I don't have toe clips. I think they're really nice when trying to get more power, but on the instances I've used them I've had trouble getting my feet out quickly, and I'd hate to have that happen in a situation where if I didn't disengage from the bike I'd be in a world o' pain. Maybe I simply need toe clips small enough that they're toe clips and not ball-of-the-foot clips. Or perhaps I just need larger feet. Or to be less klutzy. ;)
Purposefully too generalphsJuly 26 2003, 00:46:29 UTC
Sorry, was too general.
"Platform" pedals are normal pedals. "Toe-clips" are the things you are thinking of. "Clipless" pedals, paradoxically, are pedals with a spring-loaded clamp on them which mates with a special cleat on special shoes. When you press on the pedal you are clipped in, and you twist your heal out to snap out of them. See http://www.epinions.com/otdr-review-4A82-49EC251-38DAD631-prod6
Since I now own some, they are pretty neat. I've only fallen once, too! (In the grass.) ;)
Okay. That *does* sound pretty cool. However, having to wear (and purchase) special shoes just to go on a bike ride frankly sounds a bit awkward and limiting. It's hard enough for me to find ordinary shoes that fit my feet well. *wry grin* I think I'd be interested in a cleat setup that could strap onto any shoe with easy-on/off velcro straps, with the twist-your-heel mechanism releasing the cleat-strapped shoe from the pedal. That way the cleat could be constructed in whatever size/shape was safest without worries about interfering with walking, and if you biked somewhere where you'd then do any walking you wouldn't have to have clunky shoes or lug a second pair. They'd presumably also be much cheaper to buy/replace than an entire pair of shoes, and manufacturers wouldn't have to make anywhere near as many sizes and could potentially have a lot more fun with colors or styles. All of this may sound frivolous to hard-core bikers, but I'm not part of that market (as is no doubt patently obvious
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The big problem with your idea is that with purpose-built shoes, the cleat can be recessed so that you can still walk on them and not have the cleat digging into the ground.
Also the cleat has to be on very VERY tightly - like screwed on as hard as I could get to the very hard bottom of the shoe. I had it on too softly at first and had to loosen the springs in the pedal to snap it out. There are some really hefty springs in the pedals and I think they would tear velcro off.
(And you can still sort of ride with normal shoes; the pedals are quite a bit smaller, but they more or less work. They look like:)
Okay -- I'll take your word for it. I think, then, that they're not for me at this stage of not-full-blown biking fanaticism. Give me a while and drag me out on lots of bike rides, and then we'll see. 8)
My mom has clipless pedals on her bike. My impression from riding with her is that they are good for pounding down long distances on country roads, but bad for urban cycling. The idea that it's easy to stop and put your feet down whenever a traffic situation gets questionable is something I really value, and which has affected my own riding style. Still, I'd be interested to hear your conclusions after a little experience with clipless.
But of course the real poll question is: when will you get back out and ride some more??!
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"Platform" pedals are normal pedals.
"Toe-clips" are the things you are thinking of.
"Clipless" pedals, paradoxically, are pedals with a spring-loaded clamp on them which mates with a special cleat on special shoes. When you press on the pedal you are clipped in, and you twist your heal out to snap out of them. See http://www.epinions.com/otdr-review-4A82-49EC251-38DAD631-prod6
Since I now own some, they are pretty neat. I've only fallen once, too! (In the grass.) ;)
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Except for the "Okay I'm stopped oh shit my feet are still stuck to the pedals and I'm falling over" feeling. ;)
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Also the cleat has to be on very VERY tightly - like screwed on as hard as I could get to the very hard bottom of the shoe. I had it on too softly at first and had to loosen the springs in the pedal to snap it out. There are some really hefty springs in the pedals and I think they would tear velcro off.
(And you can still sort of ride with normal shoes; the pedals are quite a bit smaller, but they more or less work. They look like:)
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But of course the real poll question is: when will you get back out and ride some more??!
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Wanna ride? ;)
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