Pedal straps

[bikebikebike]

Being new to road biking, I just cant get used to the pedal straps! I have been out on the bike tonight for the third time since I bought it and I cant seem to get both feet into the pedals. If I place the right one in the left seems to spin around then I need to slow down/stop.
Whats the best way to use them? Do i really need them?

 

[ianrauk]

They do take while to get used to them. It's a case of learning how to flip the pedal and get your foot in.
Do you need them? Well only you can answer that question.
Some people swear by them, some people do without or ride clipless with cleats.

 

[gary in derby]

go clipless, not as difficult as it seems. well, i found it easy couldnt get on with straps. oh and i went for spd's

 

[Pauluk]

I've just fitted toe clips to stop my foot slipping off the pedals when I go over bumps, although I must admit I can probably manage without them.

I find its much easier if I don't look down. The more I look down and try to flip the pedal to get my shoe in the slower my success. Get used to flipping the pedal without looking down, once in you can then look if needs be.

I must admit though, when I'm in the primary position at red traffic lights I wait till I'm through the hazard before I attempt to flip the pedal.

Still not convinced I'll keep them on yet, but I will persevere to see if I can improve.

 

[bikebikebike]

Its just challenging trying to get used to them whilst learning a new bike and watching the traffic. I have a tendancy to look down which unnerves me somewhat too which doesnt help. Full of aches and pains with getting used to the new riding position so think they will be coming off

 

[Pauluk]

If you're getting used to a new bike and the roads just take them off for a while. You can always go back to them later if you want to try them again when you have less things to think about.

 

[Ozzrahog]

I use them now as I got used to them in my younger days, as has been said try and get used to not looking down, just do it by feel

 

[deptfordmarmoset]

I'm a bit confused here. I cycled for decades with clips and straps, but the weight of the toe cage made the pedal tend to stay at the same dipped angle, which made it a predictable, repetitive routine - tip pedal back, slip foot in forward. I'm sure that my last pair of such pedals had a little lip that pointed upwards as the weight of the cage descended down, making it that much easier and predictable.

I'm wondering whether your strap is catching the crank arm and making it swivel upside down with the crank just as you want to get your toe in. If that's remotely possible, try pulling the strap a little towards the outside so that it doesn't foul the crank. That's if the pedal's turning freely, of course.

 

[bikebikebike]

The pedal just seems to twist around to go to the bottom but it doesnt seem to be catching. Almost like the weight is making it flip around

 

[biggs682]

straps and cages save having to use special shoes and in my opinion easier than spd's , just fitted some so my 11 yr can start using them whilst out on tandem , 2 rides in and she is happy with them

 

[Deleted member 1258]

Try parking the bike somewhere, in the house or garden, where you can lean against the wall and just sit there and practice putting your foot in. Like clipless it takes a little time and practise to get used to them. Are you taking both feet out when you stop? If you've just stopped at a junction or lights just take one foot out.

 

[deptfordmarmoset]

The pedal just seems to twist around to go to the bottom but it doesnt seem to be catching. Almost like the weight is making it flip around

Does the pedal turn easily without sticking, then? I suppose you could test this on the road by temporarily sticking something with a little weight to it to the cage part to see whether that stops it spinning along with the crank.

 

[PpPete]

I used clips / straps for decades. It take practise that's all.
Or, much easier, get double-sided clipless (PD-M520 are cheap and effective) and ignore the roadie purists who tell you those are only for mountain bikers.

 

[Berties]

Pedal clips are just. Knack push off with one and spin the other till you get the technique,even with cleats I miss the pedal clips every now and again,again it's confidence and practice,I always say lower your saddle a little why you build confidence and then get the saddle back up ,it worked for me!

 

[bikebikebike]

Thanks folks - the pedal does just turn without sticking and is quite tricky to move around and slip the foot in. Guess its down to practise.