Going back to unclipped (cages) from clips

[Crankin]

+1 Catrin.
I never felt any of the things I have bought for cycling as overwhelming. It was all to make me feel comfortable. Sure, I rode in jeans as a kid and running shorts and sneakers in the 80's, but I sure didn't go on 50 mile rides then. Or even 10 miles. Maybe I just like to buy stuff ? Seriously, I used to spend a lot of time and money "shopping" and at the mall. I don't do that anymore. It's all focused on cycling or the other outdoor activities I do.
I have read articles that allude to the fact that cycling gear turns off people. It's just hard for me to imagine. I have friends who play tennis and golf and there's just as much obsession over "stuff" for those sports. Even yoga has all of its props and clothing. It's all part of the sport. There's no reason why you can't hop on a bike to do errands in your regular clothes, but I find this "anti-" gear attitude a bit disconcerting and strange.

[Velocivixen]

@Catrin, I would never ever advocate not wearing a helmet and I certainly wear one 100% of the time. What I'm really getting at in specific reference to the Rivendell article about "The Shoe Ruse" is that people don't need to be intimidated by various types of pedals. Pick a pedal that suits your needs and just go ride. I included all those other items in order to make a point that, for some, choosing all sorts of things can keep them off a bike. For some, it can just be overwhelming.

[KnottedYet]

For some people their bikes are for sport. And they buy sport gear.

For other people their bikes are for transportation. They have no desire to be browbeat into buying gear they do not need and prefer to buy multi-use stuff.

And then there are people (like me) who have "n+1" bikes, some for sport, some for transportation, and some just for cruising around looking sex-ay. We buy every damn thing...

[Velocivixen]

Ooooh yes, I like that "n+1" too. I'd love to have all sorts of bikes.

Well, I do hope that the original poster enjoys her new pedal options and keeps us posted on how it turns out.

[Catrin]

@Catrin, I would never ever advocate not wearing a helmet and I certainly wear one 100% of the time. What I'm really getting at in specific reference to the Rivendell article about "The Shoe Ruse" is that people don't need to be intimidated by various types of pedals. Pick a pedal that suits your needs and just go ride. I included all those other items in order to make a point that, for some, choosing all sorts of things can keep them off a bike. For some, it can just be overwhelming.

I agree, but I had to speak up since you specifically mentioned helmets, that's all. We can certainly get overly caught up in the gear, especially for those who are just interested in short rides (the thought of riding 25 miles in jeans just makes me hurt), but when I see such discussions including helmets as "optional", it concerns me.

Thank you for the clarification, your post didn't reference the article so could only assume you were presenting your personal perspective. Ride on

[Velocivixen]

No worries Catrin. As a matter of fact since I've purchased a new bike I've already been looking at new helmets! (my current one is new & just fine), but you know....another reason to spend some money for the sake of riding. Lol