silly question about pedals

[KnottedYet]

I used cages for decades. Finally I took the cages off when I was in a bike skills class and realized the cages were actually a detriment to my riding.

Now I ride on BMX platforms (utility bike, cruiser bike, and work-horse bike) or Speedplay Frogs (zoom-zoom bike).

There is nothing wrong with you riding "just pedals." Ride what works for you. The nice thing is that we have a gazillion choices these days, so you really can find what works best for you in each riding situation.

[kie_fujo]

thanks knotted. my husband gets on me all the time cause he thinks i need to use cages but i just don't find them comfortable. i like being able to shift my foot to where i want it. i see so many that use clipless and while they intrigue me, i am to scared of falling cause i can't get my foot out!!! not to mention having to always have the shoes with me if i wanna pick up and ride.

[Eden]

It depends on what kind of riding you intend to do. If you are thinking about joining group rides and keeping up with others, if they are riding clipless you will definitely be at a disadvantage. If you are riding by yourself, for commuting, fitness, utility, etc. it won't matter so much.
What cages or clipless pedals give you is the ability to pull up as well as push down, so you use the full pedal stroke rather than just 1/2 of it. It makes accelerating and climbing more efficient.

You can get pedals that are clipless on one side and flat on the other. Having that option may help you to get comfortable using clipless pedals (and will allow you to ride no matter what shoes you are using). Clipless pedals are actually easier than toe clips (cages) to get into and out of, especially if you choose a dual sided pedal, like SPD's, Speedplays or Crank Brothers

[KnottedYet]

Clipless pedals are actually easier than toe clips (cages) to get into and out of, especially if you choose a dual sided pedal, like SPD's, Speedplays or Crank Brothers

+1
My Speedplays are definitely easier to get in and out of than the cages I used for so many years.

[Ann G]

I've been using pedals that are clipless on one side and flat on the other for the last few years. I think that they're great. I had heard that you need to get used to them, so that clicking out becomes an unconscious act when you come to a stop. So, the first thing that I did was to spend a lot of time starting and stopping in a parking lot. Click in, pedal for a few feet, then click out and stop. Repeat. It was a good way to learn for me, and I did no Arte Johnson falls.