is there any reason why people run their straps upside down with the ends coming out of the buckles pointed upward?

I believe some do it because they believe that the straps are easier to grab and tighten that way.

This makes no sense. In order to tighten a strap which is installed upside down, you'd need to pull it downward.

The reason for anyone using straps like that is simple - they don't know what they're doing.

^ That's a strap mounted the correct way. If it were upside down like the OP was talking about, you'd need to pull down and then pull the strap through the little retaining loop - leaving it pointing upward.

Not that it really matters, since approximately 1 person in the world still adjusts his straps while riding.

That would be ridiculous.

I've seen straps installed upside down on way too many occasions.

Toe clips and straps are a fashion statement for 99.9996 % of the cycling population.

Right On. I do however adjust the straps before I leave the house. Rain boots require more space than the Toms, and same for my non-slip kitchen/works shoes! You would have to be one bad arse track-standing fool to reach down then tighten and push the strap back through the retaining loop and then switch sides to repeat!
I like my strap to be snug but not so tight that I'd fall over at a stop sign/light

I disagree on your percentage. My straps/clips/pedals cost about $60ish Show me where I can find New Clipless shoes/ and pedals for less than $75
Not to mention they are Way cheaper to boot!
Or you dont want carry an extra set of shoes wit you.
Now I do see some people here with $150 clip/strap/pedal combos "mostly hipsters or messengers" riding NJS stamped steeds. Thats still way to much for me to spend. I'd rather get a brooks saddle and these!



If I could Afford some Sidi's I'd def have them

I said clips and straps, not bmx platforms plus wide straps like the Retrogression setup, which I have on one of my FG bikes. As to walkability, you can get plenty of very walkable cycling shoes to work with SPD pedals. Clips and straps are designed to work with slotted cleats attached to cycling shoes, and they are pretty useless with regular shoes, especially if you don't tighten the straps. Anyways, if you look at all the photos posted on this forum of people riding their bikes with clips and straps, half the time it seems they are riding on the backs of the pedals and not even using the clips / straps.

We know.

I was also referring to clips and strap! I used the photo to show what id rather have than spending the extra money on a clipless setup. For me and a handful of friends we have (clips and straps) Because they are cheaper and give us more options with shoes!
Sorry for the misunderstanding, I would rather have a basic set of pedals and straps (functional/not crap) such as the ones I pictured above! (These are not what I currently own). I have a set of Mid range wellgo pedal/strap combo. They allow me to wear many different types of shoes, so I dont have to throw nasty kitchen shoes in my bag after work or rain boots. Id rather spend less on pedals! And get a better saddle. IT IS not for looks! Its what I can afford right now. And like I said earlier if I could afford clipless i would jump on them. But seeing that there is a ~$100 starting point I cannot justify them right now.

And yes your right the average daily commuter prob is not using the clip/strap setup to its full potential.

So it's the new hipster to run clips and straps?

So call me a hipster then lol! I was referring to pedal strap combos (prices) vs (clip less/shoe combo prices) Some people prefer to spend $$$ on clip/strap combos (you know the brands!) Some rather get spd pedals and shoes. Me personally, I would love some eggbeaters if I could afford them.

Wow.

^^

I ride clipless almost all of the time, but there are occasions that I use a standard MKS pedal/clip setup with single straps. Thanks to clipless, I now have to actually crank down the straps for each foot or else it won't feel right at all. In this setup, I don't use the retainer loop.

I agree, so much of fixed gear riding doesn't make sense but it doesn't stop folks from making asses out of themselves if they think they look 2% cooler than their friends at the risk of making their bikes implode.

Straps upside down! Straps upside down! Lookin' like a fool with your straps upside down!

I came.

That Ojisan is beasting it! No pun intended.