Getting into toe clips on a FG
#1
Diseased Unicorn
Thread Starter
Join Date: Jul 2009
Posts: 50
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 0 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 0 Times
in
0 Posts
Getting into toe clips on a FG
I'm trying to find the best way to get into and tighten toe clips on a fixed gear. The first one is easy because I'm able to do it at rest, but I'm having trouble with the other. The only way I am able to do it now is ride slowly and do one step at a time as my pedal comes up to me again. Any tips on a more efficient way to do this?
#2
helmet brake
Join Date: May 2008
Location: Brooklyn
Posts: 624
Bikes: Kilo TT
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 0 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 0 Times
in
0 Posts
Nope... Just keep doing that!
It will become second nature.
Eventually you will have the very cool experience of not noticing doing it until after you did it. Heh.
BTW, when I got double straps, I was able to leave them loose enough to slip in and out of while also having good foot retention... no tightening. I like it better, but doubles arent at all necessary.
It will become second nature.
Eventually you will have the very cool experience of not noticing doing it until after you did it. Heh.
BTW, when I got double straps, I was able to leave them loose enough to slip in and out of while also having good foot retention... no tightening. I like it better, but doubles arent at all necessary.
#3
n00b
Join Date: Jul 2009
Location: SGV
Posts: 301
Bikes: Mercier Kilo TT - Grapesoda
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 0 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 0 Times
in
0 Posts
tons of practice to make it second nature. you're flicking the little metal tab on your pedals right?
#4
Junior Member
Join Date: Jun 2009
Posts: 23
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 0 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 0 Times
in
0 Posts
Basically do it a bunch while going slowly and then it'll come naturally. I got my bike about five days ago I'm practiced enough that I can grab the left foot while rolling at a decent pace however I still need to practice with the right.
#7
The bus, Gus
Join Date: Oct 2009
Location: NYC
Posts: 976
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 0 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 0 Times
in
0 Posts
Truth, me trying to get my left foot in while riding is like watching a... I don't have the energy to come up with a clever analogy sorry. But yeah I always start with my left foot in first.
#9
Unintentional Troll
Join Date: Apr 2009
Location: Los Angeles (under a bridge)
Posts: 244
Bikes: Converted Bianchi Piaggio
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 0 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 0 Times
in
0 Posts
#10
manonthemoon
Join Date: Jun 2009
Location: Seattle, WA
Posts: 748
Bikes: Current custom builds: FG=KHS Flite 100 DH=Transition Blindside FR=Transition Bottlerocket
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 1 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 0 Times
in
0 Posts
#12
Guest
Posts: n/a
Mentioned: Post(s)
Tagged: Thread(s)
Quoted: Post(s)
I like to prop myself against something to get one foot in and tightened down, then I do the other as I roll away slowly. I cinch the straps pretty snug, but I am able to yank my feet out if need be. It just takes a little time to get used to, you'll get it.
#13
Senior Member
Join Date: Oct 2004
Location: Toronto, Ontario
Posts: 1,744
Bikes: Miele Azsora, Kuwahara Cascade
Mentioned: 1 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 5 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 2 Times
in
2 Posts
get them tight before you leave , then just wiggle your foot in. tightening while on the bike is only necessary if you're using cleats, which you shouldn't be unless you're doing really hardcore track racing and by that point, you should either know how to trackstand or get clipless.
#16
Senior Member
Join Date: Aug 2008
Location: SoCal
Posts: 2,693
Bikes: A few BSO's.
Mentioned: 4 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 164 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 53 Times
in
26 Posts
I couldn't imagine trying to tighten down your straps after struggling to get into them.
By the time you figure all that out I will be in my clipless pedals and about 1/2 mile down the road.
There are times I don't want to put on the shoes but I wear SPD shoes that you can walk in. Try clipless and see if you like it. If you have some fear about getting unclipped, don't. It's real simple to twist your foot and be free. It's second nature.
If I had to loosen some straps and then back out of cages, Yikes!!! YMMV.
By the time you figure all that out I will be in my clipless pedals and about 1/2 mile down the road.
There are times I don't want to put on the shoes but I wear SPD shoes that you can walk in. Try clipless and see if you like it. If you have some fear about getting unclipped, don't. It's real simple to twist your foot and be free. It's second nature.
If I had to loosen some straps and then back out of cages, Yikes!!! YMMV.
#17
Oh, you know...
Join Date: May 2009
Location: DC
Posts: 2,834
Bikes: '74 Schwinn Sports Tourer (Polo), S-Works E5 Team Festina (Chorus 11), Trek 2200 Bonded Carbon (Fixed), Trek 920 (7 speed IGH), Chesini Olimpiade SL (1x7)
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 0 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 0 Times
in
0 Posts
If you're having trouble flipping the pedals, wrapping the back part (that you scrape with your foot) in gaffer tape will give you some extra traction.
Some of the polished metal pedals like the MKS Sylvans or Exustars have really inadequate spurs and are impossible to flip reliably with flat-soled shoes if they get a little wet.
Some of the polished metal pedals like the MKS Sylvans or Exustars have really inadequate spurs and are impossible to flip reliably with flat-soled shoes if they get a little wet.
#18
Senior Member
Join Date: Sep 2009
Location: PHL
Posts: 9,948
Bikes: Litespeed Catalyst, IRO Rob Roy, All City Big Block
Mentioned: 19 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 1332 Post(s)
Liked 398 Times
in
194 Posts
I've never tightened while riding. I just keep them tight/loose enough that I can feel secure and slip in and out pretty easily. Also, I get one foot in while standing over so I only have one foot to think about once I start pedaling.
#19
:)
Join Date: Nov 2006
Location: duluth
Posts: 3,391
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
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 0 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 1 Time
in
1 Post
Same here, never had an issue...
#20
Fixed-gear roadie
Join Date: Dec 2008
Location: Wilmington, NC
Posts: 1,048
Bikes: 2008 Masi Speciale Fixed
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 0 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 0 Times
in
0 Posts
Never used to tighten mine while riding. I think that's just one of those problems that everybody but the fixed gear world solved long ago by using clipless pedals.
#21
yesterday you said tom.
Join Date: May 2009
Location: Brooklyn, NY
Posts: 457
Bikes: Bianchi Pista 07, Dodici Veloce
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 0 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 0 Times
in
0 Posts
that's just one of those problems that everybody but the fixed gear world solved long ago by using clipless pedals.
your straps don't have to be super snug. just have it so you it's not too loose that your feet will shift around when u pedal
#22
Full Member
while pedaling, i usually wait until the pedal turns towards to the back of the bike and slip my foot in when the pedal is almost vertical when i flip it.