Clipless not for me

[MacB]

Well after writing this post the flats went on and I has having instant joy apart from missing the feeling of being attached and every peddle stroke my foot being in a different position.

Now this is the bit I don't get, even using very basic flat pedals and regular shoes I don't seem to have this problem. Though that setup is only on my pootling bike so not ridden agressively. But when I first tried studded BMX style pedals and FiveTen grippy soled shoes my biggest concern was that I couldn't move my feet. I actually had to lift to move, there was no way they'd slide around the pedal. Thankfully this initial super grippiness fades somewhat so I can manage a little foot shuffle, to get everything set, after starting off.

I genuinely think that many people comparing flat pedals to straps or clipless haven't tried a pinned pedal with grippy soles. I also enjoy the fact that I can reposition my foot for a long climb, I tend to pedal nearer the arch for that.

 

[Bluebell72]

I think I'm going to loosen my clips.
I've had a few 'moments' of 'nearly' the last couple of weeks, the last was when I came off at a level crossing - wet rails...cut my arm badly and could have been badly injured by the oncoming cars.
I've lost a bit of confidence after that one, and this last weekend, I've strained a muscle at the top of my left calf, as I have been 'de-clipping' so harshly.
I was getting worried, trying to unclip, as I couldn't get my leg out, but the cleats and everything under the shoe was gunked up with sand from where I'd stopped beside a coast road to take a pic.

I love the stability, I hate not being able to stop as soon as I think about it.

 

[captainhastings]

Now this is the bit I don't get, even using very basic flat pedals and regular shoes I don't seem to have this problem. Though that setup is only on my pootling bike so not ridden agressively. But when I first tried studded BMX style pedals and FiveTen grippy soled shoes my biggest concern was that I couldn't move my feet. I actually had to lift to move, there was no way they'd slide around the pedal. Thankfully this initial super grippiness fades somewhat so I can manage a little foot shuffle, to get everything set, after starting off.

I genuinely think that many people comparing flat pedals to straps or clipless haven't tried a pinned pedal with grippy soles. I also enjoy the fact that I can reposition my foot for a long climb, I tend to pedal nearer the arch for that.

yes heard good things about the fiveten I have been using normal trainers though

 

[MacB]

yes heard good things about the fiveten I have been using normal trainers though

well not cheap, then what is in cycling, but this crowd will retro fit stealth rubber soles to any trainer you like:-


http://www.feetfirst.resoles.co.uk/cycling_mtb_shoe_repair.php

I keep nosing around as a big downside with the FiveTen Impacts is they like to soak up water and are very slow to dry, so they get heavy if soaked. I'm tempted to get a lighter pair of fivetens, one of their freerun/amphibious types, or to choose another trainer and get them re-soled to see what I think. With large platform pedals I don't find shoe rigidity to be necessary.

 

[Black Sheep]

happened to me, my only clipless moment while getting used to them.

had one foot out, one foot in waiting at some roadworks behind a learner driver who was on her test

I got cramp and fell over just as she let the car roll back and stall when the lights went green

the examiner got out to check I was ok - my first reply was to tell her it wasn't her fault!

 

[twobiker]

Have thought about cliplss but decided that as I have done rides of over 100 miles on ordinary pedals with leather trainers and because I cycle to be out on the bike not to get home as quick as possible they would be of no use to me,I dont care how long a ride takes me, a stopwatch is the enemy.

 

[byegad]

All 7 of my uprights had either toe clips and straps for the sportier rides or for the utility rides toe clips without straps. I really liked the ease of using any shoes I liked to ride my bikes.

When I moved to recumbents I needed a more solid attachment to the pedals* and used SPD pedals and shoes, dropping a foot can be painful if you then run it over! The recumbent bike gave me several clipless moments before i mastered both clipping in and out and the new balance of such a different ride. When I bought my first trike it was not only even more advisable to use foot retention but easy, as you never need to put a foot down.

 

[Simba]

The easiest way (for me) is as soon as I press down on my brakes, I am ready to unclip if needs be, also in busy traffic I am constantly aware I may need to brake suddenly so I am prepared to unclip as I brake.

 

[pepecat]

I didn't get on all that well clipless..... tried it a couple of times, both times had near misses with falls, which stressed me out so much i was dreading going out on the bike again (thinking that i had to persevere with it, as most people on here suggest).
Then i thought...... i'm supposed to enjoy cycling. Worrying about my feet all the time is not enjoyable. So I put the clips and straps back on. Far happier that way!

The ONLY thing was i did notice the improvement in power to the pedals going clipless - hills were easier.... but the 'clipped in' feeling didn't outweigh the worry.