going back to straps
#1
Thread Starter
MattFashion
Joined: Aug 2007
Posts: 173
Likes: 0
From: lancaster, pa
Bikes: 70's le Tour with brazed track drops
going back to straps
So, after about 6 months of riding clipless via eggbeaters and shimano spin shoes, i'm thinking about going back to straps. I'm getting tired of having ugly shoes on all the time, and walking around campus really gets old in shoes with cleats.
my question is this: has anybody switched back from clipless to clips, and was the transition difficult?
i'm wondering if i've fabricated how easy stopping is while clipped in, or if there really is a difference.
my question is this: has anybody switched back from clipless to clips, and was the transition difficult?
i'm wondering if i've fabricated how easy stopping is while clipped in, or if there really is a difference.
#3
I switch back and forth between clipless and double straps all the time. I like both, clipless for long rides and going fast, double straps for going to school and fooling around. The transition is hard only the first few times. Now it's nothing. Clipless is better without a double than double straps to me though as a pedal system (depending on the clipless system too, but I <3 ATAC). I'd suggest doing what I do, save clipless for serious rides, alleycats, whatever, use straps for going to school, the bar, parties, grocery store runs and all that stuff.
It shouldn't take longer than 3 minutes to swap out one pair of pedals for the other.
It shouldn't take longer than 3 minutes to swap out one pair of pedals for the other.
#4
Thread Starter
MattFashion
Joined: Aug 2007
Posts: 173
Likes: 0
From: lancaster, pa
Bikes: 70's le Tour with brazed track drops
yea. i just switched. i had to install a new chainring anyway, so i did the pedals while i was at it.
switching back and forth makes alot of sense, especially for alleycats and so forth. its going to be nice to be able to break out the shoe collection again. i ride instead of drive, and i realized i haven't touched my regular sneaks in a month.
thanks guys.
switching back and forth makes alot of sense, especially for alleycats and so forth. its going to be nice to be able to break out the shoe collection again. i ride instead of drive, and i realized i haven't touched my regular sneaks in a month.
thanks guys.
#5
:)
Joined: Nov 2006
Posts: 3,391
Likes: 1
From: duluth
Bikes: '07 Pista, '09 Fantom Cross Uno, '8? Miyata, '67 Stingray, '0? Zoo mod trials, Tallbike, Chopper, '73 Schwinn Collegiate, '67 Triumph Chopper, '69 CB350, '58 BSA Spitfire, '73 CB450
never rode clipless... love my clips and straps. I haven't looked too hard, but if they make a clipless boot that is warm down to -10F like my hiking boots, I may consider switching over to the dark side.
#6
Are we not men?
Joined: Oct 2007
Posts: 1,275
Likes: 1
From: Amsterdam for now
So, after about 6 months of riding clipless via eggbeaters and shimano spin shoes, i'm thinking about going back to straps. I'm getting tired of having ugly shoes on all the time, and walking around campus really gets old in shoes with cleats.
my question is this: has anybody switched back from clipless to clips, and was the transition difficult?
i'm wondering if i've fabricated how easy stopping is while clipped in, or if there really is a difference.
my question is this: has anybody switched back from clipless to clips, and was the transition difficult?
i'm wondering if i've fabricated how easy stopping is while clipped in, or if there really is a difference.
#9
Banned
Joined: Nov 2004
Posts: 10,082
Likes: 1
I'm quite fond of Power Grips, and have used them for about 15 years. They are tighter than straps, easier to get in and out of than straps, and you can wear everyday shoes with them.
#10
バカスゴい
Joined: Jun 2006
Posts: 256
Likes: 0
From: Kobe, Japan
Bikes: IRO Mark V Pro with FBM Sword fork, Ridley Oval,
eggbeaters for long rides, races, crappy weather, or a lot of stop and go when I'm gonna be on my bike all day
doubles for dry days, f'n about at your local park, when I'm gonna be off my bike just as long as I'm on my bike for day. But they can handle the eggbeaters duties too. Just takes a little getting used to.
#11
i think im the only person in the history of powergrips to dislike them. you're right though, they are really easy to get into and out of.
#12
Senior Member

Joined: Jun 2003
Posts: 1,155
Likes: 0
From: Atlanta
Bikes: Zeus (Razesa) tarck, Giant TCR road, Eddy Merckx road, Fuji Touring Series IV for everything else
I used ATACs for several years and just switched to clip/strap for general riding around (which is pretty much everything here). It's really easy since there's no hills to deal with. I'm really enjoying not having to carry a second pair of shoes.
A lot of the reason for the switch was the sidi's I got. I really hated walking around in them.
Just remember to be careful when swaping pedals. Always clean both sets of threads and re-grease. I've stripped threads before while trying to do a quik swap.
A lot of the reason for the switch was the sidi's I got. I really hated walking around in them.
