Toe Clips??

[PAP103]

HI All,

Newbie here. I have a Trek Hybrid bike with just regular pedals. I'm seeing all kinds of info on clipless pedals. Does anyone use toe clips? I feel like I'd get claustrophobic (or kill myself) with clipless pedals. I am training for an 84 mile charity ride and will need all the help I can get!!

Thanks,
Patty

[Popoki_Nui]

Hi Patty: I use toe clips only. I know probably most people here use clipless (or clip-in) pedals, I've tried them but I really don't like them. I find having my feet locked into one position annoying. I also get numb toes when my feet stay in one position on the pedals too long, and using toe clips allows me to move my feet around and minimize numbness and cramping on long rides. You should go to a trusted bike store and discuss the pros and cons in your own situation, and even ask to try both kinds of pedals. You may find you really like clipless pedals, or you may find toe clips are better for you. Don't let anyone talk you into one type or the other....your own experience and preference are what matter.
Cheers,
Sherry.

[DeniseGoldberg]

...I find having my feet locked into one position annoying. I also get numb toes when my feet stay in one position on the pedals too long, and using toe clips allows me to move my feet around and minimize numbness and cramping on long rides.

Even with clipless pedals, you don't have to have your foot locked in to one position. It depends on the pedals that you use. I use Speedplay Frogs (yes, I do use a mountain bike pedal on my road bikes) which is a free float pedal. That is, there is nothing to stop my foot from moving. Many pedals are fixed position, and some allow some amount of movement (but not as much as a pedal like the Frog).

I started with toe clips and straps - because clipless pedals didn't exist when I started cycling. But I much prefer clipless pedals.

I think you'll find that wearing a good cycling shoe (not running shoes or some other athletic shoe) will bring you more efficiency pedaling even if you decide to go with toe clips.

--- Denise

[CR400]

I have used both kinds of pedals mentioned here in the past year the exception being my speedplays are X series not frogs. It really is an individual thing. Clips are good when you have to stop in a panic situation and would not have time or remember to unclip, but in reality those stops are rare. While clipless gives you the ability to put more of you muscle power behind the pedal, plus you don't have to worry about loosing your pedal if you stand. I've actually had it happen more then once.
And trust me falling from clipless accidents are more embarressing then anything, unless you fall in front of traffic. Unless of course you break easily then it may be bad. In fact I fell yesterday clipless, just a sore hip and a laugh was all.

[SadieKate]

I find that if you have the straps of clips tightened down to get the full benefit, you are much more likely to fall in an emergency stop. The action of unclipping from cleats is a much more natural movement and you don't have to reach down to loosen the strap. You have to move your foot back to step off the pedal while with clipless you move your foot to the side.

Straps can also put pressure across the top of your foot and cause numbness. The cage can put pressure on your toes if it doesn't fit just right.

Clipless pedals do not have to lock you into one position. Different pedal and cleat combos allow for varying degrees of float (rotation of your heel).

With either type of pedal you need to learn a good pedal stroke and to wiggle your toes a lot.

I've used both types and no way, no how, would I go back to cages.

[SadieKate]

You know, don't get freaked out by the stories of people falling with clipless pedals. It doesn't always happen and even if it does it may not be serious. I was much more likely to fall with cages and straps because I had them tightened down so I could use them as intended, to pull up on the pedal. If the straps are that tight, you're pretty much locked into the pedal.

You need to also consider the shoe aspect. The stiffer the sole, the more transfer of power and the fewer hots spots because your foot isn't collapsing over the pedal. Not sure what is available for use with cages, but the variety of shoes for clipless is almost unending. You may want to consider a mtbike shoe that has a stiff sole and has lugs for easier walking.

Anyway, with practice clipless are not as scary as they may sound. I think we tend to only hear the stories about falling but not all the success stories.

[LauraPaura]

Erm, I will probably sound a bit stupid but I have to ask..

Is clipless pedal like the one you "click" ourself into, like Shimano STD?

And toe clip is?

I thought I had it all figured out but then this thread came up

[DeniseGoldberg]

Erm, I will probably sound a bit stupid but I have to ask..

Is clipless pedal like the one you "click" ourself into, like Shimano STD?

And toe clip is?

I thought I had it all figured out but then this thread came up

The reason is that it's confusing (from a language standpoint, that is)! Yes, you're right clipless pedals are the ones you clip yourself into.
Toe clips are a cage that is attached to a pedal (not a clipless one...) that comes over the toe of your shoe. There is also a strap that attaches to both the pedal and the toe clip. It's used to tighten the connection between your foot and the pedal so you can pull up. I guess you could say that toe clips & straps are the predecessor to our current clipless pedals.

--- Denise

[JoHunter]

When I bought my bike I initially had toe clips, thinking I'd use them until I got used the bike and then upgrade to clipless. I had more accidents/near accidents in those than I had ever had in my clipless. I found that I would struggle to get the pedal to stay upgright to put my foot in the clip, and eventually took off the straps, rendering them useless. Personally I feel much less claustrophobic in the clipless. It is up to personal preference, but it doesn't take long to adjust to them SPDs once you start using them. I hear people really like the multi release pedals, so if you're afraid you'll have trouble twisting out, or remembering to twist as least you're able to pull out in any direction in an emergency.

[SadieKate]

Is clipless pedal like the one you "click" ourself into, like Shimano STD?

Erm, Laura? It's SPD.

Shimano Pedal Dynamics or something or other. I really don't want an STD on my bike or anywhere near me.

[yellow]

Erm, Laura? It's SPD.

Shimano Pedal Dynamics or something or other. I really don't want an STD on my bike or anywhere near me.

But if you keep the cleat covers on....

Oh, I'll stop there.

[Adventure Girl]

But if you keep the cleat covers on....

Oh, I'll stop there.

Let's all practice safe cycling!

[SadieKate]

Don't leave home without your cleat rubbers.

[LauraPaura]

Quote:
Originally Posted by LauraPaura
Is clipless pedal like the one you "click" ourself into, like Shimano STD?
Erm, Laura? It's SPD.

Shimano Pedal Dynamics or something or other. I really don't want an STD on my bike or anywhere near me.

OMG Heeeeeh I must've been tired when writing that

But thanks for the clarification. No wonder I was confused..

[RoadRaven]

I find that if you have the straps of clips tightened down to get the full benefit, you are much more likely to fall in an emergency stop. The action of unclipping from cleats is a much more natural movement and you don't have to reach down to loosen the strap. You have to move your foot back to step off the pedal while with clipless you move your foot to the side.

When I first started, I used toe clips/cage - but took the straps right off... I have never cycled with those straps tight and holding me in - the thought of coordinating myself as I came to a stop to lean down and loosen a strap I found almost terrifying.

I find the cleats much more secure in terms of getting out - both practically and psychologically.