Clipless Pedals: Are they really worth it?
Replies
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and I disagree with the requirement to have a shoe / bike fitting for people using clipless pedals. can it help? Yes. Is it a necessary requirement? No.
If the goal is to ride long (50+ miles at a time lets say) then I would say it is definitely a requirement. Without a proper fit you could be all over the place on that bike and never realize you are being inefficient. Or blame the bike for why your back hurts when really you need to be properly fit on it.
^This.
Improper fit not only leads to discomfort and loss of efficiency, it also leads to injury, sometimes serious, which can force you to stop cycling and put on 60+ lbs.0 -
chivalryder wrote: »Next up, is shaving your body hair really worth the aerodynamic advantage?
Aerodynamics is not why professional cyclists shave their legs. They shave because they get a hard massage once or twice every single day, and body hairs make it a lot less comfortable.
The second reason is because sweat beads at the base of the hairs, so if you crash, the wound is more likely to get infected.
The first statement I got from an actual maseusse for a professional team. The second is just something I've heard.
That wasn't the question. I asked if it's worth the aerodynamic advantage.
My bad!0 -
Next up, is shaving your body hair really worth the aerodynamic advantage?
5) Probably the most important reason at this point: it's cultural
I think this can also be said about why every rides clipless.
How many people out there who swear by clipless pedals have actually read some unbiased research on the use of them and the potential benefits of using them?
That being said, how many people who don't even ride a bicycle say that you should use them?
It's what the pro's ride, therefore it's what everyone should be doing, right?0 -
My goal is to win. If you aren't first, your last.0
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chivalryder wrote: »Next up, is shaving your body hair really worth the aerodynamic advantage?
Aerodynamics is not why professional cyclists shave their legs. They shave because they get a hard massage once or twice every single day, and body hairs make it a lot less comfortable.
The second reason is because sweat beads at the base of the hairs, so if you crash, the wound is more likely to get infected.
The first statement I got from an actual maseusse for a professional team. The second is just something I've heard.
That wasn't the question. I asked if it's worth the aerodynamic advantage.
Worth it? I don't know - I do it anyway, for the 5 reasons I outlined. Whether or not anyone considers it worth it is up to them.0 -
It makes my calves look better. That's good enough for me...lol0
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chivalryder wrote: »Next up, is shaving your body hair really worth the aerodynamic advantage?
5) Probably the most important reason at this point: it's cultural
I think this can also be said about why every rides clipless.
How many people out there who swear by clipless pedals have actually read some unbiased research on the use of them and the potential benefits of using them?
That being said, how many people who don't even ride a bicycle say that you should use them?
It's what the pro's ride, therefore it's what everyone should be doing, right?
Considering that the pros are willing to do everything, legal or not, to gain a tiny advantage (drugs perhaps?) I would be willing to bet that there is something actually to riding with clipless pedals other than culture. If flat pedals were in any way more efficient they would be using them.
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Clipless pedals are way more dangers than EPO.
:insertsarcasm:0 -
To the OP - it's not really a debate. If you are going to do any amount of riding at all, you need clipless shoes and pedals. The only things that would come before this necessity are helmet (of course) good padded shorts (comfort) and gloves (to protect hands in case of fall).
Everyone falls over at a stop a time or two when they are new to clipless because they forget to clip out. It sucks, but you'll laugh it off. Good news is it only takes a time or two for you to never, ever forget to clip out again.
Benefit: they keep your foot from slipping off the pedal, and causing your other foot, while it's pushing down, to ram the pedal deep into your shin. Nothing wrong with waiting until you are comfortable to make the jump, though.
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I don't think I'm ready to shave my legs yet. I think I'll stick with going home tonight and looking at all the evidence for flats and for clipless and visit my LBS this weekend.
I will save shaving my legs for next year. 0 -
regarding shaving: cyclists shave because cyclists shave.
See: http://www.bicycling.com/training-nutrition/training-fitness/why-do-cyclists-shave-their-legs
The Reality: "Tradition is why everyone shaves the first time. If you're a bike racer, that's just what you do." —Horner
"Leg shaving is an expression of being a cyclist." —Horgan-Kobelski
"It always just seemed stupid to me." —Multitime Leadville Trail 100 winner Dave Wiens
"It was the fashion when I raced. It's the fashion now. Real bike riders shave their legs." —Phinney0 -
chivalryder wrote: »Next up, is shaving your body hair really worth the aerodynamic advantage?
5) Probably the most important reason at this point: it's cultural
I think this can also be said about why every rides clipless.
How many people out there who swear by clipless pedals have actually read some unbiased research on the use of them and the potential benefits of using them?
That being said, how many people who don't even ride a bicycle say that you should use them?
It's what the pro's ride, therefore it's what everyone should be doing, right?