Just remember to be careful when swaping pedals. Always clean both sets of threads and re-grease. I've stripped threads before while trying to do a quik swap.
#15
Needing more power Scotty
Joined: Jul 2006
Posts: 588
Likes: 1
From: Northern New England (USA)
Bikes: 2006 Trek T-80 (commuter) 1982 Bianchi SS (classic 12 speed)
its funny you should mention it... i just (yesterday) switched from powergrips back to clips b/c i felt that they weren't holding my feet down securely enough. im not sure if i was doing something wrong with the powegrips, but every time i pulled up on one, there was a lot of play between my pedal and shoe. i even spent time adjusting the size... but i still never felt like i was being held down securely. when i got my clips back on, i breathed a sigh of relief b/c i felt more secure. i can finally pull up without any play.
i think im the only person in the history of powergrips to dislike them. you're right though, they are really easy to get into and out of.
i think im the only person in the history of powergrips to dislike them. you're right though, they are really easy to get into and out of.
#16
Tiocfáidh ár Lá

Joined: Dec 2003
Posts: 5,483
Likes: 132
From: The edge of b#
Bikes: A whole bunch-a bikes.
I use clipless more in the winter with lined neoprene shoe covers and wool socks. Works just fine down to 10 deg. I usually switch back to clips when it warms up so I can wear a variety of shoes. I always found it uncomfortable to wear boots on a bike.
#17
Tell them I hate them
Joined: Oct 2006
Posts: 939
Likes: 0
From: Boise, ID
Bikes: Specialized Allez Epic '91, IRO Mark V Pro, Schwinn Traveler
#18
So, after about 6 months of riding clipless via eggbeaters and shimano spin shoes, i'm thinking about going back to straps. I'm getting tired of having ugly shoes on all the time, and walking around campus really gets old in shoes with cleats.
my question is this: has anybody switched back from clipless to clips, and was the transition difficult?
i'm wondering if i've fabricated how easy stopping is while clipped in, or if there really is a difference.
my question is this: has anybody switched back from clipless to clips, and was the transition difficult?
i'm wondering if i've fabricated how easy stopping is while clipped in, or if there really is a difference.
so I recently got some hellyer's and clips and GOOD leather straps, and after about 7 minutes back in them , I have found new love for riding with clips & straps.
I actually think it's easier to skip & skid with clips, over clipless (I would get accidental ejects sometimes if I inadvertantly put side pressure on the pedal)
it's just that with some shoes, it's freakin HARD to flip and get in.
so I now the use best FG/SS shoe ever created: the suede converse all star
#19
dan bones!
Joined: Jul 2006
Posts: 887
Likes: 0
From: brooklyn
Bikes: iro mark v for street, sh itamori peloton for track
i've gone back to clips 'n straps once since i started riding clipless and i haaaaated it.
i keep wanting to try it again and even bought a new set of straps, but i just haven't brought myself around to doing it. i just really love riding clipless.
i keep wanting to try it again and even bought a new set of straps, but i just haven't brought myself around to doing it. i just really love riding clipless.
#20
Utilitarian Boy
Joined: Jun 2006
Posts: 3,235
Likes: 5
From: Bronx, NY
Bikes: Check the sig to find out
#21
tarck bike.com exile
Joined: Jul 2006
Posts: 2,058
Likes: 0
From: lancaster, pennsylvania
Bikes: bfssfg iro--black.
So, after about 6 months of riding clipless via eggbeaters and shimano spin shoes, i'm thinking about going back to straps. I'm getting tired of having ugly shoes on all the time, and walking around campus really gets old in shoes with cleats.
my question is this: has anybody switched back from clipless to clips, and was the transition difficult?
i'm wondering if i've fabricated how easy stopping is while clipped in, or if there really is a difference.
my question is this: has anybody switched back from clipless to clips, and was the transition difficult?
i'm wondering if i've fabricated how easy stopping is while clipped in, or if there really is a difference.
let's ride soon.
#22
Same. I finally gave up on my clips and straps and put them on my wife's bike. Turns out she hates them too so maybe I'll give them to the dachshund or something.
#23
Tell them I hate them
Joined: Oct 2006
Posts: 939
Likes: 0
From: Boise, ID
Bikes: Specialized Allez Epic '91, IRO Mark V Pro, Schwinn Traveler
#24
I switch back and forth between clipless and double straps all the time. I like both, clipless for long rides and going fast, double straps for going to school and fooling around. The transition is hard only the first few times. Now it's nothing. Clipless is better without a double than double straps to me though as a pedal system (depending on the clipless system too, but I <3 ATAC). I'd suggest doing what I do, save clipless for serious rides, alleycats, whatever, use straps for going to school, the bar, parties, grocery store runs and all that stuff.
It shouldn't take longer than 3 minutes to swap out one pair of pedals for the other.
It shouldn't take longer than 3 minutes to swap out one pair of pedals for the other.



