Cyclists of ATS, do you use clipless pedals? Any advice for returning cyclist?

I'm getting back into cycling, and have two pretty decent bikes. Road bike is a Specialized Allez Sport, mountain bike is a Specialized Chisel.

For those who are unaware, clipless pedals are the type where there is a thing on the bottom of your shoe that locks your show to the pedal. The name seems like a complete misnomer.

I'm using some decent flats on both bikes. It's been awhile, and especially on the mountain bike I feel more comfortable with flats.

What has your experience been with transitioning from flats to clipless? On my road bike I pretty much never need to stick my foot out quick, on the mountain bike, depending on what I'm riding I do sometimes. My cousin does triathlons on flats, so I figure it's not the WORST thing to run on a road bike, though I'm sure I'll get flipped some stuff. Did you notice a drastic difference?

From my research, it appears most everyone recommends clipless for road biking, and it's sort of split with mountain biking. I'm doing more XC type stuff (if you couldn't tell by the bike).

Really enjoying cycling. I used to do it back in the day, one of the highlights being a two week trip through the San Juans riding a LOT of miles with panniers and hopping ferries. Feels good to wake up, pack up your stuff and head out on the road under your own power.

Any other tips for someone returning to cycling?

New bikes are INSANE to what I was using 10 years ago. So light, shift so smoothly and LOVING the air shock and hydraulic disc brakes on the mountain bike. I've had my road bike for awhile, but I forgot how effortlessly it rolls. Having the shift levers and brake levers integrated feels so nice, sort of hated reaching down to shift.

a reply to: Domo1

Clip ons are great for performance but lousy safety wise. They are a safety liability. They don't just release when an accident happens. Your legs can get seriously twisted and a lot more hurt.

I have done some very long distance riding on mountain bikes. They are my favourites. I am not interested in speed or performance. I can cycle 60 miles in a day, take my time and tell myself I have all day.

If you want to act like you are on a race track then clip ons are fine, but remember you are NOT on a race track. It is a road full of huge lorries, buses, high prformance vehicles and pedestrians all mixed in. Some cyclists act like it is their race track and no wonder cars get annoyed with them and cyclists have horrible accidents.

I don't do as much cycling now because it is too scary here. It is full of OAPs with poor eyesight driving around. A few months ago I got knocked down on a PEDESTRIAN CROSSING by an old couple and they tried to do a hit and run, too, but I hung on to their car door; really selfish horrible old #s. The police told me they had constant incidents related to the elderly causing RTAs. It is not mentioned, but they are not all cute; they are some of the nastiest most selfish idiots in society.

Happy cycling and please stay safe. Not recommended if you have kids who depend on you, nor is motorbiking; both have a high casualty rate.

I hate cars! They have poisoned everything physically and socially. I refuse to own one. These days I walk so many miles. I don't like public transport. It is either train or boat or legs. I am well fit. I still have a twenty eight inch waist, same as when I was sixteen. Alcohol, cars and junk food kill you - no doubt.

a reply to: Domo1

i use clipless pedals on both my bikes :

road = Specialized Allez Sport [ great minds think alike ] - with shimano R540s

MMTB = some specialised full suss with shimano M520s

the only " grip " i have is with the shoes // cleats for the road bike - i cannot walk around comfortably - if i want to explore something in mid ride

if i could restart - i would have M520s on both bikes

i only use the allez for fitness and visiting mates - so i really dont need a proper race pedal

as always YMMV

a reply to: ignorant_ape

Not trying to race. Just like cycling for fun. Maybe some day.

Purely doing it for fun/exercise. HATE jogging and get too bored at the gym.

Grew up with horses and this is pretty much the closest thing I can do without bankrupting myself. I like going fast in the woods.

I ride for fun and excercise, mostly around town in the summer. I ride in flip flops, or barefooted.

I remember an incident in my area when a gentleman who was wearing clip-ins lost his balance at a road junction and fell under the wheels of a passing vehicle - killing him instantly. It sparked a vocal debate locally about their safety and suitability for use on public highways.

Ride safe my friend

Its okay to use "toe clips" , good for climbing and accelerating, prevents foot from slipping on wet pedals.

Just don't strap the foot in or lock it down, in case you have to bail.

a reply to: Domo1

Good exercizing! No more for me tho... A 200 lb, 6 foot man on a 1/2 inch tire on a Fugi racing bike... Should never go together.. Hit gravel, went down, shattered right elbow.

Now.. If I was using my straps? I'd have broken an ankle.. or 2.

Stationary biking with straps is great for keeping both legs-to-hips level while pedaling.

Happy trails... Be careful...

a reply to: Domo1

I love cycling and just pulled my beast out after a long winter.

