Clipless pedals

Robert McCormac said:

Somewhere I read that clipless pedals/cleats make going up hills much easier, i.e., 15 to 30% easier. Is this true? How can anyone tell?

The percentage's are worked out on some fancy scientific gizmo that can probably make you a brew aswell! But there is definately a difference in energy efficiency when riding, not just uphill. You'll actually feel the difference. The actual amount of energy you'll save will vary depending on which shoe/pedal combo you go for. But once you get used to them, it's unlikely you'll go back to platforms or clips+straps.

There is almost no comparison between riding with clipless pedals and riding with a strap or nothing. Pedalling feels smoother and more efficient. I also find that it makes sprinting and climbing more comfortable. I got mine on my street bike at the beginning of this season and I will never go back. I may even put them on my MTB as well. (Just as a side note, make sure you have them adjusted so you can get your foot out comfortably when you stop. Otherwise you might look like this :eek: )

DNF

shannons dad said:

The percentage's are worked out on some fancy scientific gizmo that can probably make you a brew aswell! But there is definately a difference in energy efficiency when riding, not just uphill. You'll actually feel the difference. The actual amount of energy you'll save will vary depending on which shoe/pedal combo you go for. But once you get used to them, it's unlikely you'll go back to platforms or clips+straps.

Hi, Bill,

Thanks. It sounds like clipless pedals are a big improvement-- I'll have to give 'em a try.

That's a great quote about beer. Time to open a Guinness, definitely.

Graham_DNF said:

There is almost no comparison between riding with clipless pedals and riding with a strap or nothing. Pedalling feels smoother and more efficient. I also find that it makes sprinting and climbing more comfortable. I got mine on my street bike at the beginning of this season and I will never go back. I may even put them on my MTB as well. (Just as a side note, make sure you have them adjusted so you can get your foot out comfortably when you stop. Otherwise you might look like this :eek: )

DNF

Dear Graham,

Thanks for the reply-- I'll give them a try (the rhyme's unintentional-- sorry).

Robert McCormac said:

Hi, Bill,

Thanks. It sounds like clipless pedals are a big improvement-- I'll have to give 'em a try.

That's a great quote about beer. Time to open a Guinness, definitely.

As long as you don't drink it while riding. If you spilt it, it would be a terrible loss and you'd never forgive yourself!!!😄

P.S. There is a slight tendency to forget you're clipped in when you stop riding, and usually results in falling sideways. Unclip well before you have to, until you're used to it.🙂

shannons dad said:

There is a slight tendency to forget you're clipped in when you stop riding, and usually results in falling sideways

Only if you're a slow learner 😉 After falling once or twice, you'll learn to either a) unclip quickly, before you fall or b) trackstand