Bicycle pedals and those fancy clip in shoes...

[Laura]

Okay I don't even know what the technical name would be, but how hard is it to get used to those. I am thinking I would like to buy a bike to ride on the many trails around here, and see almost everyone riding with those clip-in shoes and pedals. Admittedly, I am a klutz. Am I an accident waiting to happen if I buy a bike with those? Thanks in advance, your resident geek. :o

[Natasha]

Hi Laura!

They're called clipless pedals. It is a bit of a transition for most people I know (and was for me as well), but it can't be that hard if I can do it :rolleyes: (Seriously, I'm *so* uncoordinated!). Once you get used to them, I think you'll really like them.

Good luck! :)
Natasha

[Robyn1007]

Laura,

I just transition in June to clipless pedals and, yes, I took one good spill when I forgot to unclip but since then I've really enjoyed them and love how comfortable my shoes are. I have Specialized brand shoes which were designed by and orthopeodist (sp?) here in Boulder. Good luck!

Robyn

[SusanMac]

Laura - I can totally envision you conquering the Colorado trails on your new bike! It took me several months to get used to them. With that said, I never had any major issues with them. That's just how long it took for me to stop w/out even thinking twice. They're not hard, just strange. They are totally worth it, esp if you'll be doing a lot of hills. The added power you'll get is incredible, and your legs will take less of a beating. Plus, the mtn bike shoes look cooler than the roadie shoes :-)

I have Look pedals b/c they have a large/wide platform, which is good for long distance riding. I have Nike shoes that are low end, but I'm pretty happy w/them. DH has Speedplay pedals & he likes them.

[Gumbeaux]

Clipless pedals are actually safer than pedals without them. If you've ever had your foot slip off the pedal and your shin hits the pedal, you know what I mean. ;)

[Laura]

So Robyn, do you think it was that you forgot to unclip or that it is difficult to do so. My doc thinks I should ride more as opposed to run (knee issues are starting to creep up), but like said, I am a geek, so I am a little worried about the clipless pedals.

[KimberlyS]

My sister uses cages (I've also seen them called toe straps) which are straps that attach to the pedal and you slide your feet into them. One advantage is that you can use regular sneakers and they are less expensive than the pedals. However, you do have to remember to slide you feet out when you stop. Otherwise, you can still take a nasty fall, just like the pedals.

Has anyone used these? My sister likes them, but she's never tried the pedals. I'd love to hear from someone who has used both. Thanks.

[Gumbeaux]

My sister uses cages (I've also seen them called toe straps) which are straps that attach to the pedal and you slide your feet into them. One advantage is that you can use regular sneakers and they are less expensive than the pedals. However, you do have to remember to slide you feet out when you stop. Otherwise, you can still take a nasty fall, just like the pedals.

Has anyone used these? My sister likes them, but she's never tried the pedals. I'd love to hear from someone who has used both. Thanks.

I've used toe clips and the disadvantages are that the strap and clip can pinch the tops and sides your feet and cause pain. It is also not as easy to "pull" up on a toe clip pedal than a clipless pedal. (skilled riders pull as well as push on the pedals) Also, if toe clips are tightened down to give you more power, they are harder to get out of.

Regular sneakers are not good for riding bikes. They have too much sole flex. A shoe made for bike riding will give you a lot more power and is a lot more comfortable.

[Leslie Ferguson]

I was a little concerned about clipless pedals and getting my feet out of the pedals initially. Luckily I haven't dumped my bike although I almost did twice. And you do know how klutzy I can be. And only one time was it because I couldn't get unclipped. And that was the first time I actually rode with the shoes. My issue wasn't being able to unclip as much as it was maintaining balance at a slow speed and actually leaning the bike the wrong direction (towards the left with the right foot coming out of the clip). Since I've ridden with clipless pedals I find it difficult to go back to platform pedals. I've also found out how second nature it has become unclipping in a crisis (having been cut off by at least one car that ran a stop sign). So in the long run I think you'll enjoy the capability your get from the clipless pedals and after you use them for a while you'll never want to go back to the dark side. :cool:

Speaking of which - I think my bike is calling for a ride...

Les

[Natasha]

I'm biased, but...