I have an old Steve Bauer frame with a set of Rolfs on them and I still love being locked in.
After years of using them...it feels weird if I am not attached to my pedals.
A few bike messengers,as well as myself,put some time into my beast,building it up and stripping and painting it.


Here's a video for the hardcore guys and gals.


If I had any advice,it would be to stay locked in and ride like you stole it.

originally posted by: Domo1
I'm getting back into cycling, and have two pretty decent bikes. Road bike is a Specialized Allez Sport, mountain bike is a Specialized Chisel.

For those who are unaware, clipless pedals are the type where there is a thing on the bottom of your shoe that locks your show to the pedal. The name seems like a complete misnomer.

I'm using some decent flats on both bikes. It's been awhile, and especially on the mountain bike I feel more comfortable with flats.

What has your experience been with transitioning from flats to clipless? On my road bike I pretty much never need to stick my foot out quick, on the mountain bike, depending on what I'm riding I do sometimes. My cousin does triathlons on flats, so I figure it's not the WORST thing to run on a road bike, though I'm sure I'll get flipped some stuff. Did you notice a drastic difference?

From my research, it appears most everyone recommends clipless for road biking, and it's sort of split with mountain biking. I'm doing more XC type stuff (if you couldn't tell by the bike).

Really enjoying cycling. I used to do it back in the day, one of the highlights being a two week trip through the San Juans riding a LOT of miles with panniers and hopping ferries. Feels good to wake up, pack up your stuff and head out on the road under your own power.

Any other tips for someone returning to cycling?

New bikes are INSANE to what I was using 10 years ago. So light, shift so smoothly and LOVING the air shock and hydraulic disc brakes on the mountain bike. I've had my road bike for awhile, but I forgot how effortlessly it rolls. Having the shift levers and brake levers integrated feels so nice, sort of hated reaching down to shift.

Clipless all the way. Love them.

Does anyone remember the old "bear claw" pedals?
I have scars on both of my shins.

Still on my 30 yearold DiamondBack. Love the river trails, but no roads for me after getting creamed by a mailtruck.

originally posted by: skunkape23
Does anyone remember the old "bear claw" pedals?
I have scars on both of my shins.

Yeah, Hutch Bear Trap pedals. Pretty much the gold standard for BMX racers in the 80s/90s before clipless pedals took over. I have some major scars on my shins and back of ankles from those puppies.

Hutch Bear Traps

Clipless pedals ruined BMX racing imho. Totally changed the riding style. Back when I raced, you could stick a leg out in a berm to protect your position and throw some elbows. Now since everyone is clipped in, it is basically a follow the leader train around the track. Much more severe injuries too as you can't easily "eject" from the bike. Seen plenty of twisted knees from a bike still stuck to some kids foot when they go down.

I like clipless pedals on road bikes, but I'd never use them in an urban environment. I was almost killed using them on my road bike. I was pedaling up a steep hill and a idiot car driver basically cut me off and literally suddenly stopped in front of me to make a right turn (no turn signal either). It killed my momentum and I was in a higher gear. I couldn't get my foot unclipped and basically tipped over in traffic.

Clipless for me, makes me feel connected to the bike and able to put more power through the pedals. You can adjust the retention on the pedal so that you can unclip very very easily. The most dangerous thing with clipless is going slow and tipping over before unclipping. Its very important, especially when mountain biking to anticipate a slowdown or stall and unclip before that. After a while it becomes second nature and you won't have to think about it.

10'000+ mile a year cyclist here,


Clip less pedals all day long,

I made the switch to MTB spd's for about a year then onto Ultegra road clip less, the MTB spd's are easier to unclip but honestly I have zero issues with the road version, I actually hate using MTB spd's now due to the amount of "float" (movement before you unclip) that they have and I use Blue or red coloured Shimano cleats that have 6 degree or zero float depending on colour and if I am cycling on the velodrome or road, I have these also cranked down almost as tight as I get for a ultra secure connection.


They are better for the knees, better power transfer and I find just better for form and recovery, with Flats there are so many different ways your foot can be placed and for many this may not be a issue but if you are seriously getting the miles in it is a no brainer. I have also not personally heard of anyone that converted over and went back..

I unclip slightly goofing in I turn my heel towards the bike if you are looking from behind where as every guide says to "flick" it outwards, I find doing it the way I do is fool proof and controlled, you just have to get the pedal in the correct 12 oclock position to avoid slight heel rub with the rear wheel, it only ever happened once and as soon as I was aware I adjusted accordingly, with a bit of planning ahead (not a bad thing when cycling) I have not had any issues in 10's of thousands of miles including cycling in places like Thailand and the Philippines and I ain't slow..


If I was to go back mountain Biking I think I would opt for the egg beater style pedal I hear good things about them...


RA

I like the cycles with foot pegs and engines myself.