Toe-Clips

[Curvygirl]

I've just bought myself a pair of toe clips and fitted them to my pedals but I was wondering how tight you should have them. Do you have to loosen them to get your feet out or should you be able to pull your feet out with ease? This is probably a dumb question but I thought I had better check before I head out for a spin.

[Eden]

It all depends on how comfortable you are with them. When I used toe clips I never had the guts to tighten the straps down the the point that I could not easily remove my foot - takes too much coordination, lean over pull strap tight - lean over release strap to get foot out.

[DebW]

Argee with Eden. The majority of riders will set them somewhat snug, but so that you can slide your feet in and out without touching the straps. There are old-fashioned cleats you can wear with toe clips that will lock you in once you tighten the straps, but then you can't get out without reaching down and loosening the straps. Using them required not only coordination, but forethought. If you want your foot really locked in, much better to get clipless pedals. You can consider toe clips one step on the way towards getting used to having your feet locked. Toe clips keep you from sliding to the front or the sides. You just can't pull back on the pedal (which limits climbing ability a bit).

BTW, I should add that you can run with toe clips a little snug if you want to, and when you need to get out in a hurry, the momentary panic is usually enough free your feet. Start with them so you can comfortably slide in and out. Then later, after you are used to them, if you want a firmer hold on the pedal, pull the straps a bit tighter after your feet are in. As long as your shoe has a smooth sole, you should be able to get out (do practice this somewhere safe). But you'll have to loosen the strap to get back in completely.