Pedals with toe straps scare me. I was using those when I had a mountain biking accident a few years ago. The pedal (not necessarily the toe strap itself, but the pedal) contributed greatly to the size and depth of the gash (long story). 12 staples later... not fun. It was a fluke, but still.

Natasha

[SusanMac]

Laura - re: your question, I've never had a problem with the actual clips. My 1-2 problems were that when it was new to me, I forgot. So, you will inevitably come to an intersection (or your own drivewya) & lean out to the side to put your foot down. Then think, "oh crap, I forgot I'm attached to the pedal", at which point it's probably too late. I promise it will only happen once :-) The clipless pedals have an adjustment where you can start off easy/loose, then tighten them in once you're used to them.

KimberlyS - I use the toe cages on my cruising-around-town bike & find them awkward. Because of their weight, they automatically turn to the bottom when you stop & take your foot off. So, when you get started again, you have to spin the pedal around where it's in the right spot to slip your foot in. Also, my foot is always slipping around when I go to push/pedal harder.

[Laura]

Thanks everyone, I think I might take a look this weekend. :)

[Robyn1007]

Yeah, I definitely forgot! It was my first time using them, got my bike off the rack got set to go and off I went. Looked down, oops, didn't connect front brake, better stop and do that. Next thing I knew I was on my side very thankful that I had a helmet on.

By the way, I would add for essential equipment if you haven't thought about it already is a helmet (a duh for most people but not all), gloves (much easier on your hands both riding and if you take a fall), padded bike shorts (everytime I ride I am thankful I have these) and a bike repair kit (mine has a pump, tool gadget, and tire tube and patches).

Have fun!

Here's my shoes...

http://www.specialized.com/media/equip/05ShoeRiata_d.jpg

[KimberlyS]

Thanks for answering my questions about toe straps as well. Gumbeaux's answer is similar to what my local bike shop said, especially regarding the flex of the shoes, but I was wondering if they might be trying to upsell.

I think I will stick with my regular pedals, until I am in a routine where I feel like I can justify the expense of the clips. Right now, I travel pretty much every week for work, and so only ride on the weekends when nothing else is planned (no picnics, family events etc.) and the weather is good...not too much riding going on.

[food girl]

You can always find new and used bike shoes and clips on e-bay. I have upgraded this way and saved lots of $$.

The only thing I have to offer as additional advice would be that the pedal tension can be adjusted on some types of pedals (SPD for sure) so that it is very easy to "unclip" your shoe. As you get more accustomed to the pedals and shoes you can increase the tension, which is necessary for sprinting or if you are doing technical terrain. I have always kept mine on low tension. It is amazing how much more power you get with having a stiff soled shoe and your foot positioned correctly on the pedal.

Good luck!
Lisa

[Valerie226]

DH & I have been getting back into road biking after a long hiatus. we've always ridden with toe straps. I can spin the pedal and slip into them ( or out of them) without thinking. That's the most I've been willing to do. Being "attached" to the pedal scares me, even if it's adjustable. I usually ride in tennies or soft boots if it's a mountain bike. I found toe straps a disaster on a mountain bike and took them off after one ride.

I agree on the usefulness of a helmet and gloves. newer helmets fit so much better and are actually comfortable and the gloves will prevent blisters and callous.

Padded shorts however have failed me. I've had 3 pair and never found one that helped. but helmets are better, maybe shorts are too. Any recommendations?

[MaryH]

Just thought I'd chime in and agree with Susan. It's really a matter of just "remembering" your feet are clipped in. Getting in and out isn't difficult. And yes, you fiorget once (maybe twice if you're like me) but that's all it takes.

As between cages and clips, my vote goes for clips. It really is amazing how much difference you get in terms of power. (When you pull up on the pedal.) To feel that, I suggest taking a spin class at the gym. Ours has bikes that hAve pedals to accommodate clip or non clip shoes. (One side is caged and the other is for clips.) Try it once with the cage side and then once with clip shoes. Or if you don't want to take a whole class, just bring the two pairs of shoes to the gym and experiment on one of the bikes.

[Elbows]

The one bit of advice I can add, that hasn't been stated upthread, is make sure you know which foot you take off the pedal and place on the ground when you stop. Just pedal around the parking lot or backyard/driveway without clipping into the pedals to practice. :o I only fell once getting used to my clipless pedals... the people across the street who saw me go down pretended not to see me! :D I imagine I did look pretty goofy flopping over into the grass, bike still attached...

