Pedal Advice Please

[darth vadar]

Can any of the more experienced cyclists advise me about pedals please?

I've just started riding a flat bar road bike and it has those strap things on that you put your feet into to pedal and it feels kind of strange.

After a couple or practice runs, it feels that they put more emphasis on the calf (s) rather than the rest of the leg.

I read somewhere that with cleats or straps your leg benefits from an upward stroke as well as the downward stroke so you should get a bit stronger and fitter, but it just feels a bit odd compared to riding other bikes with just the ordinary pedals.

Do I just need to persist or should I change them?

Thanks.

 

[Dayvo]

I'd ditch the toe-straps and persist with the clipless.

Clipless pedals allow for more efficient cycling, plus with the benefit that you foot is sitting in the optimal position to pedal all the time.

If you feel uncomfortable with clipless, then you could try practising on a stationary spinning cycle and try clipping in and out until it becomes second nature (it comes very quickly), and also feel the benefit of being able to pull the foot/pedal up.

You may have one or two clipless moments (a fall), but you WILL soon be both competent and confident.

 

[gavintc]

I have never understood why anyone would have toe clips on their bikes. It seems the worst of all options to me. You are strapped into the pedal - better pedalling technique, but cannot get out quickly in an emergency - greater risk of injury. To me, the only suitable options are to go with flat pedals or to fit clipless - so much safer.

 

[ian789]

I'm a new cyclist and I've just gone clipless. Pedals cost £20 and shoes cost £60 so it's not cheap but it's well worth it. My latest thing is belting it away from traffic lights - Some cars just don't realize how quick you can shift

Personally I'd check that the seat is adjusted properly for you if your uncomfortable, it took me over a month to find my perfect position.

 

[accountantpete]

Clips allow you to pull up push down and push forward on the pedal.

Clipless pedals also allow you to pull back on the pedal and to pedal in circles by putting all 4 phases together in one movement - but it takes a lot of practice to master this technique and develop the muscles. The advantage is that the load is shared more widely throughout the leg muscles so putting less pressure on any one set.

If the calf muscles are aching you may have the seat set too high and are in effect standing on tip-toes to reach the pedal.

 

[guitarpete247]

Go clipless I don't think you'll regret it. I had clips and straps for about 30 years and only had 1 fall cos I couldn't get out of pedals in time. And that was cos I was left hooked in the rain when a Student in 1977. Nearest since was when I lost a cleat bolt. Now use thread lock so shouldn't happen again. Turn down the tension for first few weeks or months and increase it as you feel comfortable releasing.

 

[darth vadar]

Thanks for your replies chaps - always appreciated.

 

[Peter10]

I can only support what everyone else has said. I recently turned to clipless pedals and love them. Make sure you pick carefully which you want though, MTB or road. In my experience, MTB are much more practical.