all this bickering when it really comes down to...

spd ain't njs, duh.

Exactly. Me too.

I have seen these NJS references a lot in here, are there really people in the US that are so concerned with having fully NJS Approved bike? That just seems so bizarre to me, If we lived in Japan that would be an understandable thing, you know, wanting to replicate a track ready bike. But why would people in another country be so concerned with, and go out of their way to, set up a bike with standards that don't apply to them?

I hate sweating in regular skate shoes, or any other sneakers really. I ran toe clips for about 1 week, and went right back to clipless. That and I used to get strange numb spots on my feet after about an hour or so in the saddle, not so with my clipless. I'm sure this is just a fit issue and in being so it is user error, but also contributed to my decision to go back to Mountain Bike shoes.

bling bling

yeah i guess that makes sense, but in my opinion, if I wanted to spend a lot of money to make my bike "bling-bling" I would go full Campagnolo not full NJS. But it seems like NJS is more readily available (if you have the cash) maybee NJS is a an easier way to blow your money?

people should worry about what works for them...
not opine on what others do and why..

as for myself:

i use time atacs when messengering, cuz the stiff soles of mtb shoes are helpful during long days on the bike..

now that i am a wrench not a messenger.. i prefer toe clips and straps because i like wearing regular sneakers.. there's a whole thread somewhere discussing the types and why..

it's pretty cheap to buy NOS resin double gate clips (my favs) in cool colours (it's not a crime to also care how your bike looks, people spend 100s on paint jobs, lug lining, pinstripes, chrome..) i also like finding cheap straps, finding that they perform just as well as 200$ ones.. it's also fun to have something no one else is rocking.. my town bike, like many people, is a place to express myself.. being i have lots of access to NOS working at a LBS.. it's fun! remember fun?

dobra don!
vdb fan

But, but, but then all the posts would dry up and all that would be left in this forum would be lost and disillusioned haters with no direction or sense of self! Seriously, it's on the fg membership card (on the back) #4 - Thou shalt judge and opine till your cog falls off.

Use what works best for you.

i can walk around in my SIDI DOM all day... plus they dont look weird at all. people usually give me compliments on them and show interest in them, until i show them its a cycling shoe then they're just surprised.

Granted SIDIs are $$$ but i went for em and im glad i did.

p.s. im gellin too @_@

Get nice enough Sidi's and the only looks you'll get will be one's of envy.

Agreed! Some like to be thrift, some like the finer things. This thread is pure speculation I believe there is no foreseeable end to it

Haha... they look like geriatric Velcro shoes.

Yes, they do indeed.
Don't forget the socks pulled up to the knees.
Add a shirt tucked into shorts with a waistband three inches below the chest and you'll be ready for bingo!

i heart mother of pearl sidi's.
and vittorias.

Hahaha, cue the bitter, poor hipsters chiming in. I imagine many of you say the same when you see me on the road. I'm usually traveling fast enough where you are all reduced to a multi-colored plaid blur of flat-brimmed hats and blown-out, crotchless jeans though. Besides, I'd imagine getting the same type of derisory comments if I showed up to the track rocking vans and clips instead. Half the people chiming in have only ever used clips, go figure. Besides, what's wrong with being really OG and rocking the geriatric stylo? It's one more way for me to say I've been doing the "fixie" thing since day one, SON! One love.

Jesus H. Christ, thanks for all of your answers!

I can understand not wanting to carry extra shoes around for a commute. But I often have to carry the rest of my clothes too, so it's no biggy. I prefer getting out into the country for sub-century rides as much as possible rather than dealing with city commuter traffic, so that's another factor in my pedal selection. And I have nothing against other riders being stylish--I'm not especially blessed that way. But that's one of the beauties of riding a bike: being able to express yourself as an individual.

LOL: "rocking the geriatric stylo"!

Wow - feeling a tad defensive?
Were you bullied when you were a child?
Or are you just angry at the world in general?

Nah, I have no defensive instincts, just ask my old soccer coach. The "One love" smiley wasn't enough? I was joining in on the fun. Come on, just lemme have a sip, there's enough haterade for the rest of the class!

That's kind of ridiculous considering the practicality of riding in your normal shoes is pretty blatantly obvious. But hey, you know why I do the things I do better than I could ever hope...

Yeah, there are functional reasons to use clips and strap as well as clipless. One or the other will be more or less suitable depending on riding conditions, length of ride, intensity of ride, purpose of ride, destination (when applicable), etc. etc..

Really, it's like saying the only reason to ride clipless is to fit in with the other roadies. Undeniably, some people are just after a certain "look," but that doesn't mean everyone who does it is just another fashion victim.

Can everyone please do what works for them and not worry so much about the personal choices other people are making? I have found this to be a recurring theme in the fixed gear single-speed forum. I have stated why I use clips and straps, and why I do not and will not use clipless. Others have just as valid points for their choice to run clipless. VBD said to do what works for you and not worry about what other people are using and I agree with you 110%.

i don't want to buy another pair of shoes just for bike riding. Also, i'm not concerned with efficiency, since i live in a flat area. I can probably say i'd get clipless for training or fitness reasons, but i'm fine with what i have.

^ Same. And clipless don't really provide any more efficiency than clips. Both are tons better than platforms though.

Well, part of me says I should have known better than to make a judgement statement about others; and another part of me says that I prefaced my statement with "in my humble opinion," and I have as much a right to an opinion as anyone else.

I would also point out that I cited the example of my son, who rides his geared bike with clips and straps because he wants to run and ride in the same shoes.

So, to those who took offense at my opinion I apologize and I also say if the shoe doesn't fit, don't wear it.

As for myself, I sometimes contemplate clips and straps, but I can't figure out how to get them tight enough so that I would enjoy the same efficiency I have with clipless shoes and pedals.

I mean, wouldn't I have to wear Keiren-style track cleats in order to get same spin I get with my clipless shoes and pedals; and, would/should anyone ride on the street with track cleats?

In the meantime, I have a pair of Mountain Bike shoes and two pairs of sandals that feel so comfortable walking that I forget I have them on my feet.