Going back to unclipped (cages) from clips

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Originally Posted by Velocivixen

@Sardine, I am familiar with that article. I think the bottom line is that if you're an "average" person who simply wants to ride a bike, one does not need to get bogged down in trying to figure out all the "correct" gear that they think they need. It is possible to simply hop on a bike and ride. One doesn't need helmets, lights, padded britches, goretex shells, etc., etc. to simply ride a bike and have fun. Sure, those cycling specific articles can solve issues that may or may not arise. If one races or does seriously long distances, then things like clipless pedals, heart rate monitors and the myriad of other equipment may be either helpful or necessary. In general though, and especially those who are simply contemplating riding a bike, it can be incredibly overwhelming, in regard to equipment, to the point of just saying "Oh forget it!" and never get on a bike. People can become so "paralyzed" that they don't make any decision or they think they must "decide" and they never actually go ride. If you're one who's all about efficiency of pedal stroke, time, mph, cadence, etc. then clipless is likely the way to go. Yes, I know there are those who find clipless better, more comfortable, more efficient, etc., etc., but it's not absolutely necessary. It's simply an option.

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Too true. That's why I posted the article which offers the alternative view, whether I agree or not in this specific case. Pedals, helmet and jacket aside, I'm a pretty low tech cyclist.

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Originally Posted by Velocivixen

@Catrin, I would never ever advocate not wearing a helmet and I certainly wear one 100% of the time. What I'm really getting at in specific reference to the Rivendell article about "The Shoe Ruse" is that people don't need to be intimidated by various types of pedals. Pick a pedal that suits your needs and just go ride. I included all those other items in order to make a point that, for some, choosing all sorts of things can keep them off a bike. For some, it can just be overwhelming.

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I agree, but I had to speak up since you specifically mentioned helmets, that's all. We can certainly get overly caught up in the gear, especially for those who are just interested in short rides (the thought of riding 25 miles in jeans just makes me hurt), but when I see such discussions including helmets as "optional", it concerns me.

Thank you for the clarification, your post didn't reference the article so could only assume you were presenting your personal perspective. Ride on :)

No worries Catrin. As a matter of fact since I've purchased a new bike I've already been looking at new helmets! (my current one is new & just fine), but you know....another reason to spend some money for the sake of riding. Lol

I grew up on cages - that was all we had on my brother's 10 speeds growing up. So when I got my first road bike of my own 3 years ago that's what I had. Found out pretty quickly that I wanted something better, but was still a bit leery of clipless, mainly because of knee issues.

What I ended up with were Power Grips, which I love. Very easy for me to get used to, just angle in and straighten, and your feet are in the grip.

They don't give quite as much power perhaps as clipless, but they're miles above cages, and I don't need special shoes, above some athletics with fairly smooth soles. Right now I'm using the Pearl Izumi Syncro Seek II running shoes.

Here's the link to Power Grips http://www.mountainracingproducts.co...rips-products/
My first set were the performance group. The second set I used the strap kit with purple VP MTB pedals. They're about $60-70 on ebay for the set, and $20 or so for the strap kit.

For me, this was a good compromise. I'm planning to pick up another set for the bike I"m putting together.

I never did update this, although I think I announced this elsewhere...

I had a pro-fit done 6 weeks ago. For other reasons I've been off the bike for two months, so this wkd was my first ride after the pro-fit (BG - Specialized).

At any rate, he talked me into spds. WOW. SO easy. As in, astoundingly easy. You don't even realize you just clipped in when you put your foot on them, and getting out is super easy - barely a flick in either direction.

The anxiety factor has gone down significantly now. As I use them more and more and realize the odds of going down at weird times has decreased I'll feel better.

I've no doubt challenges will remain, such as if I go up a hill and get way too slow or have to stop quickly, or even re-starting on a hill perhaps.. but this is so much better.

It also makes "starting off" easier because I don't actually have to have one foot clipped in to do so. By this I mean the speedplays were so foreign to me (and tiny) that unclipping both feet meant a big hassle getting going after a stop. The shoes were so slippery and the pedal so small that trying to pedal without the foot being clipped was actually kind of dangerous. You couldn't rely on it to cross a street safely after a stop.

My old flow with cages was first right foot down, and the left one down next so that each stop sign meant two feet planted. To start I'd kick the right pedal to get me moving and then mount. I can now do the same thing because clipping is so easy. Plus, the other side of the pedal has no clips which means I could choose from time to time, too.

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Originally Posted by rivergal

What I ended up with were Power Grips, which I love. Very easy for me to get used to, just angle in and straighten, and your feet are in the grip.
They don't give quite as much power perhaps as clipless, but they're miles above cages, and I don't need special shoes, above some athletics with fairly smooth soles. Right now I'm using the Pearl Izumi Syncro Seek II running shoes.
Here's the link to Power Grips http://www.mountainracingproducts.co...rips-products/
My first set were the performance group. The second set I used the strap kit with purple VP MTB pedals. They're about $60-70 on ebay for the set, and $20 or so for the strap kit.
For me, this was a good compromise. I'm planning to pick up another set for the bike I"m putting together.

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I adore my Power Grip straps too, on both my bikes. Wouldn't use anything else if you paid me! Added bonus: you can adjust them a bit bigger in wintertime to perfectly fit around your nice snuggly warm insulated hiking boots with double heavy wool socks! :D