Go Back  Bike Forums > Bike Forums > Singlespeed & Fixed Gear
Reload this Page >

Do straps (like Holdfast/Retrogression/etc) provide better foot retention than clips?

Search
Notices
Singlespeed & Fixed Gear "I still feel that variable gears are only for people over forty-five. Isn't it better to triumph by the strength of your muscles than by the artifice of a derailer? We are getting soft...As for me, give me a fixed gear!"-- Henri Desgrange (31 January 1865 - 16 August 1940)

Do straps (like Holdfast/Retrogression/etc) provide better foot retention than clips?

Thread Tools
 
Search this Thread
 
Old 06-30-11, 01:43 PM
  #1  
Kilo TT
Thread Starter
 
EssEllSee's Avatar
 
Join Date: Jun 2010
Location: Salt Lake City
Posts: 741
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 0 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 0 Times in 0 Posts
Do straps (like Holdfast/Retrogression/etc) provide better foot retention than clips?

I currently run some Burro straps on my bike, but have been wanting to try out some clips with double leather straps (like these: https://www.retro-gression.com/produc...s-straps-combo) but am wondering if they provide as firm foot retention as the straps? My straps feel great, and I have never had an issue, but really like the look of clips. I run brakeless and am wondering if the double straps + clips would provide enough foot retention and stopping power by themselves ? - for some reason they seem like theyd be a little flimsy and forgiving...
EssEllSee is offline  
Old 06-30-11, 01:56 PM
  #2  
Senior Member
 
Kayce's Avatar
 
Join Date: Aug 2010
Location: St Louis
Posts: 1,846
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 1 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 0 Times in 0 Posts
If they are good fitting, well maintained, and properly set up they will provide all of the retention you will need. But most people dont do any of those. Straps are easier to get fit and require less maintenance.
Kayce is offline  
Old 06-30-11, 02:01 PM
  #3  
Kilo TT
Thread Starter
 
EssEllSee's Avatar
 
Join Date: Jun 2010
Location: Salt Lake City
Posts: 741
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 0 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 0 Times in 0 Posts
Originally Posted by Kayce
If they are good fitting, well maintained, and properly set up they will provide all of the retention you will need. But most people dont do any of those. Straps are easier to get fit and require less maintenance.
My fear is that I will set them up/fit them incorrectly and because my life rests in this foot retention, the last thing I want is for them to fail.. Reasons you listed are precisely why I chose straps.
EssEllSee is offline  
Old 06-30-11, 02:19 PM
  #4  
I just wanna ride
 
stryper's Avatar
 
Join Date: Oct 2008
Location: Chico Califo
Posts: 1,155

Bikes: 2013 BMC Impec

Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 1 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 1 Time in 1 Post
You couldn't under any circumstance stop if your retention failed :|

You need to learn to ted shred e-stop. Stomp your back tire and lean back.
stryper is offline  
Old 06-30-11, 02:29 PM
  #5  
Senior Member
 
Kayce's Avatar
 
Join Date: Aug 2010
Location: St Louis
Posts: 1,846
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 1 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 0 Times in 0 Posts
Or if you were riding fixed on the east coast 5 years ago there is also the "jamacan stop". Put your lead foot under the pedal and pull up.
Kayce is offline  
Old 06-30-11, 02:38 PM
  #6  
Senior Member
 
chenghiz's Avatar
 
Join Date: Sep 2010
Location: PDX
Posts: 389
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 0 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 0 Times in 0 Posts
Straps are worse than properly cinched clips and straps, I'm guessing. But do you really want to release and tighten your foot retention every time you come to a stop and go again?
chenghiz is offline  
Old 06-30-11, 03:20 PM
  #7  
Ride for Life
 
wearyourtruth's Avatar
 
Join Date: Jun 2004
Location: Houston
Posts: 2,740
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 6 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 2 Times in 2 Posts
what i like about holdfast straps (the only kind of just-straps that i've used) is that they fit well with ANY of my shoes, and do hold my foot in quite well. i have had a couple bikes with clips/straps, but i only have a couple pair of shoes that really fit in them well.
wearyourtruth is offline  
Old 06-30-11, 03:31 PM
  #8  
yoked
 
