Are modern clipless shoes and pedals that much better than toe clips and straps?Are there any scientific...

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Are modern clipless shoes and pedals that much better than toe clips and straps?


Are there any scientific studies proving the benefits of clipless pedal systems?What should I look for in clipless pedals and shoes?Recommendations for clipless pedals that can be used with regular shoesHow much of a difference do Toe Pedal Clips make in comparison to Platform Pedals?Do clipless pedals that can have toeclips exist?What's the foot retention used by pro track cyclists?Clipless shoes & pedals and long distanceCan I use “normal” shoes/trainers with clipless pedals?Delta compatible shoes and KEO pedalsDo pedals come in widths?Are there big differences in maintenance/care between different types of clipless pedals?






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11















I've recently returned to cycling after a couple of decades, and I'm trying to get familiar with the current gear and components.



I still use toe clips and straps on the pedals on my 1990 Trek road bike. But clips and straps are so far out of fashion that you wouldn't even know that they used to be common. I can hardly find a mention of them anywhere.



Why have the modern pedals and and shoes so completely replaced the old-style clips and straps? Are they really that big an improvement?










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  • 2





    Greetings from a fellow toe clip user :-). I also still use them, simply because they can be used with normal shoes, so are more suitable for every day biking in regular clothes. IMHO both toe clips and clipless have their place.

    – sleske
    yesterday






  • 1





    There's nothing wrong with clips, or half clips. If you like them, keep using them. Welcome back to cycling !

    – Criggie
    21 hours ago











  • I use pedals that have an option to clip in on one side, and are a regular pedal on the other. I love them. LOVE them. They feel so secure. I can't imagine straps being as efficient or snug!

    – Nova
    8 hours ago


















11















I've recently returned to cycling after a couple of decades, and I'm trying to get familiar with the current gear and components.



I still use toe clips and straps on the pedals on my 1990 Trek road bike. But clips and straps are so far out of fashion that you wouldn't even know that they used to be common. I can hardly find a mention of them anywhere.



Why have the modern pedals and and shoes so completely replaced the old-style clips and straps? Are they really that big an improvement?










share|improve this question







New contributor



user26342 is a new contributor to this site. Take care in asking for clarification, commenting, and answering.
Check out our Code of Conduct.

















  • 2





    Greetings from a fellow toe clip user :-). I also still use them, simply because they can be used with normal shoes, so are more suitable for every day biking in regular clothes. IMHO both toe clips and clipless have their place.

    – sleske
    yesterday






  • 1





    There's nothing wrong with clips, or half clips. If you like them, keep using them. Welcome back to cycling !

    – Criggie
    21 hours ago











  • I use pedals that have an option to clip in on one side, and are a regular pedal on the other. I love them. LOVE them. They feel so secure. I can't imagine straps being as efficient or snug!

    – Nova
    8 hours ago














11












11








11


1






I've recently returned to cycling after a couple of decades, and I'm trying to get familiar with the current gear and components.



I still use toe clips and straps on the pedals on my 1990 Trek road bike. But clips and straps are so far out of fashion that you wouldn't even know that they used to be common. I can hardly find a mention of them anywhere.



Why have the modern pedals and and shoes so completely replaced the old-style clips and straps? Are they really that big an improvement?










share|improve this question







New contributor



user26342 is a new contributor to this site. Take care in asking for clarification, commenting, and answering.
Check out our Code of Conduct.











I've recently returned to cycling after a couple of decades, and I'm trying to get familiar with the current gear and components.



I still use toe clips and straps on the pedals on my 1990 Trek road bike. But clips and straps are so far out of fashion that you wouldn't even know that they used to be common. I can hardly find a mention of them anywhere.



Why have the modern pedals and and shoes so completely replaced the old-style clips and straps? Are they really that big an improvement?







pedals pedals-clipless toe-straps-clips






share|improve this question







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user26342 is a new contributor to this site. Take care in asking for clarification, commenting, and answering.
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share|improve this question







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asked 2 days ago









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  • 2





    Greetings from a fellow toe clip user :-). I also still use them, simply because they can be used with normal shoes, so are more suitable for every day biking in regular clothes. IMHO both toe clips and clipless have their place.

    – sleske
    yesterday






  • 1





    There's nothing wrong with clips, or half clips. If you like them, keep using them. Welcome back to cycling !

    – Criggie
    21 hours ago











  • I use pedals that have an option to clip in on one side, and are a regular pedal on the other. I love them. LOVE them. They feel so secure. I can't imagine straps being as efficient or snug!

    – Nova
    8 hours ago














  • 2





    Greetings from a fellow toe clip user :-). I also still use them, simply because they can be used with normal shoes, so are more suitable for every day biking in regular clothes. IMHO both toe clips and clipless have their place.

    – sleske
    yesterday






  • 1





    There's nothing wrong with clips, or half clips. If you like them, keep using them. Welcome back to cycling !

    – Criggie
    21 hours ago











  • I use pedals that have an option to clip in on one side, and are a regular pedal on the other. I love them. LOVE them. They feel so secure. I can't imagine straps being as efficient or snug!

    – Nova
    8 hours ago








2




2





Greetings from a fellow toe clip user :-). I also still use them, simply because they can be used with normal shoes, so are more suitable for every day biking in regular clothes. IMHO both toe clips and clipless have their place.

– sleske
yesterday





Greetings from a fellow toe clip user :-). I also still use them, simply because they can be used with normal shoes, so are more suitable for every day biking in regular clothes. IMHO both toe clips and clipless have their place.

– sleske
yesterday




1




1





There's nothing wrong with clips, or half clips. If you like them, keep using them. Welcome back to cycling !

– Criggie
21 hours ago





There's nothing wrong with clips, or half clips. If you like them, keep using them. Welcome back to cycling !

– Criggie
21 hours ago













I use pedals that have an option to clip in on one side, and are a regular pedal on the other. I love them. LOVE them. They feel so secure. I can't imagine straps being as efficient or snug!

– Nova
8 hours ago





I use pedals that have an option to clip in on one side, and are a regular pedal on the other. I love them. LOVE them. They feel so secure. I can't imagine straps being as efficient or snug!

– Nova
8 hours ago










6 Answers
6






active

oldest

votes


















18















Clipless pedals hold your feet more securely and release easier than toe-straps and clips. As you are probably aware, it is possible to to tighten straps to the point where they must be released before the foot can be removed from the pedal. A properly functioning clipless pedal will always release the riders foot.






share|improve this answer





















  • 11





    I would add that once you get used to them, they are far easier to clip into than trying to get your foot into a strap. This can be a safety issue in traffic.

    – JimmyJames
    yesterday











  • I'm wondering about flex in the sole of a clipless shoe versus the straps which have very little give. Don't some velodrome racers still use some type of strap setup (could be a strap with special shoe combination)?

