Perceived wisdom - are clipless really better?
Comments
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Not sure what track riders you know but 100% of the track riders I know uese clipless.Pokerface wrote:The ONLY problem with clipless pedals..... is that you need cycling shoes to use them and then can't walk around easily off the bike.
The only people I know who don't use clipless are track riders. They still use straps. Mostly because (the sprinters) are pulling so hard on the pedals that clips can't keep them attached!
Most use look but I dont as I use the old style shimano spd's as they are almost impossible to pull out of. A lot of top sprinters still use them, the difference is they use double toe straps ( no clips) in addition to the clipless to prevent pulling out.
I know a very good junior rider who recently broke his collar bone on the track as he had worn cleats and they snapped when he was doing sprint efforts and he went over on collar bone.
I have never pulled out of mine during srpints or standing starts but have snapped a chain twice
The only people I have ever seen use toe straps and clips on the track are novices who use hire bikes and have no shoes. Most of the hire bikes will be look compatible and your not allowed to change pedals on hire bikes for safety reasons.0 -
Just read it, the first line made me laugh out loud
"this is written for non-racers, and for riders who don't ride race-like. In other words, for recreational riders, tourists, commuters, general fitness riders...but not for racers or racer-likes."
I must have the wrong bike and pedals then, I am a recreational rider, no intention of racing, general fitness and NOT a race-a-like.
Damn, I'm doing it all wrong! :roll:
The thing about cycling, hiking, doing anything at all, is that to get the best out of it, it is a good thing to use the right equipment and the best you can reasonably afford.
Clipless pedals on a roadie are way more comfortable than flats, they are the right equipment for the job, on a MTB, there are other issues, I prefer flats, I have to jump off in a hurry sometimes! but on a roadie its a no brainer.
This is different to getting the "best" or most expensive to look good, you know who they are £2,000 bike, team kit and legs that are worth 10 pence and pushing up hills....
That article is rubbish becuse it suggests that riding in sandals and Crocs is a good thing to do, it isn't, unless you are on a beach chasing the kids...
The only real problem with clipless is walking in the shoes, if you are commuting, carry clean socks and keep shoes at work, and a shower is nice if you can get itRichard
Giving it Large0 -
Even here you can, with a MTB system. When touring I bring just one pair of SPD shoes, generally if it is a hot country Shimano sandals.Pokerface wrote:The ONLY problem with clipless pedals..... is that you need cycling shoes to use them and then can't walk around easily off the bike.
Grant is actually right on the pulling up thing, that's not actually efficient and the only place you should really be doing it is a sprint. He makes clear his prejudices and who the article is aimed at, at the very top... I agree he is a bit of a retro-grouch, I'm not overly surprised he doesn't like clipless. He doesn't like indexed shifting either, never mind STI/Ergo levers.
For me clipless is largely a comfort thing though, I feel very uncomfortable un-clipped in on a bike with flats.0 -
You want TWO things from a shoe:
protection from the pedal. You don't want to jam the pedal into your foot.
gription. You don't want to slide around on the pedal.
That is all.
Has this guy actually been on a bike? (Pics or it didn't happen)0
