Toe clips and strapless clips

wilshawk

Hi, I tried Toe clips in the past, but got a bit frustrated about having to get my feet in and out when stopping, I have seen strapless toe clips around recently and wondered if anyone has experience with them, is it easier to get your foot in and out? and are they as effective for pedalling? Thanks.

batch78

Yes it is easier to remove your foot from these, I used to have a pair on a mountain bike.

Only thing they're useful for is to stop your foot slipping off the pedal, they flexed too much to provide any leverage.

wilshawk

oh I see, thank you

cougie

Could be worth looking at these ?

http://www.powergrips.com/

batch78

Now I'd forgotten about them ^ have never tried them but would appear to allow easier access than cages, more leverage than strapless cages and more versatility than clipless.

I'd imagine you still need to remember to twist your foot slightly on removal. But if your looking for something to use with normal shoes they may be an option. If your just worried about clipless moments then don't be!!!

wilshawk

Interesting, I may give that product a try

Super Domestique

I tried powergrips a few years ago (when commuting) and found them a bit clumsy tbh so went back to clips and straps but without tightening the straps overly when in traffic.

I have clipless now for the road and flatties for my mtb.

That said, my son is now getting into road riding but after years on flatties on both his bmx and mtb he was concerned about clips so I got him a set of the half clips/straples clips here:


http://www.wiggle.co.uk/zefal-toe-clips/

He still has to get fully used to spinning the pedal and getting his foot in first time but it has given him far greater confidence.

jejv

batch78 wrote:

Yes it is easier to remove your foot from these, I used to have a pair on a mountain bike.

Only thing they're useful for is to stop your foot slipping off the pedal, they flexed too much to provide any leverage.

I'm NOT a roadie. I have these on my mutant shopper. I got them because my feet were slipping on the pedals in the wet, and I wasn't sure the boots I normally wear would fit in toe-straps (I was probably wrong).

But I think they're more use than just stopping your foot slide off the pedal.
- You can unload the pedals on the upstroke more without your feet flying off, so more power
- You can spin faster (sort of a consequence of the first point)

Pulling up on the pedals is a bit of a stunt that isn't used that much. But if your on a budget, I'd get toe-straps, and leave them loose to start with.

Another thing is that a less rigid connection (than SPDs) is less likely to injure you if you overdo it on a cranky bike setup.

MichaelW

When using toe clips and (lose) straps I find that leather ones hold their shape better than nylon webbing. You also have to bear in mind the grippiness of your soles. Any knobbles will interfere with pedal entry but a totally smoothe sole will tend to slip out. My venerable Silver Shadow trainers have a nice amount of grip and are OK for leisure riding.

janwal

wilshawk give the powergrips a try they are very good.I couldn't get used to clipless and bought mine 2 years ago for my MTB and have used them since.This year got a road bike and put them on there aswell.They can do everything a clip can. You can have them as tight as you want and alter with an allen key if you want to use winter overboots aswell.I still use them with MTB shoes as you get the firm sole base for power.I have tried them with road shoes this summer and the same applies but road shoes even without cleats are slippy to walk in.You can pull up if needed on the up stroke.Infact I ride with clipless users and I can be first up hills on both my bikes on most occasions.And the best bit is you don't to think about getting out in an emergency.

wilshawk

with the powergrips, when you remove your foot for stopping, do the pedals filp upside down the same way toe clips do? i used to find that added to the awkwardness

Rich Hcp

I used Power Grips on my MTB. They do turn over when you take you foot off the pedal, but anything does, its not an issue.

I have also used the strapless clips, or I call them toe cups, the problem I had with them was that my toes get squashed.

I now have clipless on my roadie and decent flats on my mtb, the gub screw type grippers give plenty of grip.

I'd recomend Power Grips over the strapless clips, though.