toe clips are for suckas!
09-30-08 | 11:44 AM
#101
Senior Member
Joined: Jun 2008
Posts: 184
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From: Seattle
Bikes: Novara Randonee/DRZ400S
No, what's stupid is having your feet resting gingerly atop a set of platform pedals on a bicycle with a fixed drive-train.
I've never had to bail out on my bike, but I've had to go down quite a few hills where my legs were going so fast that platforms would have turned my shins to blood sausages, and I've had to climb enough hills that I understand the value of being able to apply force throughout the entirety of a crank's rotation.
You're damn right I do it because everyone else does it. They've been doing it for a bloody long time because it's a good god damn idea.
I've never had to bail out on my bike, but I've had to go down quite a few hills where my legs were going so fast that platforms would have turned my shins to blood sausages, and I've had to climb enough hills that I understand the value of being able to apply force throughout the entirety of a crank's rotation.
You're damn right I do it because everyone else does it. They've been doing it for a bloody long time because it's a good god damn idea.
09-30-08 | 11:59 AM
#105
FNG
Joined: Nov 2007
Posts: 2,313
Likes: 0
From: Toronto, ON
Bikes: 2008 IRO Angus, 2008 Jamis Exile 29er
I would have to say that pedaling around anywhere using pressure on the pedal is not ginger. Back pedaling down hills without clips is not very difficult, and when spinning out it's just a matter of resting your foot on the back tire to slow down or stop, and in your case apply bandages.
09-30-08 | 12:15 PM
#107
Senior Member
Joined: Apr 2008
Posts: 289
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From: Chicago, IL
****, the only one who may be in need of an operation in the near future is the guy who rides fixed with no foot retention in rainy-ass seattle.
09-30-08 | 12:34 PM
#109
Senior Member
Joined: Jun 2008
Posts: 184
Likes: 0
From: Seattle
Bikes: Novara Randonee/DRZ400S
09-30-08 | 01:15 PM
#110
FNG
Joined: Nov 2007
Posts: 2,313
Likes: 0
From: Toronto, ON
Bikes: 2008 IRO Angus, 2008 Jamis Exile 29er
Yes, safety tips.
That is a value judgment on the safety of riding a bike with clips and straps.
These are your suggested methods, or tips, to riding a bike without clips and straps, which you consider unsafe.
I would have to say that pedaling around anywhere using pressure on the pedal is not ginger. Back pedaling down hills without clips is not very difficult, and when spinning out it's just a matter of resting your foot on the back tire to slow down or stop, and in your case apply bandages.
Last edited by Jabba Degrassi; 09-30-08 at 01:19 PM.
10-01-08 | 07:22 AM
#111
Steel80's
Joined: Feb 2007
Posts: 684
Likes: 43
From: NJ
Bikes: Breezer Venturi, Schwinn Peloton, Marin Lucas Valley
I can see where a younger/noob rider might struggle with toeclips, since they're not so commonplace anymore. 20-30 years ago that's what people used, myself included. Getting used to SPD's was the adjustment for me. I ride both, and each have their advantages on either a fixed or road bike. Commuting and casual rides, I use toeclips so I don't have to wear a cycling shoe. Longer or faster, clipless is better, but only because of the shoes. I wouldn't ride fixed without one or the other (and a brake!) and someone who can't get their feet in/out of their choice of "retention system" is not ready for the extra challenge of a fixed gear bike, let alone riding in traffic. But it ain't rocket science, it's an easily learn-able skill.
10-01-08 | 08:54 AM
#112
Senior Member
Joined: Oct 2007
Posts: 100
Likes: 0
From: Austin, TX
I first practiced on my single speed. It really helped me get the motion down with out worrying about my legs constantly moving. When I started riding fixed, it was almost second nature. Maybe something to try for anyone having difficulties.
