Should i change to clip pedals?

[new-fish]

Hi all, i've stuck to the normal pedals on with straps, and am wondering wether or not to change to a pair of clip pedals, is there much of a difference with these? Also, how likely is it to fall on your arse with them at junctions?

 

[dickothedrafter]

I'm no expert, but i think they are alot better.......I find it harder to get my shoes into them than i do getting out of them ...Its like everything once you get used to them then it becomes second nature.

 

[marinyork]

The problem I find with clipless is not junctions at all, it is fairly steep hills, 8-10% gradients and clipping in/out perhaps due to traffic lights or other things. On the flats, no problem.

 

[accountantpete]

You will have a couple of moments with clip-ins - usually when an instinctive reaction is required and you haven't quite developed the instinct. But this will soon develop.

The advantage of these is that they offer more flexibilty as to what muscles you use.

A basic example is that you can use them to turn a wheel when cruising(this entails applying pressure to the crank throughout the 360 turn by pushing down,pulling back,pulling up and pushing forward all in one movement). This rests the muscles used for say, pressing down on the pedals for when you want to accelerate or climb a hill.

This all takes a bit of practice - so keep at it!

 

[peza]

They are much better and it's a more energy efficent way of cycling.
I have fallen off three times in about seven years, fortunately only my pride was hurt.

I have Look pedals and would certainly recommend them.

 

[numbnuts]

If you fall off it only hurts once you’ll remember the next time

 

[D4VOW]

Clipless are far more efficient. I've never fallen off but did have a couple of close calls when I first started using them. It doesn't take long to learn once you've felt yourself going a couple of times

 

[PpPete]

Hi all, i've stuck to the normal pedals on with straps, and am wondering wether or not to change to a pair of clip pedals, is there much of a difference with these?

Yes - definitely worth changing if you can afford.

Also, how likely is it to fall on your arse with them at junctions?

If you are already used to old school toe clips with straps - you are very unlikely to mess up at junctions. I've lifted back wheel once - but didnt fall off.

 

[colinr]

After 3 days of clipless, I'm finding getting into the pedals a lot harder then getting out. But no harder than the clips + straps that I've been using for 2 months. Also, what nobody told me, if you muck up clipping in you can still pedal slowly and wiggle your feet about until they go in. I assume I'll get better at this in time.

It feels like I go faster for the same effort but I can really feel my calves waking up on hills

 

[jimboalee]

I had a bike, a long time ago which had 'rat-traps'. It had a red strap on the left pedal and a green strap on the right pedal.

I nearly died on that bike ---- from Miximitoeclips.

 

[garrilla]

I had a bike, a long time ago which had 'rat-traps'. It had a red strap on the left pedal and a green strap on the right pedal.

I nearly died on that bike ---- from Miximitoeclips.

 

[Cubist]

I had a bike, a long time ago which had 'rat-traps'. It had a red strap on the left pedal and a green strap on the right pedal.

I nearly died on that bike ---- from Miximitoeclips.

FFS!

 

[jimboalee]

The cobbler who nailed the plates onto my cycling shoes was a German chappie.
He was so hip...
I always use him now, 'cus he's My Cool Shoe Maker.

 

[Fnaar]

groan!