Do clipless pedals make that much of a difference?

[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.

[sundial]

Because I'm a masher, I don't find clipping in to be that much more advantageous than platforms. Plus I get to choose from an assortment of shoooz. If I want to sprint, being clipped in works better.

[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.

[Bike Chick]

You can also change your foot position in clipless pedals (heel up; heel down) when you are in a long, grueling climb. Alternating positions uses different muscles and gives each muscle group a break. Don't think you could do that in toe clips.

[BleeckerSt_Girl]

You can also change your foot position in clipless pedals (heel up; heel down) when you are in a long, grueling climb. Alternating positions uses different muscles and gives each muscle group a break. Don't think you could do that in toe clips.

I can change my foot position in all kinds of ways with my diagonal PowerGrip straps. Part of what I love about them. And yes I can pull up while pedaling too.