Non clipped trainers

[Hudson1984]

Hi all,

so...I've been thinking....

Essentially for those that don't know, i've been off cycling for a while due to a hip issue. Now, my main problem is getting on or off the bike, i'm pretty ok once i'm on it (i.e. no pain from the actual cycling, it's just the safety issue of getting on and off)

I use clipless pedals - which really makes things tough as I can't actually twist my heel to unclip - it's not AS bad on the turbo but still pretty sore.

I'm thinking of perhaps swapping out my clipless pedals for something flat. Then wondered if anyone can recommend trainers suitable for normal riding - a thread i've just replied on describing toe numbness is what i'm keen to avoid of course so want something up to the task.

I can handle about an hour or so without causing any issues. So with everywhere being shut (and no one buying my Battaglin) I thought I might try to use it when I can.

Not having to tog up in full gear would also make things easier.

anyone recommend some nice cycling trainers?

Hopefully I'll get back to clipless once i've finally been fixed but being as that'll be bloody ages away I want to do what I can in the meantime.

 

[HLaB]

For MTB I am using MTB shoes but haven't removed (cut out) the panel to insert the clip. Could that be an option? It work for me anyway a stiffer soled trainer that's not clipless.

 

[Hudson1984]

anything is an option really. I mean I think i'll give my crossfit trainers a bash for a starter - haven't done a short hour ride for months so don't know how they'll feel but MTB shoes could do the job for sure.

 

[Darius_Jedburgh]

A bit left field, but have you thought of triathlon shoes?
They are clipped, but have no tongue and can be put on/taken off in no time. Ever watch triathletes at transition? Before the cycling their shoes are on the bike and they fit them on, and use BOA to tighten once pedalling. Similarly at the end of the cycling leg they release BOA and just pull their feet out leaving pedals fixed to the bike.
Might be an option???

 

[Hudson1984]

ah it's not soo much the speed in taking off etc. It's the action of clipping. With the hip the way it is, I can't flick my heel out to unclip. And short yanks in a panic hurt like hell too so i'm keen to avoid cleats all together, just to keep cycling in some way at least.

 

[fossyant]

SPD with the multi-release pedals rather than the twist release.

Also, now much seatpost have you got showing ? - you may be able to get a 'short-ish' dropper post - i.e. what MTB'ers use for going down steep stuff.

Due to my back issues, I use my dropper on my MTB, not just for technical stuff, but if I need to hop off the bike, and I'm getting sore, press of the button, saddle drops, and I can get my leg over easier. There are road versions as well now !

 

[figbat]

What sort of pedals are you using? In MTB land there is a split between clipless (SPD etc) and 'flats'. Those on flats often go to dedicated flat pedal shoes, with Five Ten being the default recommendation (other suppliers are available). I have some Five Ten shoes for one bike that has DMR V8 pedals and they are perfectly good at this job. My other bikes have SPDs on which I use with Shimano shoes.

 

[vickster]

I use Adidas trail running shoes with a stiffer sole than a running or fashion type trainer, now I can no longer clip in (lack of flexion in arthritic knee)

 

[vickster]

ah it's not soo much the speed in taking off etc. It's the action of clipping. With the hip the way it is, I can't flick my heel out to unclip. And short yanks in a panic hurt like hell too so i'm keen to avoid cleats all together, just to keep cycling in some way at least.

Get SH56 multi directional cleats On a loose Tension setting if you want to clip in. No ankle twist needed

 

[MichaelW2]

You need a good balance of grippiness in pedal and shoe. Studded flats and Van's do it for the BMX bandits. I use MKS Sylvian Touring with just about anything but usually Hi Tec Silver Shadow.

 

[Deleted member 1258]

SPD shoes without the cleats, just leave on the cover over where the cleats fit.

 

[vickster]

SPD shoes without the cleats, just leave on the cover over where the cleats fit.

I tried that with Sonomas but just too slippery, esp the cleat hole cover!

 

[MichaelW2]

I tried that with Sonomas but just too slippery, esp the cleat hole cover!

Plastic soled shoes are too slippery. I used some rubber soled Shimano leisure shoes that worked well for riding and walking.

 

[youngoldbloke]

What sort of pedals do you use? You can buy pedal covers that clip over the pedal and convert it to flat. I did just that after a hip replacement so that I could use the bike on the turbo. In my case Look Keos. Here is one variety: Pedal plates and these are more like the ones I bought Keo plates. Sometimes use them on short local journeys too.

 

[Hudson1984]

currently have shimano 105's (SPD)
but just bought some studded flats to see how I get on.