    – rcgldr
    12 hours ago






  • 2





    Velodrome racers use straps since they output incredible amounts of torque for stationary starts. Accidentally popping out would cause them to crash, and straps are guaranteed to stay attached.

    – Jonathon
    12 hours ago











  • @Jonathon's comment would seem to imply that straps hold more securely than clipless.

    – shoover
    3 hours ago



















11















The simple answer is that 'clipless' pedals and shoes just function better than toe straps.



They are easier to get into, easier to get out of, locate the foot more accurately and solidly on the pedal, and allow for better transfer of power all the way around the pedal stroke. The position of the foot on the pedal can also be precisely adjusted, as can the range of float and retention force.






share|improve this answer

































    4















    For me, a big benefit of cycling with "clipless" pedals is that when I "clip in" to my "clipless" pedals my foot is instantly firmly attached at my ideal pre-set position-- fore/aft, inboard/outboard, toe in/toe out. When using "clips and straps" I am endlessly wiggling my foot to try to find the best position.



    All this is adjustable by adjusting the position of the cleat on the shoe.



    Also, purpose-built cycling shoes have a sole that is more rigid than other athletic shoes. This supports the foot during cycling, which is not what your feet have evolved to do well. Riding without proper footwear (beach cruiser and flip flops, in my case) can give you tendinitis surprisingly quickly!



    I don't have the reputation to comment, or I would have just commented on one of the above excellent answers.






    share|improve this answer








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    • 3





      Old-style toe-strap shoes had slotted plates nailed (leather soles) or screwed (plastic soles) underneath where the slot caught the rear plate of the pedal to hold the foot in a fixed position.

      – Carel
      yesterday



















    3















    Apart from being safer from the clip and toe-strap pedals, the wide use of "clipless" pedals has come from marketing and fashion. You need to buy clipless shoes to be used with clipless pedals; you will not be able to wear casual shoes for the clipless pedals.



    The clip and strap assemblies are still available and these are to be fixed onto normal flat pedals. I still use them myself.






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    • 3





      You are late to the game. During the fixed gear fad of early 2010s toe clips and Power Grip straps were popular despite all advantages of clipless.

      – ojs
      yesterday






    • 3





      If you get something like Shimano M323 or M424 you can ride with normal shoes, at least for short rides. These are mountain style clipless pedals (SPD) but a lot of people use those on road bikes. There are also double sided SPD/flat pedals but I detest them

      – Chris H
      yesterday






    • 1





      Fancy bike shoes certainly aren't limited to clipless. bicycling.com/bikes-gear/mountain-bike/g20046461/…

      – Vladimir F
      yesterday






    • 6





      While vastly superior for riding, clipless shoes are pretty much completely horrible for walking around in. I find the idea that people are using clipless pedals because they want to wear the shoes to be laughable.

      – JimmyJames
      yesterday








    • 2





      @VladimirF "They are light and comfortable, and won’t look out of place if you find yourself in an unexpected social situation." This line from your link makes me laugh... MTB shoes look like oversized toddler sneakers and look absurd anywhere but on the trail.

      – Adonalsium
      yesterday



















    1















    Despite @ump's combative tone, he does back up what he's saying with links to evidence. GCN has also done one or two episodes that mostly debunk the benefits of being locked into your pedals. As far as I can tell, all the tests that attempt to prove or disprove the benefits of clipless pedals have been done on a treadmill in a lab; it may be that the benefits are amplified when riding in the real world. I know that I (unscientifically) just prefer to be locked in.



    But the question is not about flat pedals vs clipless, it's about toeclips vs clipless. Between the two, I greatly prefer clipless pedals, for reasons already mentioned in this thread.



    If you are riding with clips and straps, you either want a platform pedal that gives good support (these do exist), or you want a fairly rigid shoe so that you don't get hotspots from the pedal's plates digging into your feet. And if you're wearing special shoes anyhow, it's not a stretch to go clipless.



    In any case, clipless pedals weren't intended to replace street shoes with toeclips, but slotted cleats with toeclips. Cleats have most of the disadvantages of clipless pedals, plus being much less comfortable (a tight toe strap can cut off circulation) and of course harder to get out of the pedal. The advent of SPDs made it practical to have clipless pedals with shoes that are OK to walk in.






    share|improve this answer





















    • 4





      The thing about a fixed bike in a lab is that it's clean and dry. Unless you can choose to only ride in those circumstances the studies are worthless - feet not slipping is a big benefit

      – Chris H
      yesterday






    • 2





      -1 GCN has also done one or two episodes that mostly debunk the benefits of being locked into your pedals. Yeah, because having your feet come off the pedals when your sprinting at 1000+W and 120+ RPM and you're going 40 mph is a great feeling...

      – Andrew Henle
      yesterday











    • OP's question is "Why have the modern pedals and and shoes so completely replaced the old-style clips and straps?" This is a good answer because it covers old-school nail-on cleats.

      – Criggie
      17 hours ago



















    -7















    Everything already said in this thread is ignorant hearsay. The truth is that outside of a very few special contexts, clipless pedals are almost entirely worthless -



    https://www.bikejames.com/strength/top-3-clipless-pedal-myths/



    Are there any scientific studies proving the benefits of clipless pedal systems?



    In particular, power on the upstroke is a myth. You don't need either clips or clipless pedals for most purposes. But most enthusiast cyclist are fashion victims - if they see something used on TV in the TDF, they'll buy it... (Notice the lack of sources for pro-clipless posts.)






    share|improve this answer








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    • 3





      This doesn't really answer the question. The question is about the difference between toe clips and cleated ("clipless") shoes; not cleats vs. nothing, which seems to be the point of the articles you're referencing. Plus your first link is to a mountain biking website; it may apply to road bikes (the topic of the question) or it may not, but without establishing that it's simply not relevant. You should also quote relevant excerpts from your sources instead of just linking to them, in case of link rot. Finally, the tone of your post is somewhat rude.

      – DavidW
      yesterday






    • 1





      Not getting my wrist broken again, because my foot now does not slip from the pedal is a good reason for me. Besides, try to do a sprint with flat pedals, there is no way you would be nearly as fast as with toe clips or clipless.

      – Vladimir F
      yesterday











    • Sprinting is one of the few special contexts.

      – ojs
      yesterday






    • 1





      From your link: "Clipless pedals let you pedal with more power. Absolutely not true" That is complete and utter BULL****. No way you're ever going to hit 2,000W (Yeah, I have...) without having your feet firmly attached to your pedals.