Join Date: Jan 2011
Location: S
Posts: 3,594
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 0 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 1 Time in 1 Post
I'm sure if you had a good quality strap set up correctly it would be as good as a toe clip/strap setup, however, when set up right, toe clips and straps feel really secure.
homebrewk is offline  
Old 06-30-11, 03:33 PM
  #9  
Senior Member
 
chenghiz's Avatar
 
Join Date: Sep 2010
Location: PDX
Posts: 389
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 0 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 0 Times in 0 Posts
The only reason I think clips+straps would be better is because they retain the foot forward-back as well as up-down. I don't, however, think it's an important difference, and infinitely prefer retrogression-style footstraps.
chenghiz is offline  
Old 06-30-11, 03:35 PM
  #10  
Noob.
 
longjohns's Avatar
 
Join Date: Apr 2010
Location: NYC/NJ
Posts: 503
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 0 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 1 Time in 1 Post
ive used both and they both hold my feet well. the clips and straps require constant adjusting where as holdfast/retrogression is a set and forget kind of thing. if i had to choose between the two id go with the holdfast/retrogression style.
longjohns is offline  
Old 06-30-11, 03:49 PM
  #11  
I just wanna ride
 
stryper's Avatar
 
Join Date: Oct 2008
Location: Chico Califo
Posts: 1,155

Bikes: 2013 BMC Impec

Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 1 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 1 Time in 1 Post
Originally Posted by Kayce
Or if you were riding fixed on the east coast 5 years ago there is also the "jamacan stop". Put your lead foot under the pedal and pull up.
I used that before I had straps. It works decently well, but scary as f**k when going like 25mph and you have to let go of and catch your pedal on the underside without it slamming into your shin or calf. Not really advised.

The advantage that stomping your tire has too, is that it is the only way to stop if your chain comes off for some reason, assuming you don't have brakes.
stryper is offline  
Old 06-30-11, 04:15 PM
  #12  
Senior Member
 
vw addict's Avatar
 
Join Date: Jan 2006
Location: East coast
Posts: 2,671

Bikes: Specialized Tarmac Expert, Cannondale R700, Specialized Langster, Iron Horse Hollowpoint Team, Schwinn Homegrown

Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 0 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 0 Times in 0 Posts
Originally Posted by EssEllSee
because my life rests in this foot retention, the last thing I want is for them to fail..
THIS is your problem
vw addict is offline  
Old 06-30-11, 04:20 PM
  #13  
Senior Member
 
deadsouls.'s Avatar
 
Join Date: Nov 2010
Location: Boston MA
Posts: 195
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 1 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 0 Times in 0 Posts
My bike came with clips, but I recently switched over to the Retrogression straps and I prefer them so much more.
deadsouls. is offline  
Old 06-30-11, 06:17 PM
  #14  
Member
 
Join Date: Oct 2010
Location: Chicago, Il
Posts: 39
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 0 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 0 Times in 0 Posts
Originally Posted by EssEllSee
My fear is that I will set them up/fit them incorrectly and because my life rests in this foot retention, the last thing I want is for them to fail.. Reasons you listed are precisely why I chose straps.
Don't be so dramatic, your life rests in much more than your foot retention.
I have both (holdfast and exustar double straps and steel clips). They both work great, I tend to prefer the clips and straps, I think because the pedals I have them on flip better than my bmx platforms. I use the straps in the winter so I can wear boots if it's really sloppy out (I'm in chicago).
If you get the double straps I'd go with the exustar ones https://www.retro-gression.com/produc...-double-straps
Ishii is offline  
Old 06-30-11, 06:33 PM
  #15  
Senior Member
 
Nash Deluxe's Avatar
 
Join Date: Oct 2010
Location: Arleta, CA
Posts: 92
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 10 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 4 Times in 1 Post
properly set up clips + straps will be plenty secure and provide all the foot retention you need.
fitting different shoes was never a problem for me because I always ride with casual or narrow low-profile shoes. riding around in a pair of bulky skate shoes just feels awkward in any foot retention setup.

I'm in the same boat as you. I rode holdfast straps for over a year and loved them but also prefer the looks of traditional clips/straps on certain builds.
I don't think either set up will be much securer than the other providing that both are set up correctly.

also, why no front brake? too cool for safety?(i kid) how are the riding conditions in SLC?
Nash Deluxe is offline  
Old 06-30-11, 06:48 PM
  #16  
Member
 
Join Date: Oct 2010
Location: Chicago, Il
Posts: 39
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 0 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 0 Times in 0 Posts
Originally Posted by Nash Deluxe
also, why no front brake?
I don't want to hijack the post but I think having a front break is a good idea. even if you never really use it. One time I overheard two lawyers discussing a case where a cyclist was hit by a car and the specifics of who was breaking when and how they were breaking where very important.
Ishii is offline  
Old 06-30-11, 06:50 PM
  #17  
GONE~
 
