seedsbelize2

This. Minus the part about the hate lists.

jem01 

A relative Newbie to biking and have enjoyed finding this forum…. Am learning a lot! So far have just biked in running shoes and enjoy that. Honestly, am intimidated by just the thought of strapping my feet in… but may consider if I get to the point where I feel I am in some way not getting the most out of my rides.

peterws

I agree, but srapping in the feet gives you a little tug up on the pedals which makes a decent difference. Clip on pedals will take this further, but come with more restrictions; you have no sideways movement to the foot, and if you cras, you take the bike with you.
You don't want a heavy bike for that.
I've crashed loads of times with strapped in feet. I've never once remained strapped in during these "events" and I like my ankles to be freer than cilp-ons would allow.
Just my thoughts.

jem01 

Thanks… will definitely consider it!

noglider 

No pressure. If you don't feel the urge, don't push yourself. I'm an ace at getting my feet clicked in and out, but I have years of experience. It's really not that important.

Garthr

Steve Hogg inspired me to try midfoot positioning, with pinned VP Vice flat pedals and trail running shoes(Altra Lone Peak). With my road bikes of course. The cleated soles develop divets where the pins are, so I know where the consistent sweet spot is. The other side I removed the pins, but I find the sweet spot anyways, you just know, they're a bit slippery to lateral movements though. When I started out I was riding 185mm cranks, but it was goofy having my feet so far forward and my feet would overlap too much into the tire. So after 175 and 170 were still too long, I tried a 150, and that was perfect. I had also been reading how some triathletes were riding short cranks, some much shorter than 150, but the 150 was short enough for me to be effective, plus I'm able to buy them from Origin8 and Andel. I don't have short legs or small feet either. Do some research on short cranks if you like. I decided to combine short cranks and mid foot pedaling, perfect ! I have the ease and speed of short cranks, but the leverage and power from the mid foot. Win win. I definitely feel more apart of the bike, able to push harder on the pedals and without undue strain. Oh heck, describing it is futile anyways. It is what it is, like tasting food. No one can tell anyone what it's "like" in words. Just nod, and smile, make funny sounds, close enough

Clyde1820

I do.

Old injuries have for decades precluded any ability to pull up with my legs; the hip flexor muscles can't do that motion with any strength. So, I avoid it by avoiding clip-in pedals. Isn't optimal, of course, but it's what I can do and it gets me out there and to my destination with a minimum of fuss.

Years ago, for awhile I tried the toe clips setup. But overall I find larger flat pedals with protruding rounded pins works fine.

Current pedals -- the Grand Cru Sabot from Velo-Orange:
https://velo-orange.com/collections/...nt=50649149319

Speedway2

I was introduced to toe-clips/straps back in the mid-70's by a German lad (Wolfgang) when I was a young teenager. He was a strong cyclist and I wanted to be like him so my bike got the clips.
All my bikes have had some kind of foot retention ever since. Mostly SPDs. Doubt it made me a better cyclist but I got used to the feeling.
It was not until my recent purchase of a BMX bike that I have gone without being connected to the pedals. I find I'm riding the BMX bike flat-footed and it feels just fine because most of my pedalling happens while off the seat......