Pedals....

[Puddles]

Okay it said on the tin "no question too stupid" so here goes

Whats what is with the pedal thing...

What is clipless?

What is clipped in ?

Am I correct to assume that my pedals which are just pedals they look like this sort of

are not "clipless" or are they? So whats all this pedal business about then?

I apologise if someone else has been as stupid as I before and there is a thread about the what's where's & whys

I only ask because someone said about clipless hurting their knees and sometimes when I have been cycling my knees hurt, but mostly I think that is cos I am old & unfit and a circular shape

 

[smokeysmoo]

It can be confusing TBH.

Clipless refers to pedals like the pros use, and although you are clipped onto the pedals they are termed clipless as there are no toe clips like they used years ago.

Pedals like the one in your pic are simply referred to as platform pedals.

Pedals with toe clips

Clipless pedals, (although there are loads of different designs of pedal systems when you go clipless.

Hope that helps.

 

[Rickshaw Phil]

^^^^ What Smokeysmoo said. The clipless pedal FAQ thread explains the difference in a bit more detail.

Edit - those pictures weren't there a moment ago.

 

[gavintc]

I agree, the 'clip-in to clipless pedals' is one of the most bizarre phrases. The other one I never really understood when I started was tubular tyres. I mean; aren't all tyres a tube! And then where the heck does 700 come from for wheel sizes!

Puddles, there is nothing stupid about your question. And as you learn more, there will be even more confusion.

 

[fossyant]

As smokey says, the clip less are pedals without toe clips and straps. Best invention ever.

 

[biggs682]

smokeysmoo nice easy explanation well done

 

[Puddles]

Ah that explains it all, I shall stick with the lovely pedals I have... unless I decide I shall be cycling in heels, then I hear there are some really good ones for that...

 

[gavintc]

Ah that explains it all, I shall stick with the lovely pedals I have... unless I decide I shall be cycling in heels, then I hear there are some really good ones for that...

Clip in heels - now that would be a challenge.

 

[themosquitoking]

Clip in heels - now that would be a challenge.

Rotational torque for clipping out would be higher with longer heels would be greater surely.

 

[smokeysmoo]

unless I decide I shall be cycling in heels, then I hear there are some really good ones for that...

Yup

 

[Sara_H]

I apologise if someone else has been as stupid as I before ......

Ha ha...... the stupidness round here knows no bounds! Those pedals in your picture I call flat pedals. Thats all I ever use. My ex husband had pedals that he had to clip n, he seemed to fall off alot, especially at traffic lights!

Love your avatar, by the way.

 

[Puddles]

Cycling in heels I know about, Dottie told me all about them in Let's Go ride A Bike here http://letsgorideabike.com/blog/2012/08/the-best-everyday-pedals/ you need curve & a good grip on a pedal and not a lot of pennies - rubber is very important for non-slip with pumps & wedges

This is the bit I like best in her blog about heels & Pedals

"While some may say, “Um, don’t bike in heels,” that’s not how we roll around here."

Some people dream of speeds & mileage & sportier versions of their bike I dream of an old fashion sit up & beg type cycle with a wicker basket & flowers in it, in a dress & heels looking all serene & lovely gliding through the country side.

The reality is pumps, jeans (usually with dubious toddler stainage) T-shirt (again with dubious toddler stainage) oh and dog hair, with a stolen cap from husband's army days, basket has wipes, plasters, germoline, etc in it, keys, pennies & half sucked sweets (again from the toddler) & items of rubbish. I do not look serene, I do not glide but one one day I will.

the Avatar Is an accurate representation of how I feel most days on the bike lol

 

[Christopher]

My BH used to commute in skirt & heels on flat pedals. Worked fine and she didn't have to spend ages changing for the office (which had a fairly formal dress code for everyone). It was about 2 miles and she went slowly so as not to get too hot.