Join Date: Apr 2010
Posts: 6,747
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 1 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 0 Times in 0 Posts
Originally Posted by Nash Deluxe
also, why no front brake?
Weight saving, brah.
Squirrelli is offline  
Old 06-30-11, 07:49 PM
  #18  
u________u
 
jessesv's Avatar
 
Join Date: Sep 2009
Location: baltimore
Posts: 138
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 0 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 0 Times in 0 Posts
Originally Posted by Squirrelli
Weight saving, brah.
+ sick barspinz
jessesv is offline  
Old 06-30-11, 08:44 PM
  #19  
.
 
xavier853's Avatar
 
Join Date: May 2009
Location: Columbus
Posts: 2,027

Bikes: Pegueot UO8, Tommaso Augusta

Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 0 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 0 Times in 0 Posts
I don't do toe straps anymore.

And im my personal opinion, I found clips+straps to feel more comfortable and secure than toe straps.

Last edited by xavier853; 06-30-11 at 08:48 PM. Reason: clarification
xavier853 is offline  
Old 06-30-11, 08:45 PM
  #20  
Your cog is slipping.
 
Scrodzilla's Avatar
 
Join Date: May 2009
Posts: 26,053
Mentioned: 41 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 640 Post(s)
Liked 100 Times in 58 Posts
What? You're using clips without straps?
Scrodzilla is offline  
Old 06-30-11, 08:48 PM
  #21  
.
 
xavier853's Avatar
 
Join Date: May 2009
Location: Columbus
Posts: 2,027

Bikes: Pegueot UO8, Tommaso Augusta

Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 0 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 0 Times in 0 Posts
fixed
xavier853 is offline  
Old 06-30-11, 10:12 PM
  #22  
Kilo TT
Thread Starter
 
EssEllSee's Avatar
 
Join Date: Jun 2010
Location: Salt Lake City
Posts: 741
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 0 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 0 Times in 0 Posts
Originally Posted by Nash Deluxe
properly set up clips + straps will be plenty secure and provide all the foot retention you need.
fitting different shoes was never a problem for me because I always ride with casual or narrow low-profile shoes. riding around in a pair of bulky skate shoes just feels awkward in any foot retention setup.

I'm in the same boat as you. I rode holdfast straps for over a year and loved them but also prefer the looks of traditional clips/straps on certain builds.
I don't think either set up will be much securer than the other providing that both are set up correctly.

also, why no front brake? too cool for safety?(i kid) how are the riding conditions in SLC?
Street cred of course. Not really wanting this to turn into another brake/brakeless argument as that will never resolve. The riding conditions in SLC are mostly flat downtown, unless you go a little outside of the towns where it gets a bit hilly. Not trying to be dramatic, just wondering about the retention of the systems when compared together.
EssEllSee is offline  
Old 07-01-11, 11:36 PM
  #23  
バカスゴい
 
camashtorcal's Avatar
 
Join Date: Jun 2006
Location: Kobe, Japan
Posts: 256

Bikes: IRO Mark V Pro with FBM Sword fork, Ridley Oval,

Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 0 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 0 Times in 0 Posts
I use all three, holdfasts, Toshi Doubles and Sylvans, and most of the time, I used Shimano M520s. Holdfasts are good for cruising speeds and for those that have bigger feet like myself. Clips and Straps for those that want to ride a little faster and want better pedal efficiency. And mountain bike clipless pedals for even better pedal efficiency and walkable shoes and road clipless for those that really want to ride hard and fast and get the most out of their riding experience.
camashtorcal is offline  
Related Topics
Thread
Thread Starter
Forum
Replies
Last Post
gmm213
Singlespeed & Fixed Gear
13
04-09-15 02:06 PM
Ayeeebroitsmatt
Bicycle Mechanics
5
03-05-15 04:26 PM
AKtbird
Singlespeed & Fixed Gear
16
04-11-13 07:30 PM
DRietz
Singlespeed & Fixed Gear
16
05-15-11 02:26 PM
MaxSta
Singlespeed & Fixed Gear
57
03-18-10 06:53 AM

Posting Rules
You may not post new threads
You may not post replies
You may not post attachments
You may not edit your posts

BB code is On
Smilies are On
[IMG] code is On
HTML code is Off
Trackbacks are Off
Pingbacks are Off
Refbacks are Off



Contact Us - Archive - Advertising - Cookie Policy - Privacy Statement - Terms of Service -

Copyright © 2024 MH Sub I, LLC dba Internet Brands. All rights reserved. Use of this site indicates your consent to the Terms of Use.