      – Andrew Henle
      yesterday








    • 2





      I'll let the up and downvotes speak for themselves

      – Argenti Apparatus
      yesterday














    Your Answer








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    6 Answers
    6






    active

    oldest

    votes








    6 Answers
    6






    active

    oldest

    votes









    active

    oldest

    votes






    active

    oldest

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    18















    Clipless pedals hold your feet more securely and release easier than toe-straps and clips. As you are probably aware, it is possible to to tighten straps to the point where they must be released before the foot can be removed from the pedal. A properly functioning clipless pedal will always release the riders foot.






    share|improve this answer





















    • 11





      I would add that once you get used to them, they are far easier to clip into than trying to get your foot into a strap. This can be a safety issue in traffic.

      – JimmyJames
      yesterday











    • I'm wondering about flex in the sole of a clipless shoe versus the straps which have very little give. Don't some velodrome racers still use some type of strap setup (could be a strap with special shoe combination)?

      – rcgldr
      12 hours ago






    • 2





      Velodrome racers use straps since they output incredible amounts of torque for stationary starts. Accidentally popping out would cause them to crash, and straps are guaranteed to stay attached.

      – Jonathon
      12 hours ago











    • @Jonathon's comment would seem to imply that straps hold more securely than clipless.

      – shoover
      3 hours ago
















    18















    Clipless pedals hold your feet more securely and release easier than toe-straps and clips. As you are probably aware, it is possible to to tighten straps to the point where they must be released before the foot can be removed from the pedal. A properly functioning clipless pedal will always release the riders foot.






    share|improve this answer





















    • 11





      I would add that once you get used to them, they are far easier to clip into than trying to get your foot into a strap. This can be a safety issue in traffic.

      – JimmyJames
      yesterday











    • I'm wondering about flex in the sole of a clipless shoe versus the straps which have very little give. Don't some velodrome racers still use some type of strap setup (could be a strap with special shoe combination)?

      – rcgldr
      12 hours ago






    • 2





      Velodrome racers use straps since they output incredible amounts of torque for stationary starts. Accidentally popping out would cause them to crash, and straps are guaranteed to stay attached.

      – Jonathon
      12 hours ago











    • @Jonathon's comment would seem to imply that straps hold more securely than clipless.

      – shoover
      3 hours ago














    18














    18










    18









    Clipless pedals hold your feet more securely and release easier than toe-straps and clips. As you are probably aware, it is possible to to tighten straps to the point where they must be released before the foot can be removed from the pedal. A properly functioning clipless pedal will always release the riders foot.






    share|improve this answer













    Clipless pedals hold your feet more securely and release easier than toe-straps and clips. As you are probably aware, it is possible to to tighten straps to the point where they must be released before the foot can be removed from the pedal. A properly functioning clipless pedal will always release the riders foot.







    share|improve this answer












    share|improve this answer



    share|improve this answer










    answered 2 days ago









    Ron JensenRon Jensen

    4052 silver badges6 bronze badges




    4052 silver badges6 bronze badges











    • 11





      I would add that once you get used to them, they are far easier to clip into than trying to get your foot into a strap. This can be a safety issue in traffic.

      – JimmyJames
      yesterday











    • I'm wondering about flex in the sole of a clipless shoe versus the straps which have very little give. Don't some velodrome racers still use some type of strap setup (could be a strap with special shoe combination)?

      – rcgldr
      12 hours ago






    • 2





      Velodrome racers use straps since they output incredible amounts of torque for stationary starts. Accidentally popping out would cause them to crash, and straps are guaranteed to stay attached.

      – Jonathon
      12 hours ago











    • @Jonathon's comment would seem to imply that straps hold more securely than clipless.

      – shoover
      3 hours ago














    • 11





      I would add that once you get used to them, they are far easier to clip into than trying to get your foot into a strap. This can be a safety issue in traffic.

      – JimmyJames
      yesterday











    • I'm wondering about flex in the sole of a clipless shoe versus the straps which have very little give. Don't some velodrome racers still use some type of strap setup (could be a strap with special shoe combination)?

      – rcgldr
      12 hours ago






    • 2





      Velodrome racers use straps since they output incredible amounts of torque for stationary starts. Accidentally popping out would cause them to crash, and straps are guaranteed to stay attached.

      – Jonathon
      12 hours ago











    • @Jonathon's comment would seem to imply that straps hold more securely than clipless.

      – shoover
      3 hours ago








    11




    11





    I would add that once you get used to them, they are far easier to clip into than trying to get your foot into a strap. This can be a safety issue in traffic.

    – JimmyJames
    yesterday





    I would add that once you get used to them, they are far easier to clip into than trying to get your foot into a strap. This can be a safety issue in traffic.

    – JimmyJames
    yesterday













    I'm wondering about flex in the sole of a clipless shoe versus the straps which have very little give. Don't some velodrome racers still use some type of strap setup (could be a strap with special shoe combination)?

    – rcgldr
    12 hours ago





    I'm wondering about flex in the sole of a clipless shoe versus the straps which have very little give. Don't some velodrome racers still use some type of strap setup (could be a strap with special shoe combination)?

    – rcgldr
    12 hours ago




    2




    2





    Velodrome racers use straps since they output incredible amounts of torque for stationary starts. Accidentally popping out would cause them to crash, and straps are guaranteed to stay attached.

    – Jonathon
    12 hours ago





    Velodrome racers use straps since they output incredible amounts of torque for stationary starts. Accidentally popping out would cause them to crash, and straps are guaranteed to stay attached.

    – Jonathon
    12 hours ago













    @Jonathon's comment would seem to imply that straps hold more securely than clipless.

    – shoover
    3 hours ago





    @Jonathon's comment would seem to imply that straps hold more securely than clipless.

    – shoover
    3 hours ago













    11















    The simple answer is that 'clipless' pedals and shoes just function better than toe straps.



    They are easier to get into, easier to get out of, locate the foot more accurately and solidly on the pedal, and allow for better transfer of power all the way around the pedal stroke. The position of the foot on the pedal can also be precisely adjusted, as can the range of float and retention force.






    share|improve this answer






























      11















      The simple answer is that 'clipless' pedals and shoes just function better than toe straps.



      They are easier to get into, easier to get out of, locate the foot more accurately and solidly on the pedal, and allow for better transfer of power all the way around the pedal stroke. The position of the foot on the pedal can also be precisely adjusted, as can the range of float and retention force.






      share|improve this answer




























        11














        11










        11









        The simple answer is that 'clipless' pedals and shoes just function better than toe straps.



        They are easier to get into, easier to get out of, locate the foot more accurately and solidly on the pedal, and allow for better transfer of power all the way around the pedal stroke. The position of the foot on the pedal can also be precisely adjusted, as can the range of float and retention force.






        share|improve this answer













        The simple answer is that 'clipless' pedals and shoes just function better than toe straps.



