Same performance on toe clips opposed to flats (pedals)

abdul12

I don't see much of a performance but what I do see that I can pedal fast without losing grip. Again that is very minor issue with flat because I can regain control again.

So should I continue with flat pedals or keep pedalling with toe clips. Its not that its hard to get used to. Its that there is no significant effect. I am still using same pedalling technique as on flat.

So question: should I go back to flat pedal? Also for someone who commutes and has to stop at traffic signals, would toe clips be even needed or recommended?

imposter2.0

Entirely up to you. You are the one riding so you will know what works for you, or not.

dw300

abdul12 wrote:

I don't see much of a performance but what I do see that I can pedal fast without losing grip. Again that is very minor issue with flat because I can regain control again.

So should I continue with flat pedals or keep pedalling with toe clips. Its not that its hard to get used to. Its that there is no significant effect. I am still using same pedalling technique as on flat.

So question: should I go back to flat pedal? Also for someone who commutes and has to stop at traffic signals, would toe clips be even needed or recommended?

Performance differences in cycling are mostly only highlighted when at the top end of your level of effort.

If you're sitting in Zone 2 at 135bpm instead of 140bpm average for only a couple of hours, then you're going to finish the ride pretty much equally fresh with all your technical advantages. However if youre hanging onto a group doing 170bpm rather than 180+ bpm in a race there's more chance you don't get dropped and you'd want those advantages.

If youre not racing just go with whatever is more convenient or comfortable.

cougie

I've done a couple of short races in toeclips this year. Only as it was for very short duathlons and I think I'd have lost more time doing two shoe changes compared to any power lost through the clips.

whoof

Two issues performance and safety.
In terms of performance a great deal is down to shoes. If you are riding in trainers or something similar, each time you pedal they will bend a bit. Things don't bend by themselves it's take a (very small) effort from you. This is effort put into your shoes rather than rotating the pedals. For just riding around it doesn't matter that much for racing you need to be as efficient as possible.
Safety if you are attached to the pedals you are less lightly to slip. However if you do come off and are strapped into the pedal securely you can injure yourself. If you are going to clip in get clipless pedals (unless you are doing short duathlons as above).
There you asked about what's best A or B and I've advised C.