Do clipless pedals make that much of a difference?

[SadieKate]

I use toeclips that don't have a toeclip strap.

http://www.zefal.com/zefal/gamme.php...857b24055cd406 I honestly don't understand claims that these are dangerous...they are better to ride in when dealing with city traffic where there is alot of sudden stopping and starting.

Because most of the time we assume that toeclips/cages include a strap and are tightened down for maximum control and efficiency.

I like half-toeclips for around town errands also, but I wouldn't use cage/straps for mtb-ing. No way, no how. Half clips? Sure, if you want. Plenty of BMXs and downhills riders use platforms only. Skills clinics are taught with platforms, but they'll also tell you each type of pedal has its pros and cons.

[velogirl]

The reason that toe-clips/cage have the reputation of being dangerous is that, if used properly (tightening the straps down tightly so the foot doesn't move), the chance of your foot not releasing from the toe-clip/cage if you crash is pretty high. The injuries sustained by torquing your leg in such a crash can be pretty traumatic. This is one of the primary reasons why clipless pedals are touted as "safer" than toe-clips/cages. Clipless pedals are designed (like ski bindings) to release if you crash, freeing your foot from the bike.

Now, if you never crash, toe-clips aren't dangerous, right?

Lorri

[shootingstar]

Now, if you never crash, toe-clips aren't dangerous, right?

Lorri

I use half toe clips with no strap (click into the Zefal link that I gave). I've fallen twice while cycling on black ice in winter. Thankfully was cycling in slow-mo with no cars, around me at the time on both occasions.

Doubtful that being clipless there would have saved me at all since road surface conditions made it difficult for traction by wheel or bike shoe.

I don't know what to say..but I do cycle alot..low years would be 3,000 kms., higher mileage years would be 6,000 kms annually. This year will be 6,000+ kms.

My partner..the human car..has logged in over 100,000 kms. in his 18 past yrs. ..all on toe clips. He does long distance touring with mountains here in B.C. and Alberta...as well as across Canada and U.S. He is 66 yrs. Think that's the right time to get him on clipless now? He has fallen 2-3 times in all these years.

[Cataboo]

I use half toe clips with no strap (click into the Zefal link that I gave). I've fallen twice while cycling on black ice in winter. Thankfully was cycling in slow-mo with no cars, around me at the time on both occasions.

Doubtful that being clipless there would have saved me at all since road surface conditions made it difficult for traction by wheel or bike shoe.

I don't know what to say..but I do cycle alot..low years would be 3,000 kms., higher mileage years would be 6,000 kms annually. This year will be 6,000+ kms.

My partner..the human car..has logged in over 100,000 kms. in his 18 past yrs. ..all on toe clips. He does long distance touring with mountains here in B.C. and Alberta...as well as across Canada and U.S. He is 66 yrs. Think that's the right time to get him on clipless now? He has fallen 2-3 times in all these years.

I think the answer is that you two are improperly using your toe clips by not tightening down a strap till your foot can't move or break free if you fall.

If you're happy with your pedaling system, you're happy and there's no need to change.

But I don't think either of you would have a problem learning to go clipless. it's not really that hard after the initial learning period.

[SadieKate]

I think the answer is that you two are improperly using your toe clips by not tightening down a strap till your foot can't move or break free if you fall.

Not necessarily. Look at the Toe Clip 45 in her link (it's what I call a half-clip). It doesn't even have a slot for a strap. I use that type on my townie bikes.

[Cataboo]

Not necessarily. Look at the Toe Clip 45 in her link (it's what I call a half-clip). It doesn't even have a slot for a strap. I use that type on my townie bikes.

*sigh* Everyone takes everything sooo literally sometimes. I know hers don't have a strap, I was making a joke - the people who said that toe clips were dangerous referred to them being tightly strapped in. shootingstar then said, then I said, and it was possibly funny before I explaineded it to death.

[SadieKate]

*sigh* Everyone takes everything sooo literally sometimes. I know hers don't have a strap, I was making a joke - the people who said that toe clips were dangerous referred to them being tightly strapped in. shootingstar then said, then I said, and it was possibly funny before I explaineded it to death.

Excuse me. Perhaps a smiley face would have helped?

The typed word is literal.