        They are easier to get into, easier to get out of, locate the foot more accurately and solidly on the pedal, and allow for better transfer of power all the way around the pedal stroke. The position of the foot on the pedal can also be precisely adjusted, as can the range of float and retention force.







        share|improve this answer












        share|improve this answer



        share|improve this answer










        answered yesterday









        Argenti ApparatusArgenti Apparatus

        45.4k3 gold badges45 silver badges108 bronze badges




        45.4k3 gold badges45 silver badges108 bronze badges


























            4















            For me, a big benefit of cycling with "clipless" pedals is that when I "clip in" to my "clipless" pedals my foot is instantly firmly attached at my ideal pre-set position-- fore/aft, inboard/outboard, toe in/toe out. When using "clips and straps" I am endlessly wiggling my foot to try to find the best position.



            All this is adjustable by adjusting the position of the cleat on the shoe.



            Also, purpose-built cycling shoes have a sole that is more rigid than other athletic shoes. This supports the foot during cycling, which is not what your feet have evolved to do well. Riding without proper footwear (beach cruiser and flip flops, in my case) can give you tendinitis surprisingly quickly!



            I don't have the reputation to comment, or I would have just commented on one of the above excellent answers.






            share|improve this answer








            New contributor



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            • 3





              Old-style toe-strap shoes had slotted plates nailed (leather soles) or screwed (plastic soles) underneath where the slot caught the rear plate of the pedal to hold the foot in a fixed position.

              – Carel
              yesterday
















            4















            For me, a big benefit of cycling with "clipless" pedals is that when I "clip in" to my "clipless" pedals my foot is instantly firmly attached at my ideal pre-set position-- fore/aft, inboard/outboard, toe in/toe out. When using "clips and straps" I am endlessly wiggling my foot to try to find the best position.



            All this is adjustable by adjusting the position of the cleat on the shoe.



            Also, purpose-built cycling shoes have a sole that is more rigid than other athletic shoes. This supports the foot during cycling, which is not what your feet have evolved to do well. Riding without proper footwear (beach cruiser and flip flops, in my case) can give you tendinitis surprisingly quickly!



            I don't have the reputation to comment, or I would have just commented on one of the above excellent answers.






            share|improve this answer








            New contributor



            KayGee is a new contributor to this site. Take care in asking for clarification, commenting, and answering.
            Check out our Code of Conduct.

















            • 3





              Old-style toe-strap shoes had slotted plates nailed (leather soles) or screwed (plastic soles) underneath where the slot caught the rear plate of the pedal to hold the foot in a fixed position.

              – Carel
              yesterday














            4














            4










            4









            For me, a big benefit of cycling with "clipless" pedals is that when I "clip in" to my "clipless" pedals my foot is instantly firmly attached at my ideal pre-set position-- fore/aft, inboard/outboard, toe in/toe out. When using "clips and straps" I am endlessly wiggling my foot to try to find the best position.



            All this is adjustable by adjusting the position of the cleat on the shoe.



            Also, purpose-built cycling shoes have a sole that is more rigid than other athletic shoes. This supports the foot during cycling, which is not what your feet have evolved to do well. Riding without proper footwear (beach cruiser and flip flops, in my case) can give you tendinitis surprisingly quickly!



            I don't have the reputation to comment, or I would have just commented on one of the above excellent answers.






            share|improve this answer








            New contributor



            KayGee is a new contributor to this site. Take care in asking for clarification, commenting, and answering.
            Check out our Code of Conduct.









            For me, a big benefit of cycling with "clipless" pedals is that when I "clip in" to my "clipless" pedals my foot is instantly firmly attached at my ideal pre-set position-- fore/aft, inboard/outboard, toe in/toe out. When using "clips and straps" I am endlessly wiggling my foot to try to find the best position.



            All this is adjustable by adjusting the position of the cleat on the shoe.



            Also, purpose-built cycling shoes have a sole that is more rigid than other athletic shoes. This supports the foot during cycling, which is not what your feet have evolved to do well. Riding without proper footwear (beach cruiser and flip flops, in my case) can give you tendinitis surprisingly quickly!



            I don't have the reputation to comment, or I would have just commented on one of the above excellent answers.







            share|improve this answer








            New contributor



            KayGee is a new contributor to this site. Take care in asking for clarification, commenting, and answering.
            Check out our Code of Conduct.








            share|improve this answer



            share|improve this answer






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            answered yesterday









            KayGeeKayGee

            612 bronze badges




            612 bronze badges




            New contributor



            KayGee is a new contributor to this site. Take care in asking for clarification, commenting, and answering.
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            Check out our Code of Conduct.













            • 3





              Old-style toe-strap shoes had slotted plates nailed (leather soles) or screwed (plastic soles) underneath where the slot caught the rear plate of the pedal to hold the foot in a fixed position.

              – Carel
              yesterday














            • 3





              Old-style toe-strap shoes had slotted plates nailed (leather soles) or screwed (plastic soles) underneath where the slot caught the rear plate of the pedal to hold the foot in a fixed position.

              – Carel
              yesterday








            3




            3





            Old-style toe-strap shoes had slotted plates nailed (leather soles) or screwed (plastic soles) underneath where the slot caught the rear plate of the pedal to hold the foot in a fixed position.

            – Carel
            yesterday





            Old-style toe-strap shoes had slotted plates nailed (leather soles) or screwed (plastic soles) underneath where the slot caught the rear plate of the pedal to hold the foot in a fixed position.

            – Carel
            yesterday











            3















            Apart from being safer from the clip and toe-strap pedals, the wide use of "clipless" pedals has come from marketing and fashion. You need to buy clipless shoes to be used with clipless pedals; you will not be able to wear casual shoes for the clipless pedals.



            The clip and strap assemblies are still available and these are to be fixed onto normal flat pedals. I still use them myself.






            share|improve this answer








            New contributor



            Mikeš is a new contributor to this site. Take care in asking for clarification, commenting, and answering.
            Check out our Code of Conduct.

















            • 3





              You are late to the game. During the fixed gear fad of early 2010s toe clips and Power Grip straps were popular despite all advantages of clipless.

              – ojs
              yesterday






            • 3





              If you get something like Shimano M323 or M424 you can ride with normal shoes, at least for short rides. These are mountain style clipless pedals (SPD) but a lot of people use those on road bikes. There are also double sided SPD/flat pedals but I detest them

              – Chris H
              yesterday






            • 1





              Fancy bike shoes certainly aren't limited to clipless. bicycling.com/bikes-gear/mountain-bike/g20046461/…

              – Vladimir F
              yesterday






            • 6





              While vastly superior for riding, clipless shoes are pretty much completely horrible for walking around in. I find the idea that people are using clipless pedals because they want to wear the shoes to be laughable.

