Newbie. Fear of clips and special pedals

[MontyVeda]

Considering buying my first proper bike soon. The question of pedals will come up, but tbh I can't get my head around the idea of 'binding ' my feet into the pedals using either toe clips or special pedals.

How do I get over that fear and is it worth it?

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I've enjoyed riding my bike so much more since i took the toe clips off. My pedals work either way up, I'm no longer faffing to get my toe in and if I fall off, I'll not find myself still attached to the bike.

Personally, I don't think they're worth it... the push down will always supersede the pull up so the actual benefit will be minimal. It all depends on hat type of riding you're doing though.

 

[Louisearelly]

You can buy pedals normal one side and with clips the other, i've found them great, using clips if going a distance and normal pedals to pop to shops. Also, you can always have one foot unclipped as you come to a junction/stop, ready to put that foot down. It doesn't normally take long to twist your foot and get it out of the clip, however, i can see this might not be your initial reaction as you're wobbling to the floor. Practice makes perfect and it really doesn't take long, also a better work out for the legs as you pull up and push pedal down.

 

[vickster]

I think what this thread is saying is that some people like it, some don't. I am not a huge fan but can see the benefits and probably just need to get more used to it! Remind us where you'll be riding and why you are riding - if to get really fit and ride miles at a time on open roads, then yes...if out and about with the family, for commuting, then less so.

I'd get the new bike, with SPD/flat double sided pedals if you think they will have a benefit, get used to the bike with normal trainers and then give it a go. Do you have any friends with the shoes and the same sized feet who might be willing to lend you their stinky footwear on a trial basis? If you decide on normal pedals, or totally SPD's, you can always flog the pedals on here later

 

[paulmac]

I've just had some clips & straps fitted to my hybrid. I went the lbs and they cost me £7.00 for new clips and straps and they fitted them too for that price so i couldnt complain with that service. Went for a ride after having them fitted and so much better, i felt like i could push harder without the worry of slipping of the pedals. Maybe in a few months of using these i may decide to get the pedals and shoes that clip in?? we will have to see, also depends on cost of that way to me them pedals and a pair of shoes look expensive.

 

[MacB]

There are pros and cons and I agree with Vickster, the benefits would be mainly felt on dedicated fast rides not in stop start traffic.

I disagree with those that claim they pull up to any noticeable level barring honking out of the saddle on a steep hill.

Something that is noticeable is that people often move from pretty basic flat pedals and any old pair of trainers, to clipless/straps and cycling specific footwear. In that scenario you will notice quite a difference especially on fast rides. However if you were to use some decent(not necessarily expensive) platform pedals with pins and trainers, cycling specific or not, with grippy soles(it is possible to have these soles added to any trainer for about £35-40 a pair) - then I think the differences would be far less distinguishable.

With the latter combination it's certainly possible to 'pedal in the little circles' that you read about and do the scraping muck off the bottom of your shoe on the back stroke. That movement, coupled with the forward/downward pressure of the lead foot, leaves precious little room for any sort of pulling up in the stroke. But you can lighten your back foot on its way up, coincidentally this is the level of 'pull up' attributed to top road cyclists.

Ultimately, IMO, it comes down to what you want to achieve in cycling and if you are comfortable being attached to the bike in this manner. I'm not and my cycling ambitions don't require clipless pedals to be reached, if that ever changes I will revisit my ideas. I prefer the secure knowledge of being able to hop on any of my bikes with any footwear(though I no longer recommend flip flops ) and knowing that I will never fall off due to a clipless moment.

 

[vickster]

I couldn't figure out clips & straps at all - clipless are better in that regard for me!

 

[tyred]

Perhaps it's time to introduce "the shoe ruse" again

 

[jay clock]

+2 for the 324 pedals. I must say I now feel very insecure without being clipped in. It become second nature.

The 324 pedals really do allow for any shoes to be used, and it becomes very quick and easy to locate the "clippy in" side

 

[007fair]

I had clipless then took them off Now they are back on again

What changed it was a long day in the hills on a mountain bike with single sided pedals I was using the flat side then clipless etc depending on terrain and confidence Churning through marsh land I suddenly found I WANTED to the clips in all the time.. and I now always use them for dedicated cycling

Rides with the family and some commutes are better suited to flats

get the single sided pedals You know it makes sense

 

[RhythMick]

Great advice all and thanks. I'm going to buy these pedals now, put them on my Giant and get used to them then maybe give clippies a try with a "friend" as per newzeqq's advice.

i can hear it now ...

"UNCLIP!!!"

I've recently gone clipless and i find it excellent!
i picked up the Shimano M324 pedals:

As you can see they are double sided, clip on one side and flat pedal on the other, this means you can use them as regular pedals when you don't feel like having to clip in and out all the time.
really rather good entry level clipless.

 

[007fair]

Great advice all and thanks. I'm going to buy these pedals now, put them on my Giant and get used to them then maybe give clippies a try with a "friend" as per newzeqq's advice.

i can hear it now ...

"UNCLIP!!!"

Get your friend to video your first few clipless moments and upload them Usually good for a laugh