So...how helpful is it REALLY to use clipless/toe clips/Power Grips?

[Jolt]

I have used flat pedals with sneakers since I started riding and generally found this to work fine (the occasional rough shift does knock a foot off for a moment), but now that I have been riding with some groups people have been trying to convince me to clip in. Reasons I have been reluctant to do so include the fact that it complicates starting and stopping (an issue since I often use the bike for errands, which can involve some stop and go riding), it introduces the possibility of crashing due to not getting out of the pedals in time (whether in an emergency stop or just the classic 0 mph tip-over), and (if using clipless) the need for special shoes that may not be good for walking in, especially for someone used to a minimal shoe. However, everybody says it helps with power transfer and efficiency, which may mean it would help me with speed (or more precisely my lack thereof, I usually average 12-13.5 mph) and maybe make climbing easier since that is an issue. So...how much do the stiffer soled shoes and being attached to the pedals really help? I am trying to decide if the improvements would be worth the downsides mentioned above, and would be interested to hear people's thoughts.

[OakLeaf]

When I got my first pair of cycling shoes lo these many years ago, it added 1.5 mph (7-8% roughly) to my speed without making any other changes at all.

Those were nylon soles, I don't think there even were carbon soled shoes that long ago?

[Jolt]

When I got my first pair of cycling shoes lo these many years ago, it added 1.5 mph (7-8% roughly) to my speed without making any other changes at all.

Those were nylon soles, I don't think there even were carbon soled shoes that long ago?

Wow. My LBS guy did say that the shoes make a big difference. How bad are they to walk in (MTB shoes, I know road shoes are awful so will not even consider using those)?

[TigerMom]

Wow. My LBS guy did say that the shoes make a big difference. How bad are they to walk in (MTB shoes, I know road shoes are awful so will not even consider using those)?

Mountain bike shoes are very easy to walk in. I won't consider road shoes either.

I would say for road biking, my pedaling is improved 10-15% when clipped in because I can shift the burn by pulling stead of pushing and also for more efficient power. Lots of people are using toe clips if they are too scared to completely clip in.

I don't dare mountain bike clipless. I tried that and it was not worth the 10% improvement uphill and the 80% worsening when going downhill (I was literally scared too stiff to move/have good bike-body separation).

[Crankin]

I wrote a reply earlier and I don't see it here. Maybe I forgot to post from my phone.
As Tiger Mom said, mtb shoes are no different than any shoes. What one of my friends did is first she got the stiff soled mtb shoes. Then, she added Power Grips. Of course, she said she'd never go clipless, but soon after, she did.
My suggestion would be Speedplay Frogs. More expensive, but so easy to get in and out of.
And, just for the record, I never had any clipless falls when I started. I rode around for about 3 weeks, with one foot clipped in, on flat streets in my old neighborhood. Finally, I said, this is stupid, and never looked back. I can barely ride on flat pedals now.

[shootingstar]

I've been using toe clips for over the last 2 decades. And I cycle not just for transportation, touring, fitness,etc. I do wear mountain bike shoes and am particular that the stiff sole, must have even slight flex. I can /do walk around in my shoes (I've had different pairs over the years.) for several km.

Yes, you will feel the difference with wearing a stiffer sole shoe when climbing hills.

[thekarens]

I gained 2 mph and not sure I can quantify how much it saves when my legs get tired. It helps to be able to pull up as well as push down.

[Catrin]

They are designed for riding, so the shape is more streamlined to fit on the pedal. There is a place for SPD/Frog/and similar cleats. They are also sturdy enough for light hiking

[Helene2013]

These are the shoes I bought (not from this site - just example) and they are perfect for my needs.
http://www.artscyclery.com/Giro_Wome...age-GIWWS.html

Hard enough to be able to push. Perfect gripping on flat pedal to avoid slipping and fit perfectly in the toe clips I have. Perfect to walk around once stopped.

You could also use them with some clipless models cleats later on as they have holes under but does not interfere with walking.

I love them.

[Jolt]

These are the shoes I bought (not from this site - just example) and they are perfect for my needs.
http://www.artscyclery.com/Giro_Wome...age-GIWWS.html

Hard enough to be able to push. Perfect gripping on flat pedal to avoid slipping and fit perfectly in the toe clips I have. Perfect to walk around once stopped.

You could also use them with some clipless models cleats later on as they have holes under but does not interfere with walking.

I love them.

Those look like they might work well too...but I'm not a big fan of that pink. Not really my style, why can't they just make a plain black or gray, or at least pick a better accent color?

[Helene2013]

At the store I went they only had those and they did fit with my bike colour (then). Maybe they have different colours too. But if I'd have to look for something again, I would tend to look for such shoe design. The grip is just perfect (not too spiky, nor flat), etc.

[Jolt]

Just went ahead and ordered the Keens from JensonUSA...a lot of reviews said they run a half size big so the size 6 should fit, and it was hard to pass up such a good price. I think I got the last pair. Hopefully they will work. I could have ordered the Powergrips from the same site but would feel better about ordering those through my LBS.

[Catrin]

I think you will like the Keen Commuters. They last forever I find normal Keen to be overly bulky but these are much more streamlined. Enjoy!

[Dragonfly5]

These are the shoes I've been wearing http://www.teamestrogen.com/prodPI_15213002.html I find them to be pretty comfortable and they have a recessed cleat so walking around in them is no problem. I haven't bought my clipless pedals yet. I just started road biking last fall and I wanted to get used to the feel of the bike before I threw in the clips. I'm thinking I might be ready by fall. If not then, definitely by next sprig,

[Irulan]

For mountain. Biking, there are lots of good reasons not to use clip less and to use MTB specific flat shoes and pedals. The whole sacrifice efficiency has been somewhat disproven. The confidence and balance that most people gain MTB-ing in flats can far outweigh any so-called efficient power stoke.