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Singlespeed & Fixed Gear "I still feel that variable gears are only for people over forty-five. Isn't it better to triumph by the strength of your muscles than by the artifice of a derailer? We are getting soft...As for me, give me a fixed gear!"-- Henri Desgrange (31 January 1865 - 16 August 1940)

questions from an uncompromising rider

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Old 08-04-07 | 05:33 PM
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questions from an uncompromising rider

I've been piecing together a fixed ride for more than a year (started with a cheap old french frame without realizing the hassle involved in french sizing). Anyway I'm nearing completion and have a question regarding the pedals. I have been riding one or another type of hybrid for the past couple years and I only ride in sandals. I'm wondering what pedals and clips y'all could recommend for sandal riding. I'm hoping there's some type of flexible clilps. I've never ridden with clips before but they provide more control/speed as I understand it? Thanks.
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Old 08-04-07 | 05:44 PM
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From: philllaaaaay.

Bikes: davidson track. landshark

just use platforms and 2 brakes.
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Old 08-04-07 | 06:15 PM
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Bikes: fuji track '06, fixed lowrider, fixed folding bike

there's also those clipless "action sandals".. no clips and straps involved, cuz your foot/shoe is secured to the pedal via the clipless thing embedded in it..
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Old 08-04-07 | 06:28 PM
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Some folks say you can ride Powergrips on platforms in sandals, but I wouldn't just in case you wreck or tip-over. One of my mates bought a pair of TOMS shoes and says they're like sandals.
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Old 08-04-07 | 06:31 PM
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hey, do you... but i wouldn't ever ride a bike in sandals. especially fixed.

but hey, i'm just doing me here.
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Old 08-04-07 | 07:13 PM
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The idea of riding fixed in sandals terrifies me. Also, I'm not sure how clips and straps could be the least bit comfortable without enclosed shoes.

Don't forget that the front chainring is always turning, just waiting to chop off a big toe or give you a cloven right foot. That is one of the less obvious reasons why clips of some kind are a necessity for good and safe fixed gear riding.

Best wishes.

Last edited by jjvw; 08-04-07 at 07:24 PM.
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Old 08-04-07 | 07:19 PM
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Bikes: surly steamroller - towniefied.

lake makes a pair of sandals with a two bolt clipless pattern on the bottom. my boss rides 'em into work everyday.
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Old 08-04-07 | 07:21 PM
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Use 'em with SPD pedals.
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Old 08-04-07 | 07:25 PM
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uncompromising sandal wearer more like
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Old 08-04-07 | 08:26 PM
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Bikes: '80s Chimo Garbage fixed 36/14, Centurion fixed 42/17

+1 highly advising against riding in sandals.
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Old 08-04-07 | 08:33 PM
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From: bushwick, brooklyn

Bikes: fuji track '06, fixed lowrider, fixed folding bike

Originally Posted by hockeyteeth


Use 'em with SPD pedals.

yeah thats was I was thinking of.. I just really didnt feel like looking it up
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Old 08-04-07 | 08:38 PM
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I have a pair of the Lake cycling sandals. They are great. I am not sure why people think they are such a bad idea, nor is it clear how you would get your foot in the chainring anyway.
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Old 08-04-07 | 08:42 PM
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not to mention that a lot of people here wear shoes that offer only marginally more protection from chainring amputation than sandals
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Old 08-04-07 | 08:50 PM
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Originally Posted by chase.
Some folks say you can ride Powergrips on platforms in sandals, but I wouldn't just in case you wreck or tip-over. One of my mates bought a pair of TOMS shoes and says they're like sandals.
i have powergrips. they suck with sandals. the strap cuts into your foot.
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Old 08-04-07 | 10:16 PM
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From: PGH
Originally Posted by mathletics
+1 highly advising against riding in sandals.
+1 highly advise against wearing sandals at all.
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Old 08-05-07 | 01:09 AM
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put down the bong and tie your shoelaces.
hippies.
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Old 08-05-07 | 11:42 AM
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Originally Posted by mathletics
+1 highly advising against riding in sandals.
nah. i ride in sandals probably as much as i am in lace up shoes. its not ideal, but if you'd rather wear sandals and are just scooting around town its no big deal.

I ride regular platforms and the MKS half clips. not having the straps keeps the sandals from getting tangled up, but also means you cant pull up. I ride mostly free-wheel, so just keeping the foot square on the pedal is about all i need and they work nicely for that.

+1 on using 2 brakes. and those spd sandals look cool too.
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Old 08-05-07 | 12:20 PM
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I believe the concerns some of us have are with simple platform pedals on a fixed gear (always a bad idea with any shoe) or using ordinary sandals with clips and straps. The Lake/Shimano SPD compatable sandals may be a good compromise as they keep your feet restrained and allow the user to pull against the crank rotation as needed on a fixed gear. What I don't know is if the straps and cleats on are strong enough to do the job. I would assume that they are made for more casual riding. Can you pull yourself into a skid without tearing out the velcro?
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