Toe clips

[Holdsworth]

I am looking at fitting a pair of toe clips and straps to my pedal (assuming that they can take them) so I would like ask you all which ones would you recommend.

And before you inevitably ask, I have decided to give up on the idea of clipless pedals for now, the distance I have to walk across site to get to my office from the bike stands is too great in my eyes to do in cleats. I would much prefer my stiff-soled cycle shoes from Lidl for that walk.

Much appreciated

 

[Rebel Ian]

Walking with cleats is only an issue if you have 'road' shoes. If you buy mountain bike shoes the cleats are recessed so you can walk normally.

http://www.evanscycl...-shoes-ec008778

 

[numbnuts]

what he ^^^ said I've been using my cleats for over 11 years now and they are still OK and I do a lot of walking i.e shopping ect

 

[aberal]

Christophe were the toe clips for ye discerning cyclist in ye dayes of yore. Zefal also make pretty decent ones too.

 

[corshamjim]

I couldn't find any toe-clips short enough for my liking, so ended up with SPDs. As Ian says, the MTB style shoes are fine for walking moderate distances in. I forgot I'd left my 'proper' shoes at home once and ended up wearing them all day.

You don't need to get unduly chunky mtb shoes either. I use Shimano MT22 ( http://www.sjscycles.co.uk/shimano-mt22-spd-shoes-prod21267/ ) because I prefer laces to velcro and they're just more my thing (and not expensive either).

After fitting SPDs to my Pashley, I put the toe-clips on my Dahon folder, and really like them on that.

I don't think I can find the actual model I bought - they're similar to this:

http://www.sjscycles.co.uk/delta-delta-nylon-toe-clip-and-strap-set-black-prod16188/

In my (some years ago) experience, the steel ones can get rusty which is why I went for plastic. I like the wide design too - with toe clips I tend to use skate-board style shoes rather than traditional cycling shoes.

 

[RecordAceFromNew]

Many steel ones are chromed steel which will rust eventually as they get scratched, but not these. You can pick them up for under 50% of rrp if you look around e.g. here. Mks pedals, e.g. the Sylvan, are also imho great quality.

They come in different size and it is important to get the right size.

 

[Deleted member 1258]

I'm using these toeclips http://www.velosolo.co.uk/mksdeep.html on my fixed with platform pedals like these
http://www.velosolo.co.uk/mksgr9.html . On my geared bike, Sunday best, I'm on clipless, Time Freerides, with Shimano shoes.

 

[Davidc]

I use these on my tourer, with proper leather straps. most of the time it's with Lidl shoes.

I tried clipless and hated them, so went back to toeclips.

 

[threefingerjoe]

I still use toeclips. They let me hop on the bike any time, with whatever shoes I happen to be wearing. I'm content with the plastic ones. They seem to hold up much longer than the stainless steel toeclips that I used many years ago. Those always broke after a couple thousand miles of flexing. The plastic ones can break too, but not as often.

 

[tyred]

I have a preference for leather straps. They are much easier to use than any of the webbing type. Can be pricey though if you buy the Brooks version. Cheaper options are available.

 

[Holdsworth]

Some nice choices in the toe clip department

I would like to know which type of strap is best and which ones are recommended?

I am still undecided also on whether to go with clips and straps or make the large leap to SPD. Still unconvinced about the walking aspect of MTB cleats.
I had a look at some "Power Grips" after reading a reply in another thread and I like the look of those as well, a bit pricey at ~£25 which could buy me a pair of SPD pedals with cleats, so many choices

 

[corshamjim]

My advice would be buy a pair of cheap toe-clips and straps, use them and if you find there's something you don't like about them you'll be much better able to decide what's best for you. It's entirely possible you'll be perfectly happy with your initial purchase though.

 

[aberal]

I am still undecided also on whether to go with clips and straps or make the large leap to SPD. Still unconvinced about the walking aspect of MTB cleats.
I had a look at some "Power Grips" after reading a reply in another thread and I like the look of those as well, a bit pricey at ~£25 which could buy me a pair of SPD pedals with cleats, so many choices

If the sole reason for going for toe clips is because of the walk across to your office from the bike shed - then I would suggest you take the leap to SPD's. With MTB/Touring SPD shoes you can walk perfectly normally as the tread raises the shoe rubber above the cleat. Try some at your LBS. The reason for using SPD in preference to clips is that the pedalling action is so much better and, contrary to what you might think, you can get your feet out of them quicker and easier in an emergency than you can from clips. Some people stick with clips for their own good reasons and that's fine - but for most people SPD pedals are just better all round.

 

[guitarpete247]

+1 on the ease of walking in MTB shoes. Only thing is that with the sole being stiffer than normal shoes I wouldn't want to walk too far.

I have a pair of Dhb R1's and some Lidl MTB shoes. Both with SPD cleats. If I know I need to be walking anywhere I wear the Lidl's otherwise the R1's. I do walk round to the garage in my crocs and have taken them with me in the bag a couple of times but only changed into them the once.

 

[tyred]

When buying clips and cages, the most important thing to consider is the size of the actual cages. Cages can be metal or plastic but it makes little difference in practise. If you ride an old lugged steel frame, you may prefer the traditional look of chromed cages but be aware that they do rust. What's more important than the material is the size as a short cage will not allow you to get your foot on the pedal properly if you have large feet. With regards to straps, stiff is preferable to floppy which is why leather is generally recommended. They can be expensive though, especially the Brooks ones. I was fortunate that Jimboalee, late of this parish kindly sent me some of the spare leather straps that he had lying around.

The other thing to look at is that the better pedals will usually have a little tab which makes it easier to flip the pedal but this isn't actually necessary in use and I can mange without.