              – JimmyJames
              yesterday








            • 2





              @VladimirF "They are light and comfortable, and won’t look out of place if you find yourself in an unexpected social situation." This line from your link makes me laugh... MTB shoes look like oversized toddler sneakers and look absurd anywhere but on the trail.

              – Adonalsium
              yesterday
















            3















            Apart from being safer from the clip and toe-strap pedals, the wide use of "clipless" pedals has come from marketing and fashion. You need to buy clipless shoes to be used with clipless pedals; you will not be able to wear casual shoes for the clipless pedals.



            The clip and strap assemblies are still available and these are to be fixed onto normal flat pedals. I still use them myself.






            share|improve this answer








            New contributor



            Mikeš is a new contributor to this site. Take care in asking for clarification, commenting, and answering.
            Check out our Code of Conduct.

















            • 3





              You are late to the game. During the fixed gear fad of early 2010s toe clips and Power Grip straps were popular despite all advantages of clipless.

              – ojs
              yesterday






            • 3





              If you get something like Shimano M323 or M424 you can ride with normal shoes, at least for short rides. These are mountain style clipless pedals (SPD) but a lot of people use those on road bikes. There are also double sided SPD/flat pedals but I detest them

              – Chris H
              yesterday






            • 1





              Fancy bike shoes certainly aren't limited to clipless. bicycling.com/bikes-gear/mountain-bike/g20046461/…

              – Vladimir F
              yesterday






            • 6





              While vastly superior for riding, clipless shoes are pretty much completely horrible for walking around in. I find the idea that people are using clipless pedals because they want to wear the shoes to be laughable.

              – JimmyJames
              yesterday








            • 2





              @VladimirF "They are light and comfortable, and won’t look out of place if you find yourself in an unexpected social situation." This line from your link makes me laugh... MTB shoes look like oversized toddler sneakers and look absurd anywhere but on the trail.

              – Adonalsium
              yesterday














            3














            3










            3









            Apart from being safer from the clip and toe-strap pedals, the wide use of "clipless" pedals has come from marketing and fashion. You need to buy clipless shoes to be used with clipless pedals; you will not be able to wear casual shoes for the clipless pedals.



            The clip and strap assemblies are still available and these are to be fixed onto normal flat pedals. I still use them myself.






            share|improve this answer








            New contributor



            Mikeš is a new contributor to this site. Take care in asking for clarification, commenting, and answering.
            Check out our Code of Conduct.









            Apart from being safer from the clip and toe-strap pedals, the wide use of "clipless" pedals has come from marketing and fashion. You need to buy clipless shoes to be used with clipless pedals; you will not be able to wear casual shoes for the clipless pedals.



            The clip and strap assemblies are still available and these are to be fixed onto normal flat pedals. I still use them myself.







            share|improve this answer








            New contributor



            Mikeš is a new contributor to this site. Take care in asking for clarification, commenting, and answering.
            Check out our Code of Conduct.








            share|improve this answer



            share|improve this answer






            New contributor



            Mikeš is a new contributor to this site. Take care in asking for clarification, commenting, and answering.
            Check out our Code of Conduct.








            answered yesterday









            Mikeš Mikeš

            471 bronze badge




            471 bronze badge




            New contributor



            Mikeš is a new contributor to this site. Take care in asking for clarification, commenting, and answering.
            Check out our Code of Conduct.




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            Check out our Code of Conduct.













            • 3





              You are late to the game. During the fixed gear fad of early 2010s toe clips and Power Grip straps were popular despite all advantages of clipless.

              – ojs
              yesterday






            • 3





              If you get something like Shimano M323 or M424 you can ride with normal shoes, at least for short rides. These are mountain style clipless pedals (SPD) but a lot of people use those on road bikes. There are also double sided SPD/flat pedals but I detest them

              – Chris H
              yesterday






            • 1





              Fancy bike shoes certainly aren't limited to clipless. bicycling.com/bikes-gear/mountain-bike/g20046461/…

              – Vladimir F
              yesterday






            • 6





              While vastly superior for riding, clipless shoes are pretty much completely horrible for walking around in. I find the idea that people are using clipless pedals because they want to wear the shoes to be laughable.

              – JimmyJames
              yesterday








            • 2





              @VladimirF "They are light and comfortable, and won’t look out of place if you find yourself in an unexpected social situation." This line from your link makes me laugh... MTB shoes look like oversized toddler sneakers and look absurd anywhere but on the trail.

              – Adonalsium
              yesterday














            • 3





              You are late to the game. During the fixed gear fad of early 2010s toe clips and Power Grip straps were popular despite all advantages of clipless.

              – ojs
              yesterday






            • 3





              If you get something like Shimano M323 or M424 you can ride with normal shoes, at least for short rides. These are mountain style clipless pedals (SPD) but a lot of people use those on road bikes. There are also double sided SPD/flat pedals but I detest them

              – Chris H
              yesterday






            • 1





              Fancy bike shoes certainly aren't limited to clipless. bicycling.com/bikes-gear/mountain-bike/g20046461/…

              – Vladimir F
              yesterday






            • 6





              While vastly superior for riding, clipless shoes are pretty much completely horrible for walking around in. I find the idea that people are using clipless pedals because they want to wear the shoes to be laughable.

              – JimmyJames
              yesterday








            • 2





              @VladimirF "They are light and comfortable, and won’t look out of place if you find yourself in an unexpected social situation." This line from your link makes me laugh... MTB shoes look like oversized toddler sneakers and look absurd anywhere but on the trail.

              – Adonalsium
              yesterday








            3




            3





            You are late to the game. During the fixed gear fad of early 2010s toe clips and Power Grip straps were popular despite all advantages of clipless.

            – ojs
            yesterday





            You are late to the game. During the fixed gear fad of early 2010s toe clips and Power Grip straps were popular despite all advantages of clipless.

            – ojs
            yesterday




            3




            3





            If you get something like Shimano M323 or M424 you can ride with normal shoes, at least for short rides. These are mountain style clipless pedals (SPD) but a lot of people use those on road bikes. There are also double sided SPD/flat pedals but I detest them

            – Chris H
            yesterday





            If you get something like Shimano M323 or M424 you can ride with normal shoes, at least for short rides. These are mountain style clipless pedals (SPD) but a lot of people use those on road bikes. There are also double sided SPD/flat pedals but I detest them

            – Chris H
            yesterday




            1




            1





            Fancy bike shoes certainly aren't limited to clipless. bicycling.com/bikes-gear/mountain-bike/g20046461/…

            – Vladimir F
            yesterday





            Fancy bike shoes certainly aren't limited to clipless. bicycling.com/bikes-gear/mountain-bike/g20046461/…

            – Vladimir F
            yesterday




            6




            6





            While vastly superior for riding, clipless shoes are pretty much completely horrible for walking around in. I find the idea that people are using clipless pedals because they want to wear the shoes to be laughable.

