Cycling Clips With Straps

[roundisland]

Hi, I've been cycling about 6 weeks now and it's really improved my fitness while being great fun!!! My longest ride so far is from Stroud - Worcester about 34 miles.

To improve my cycling I have brought some new pedals with straps and a clip to put your toes under. The problem I'm having is when starting off cycling getting my foot into the clip it just spins around and I feel I have very little control. Is there any tecnique for using the cycle clips?

I would'nt want to use my bike in traffic untill I've got the tecnique right

Any advice much appreciated.

 

[gavintc]

Hi, I've been cycling about 6 weeks now and it's really improved my fitness while being great fun!!! My longest ride so far is from Stroud - Worcester about 34 miles.

To improve my cycling I have brought some new pedals with straps and a clip to put your toes under. The problem I'm having is when starting off cycling getting my foot into the clip it just spins around and I feel I have very little control. Is there any tecnique for using the cycle clips?

I would'nt want to use my bike in traffic untill I've got the tecnique right

Any advice much appreciated.

I cannot see the point in these pedals. All the negatives, with few of the positives. I suggest you get some SPD pedals, and some matching shoes - far safer.

 

[snorri]

Any advice much appreciated.

Start off using the non clip side of the pedal, when up to speed you should manage to flick the pedal around and slip your foot into the clip.
I like the convenience of these clips, they allow cycling in normal shoes.

 

[dellzeqq]

I'm surprised that you can still buy pedals with straps. What fun we had, reaching down, yanking on the straps, pretending we were Sean Kelly.

If you're going to persist with these (and I'd suggest that spd pedals are a much better bet) then there is no substitute for going out with someone else who is old enough to remember straps, and who can ride alongside you and give you a bit of confidence. Call your local CTC secretary and see if he can arrange something.

But, I'm with Gavin. I don't think they're a good long term bet. Sorry.

 

[tyred]

It takes practice I'm afraid. Keep them pretty loose to start with. When starting off, put whichever foot you lead with into the clip and start pedalling as normal with your other foot on the back of the pedal with the clip hanging underneath. When you have built a little momentum, with your toe, flip the back edge of the pedal and it should rotate and you will be able to insert your foot into it. As I say, it will take practice so practice it in you driveway or a quiet car park or anywhere else that has little traffic. The best pedals of this type will have a little tab to help you flip them over. Your problem getting your feet in could be caused by them being too tight or some straps are very weak and flexible. If this is the case, try and find some stiffer ones. I would imagine leather is best and they turn up on ebay.

 

[roundisland]

Thanks for all the replies really useful hearing both sides....I will go out and practice this morning!!

 

[jimboalee]

The pedal should have a little triangular tab on the lower-rear rail.
Use this to assist flicking the pedal round so the clip and strap slip over your shoe.

For those who can't afford SPD shoes and pedals in one foul swoop, search out the STIFFEST shoe in your cupboard.

For info, I have a pair of Miche Road quills, Christophe clips and straps; and a pair of Trois Stella plated shoes.

 

[killiekosmos]

I had straps (before moving to SPDs). The best advice I got on this forum about getting foot in was:

Start off with one foot in
Push off
when moving 'flip' other pedal (as if you are scraping dog turd off your shoe) pedal will turn and slip foot in

They - straps - have advantages (as others said can use ordinary shoes) they are cheap and a good stepping stone to SPDs

 

[RudeNot2]

I was never able to get the hang of the straps on the old BSO, and quickly changed to SPD's. The new Sirrus came with straps and were removed prior to first (short) run. Once I am more confident with the bike itself, I will be getting a new set of pedals.

RN2

 

[Landslide]

Whilst I usually use SPDs, I've started using clips again on my commuter (for the convenience of not lugging spare shoes everywhere), and I find it easier to flip the pedal up in certain shoes compared to others.

 

[roundisland]

Just got back from a great ride around the river servern area. Tried all the tecniques explained and feel I've much improved.

Many thanks

 

[Arch]

I'm surprised that you can still buy pedals with straps.

And you a CTC bigwig? Shame on you... Of course you can. We're not all obsessed with being welded to our pedals...

 

[gavintc]

And you a CTC bigwig? Shame on you... Of course you can. We're not all obsessed with being welded to our pedals...

Clearly there are some that like the bondage route.

 

[Arch]

Clearly there are some that like the bondage route.

Well indeed, why would you go for a cleat when you can have a pair of leather straps?

(My toeclips are actually the moulded plastic toecap sort with no straps at all actually, and they do me fine).

 

[Davidc]

Well indeed, why would you go for a cleat when you can have a pair of leather straps?

(My toeclips are actually the moulded plastic toecap sort with no straps at all actually, and they do me fine).

I've got those but prefer the ones with straps.

Tried cleats once and hated them even though I went a bit faster. Like your description - it did feel as if my feet had been welded to the pedals.