[Robyn1007]

DH & I have been getting back into road biking after a long hiatus. we've always ridden with toe straps. I can spin the pedal and slip into them ( or out of them) without thinking. That's the most I've been willing to do. Being "attached" to the pedal scares me, even if it's adjustable. I usually ride in tennies or soft boots if it's a mountain bike. I found toe straps a disaster on a mountain bike and took them off after one ride.

I agree on the usefulness of a helmet and gloves. newer helmets fit so much better and are actually comfortable and the gloves will prevent blisters and callous.

Padded shorts however have failed me. I've had 3 pair and never found one that helped. but helmets are better, maybe shorts are too. Any recommendations?

I thought it would scare me too but it really is easy to get used to and I think a more natural motion than getting out of the cage style.

As for shorts, I love my Pearl Izumi shorts so maybe give those a try....

[ricell]

I think of the clip-in pedals like snapping your boot into a ski-binding. They give you more control and the equipment actually feels like an extension of your body. My beginning-cycling coach warned me that I would definitely fall at least once, hopefully not more than twice, and sure enough I did. We were approaching an intersection where we had to stop and I just forgot to unclip. Over I went. It happened to 2 other beginners that same day.

Any cyclists in Jax FL?

[aggie94]

The only thing I have to offer as additional advice would be that the pedal tension can be adjusted on some types of pedals (SPD for sure) so that it is very easy to "unclip" your shoe.

The one and only time either DH or I have ever taken a good spill (it was him, not me ;)) was because the tension on his SPD pedals was too tight. He found himself falling and couldn't get one of his feet out in time. He now has Look pedals and loves them. I have SPDs on both my road and mountain bikes and have not had any problem getting used to them. I also prefer them for spinning. The toe cages, IMO, are a pain and not very efficient for a full body workout.

As far as shorts, I recently picked up a pair of Pearl Izumi shorts at REI that I love. They're a lower rise than the other cycling shorts I own, which seem to hike up really high, like almost to my chest. :eek: I just got in the mail yesterday a Terry catalog that had a ton of women's cycling apparel, and there were some great-looking shorts and tights in there that I would definitely recommend checking out.

[SusanMac]

I'd forgotten there was a question about cycling shorts, too!

When I first started riding, I got the shorts w/a pretty thick chamois. But, after a few years & a better quality saddle, I've learned that I like the thinner/smaller chamois. It's really a very personal thing that will be different for everyone, kind of like running shoes.

I currently ride in Pearl Izumi's & Zoot's. I love the fit of my Pearl Izumi's b/c they have 8 panels (so move w/me better). But the seams are kind of thick. The Zoot's have pockets, but are only 4-panel, so tend to bunch up a bit.

[Valerie226]

My problem with the shorts is the padding is too far back, places that don't even get "sat" on. this pushes me forward onto places that get sore but those places don't have padding! so, the times I've tried, the shorts made it worse. I did used to ride 50 miles routinely in unlined shorts without much discomfort. Riding regularly seemed to harden me up. guess I'll need to try on more to find something that fits better.
We also got new bikes. My old one was the smallest frame I could find at the time but it's larger than my new one. the handlebars and the seat on the new one are closer together & I think it fits better. maybe this had something to do with my posture on the seat. Next time I'm at
REI I'll take a look at the pearl izumi shorts. I get the terry catalogue. I'll look at the shorts closer this time.

[Robyn1007]

FYI, REI is having a Labor Day sale that ends today and they have a bunch of cycling shorts on sale if you're interested. Something else that might work for you are cycling underwear, they have both brief style and boxer brief style....

[newsomz]

Any cyclists in Jax FL?

I'm in Gainesville :)

I have another question about clipless pedals.. Are they all the same? I have always thought that there are different syles/types of clips so not all shoes will work with all pedals. Is this correct? If so, when buying shoes & pedals online (via ebay or rei) how do you know which are compatible?

-carrie

[Robyn1007]

There are different types but they should all list what they are compatible with. For example, mine are SPD and frequently you need to buy the cleats for your shoes seperately so you buy the type of cleat you need for your pedal. I inherited my pedals so I just took them to the bike shop I use and the same place I bought my shoes and made sure I got the right cleats.