            – JimmyJames
            yesterday







            While vastly superior for riding, clipless shoes are pretty much completely horrible for walking around in. I find the idea that people are using clipless pedals because they want to wear the shoes to be laughable.

            – JimmyJames
            yesterday






            2




            2





            @VladimirF "They are light and comfortable, and won’t look out of place if you find yourself in an unexpected social situation." This line from your link makes me laugh... MTB shoes look like oversized toddler sneakers and look absurd anywhere but on the trail.

            – Adonalsium
            yesterday





            @VladimirF "They are light and comfortable, and won’t look out of place if you find yourself in an unexpected social situation." This line from your link makes me laugh... MTB shoes look like oversized toddler sneakers and look absurd anywhere but on the trail.

            – Adonalsium
            yesterday











            1















            Despite @ump's combative tone, he does back up what he's saying with links to evidence. GCN has also done one or two episodes that mostly debunk the benefits of being locked into your pedals. As far as I can tell, all the tests that attempt to prove or disprove the benefits of clipless pedals have been done on a treadmill in a lab; it may be that the benefits are amplified when riding in the real world. I know that I (unscientifically) just prefer to be locked in.



            But the question is not about flat pedals vs clipless, it's about toeclips vs clipless. Between the two, I greatly prefer clipless pedals, for reasons already mentioned in this thread.



            If you are riding with clips and straps, you either want a platform pedal that gives good support (these do exist), or you want a fairly rigid shoe so that you don't get hotspots from the pedal's plates digging into your feet. And if you're wearing special shoes anyhow, it's not a stretch to go clipless.



            In any case, clipless pedals weren't intended to replace street shoes with toeclips, but slotted cleats with toeclips. Cleats have most of the disadvantages of clipless pedals, plus being much less comfortable (a tight toe strap can cut off circulation) and of course harder to get out of the pedal. The advent of SPDs made it practical to have clipless pedals with shoes that are OK to walk in.






            share|improve this answer





















            • 4





              The thing about a fixed bike in a lab is that it's clean and dry. Unless you can choose to only ride in those circumstances the studies are worthless - feet not slipping is a big benefit

              – Chris H
              yesterday






            • 2





              -1 GCN has also done one or two episodes that mostly debunk the benefits of being locked into your pedals. Yeah, because having your feet come off the pedals when your sprinting at 1000+W and 120+ RPM and you're going 40 mph is a great feeling...

              – Andrew Henle
              yesterday











            • OP's question is "Why have the modern pedals and and shoes so completely replaced the old-style clips and straps?" This is a good answer because it covers old-school nail-on cleats.

              – Criggie
              17 hours ago
















            1















            Despite @ump's combative tone, he does back up what he's saying with links to evidence. GCN has also done one or two episodes that mostly debunk the benefits of being locked into your pedals. As far as I can tell, all the tests that attempt to prove or disprove the benefits of clipless pedals have been done on a treadmill in a lab; it may be that the benefits are amplified when riding in the real world. I know that I (unscientifically) just prefer to be locked in.



            But the question is not about flat pedals vs clipless, it's about toeclips vs clipless. Between the two, I greatly prefer clipless pedals, for reasons already mentioned in this thread.



            If you are riding with clips and straps, you either want a platform pedal that gives good support (these do exist), or you want a fairly rigid shoe so that you don't get hotspots from the pedal's plates digging into your feet. And if you're wearing special shoes anyhow, it's not a stretch to go clipless.



            In any case, clipless pedals weren't intended to replace street shoes with toeclips, but slotted cleats with toeclips. Cleats have most of the disadvantages of clipless pedals, plus being much less comfortable (a tight toe strap can cut off circulation) and of course harder to get out of the pedal. The advent of SPDs made it practical to have clipless pedals with shoes that are OK to walk in.






            share|improve this answer





















            • 4





              The thing about a fixed bike in a lab is that it's clean and dry. Unless you can choose to only ride in those circumstances the studies are worthless - feet not slipping is a big benefit

              – Chris H
              yesterday






            • 2





              -1 GCN has also done one or two episodes that mostly debunk the benefits of being locked into your pedals. Yeah, because having your feet come off the pedals when your sprinting at 1000+W and 120+ RPM and you're going 40 mph is a great feeling...

              – Andrew Henle
              yesterday











            • OP's question is "Why have the modern pedals and and shoes so completely replaced the old-style clips and straps?" This is a good answer because it covers old-school nail-on cleats.

              – Criggie
              17 hours ago














            1














            1










            1









            Despite @ump's combative tone, he does back up what he's saying with links to evidence. GCN has also done one or two episodes that mostly debunk the benefits of being locked into your pedals. As far as I can tell, all the tests that attempt to prove or disprove the benefits of clipless pedals have been done on a treadmill in a lab; it may be that the benefits are amplified when riding in the real world. I know that I (unscientifically) just prefer to be locked in.



            But the question is not about flat pedals vs clipless, it's about toeclips vs clipless. Between the two, I greatly prefer clipless pedals, for reasons already mentioned in this thread.



            If you are riding with clips and straps, you either want a platform pedal that gives good support (these do exist), or you want a fairly rigid shoe so that you don't get hotspots from the pedal's plates digging into your feet. And if you're wearing special shoes anyhow, it's not a stretch to go clipless.



            In any case, clipless pedals weren't intended to replace street shoes with toeclips, but slotted cleats with toeclips. Cleats have most of the disadvantages of clipless pedals, plus being much less comfortable (a tight toe strap can cut off circulation) and of course harder to get out of the pedal. The advent of SPDs made it practical to have clipless pedals with shoes that are OK to walk in.






            share|improve this answer













            Despite @ump's combative tone, he does back up what he's saying with links to evidence. GCN has also done one or two episodes that mostly debunk the benefits of being locked into your pedals. As far as I can tell, all the tests that attempt to prove or disprove the benefits of clipless pedals have been done on a treadmill in a lab; it may be that the benefits are amplified when riding in the real world. I know that I (unscientifically) just prefer to be locked in.



            But the question is not about flat pedals vs clipless, it's about toeclips vs clipless. Between the two, I greatly prefer clipless pedals, for reasons already mentioned in this thread.



            If you are riding with clips and straps, you either want a platform pedal that gives good support (these do exist), or you want a fairly rigid shoe so that you don't get hotspots from the pedal's plates digging into your feet. And if you're wearing special shoes anyhow, it's not a stretch to go clipless.



