Clipped pedals?

[Bigsharn]

Nooby question here (but I doubt it'll come under the FAQs). I'm a size 14 in shoe and don't fancy forking out a daft amount* for clipless shoes and pedals. I'm also not keen on being strapped in, because that means loosening the straps every time you come to a set of lights. I've seen these clip-onto-your-pedal things in Decathlon and wondered if they would work as well?
Better yet, is there an alternative that's not made of cheap plastic?

Thanks in advance
Sean

 

[fossyant]

Those you linked to take straps. You can get some half clips that are more robust plastic, but don't take a strap.

 

[fossyant]

Like here at SJS - but in metal.


Linky do-dah

 

[Chris.IOW]

I have a friend who does Triathlons and he uses these sorts of toe clips rather than clipless pedals. Quicker transitions I believe.

He certainly seems to be able to ride incredibly efficiently with them and I can't keep up.

That might be more to do with the fact that his fitness is about 300% above mine but I'm going to credit it to the pedals, that's easier to take!

 

[Kestevan]

You could also consider powergrips
http://www.evanscycles.com/products/powergrips/pedal-straps-ec005334

basically its a flexible strap which runs diagonally across a standard pedal. You push your normal shoe through at an angle and then twist which holds the foot in place... sort of half way between a clipless and traditional toe-strap pedal.

Not tried them myself, but the idea does look sound.

 

[cadseen]

The half clips mentioned sounds your best option, these will at least hold your foot in a reasonably efficiant postion but of course you will not be able to pull up.

 

[oldroadman]

All options considered, at shoe size 14 clips are probably not an option, as you won't get into them enough to make any marked difference. Clipless are really the answer, possibly the best option is SPDs using the pedals with one side flat. All other systems except very long toeclips and straps will not be nearly as efficient, the clipless will hold your foot properly and you can adjust "float" to ensure your foot/leg has some lateral movement to avoid knee problems. Local bike shop - a proper one that looks after sport, not the one beginning with H and staffed by spotty monkeys who know nothing - for advice.

 

[snailracer]

The half clips mentioned sounds your best option, these will at least hold your foot in a reasonably efficiant postion but of course you will not be able to pull up.

Zefal MT45. About £7 a pair. Comes in 2 sizes, the med/large should be ok even for big feet (I have size 9 feet and the small/med is slightly large for me). I've been using them for about 18 years.

 

[2Loose]

You could also consider powergrips
http://www.evanscycl...straps-ec005334

basically its a flexible strap which runs diagonally across a standard pedal. You push your normal shoe through at an angle and then twist which holds the foot in place... sort of half way between a clipless and traditional toe-strap pedal.

Not tried them myself, but the idea does look sound.

+1 for Powergrips, a colleague uses them with his trainers very effectively and you can certainly pull up with them.

 

[Bigsharn]

I'll have to have a play with the powergrips at some point, those Zefals look like they might help as well... Thanks all