems.
the only time i don't rock the clips is when i use powergrips. i was curious about those and i'm not totally into them, but i run them on my mtb, since its main purpose is ****ty weather, where the roads might be slick and i might have to get out really fast. i don't feel as secure in them, which is weird--everyone else with them loves them, it seems.
10-25-07 | 08:46 PM
#66
Full Member
Joined: Oct 2006
Posts: 305
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From: Oak Park, IL
I haven't heard from many people who sport toe clips, straps, and cleats. I used to use that setup on my roadie, and it was easy to dial in exactly the desired amount of retention by tightening or not tightening the straps. Couldn't walk in 'em though. I miss my old Nike road shoes; found them at the mall for $7.99. I think the shop ordered them by accident, considering the rest of their product mix.
EDIT: I briefly looked at a handful of retailers online, and couldn't find any road shoes whose description clearly stated that an adjustable slotted cleat was included.
EDIT: I briefly looked at a handful of retailers online, and couldn't find any road shoes whose description clearly stated that an adjustable slotted cleat was included.
Last edited by shumacher; 10-25-07 at 09:08 PM.
10-25-07 | 08:49 PM
#67
Thread Starter
live free or die trying
Joined: Oct 2005
Posts: 6,999
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From: where i lay my head is home.
Bikes: bianchi pista workhorse, cannondale r1000, mountain bike fixed conversion
i have an old pair of shimano 105s that have clips and straps, but appear to also have clipless capability. i find that really interesting, though maybe not the best thing on the road.
10-25-07 | 09:03 PM
#68
thanks for not picking me
Joined: Apr 2006
Posts: 255
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From: Portland, OR
10-26-07 | 12:30 AM
#71
Paste Taster
Joined: May 2006
Posts: 4,392
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From: Sacramento, CA
Bikes: , Jury Bike, Moto Outcast 29, Spicer standard track frame and spicer custom steel sprint frame.
I haven't heard from many people who sport toe clips, straps, and cleats. I used to use that setup on my roadie, and it was easy to dial in exactly the desired amount of retention by tightening or not tightening the straps. Couldn't walk in 'em though. I miss my old Nike road shoes; found them at the mall for $7.99. I think the shop ordered them by accident, considering the rest of their product mix.
EDIT: I briefly looked at a handful of retailers online, and couldn't find any road shoes whose description clearly stated that an adjustable slotted cleat was included.
EDIT: I briefly looked at a handful of retailers online, and couldn't find any road shoes whose description clearly stated that an adjustable slotted cleat was included.
10-26-07 | 01:14 AM
#72
SWED
Joined: Jul 2007
Posts: 49
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From: 208
Bikes: 2k12 Kilo TT Stripper/'98-'99 Schwinn S-10
you know, i'll probably switch back to clipless after i get some time atacs. those are the only clipless setup for brakeless fixed that i've heard only good things about. spd's are definitely the bottom rung, for sure
i get a little bit of the same feeling of lost control with clips and straps, but i'm getting used to it pretty well. i will say it's more comfortable, though. kinda feels like riding on air.
i get a little bit of the same feeling of lost control with clips and straps, but i'm getting used to it pretty well. i will say it's more comfortable, though. kinda feels like riding on air.
50 dollars. no excuse not to get them. (I recently did, and I'm a happy camper!)
10-26-07 | 12:48 PM
#73
Senior Member
Joined: Oct 2006
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I switch back and forth between eggbeaters and straps and clips. I learned to ride fixed on eggbeaters and loved it and then went to mks slyvans and the mks steel clips when I had to send the pedals back to crank brothers. the left pedal felt sloppy with a new set of cleats and it had to do with a regularly loosening grease cap. they just replaced the entire spindle of the pedal. I later figured out that at least part of the sloppiness is due to have stiff the new shoes (sidi dominators 5) were compared to the old shoes (some lower end diadoras). clipess just feels better and I am looking forward to trying the new (vegan) some double straps. I currently have two sets of cheap nylon straps on each pedal. they are in an X pattern and hold much nicer than just a single strap.
I have actually pulled out of my eggbeaters when the cleats were pretty new (second pair of cleats to the pedals). I was doing dumb **** and wasn't in danger doing it. **** like skidding by not leaning forward at all so I was basically pulling straight up. That is the only time I have every had any problems while riding.
I have actually pulled out of my eggbeaters when the cleats were pretty new (second pair of cleats to the pedals). I was doing dumb **** and wasn't in danger doing it. **** like skidding by not leaning forward at all so I was basically pulling straight up. That is the only time I have every had any problems while riding.
10-26-07 | 12:57 PM
#74
Blue Light Special
Joined: Sep 2006
Posts: 1,467
Likes: 1
From: Bay Area, Sunny Cali
Bikes: '05 Felt F55, Schwinn Prologue road bike, '86 Centurion DS Iron Man, Sette Flite AM MTB
Idea: Clipless + Clip pedals
The holes in the front of the pedal are for clips. I'm not sure if there are holes on the back end as well but that would be even better since you could flip the pedal over to the side without the clipless mechanism and it would be just like a regular platform.
Carry a little bike tool around and remove the clips+straps when you want to ride clipless (put em in your Chrome mess bag or something). Put em back on when you want to ride in normal shoes. If you're clever you can use wingnuts on the machine screws that attach the clips and you then you don't need the tool for removal.
I haven't tried this personally. I just swap clips+straps for clipless as needed, it only takes 5 minutes.
+1 to this. I run Shimano PDM540 pedals with generic Nashbar cleats set semi tight. The one time I have pulled out of these is when my heel was sticking outward too much on the upstroke. SPDs are not designed to disengage "straight up" but at an angle. Otherwise they would be rather useless.
The holes in the front of the pedal are for clips. I'm not sure if there are holes on the back end as well but that would be even better since you could flip the pedal over to the side without the clipless mechanism and it would be just like a regular platform.
Carry a little bike tool around and remove the clips+straps when you want to ride clipless (put em in your Chrome mess bag or something). Put em back on when you want to ride in normal shoes. If you're clever you can use wingnuts on the machine screws that attach the clips and you then you don't need the tool for removal.
I haven't tried this personally. I just swap clips+straps for clipless as needed, it only takes 5 minutes.
in spd style pedals in my experience your foot never "just pulls out"
what happens is; while your pedalling hard your foots heel goes to far over to the side and unclips.
i think for the most part random unclipping just means your using sloppy pedalling technique.
but then clips and straps will accept your sloppy technique with no danger.
what happens is; while your pedalling hard your foots heel goes to far over to the side and unclips.
i think for the most part random unclipping just means your using sloppy pedalling technique.
but then clips and straps will accept your sloppy technique with no danger.
Last edited by kmart; 10-26-07 at 05:50 PM.
10-26-07 | 01:29 PM
#75
Should be out Riding
Joined: Dec 2006
Posts: 1,902
Likes: 2
From: Blacksburg, VA
Bikes: Bob Jackson Vigorelli
I have a front brake for the oh **** moment and because I am old and cautious now. No longer am I the invincible youth that use to through himself off of big things with his skateboard.