Considering that the pros are willing to do everything, legal or not, to gain a tiny advantage (drugs perhaps?) I would be willing to bet that there is something actually to riding with clipless pedals other than culture. If flat pedals were in any way more efficient they would be using them.
I would agree with this, except that the pros are sponsored, and ride whatever bikes and (for the most part) use whatever equipment their sponsors tell them too.
They're also putting down 1000+W of power in the sprints, ride with cadences up to and over 120rpm, fly down skinny roads at 110+ kmph, etc. etc.
Not exactly an environment 99.9% of us will ever experneice.
Also, clipless pedals, and more notably the shoes are more aerodynamic and weigh less. That reason alone would be why I would use clipless pedals in competition.0 -
If you are gonna do it, do it like a boss.
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and I disagree with the requirement to have a shoe / bike fitting for people using clipless pedals. can it help? Yes. Is it a necessary requirement? No.
If the goal is to ride long (50+ miles at a time lets say) then I would say it is definitely a requirement. Without a proper fit you could be all over the place on that bike and never realize you are being inefficient. Or blame the bike for why your back hurts when really you need to be properly fit on it.
I didn't say there was never any reason for it. I said it is not an inherent requirement to using clipless pedals. A good shop should be able to get you close enough to start in 10 minutes, and for many people, that will suffice. If you start to have fatigue or discomfort beyond what's normal/expected, then a full bike fit can be great.0 -
It depends on your goals. You do not need them, like tires or something. Many people commute wearing whatever. The stiff soles and positive connection of clipless makes a difference when you get beyond casual riding.In to see where this goes.
I am thinking of getting a road bike in the spring and everyone that bikes says I need switch to clipped pedals when I do that.
If like me you ride a recumbent trike, then some type of foot retention system is necessary for safety. Frequently I ride to commute or for fun, not for max speed and fitness. Street shoes work for me. Personal preference.
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chivalryder wrote: »
I would agree with this, except that the pros are sponsored, and ride whatever bikes and (for the most part) use whatever equipment their sponsors tell them too.
They're also putting down 1000+W of power in the sprints, ride with cadences up to and over 120rpm, fly down skinny roads at 110+ kmph, etc. etc.
Not exactly an environment 99.9% of us will ever experneice.
Also, clipless pedals, and more notably the shoes are more aerodynamic and weigh less. That reason alone would be why I would use clipless pedals in competition.
If flat pedals were faster, the sponsors would be making them and putting their logo all over them.
I don't think it requires experiencing the extremes of pro racing to realize the advantages they have can translate to the more common-man experience of a "group century ride" or the typical triathlete who is aiming for age-group competition.0 -
chivalryder wrote: »
and I disagree with the requirement to have a shoe / bike fitting for people using clipless pedals. can it help? Yes. Is it a necessary requirement? No.
If the goal is to ride long (50+ miles at a time lets say) then I would say it is definitely a requirement. Without a proper fit you could be all over the place on that bike and never realize you are being inefficient. Or blame the bike for why your back hurts when really you need to be properly fit on it.
^This.
Improper fit not only leads to discomfort and loss of efficiency, it also leads to injury, sometimes serious, which can force you to stop cycling and put on 60+ lbs.
Again... Not getting fitted does not necessarily mean an improper fit.0 -
chivalryder wrote: »This is one of the best suggestions I can give. Read this:
http://www.bikejames.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/07/FPR-Manifesto-July-2014.pdf
Yes, it's biased one way, but there is ample scientific and real expert advice on it. Yes, it's geared towards mountain biking, but if you're not racing the difference between pedaling on a road bike and pedaling on a mountain bike are fundamentally the same. I have ridden both plenty.
The top suggestion I can give is: Do your research. Don't go in based on opinions from strangers. They are just that, opinions aren't worth a grain of salt. I've researched this for months and that's why I have the opinion I have. I have done clipless and I came out injured, so I am biased. I didn't know it was clipless that lead to the injury. I researched into the cause of my injury and came to the conclusion that clipless pedals were a factor in injuring my knees. I had read up many, many sources on proper bike fitment which that lead me to flat pedals. I spent a solid 6 months doing nothing but reading up on bicycle fitment and repetitive use injury in my free time, and that's why I'm now advocating flat pedals for anyone who isn't competing on a bicycle.
But all you see are words on a screen, and all you see are these opinions. Take it all with a grain of salt, hit of Google and if you don't trust the internet, your local library. Read up on it. Don't go in blind.
I like Bike James, but 1, he's a mountain biker and 2. he's not anti-clipless.
http://www.bikejames.com/strength/im-really-not-anti-clipless-pedals-im-pro-flat-pedals/0 -
Honestly, I ride clipless because I was cheap and I did not want to spend the extra money on the shoes and the pedals when I bought my new bike. I spent the savings on a Scotty Cameron putter. Never regretted it, except once (read on).
