Last year as a clipped-in novice, came off and badly disclocated elbow resulting in 4 months of nothing (no biking, running etc). Back on bike but not in cleats ..... Cycling well with baskets on pedals, but just don't think I can do cleats. Really want to do a sportive but how 'frowned upon' will I be if am not clipped in? All pix and youtubes I've watched of sportives, most people seem to be clipped in. Have done a few Cyclettas and just done Nightrider - loved it! Want more challenge .... Is it OK to do a sportive not clipped in?? Advice please!
Novice Sportive-r
- Thread starter hanembra
- Start date
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Hacienda71
Mancunian in self imposed exile in leafy Cheshire
- Location
- Wilmslow, Cheshire
The short answer is yes. Go for it, anyone that frowns at you is a pratt.
Of course it's OK 
There were a few using clips and straps at my last one, so have no fear, nobody will care. You will find that there is a variety of bikes used too, road bikes, CX, hybrids, the odd MTB. Some were riding Tourers with racks in place.
In short it doesn't matter what you are riding as long as it's roadworthy, so if you fancy a Sportive, get an entry in and go enjoy the ride.
There were a few using clips and straps at my last one, so have no fear, nobody will care. You will find that there is a variety of bikes used too, road bikes, CX, hybrids, the odd MTB. Some were riding Tourers with racks in place.
In short it doesn't matter what you are riding as long as it's roadworthy, so if you fancy a Sportive, get an entry in and go enjoy the ride.
jdtate101
Ex-Fatman
- Location
- Boring Birmingham
The reason why most people ride with cleats is that once you get used to them, they are much nicer to ride in. It's understandable that your confidence has been knocked, but if you can try and persevere with the cleats, once you get used to them you'll wonder why you ever rode without them. If you really feel you cannot then no-one will point a finger at you on a sportive for toe clips, if they do then they are an idiot.
Have fun and safe riding.
Have fun and safe riding.
Rob3rt
Man or Moose!
- Location
- Manchester
It is a sportive, anything goes! Quite literally!
Fnaar
Smutmaster General
- Location
- Thumberland
Most will be clipped in, but I doubt anyone will raise an eyebrow at toe clips. If they do, sod 'em, basically. I've seen people doing a 100 mile sportive on flat pedals, no clippage or cleatage.
Herzog
Swinglish Mountain Goat
- Location
- Bern, Switzerland
Ride in what you like. For my first race (not sportive) I wore trainers, used flat pedals and wore a t-shirt...I came 10th out of 80 to the bemusement of many. Many years later I wouldn't do that, but would not look down upon anyone not in full kit or using flats!
