Do clipless pedals make that much of a difference?

[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.

[Miranda]

Remembering that I can pull *up* with my clipless pedals is the biggest ongoing work in progress of my stroke.

In the spring I broke a bone in the ball of my foot. It was while recovering during this time that I really improved this portion of my stroke (took pressure off my injury). My hill climbing certainly improved too...

Just when I would get to a point that I thought my legs could manage no more on a hill... I would say in my head "PULL UP!". New found climbing power would emerge. The pulling up muscles were fresher.

Yes, there is a learning curve... but I personally would never go back. It just feels wrong to me.

Miranda

[sarahspins]

Just when I would get to a point that I thought my legs could manage no more on a hill... I would say in my head "PULL UP!". New found climbing power would emerge. The pulling up muscles were fresher.

I've had my new pedals on my bike all of 2 days now, but I can say without any hesitation that I definitely notice a HUGE difference already, and that's without really making a conscious effort to change my pedaling... I do feel different muscles being used now (in a good way, I think).

But yeah, as a new clipless user, I have to say unequivocally, YES, go for it! Don't be afraid.. it's really not that big of a deal I wish I'd gotten mine sooner (I don't think my wallet wishes the same though.. ha!)

I've been riding in the rain, since that's what we've had this weekend.. no trouble clipping out, I only have trouble clipping in when I'm looking (go figure). No falls or anything stupid - yet! It may be coming, but I had to pull over/stop for two emergency vehicles on my ride earlier (narrow county roads, only safe option is to get the heck out of the way) and I had no trouble doing so, I almost didn't have to think about what to do.

[tctrek]

Just when I would get to a point that I thought my legs could manage no more on a hill... I would say in my head "PULL UP!". New found climbing power would emerge. The pulling up muscles were fresher.

I love that! This post will be in my head next time I'm thinking I can't go anymore on a hill... like next week on the Blue Ridge Parkway ! Thanks!

As for toe clips, clipless, etc.. I tried every kind of clip and platform there is and found myself always looking down trying to get into them or flip them over. I finally went clipless (Speedplay Light Action). I had one bad fall, chickened out for about a month, put them back on and have been happily riding clipless ever since. I got carbon soled shoes this year which made even more difference.