I also ride the KATY trail 99% of the time. This is an old rail-line that was converted to a hiking/biking trail. It is covered in chat, a very fine limestone gravel and the trail spans the great state of Missouri, almost, and runs along the Missouri River. Sometimes I get off the bike and hike some side trails (overlooks and such), look for morel mushrooms when in season, so running shoes do come in handy.
I once did do a long road ride -The MS 150 - a two day, 75 miles per day ride if you ride the extremes. On this ride, I found myself wanting to try better pedals/shoes...so much so I did not do the full 75 mile ride. I did the mid-range 40 mile ride. I am curious still if the pedals would have made a difference. My pedals may have failed me, or not, but my new putter has not failed me once.
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I have become an avid cyclist over the last year. I started off with an old Trek mountain bike and then bought a Jamis road bike. This year I bought a Trek carbon road bike.
Long story short - I ride in my running shoes. They are comfortable and I seem to have no issues. The dudes at the LBS (local bike shop) are telling me I need to get clipless pedals and clipless shoes. They explained that the benefits far outweigh the possible accidents I could get in wearing shoes that I can't just "hop off the bike" with.
I'd like to hear some thoughts on both sides of this issue. I'm just trying to figure out if it is really worth the extra cost and the possible accidents (which, knock on wood, I haven't had one yet where I got hurt) to go clipless.
Thanks!
Are they necessary, no. I switched over to them and like them. Only fell once with them, and that was not directly connected to the actual locking into the pedal. There are times I find them a pain like when I want to quickly hope on the bike and don't feel like putting my cycling shoes on, but overall I find the overall experience of having them beneficial. Do what you like, unless you are competing I don't think they are absolutely necessary.0 -
Go_Mizzou99 wrote: »Honestly, I ride clipless because I was cheap and I did not want to spend the extra money on the shoes and the pedals when I bought my new bike. I spent the savings on a Scotty Cameron putter. Never regretted it, except once (read on).
For what it's worth "clipless" refers, rather unintuitively, to pedals that you clip in to. "Clips" in the traditional sense are the toe cages with straps, thus the kind that you actually attached with cleats were "clipless" because they didn't have a toe clip.0 -
BusyRaeNOTBusty wrote: »chivalryder wrote: »This is one of the best suggestions I can give. Read this:
http://www.bikejames.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/07/FPR-Manifesto-July-2014.pdf
Yes, it's biased one way, but there is ample scientific and real expert advice on it. Yes, it's geared towards mountain biking, but if you're not racing the difference between pedaling on a road bike and pedaling on a mountain bike are fundamentally the same. I have ridden both plenty.
The top suggestion I can give is: Do your research. Don't go in based on opinions from strangers. They are just that, opinions aren't worth a grain of salt. I've researched this for months and that's why I have the opinion I have. I have done clipless and I came out injured, so I am biased. I didn't know it was clipless that lead to the injury. I researched into the cause of my injury and came to the conclusion that clipless pedals were a factor in injuring my knees. I had read up many, many sources on proper bike fitment which that lead me to flat pedals. I spent a solid 6 months doing nothing but reading up on bicycle fitment and repetitive use injury in my free time, and that's why I'm now advocating flat pedals for anyone who isn't competing on a bicycle.
But all you see are words on a screen, and all you see are these opinions. Take it all with a grain of salt, hit of Google and if you don't trust the internet, your local library. Read up on it. Don't go in blind.
I like Bike James, but 1, he's a mountain biker and 2. he's not anti-clipless.
http://www.bikejames.com/strength/im-really-not-anti-clipless-pedals-im-pro-flat-pedals/
I'm not anti-clipless either.0 -
chivalryder wrote: »Next up, is shaving your body hair really worth the aerodynamic advantage?
Aerodynamics is not why professional cyclists shave their legs. They shave because they get a hard massage once or twice every single day, and body hairs make it a lot less comfortable.
The second reason is because sweat beads at the base of the hairs, so if you crash, the wound is more likely to get infected.
The first statement I got from an actual maseusse for a professional team. The second is just something I've heard.
That wasn't the question. I asked if it's worth the aerodynamic advantage.
I don't know...but I feel way sexier...
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cwolfman13 wrote: »chivalryder wrote: »Next up, is shaving your body hair really worth the aerodynamic advantage?
Aerodynamics is not why professional cyclists shave their legs. They shave because they get a hard massage once or twice every single day, and body hairs make it a lot less comfortable.
The second reason is because sweat beads at the base of the hairs, so if you crash, the wound is more likely to get infected.
The first statement I got from an actual maseusse for a professional team. The second is just something I've heard.
That wasn't the question. I asked if it's worth the aerodynamic advantage.
I don't know...but I feel way sexier...
Bingo!0 -
you all are women.0
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Saving for later...just too much good info.
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