            In any case, clipless pedals weren't intended to replace street shoes with toeclips, but slotted cleats with toeclips. Cleats have most of the disadvantages of clipless pedals, plus being much less comfortable (a tight toe strap can cut off circulation) and of course harder to get out of the pedal. The advent of SPDs made it practical to have clipless pedals with shoes that are OK to walk in.







            share|improve this answer












            share|improve this answer



            share|improve this answer










            answered yesterday









            Adam RiceAdam Rice

            6,53616 silver badges35 bronze badges




            6,53616 silver badges35 bronze badges











            • 4





              The thing about a fixed bike in a lab is that it's clean and dry. Unless you can choose to only ride in those circumstances the studies are worthless - feet not slipping is a big benefit

              – Chris H
              yesterday






            • 2





              -1 GCN has also done one or two episodes that mostly debunk the benefits of being locked into your pedals. Yeah, because having your feet come off the pedals when your sprinting at 1000+W and 120+ RPM and you're going 40 mph is a great feeling...

              – Andrew Henle
              yesterday











            • OP's question is "Why have the modern pedals and and shoes so completely replaced the old-style clips and straps?" This is a good answer because it covers old-school nail-on cleats.

              – Criggie
              17 hours ago














            • 4





              The thing about a fixed bike in a lab is that it's clean and dry. Unless you can choose to only ride in those circumstances the studies are worthless - feet not slipping is a big benefit

              – Chris H
              yesterday






            • 2





              -1 GCN has also done one or two episodes that mostly debunk the benefits of being locked into your pedals. Yeah, because having your feet come off the pedals when your sprinting at 1000+W and 120+ RPM and you're going 40 mph is a great feeling...

              – Andrew Henle
              yesterday











            • OP's question is "Why have the modern pedals and and shoes so completely replaced the old-style clips and straps?" This is a good answer because it covers old-school nail-on cleats.

              – Criggie
              17 hours ago








            4




            4





            The thing about a fixed bike in a lab is that it's clean and dry. Unless you can choose to only ride in those circumstances the studies are worthless - feet not slipping is a big benefit

            – Chris H
            yesterday





            The thing about a fixed bike in a lab is that it's clean and dry. Unless you can choose to only ride in those circumstances the studies are worthless - feet not slipping is a big benefit

            – Chris H
            yesterday




            2




            2





            -1 GCN has also done one or two episodes that mostly debunk the benefits of being locked into your pedals. Yeah, because having your feet come off the pedals when your sprinting at 1000+W and 120+ RPM and you're going 40 mph is a great feeling...

            – Andrew Henle
            yesterday





            -1 GCN has also done one or two episodes that mostly debunk the benefits of being locked into your pedals. Yeah, because having your feet come off the pedals when your sprinting at 1000+W and 120+ RPM and you're going 40 mph is a great feeling...

            – Andrew Henle
            yesterday













            OP's question is "Why have the modern pedals and and shoes so completely replaced the old-style clips and straps?" This is a good answer because it covers old-school nail-on cleats.

            – Criggie
            17 hours ago





            OP's question is "Why have the modern pedals and and shoes so completely replaced the old-style clips and straps?" This is a good answer because it covers old-school nail-on cleats.

            – Criggie
            17 hours ago











            -7















            Everything already said in this thread is ignorant hearsay. The truth is that outside of a very few special contexts, clipless pedals are almost entirely worthless -



            https://www.bikejames.com/strength/top-3-clipless-pedal-myths/



            Are there any scientific studies proving the benefits of clipless pedal systems?



            In particular, power on the upstroke is a myth. You don't need either clips or clipless pedals for most purposes. But most enthusiast cyclist are fashion victims - if they see something used on TV in the TDF, they'll buy it... (Notice the lack of sources for pro-clipless posts.)






            share|improve this answer








            New contributor



            ump is a new contributor to this site. Take care in asking for clarification, commenting, and answering.
            Check out our Code of Conduct.

















            • 3





              This doesn't really answer the question. The question is about the difference between toe clips and cleated ("clipless") shoes; not cleats vs. nothing, which seems to be the point of the articles you're referencing. Plus your first link is to a mountain biking website; it may apply to road bikes (the topic of the question) or it may not, but without establishing that it's simply not relevant. You should also quote relevant excerpts from your sources instead of just linking to them, in case of link rot. Finally, the tone of your post is somewhat rude.

              – DavidW
              yesterday






            • 1





              Not getting my wrist broken again, because my foot now does not slip from the pedal is a good reason for me. Besides, try to do a sprint with flat pedals, there is no way you would be nearly as fast as with toe clips or clipless.

              – Vladimir F
              yesterday











            • Sprinting is one of the few special contexts.

              – ojs
              yesterday






            • 1





              From your link: "Clipless pedals let you pedal with more power. Absolutely not true" That is complete and utter BULL****. No way you're ever going to hit 2,000W (Yeah, I have...) without having your feet firmly attached to your pedals.

              – Andrew Henle
              yesterday








            • 2





              I'll let the up and downvotes speak for themselves

              – Argenti Apparatus
              yesterday
















            -7















            Everything already said in this thread is ignorant hearsay. The truth is that outside of a very few special contexts, clipless pedals are almost entirely worthless -



            https://www.bikejames.com/strength/top-3-clipless-pedal-myths/



            Are there any scientific studies proving the benefits of clipless pedal systems?



            In particular, power on the upstroke is a myth. You don't need either clips or clipless pedals for most purposes. But most enthusiast cyclist are fashion victims - if they see something used on TV in the TDF, they'll buy it... (Notice the lack of sources for pro-clipless posts.)






            share|improve this answer








            New contributor



            ump is a new contributor to this site. Take care in asking for clarification, commenting, and answering.
            Check out our Code of Conduct.

















            • 3





              This doesn't really answer the question. The question is about the difference between toe clips and cleated ("clipless") shoes; not cleats vs. nothing, which seems to be the point of the articles you're referencing. Plus your first link is to a mountain biking website; it may apply to road bikes (the topic of the question) or it may not, but without establishing that it's simply not relevant. You should also quote relevant excerpts from your sources instead of just linking to them, in case of link rot. Finally, the tone of your post is somewhat rude.

              – DavidW
              yesterday






            • 1





              Not getting my wrist broken again, because my foot now does not slip from the pedal is a good reason for me. Besides, try to do a sprint with flat pedals, there is no way you would be nearly as fast as with toe clips or clipless.

              – Vladimir F
              yesterday











            • Sprinting is one of the few special contexts.

              – ojs
              yesterday






            • 1





              From your link: "Clipless pedals let you pedal with more power. Absolutely not true" That is complete and utter BULL****. No way you're ever going to hit 2,000W (Yeah, I have...) without having your feet firmly attached to your pedals.

