Do toe straps help?
 

I'm thinking about getting toe straps for my bike. I've never used toe straps before. How do toe straps help? What's the difference between the single and double strap?

What do you guys think about strapless toe straps? Are they any good?

Any recommendations for toe straps that aren't too pricey?

Thanks

Plug for Scrod: http://www.retro-gression.com/produc...ps-straps-only

Cheap (none of this expensive HoldFast crap) and well-liked by forum members! :thumb:

Get these http://www.retro-gression.com/produc...s-straps-combo they work well
It keeps your foot on the pedal which is very nice for fg also it allows for more efficient pedaling as you can apply power both upward and downward


yay plug scrod time

Platform Pedals < Pedals with Toe Straps < Clipless MTB Pedals < Clipless Road Pedals < Clipless Road Pedals + Straps

I've tried clipped and clipless and prefer plain old platform pedals. The former should help keep your feet on your pedals as mentioned previously, however I just haven't had that problem ( feet slipping off )

I use strapless toe clips. Straps conflict with my sandals and interfered with pulling my feet out. Without being strapped in I can't pull up hard but I don't usually need to. So for me they are fine.

Mine didn't cost much.

Carleton < Squirrel

OUHH SNAPZZZ

Before this thread becomes 4 pages of "Well, I ride _________ and it's awesome..." Remember, it's not about anyone but rbpanaligan.

A) I assume that you are asking about straps to address a particular concern. What is that concern?
B) How do you use your bike? (commuting short distances, commuting long distances, short coffee shop type rides, long distances, etc...)

[Carleton grabs his pellet gun and starts looking for Squirrell]

i wouldn't say that if i were you or
http://trailerparkbarbie.files.wordp...0/squirrel.jpg

-Changes back to Vixtor-

http://unrealitymag.com/wp-content/u...ncess-leia.jpg

lulz

Your feet stay on your pedals, better energy transfer, IMO your ride much safer with them (after 20 minutes of getting used to them). I feel completely naked trying to ride without clips/straps. Not a big clipless fan due to the fact that I ride in 3 different types of footwear depending on the conditions and do a lot of walking when not on the bike.

You should try and ride a couple types of different retention systems before you buy any. Go to your local shop and let them know what you want and see if they can let you maybe ride a couple demo bikes or something. I like clipless MTB style pedals but if I was going to change them out it would be for my Holdfasts or I would order the Straps that Scrod sells, they actually look like they work better than Holdfast.

I would love to see pictures of this setup. :lol:

Until you have to get off your bike.

wish granted
http://www.badbean.com/images/spd_sl_mod/IMGP5265.jpg

Works for me.

http://i256.photobucket.com/albums/h...lipstwo003.jpg

http://i256.photobucket.com/albums/h...lipstwo001.jpg

A lot of track sprinters use modern clipless with double straps, including our beloved Carleton.

Some Keirin racers are also strapped and clipless but with different sort of clipless pedals.

http://www.bigup.pl/blog/wp-content/.../09/keirin.jpg

http://www.dubbayoo.net/files/pics/c...dal-cleats.jpg

What kinda bike you got?

On freewheel bikes I found clips and straps are good for almost a 2mph increase in average speed. For riding around town I'm way more stoked to ride on some good platforms sans clips and straps though. Oh I forgot to add that Clips and straps allow you to do cheater bunnyhops with ease.

On fixed bikes toe straps or pedal straps offer a few more advantages.

Track sprinters do it because they can yank their cleats out of the pedals
http://i641.photobucket.com/albums/u...btspy3_408.jpg

As shown in the recent KMC chain thread

No slotted cleats + straps in the "<" chain?

Platform Pedals < Pedals with Toe Straps < slotted cleats + straps < Clipless MTB Pedals < Clipless Road Pedals < Clipless Road Pedals + Straps

All of the cool kids are doing it:

http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5052/...f0c6ff01_o.jpg

The New Zealand rider (with NZ on the helmet) is using the nylon straps that you guys would be familiar with.

larger: http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5052/...f0c6ff01_o.jpg

hwat

http://media.nscdn.com/uploads/cache...mind-blown.jpg


This looks like something that would be a children's television show, teaching you numbers and colors! :lol:

A) I want to increase my pedal efficiency and I was curious how pedal straps help.
B) I use my bike for mainly for short commutes but recently rode from san jose to san francisco :)

foot retention > no foot retention

Pretty much essential on a FG as if a foot comes off the pedal at high speed it could be akin to sticking your leg in a blender and could cause a serious accident..

I usually ride clipless because of neuropathy in my left leg from the knee down and foot as without having my foot secured it will often drift off the pedal.

This does not slow me down very much as your power comes from your upper legs and your lower leg and ankle just transfers that power and pulling up with the opposite foot is not that efficient except for very short periods and can cause excess fatigue and it denies your leg that brief rest cycle.

I still like my quill pedals with their clips and straps... these are nice when you want to ride in regular shoes and have some very toothy BMX pedals that keep one's foot in place and serve as a decent retention device.

Today was the first day this year where I used clipless shoes and pedals as it was actually warm enough to not need warmer footwear and toe clips / straps and could really feel a nice difference in how much smoother and faster I was.

If you're switching from no clips/straps to having them, be prepared for a couple 0 mph crashes (tipping over cause you forgot you were clipped in).

As far as the clips with no straps, I wouldn't recommend them. I find that they mostly just give a guideline for where your foot should be to pedal efficiently. But they're not gonna help you skid, crank on the upstroke or really keep your foot in place.

Double straps provide better foot retention, but it's probably not necessary for you. Get the singles in a quality leather if you can because the cheaper ones stretch and the insides can get torn up if your pedals are banged up. Plastic clips are cheaper and just as good as metal ones, it just depends on what you like better.

oh and learn to track stand right away, unclipping and clipping back in at red lights gets pretty annoying.

that is why strap buckles have a flick tab on em if you have never used the tab then you still haven't learned how to properly use straps