clipless pedals on errand bike

[Jo-n-NY]

I was wondering how many of you put clipless pedals on a bike that you use to run errands. With a few alterations I made my mtn bike into a bike to run errands, like going to the grocery store for a few items, video store etc. I have regular pedals on it as I never went clippless while mtn biking, but then again, I didn't use the bike at all last year as we did not do any off road riding.

I just went clipless last year on my roadbike and today when I road to the store, I found stopping confusing as clipping out is finally becoming second nature. I have mtn bike shoes and the Speedplay Frogs. Although they are easier to walk in than a road shoe, I am not sure about walking around the grocery store in them.

Thank for any opinions you can offer.

~ JoAnn

[Blueberry]

I have SPD on all my bikes (mountain with slicks, touring and road), and use the touring bike for errands. I usually wear sidi mountain shoes or shimano sandals - I wouldn't want to walk far, but grocery stores, etc are just fine...

I can't pedal well without clipless - my feet come up off the pedals and flail around - not a pretty scene

[Trek420]

I have Shimano PD-M324 on my commute/errand bike, a GT hardtail. they have a platform pedal if I just jump on the bike in tennies and a SPD clip on the other side.

As others have said I don't feel attached to, in control of the bike without clipless. Sometimes you can accelerate out of stuff you can't brake out of so may be safer over all.

[MelC]

I actually put the clipless pedals on my commuter/errand bike specifically to ensure that the clipping in and out would become second nature to me. I figure the more I do it the better

Mel

[fixedgeargirl]

I am also an all-around Shimano'er. My errand bike is my fixie, and it has double-sided clipless/platforms. I went double-sided b/c of the unique nature of clipping in on a fixie. I can wear regular shoes for a quick jaunt, but prefer to clip in for any distance, as the cleats kind of stick up above the surface of the platform and make a *bump* under my foot. I also ride it off-road, and want to clip in for that.

I also wear cleated sneakers for errands. They're stiff soled enough for pretty efficient pedalling, and the rubber soles and recessed cleats are easy to walk on. Mine are WSD Lakes, which I like for my skinny little feet, though there are lots of brands out there, some more stylish than others .

[Jo-n-NY]

Thanks all,

My thought was exactly what Mel mentioned. It is not 100% second nature for me to remember to clip out, but getting pretty close and I don't want to think about which bike I am on. I have Specialized Comp mtn shoes so I think the cleats are as recessed as they would ever get. I love my frogs and don't want to change them.

Again, thank you!

~ JoAnn

[doc]

I have toe clips on my errand bike. That way I can wear whatever shoes I want. Plus, the other side is just a platform (as is always the case with toe clips). I love that set up. Mind you I've been clipless on my road bike for 2 years and love that too.

[Deanna]

I don't use clipless pedals on my errand/commuter bike for a couple of reasons, the main being I like to wear whatever shoe I feel like for the errands I'm running and because it's easier to walk in "normal" shoes. The other being that cleats can damage flooring and walking in cleats could possibly damage the cleats themselves. We don't wear cleats in my house for this reason and I try to show the businesses I patronize the same respect.

[Lise]

On my Marin Larkspur, I've got pedals that are Shimano clips on one side, and regular pedals on the other. I love riding clipped in, but don't like walking on the cleats at all. This is the perfect solution when I'm just riding over to grocery store or something.

[Barb]

I have to join the crowd on this one. All of my bikes have shimano clipless/platforms. They are just too handy! I am totally a sandals girl in the summer, so when I run errands that are close, I can stay in my sandals and use the platform side.

[wabisabi]

Yep, joining in on the two sided pedal. What is summer if not wearing flip-flops to the farmers market?

[ChainsOflove]

DEFINITELY get these two sided jobs. I put them on all my non-roadie bikes. I find they are essential when riding in traffic!

[Jo-n-NY]

Thanks ladies,

Although it sounds like a great idea and most practical, two sided pedals won't work for me. I have Speedplay Frogs on my road bike. Since they are so easy to clip out, I am very confident in them and I don't want to change another type of pedal. Speedplay's do not have a platform pedal option that I am aware of.

I am getting a tote bag that attaches to the side of my rack so if I plan on doing any other walking besides dropping off dvd rentals, I think I will just get myself a canvas pair of sliders to quickly change into.

After yesterdays 12 mile ride to Hollywood Video I know I need to put clippless pedals on this bike. Against the wind was such an effort, of course the bike is a heck of a lot heavier than my road bike. I think changing pedals would help somewhat.

~ JoAnn