              – Andrew Henle
              yesterday








            • 2





              I'll let the up and downvotes speak for themselves

              – Argenti Apparatus
              yesterday














            -7














            -7










            -7









            Everything already said in this thread is ignorant hearsay. The truth is that outside of a very few special contexts, clipless pedals are almost entirely worthless -



            https://www.bikejames.com/strength/top-3-clipless-pedal-myths/



            Are there any scientific studies proving the benefits of clipless pedal systems?



            In particular, power on the upstroke is a myth. You don't need either clips or clipless pedals for most purposes. But most enthusiast cyclist are fashion victims - if they see something used on TV in the TDF, they'll buy it... (Notice the lack of sources for pro-clipless posts.)






            share|improve this answer








            New contributor



            ump is a new contributor to this site. Take care in asking for clarification, commenting, and answering.
            Check out our Code of Conduct.









            Everything already said in this thread is ignorant hearsay. The truth is that outside of a very few special contexts, clipless pedals are almost entirely worthless -



            https://www.bikejames.com/strength/top-3-clipless-pedal-myths/



            Are there any scientific studies proving the benefits of clipless pedal systems?



            In particular, power on the upstroke is a myth. You don't need either clips or clipless pedals for most purposes. But most enthusiast cyclist are fashion victims - if they see something used on TV in the TDF, they'll buy it... (Notice the lack of sources for pro-clipless posts.)







            share|improve this answer








            New contributor



            ump is a new contributor to this site. Take care in asking for clarification, commenting, and answering.
            Check out our Code of Conduct.








            share|improve this answer



            share|improve this answer






            New contributor



            ump is a new contributor to this site. Take care in asking for clarification, commenting, and answering.
            Check out our Code of Conduct.








            answered yesterday









            umpump

            13




            13




            New contributor



            ump is a new contributor to this site. Take care in asking for clarification, commenting, and answering.
            Check out our Code of Conduct.




            New contributor




            ump is a new contributor to this site. Take care in asking for clarification, commenting, and answering.
            Check out our Code of Conduct.













            • 3





              This doesn't really answer the question. The question is about the difference between toe clips and cleated ("clipless") shoes; not cleats vs. nothing, which seems to be the point of the articles you're referencing. Plus your first link is to a mountain biking website; it may apply to road bikes (the topic of the question) or it may not, but without establishing that it's simply not relevant. You should also quote relevant excerpts from your sources instead of just linking to them, in case of link rot. Finally, the tone of your post is somewhat rude.

              – DavidW
              yesterday






            • 1





              Not getting my wrist broken again, because my foot now does not slip from the pedal is a good reason for me. Besides, try to do a sprint with flat pedals, there is no way you would be nearly as fast as with toe clips or clipless.

              – Vladimir F
              yesterday











            • Sprinting is one of the few special contexts.

              – ojs
              yesterday






            • 1





              From your link: "Clipless pedals let you pedal with more power. Absolutely not true" That is complete and utter BULL****. No way you're ever going to hit 2,000W (Yeah, I have...) without having your feet firmly attached to your pedals.

              – Andrew Henle
              yesterday








            • 2





              I'll let the up and downvotes speak for themselves

              – Argenti Apparatus
              yesterday














            • 3





              This doesn't really answer the question. The question is about the difference between toe clips and cleated ("clipless") shoes; not cleats vs. nothing, which seems to be the point of the articles you're referencing. Plus your first link is to a mountain biking website; it may apply to road bikes (the topic of the question) or it may not, but without establishing that it's simply not relevant. You should also quote relevant excerpts from your sources instead of just linking to them, in case of link rot. Finally, the tone of your post is somewhat rude.

              – DavidW
              yesterday






            • 1





              Not getting my wrist broken again, because my foot now does not slip from the pedal is a good reason for me. Besides, try to do a sprint with flat pedals, there is no way you would be nearly as fast as with toe clips or clipless.

              – Vladimir F
              yesterday











            • Sprinting is one of the few special contexts.

              – ojs
              yesterday






            • 1





              From your link: "Clipless pedals let you pedal with more power. Absolutely not true" That is complete and utter BULL****. No way you're ever going to hit 2,000W (Yeah, I have...) without having your feet firmly attached to your pedals.

              – Andrew Henle
              yesterday








            • 2





              I'll let the up and downvotes speak for themselves

              – Argenti Apparatus
              yesterday








            3




            3





            This doesn't really answer the question. The question is about the difference between toe clips and cleated ("clipless") shoes; not cleats vs. nothing, which seems to be the point of the articles you're referencing. Plus your first link is to a mountain biking website; it may apply to road bikes (the topic of the question) or it may not, but without establishing that it's simply not relevant. You should also quote relevant excerpts from your sources instead of just linking to them, in case of link rot. Finally, the tone of your post is somewhat rude.

            – DavidW
            yesterday





            This doesn't really answer the question. The question is about the difference between toe clips and cleated ("clipless") shoes; not cleats vs. nothing, which seems to be the point of the articles you're referencing. Plus your first link is to a mountain biking website; it may apply to road bikes (the topic of the question) or it may not, but without establishing that it's simply not relevant. You should also quote relevant excerpts from your sources instead of just linking to them, in case of link rot. Finally, the tone of your post is somewhat rude.

            – DavidW
            yesterday




            1




            1





            Not getting my wrist broken again, because my foot now does not slip from the pedal is a good reason for me. Besides, try to do a sprint with flat pedals, there is no way you would be nearly as fast as with toe clips or clipless.

            – Vladimir F
            yesterday





            Not getting my wrist broken again, because my foot now does not slip from the pedal is a good reason for me. Besides, try to do a sprint with flat pedals, there is no way you would be nearly as fast as with toe clips or clipless.

            – Vladimir F
            yesterday













            Sprinting is one of the few special contexts.

            – ojs
            yesterday





            Sprinting is one of the few special contexts.

            – ojs
            yesterday




            1




            1





            From your link: "Clipless pedals let you pedal with more power. Absolutely not true" That is complete and utter BULL****. No way you're ever going to hit 2,000W (Yeah, I have...) without having your feet firmly attached to your pedals.

            – Andrew Henle
            yesterday







            From your link: "Clipless pedals let you pedal with more power. Absolutely not true" That is complete and utter BULL****. No way you're ever going to hit 2,000W (Yeah, I have...) without having your feet firmly attached to your pedals.

            – Andrew Henle
            yesterday






            2




            2





            I'll let the up and downvotes speak for themselves

            – Argenti Apparatus
            yesterday





            I'll let the up and downvotes speak for themselves

            – Argenti Apparatus
            yesterday










            user26342 is a new contributor. Be nice, and check out our Code of Conduct.










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            user26342 is a new contributor. Be nice, and check out our Code of Conduct.













            user26342 is a new contributor. Be nice, and check out our Code of Conduct.












            user26342 is a new contributor. Be nice, and check out our Code of Conduct.
















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