Do cycling shoes improve your avg speed by at least 1mph?
#76
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BTW, I don't mean for that statement to refute the rest of your post, DX-MAN. I think we're pretty much in agreement on the subject. I'm just trying to add to the conversation.
Last edited by CraigB; 12-21-11 at 03:09 PM.
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You didn't say, "I have read the explanations and I remain unconvinced." You said, "Where is the explanation?" My apologies if you don't think I'm civil, but perhaps it would improve communication if you say what you mean the first time.
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Shimano has done a lot of study about pedaling dynamics, and their research indicates that even the pro's do NOT "pedal in circles", that there are dead spaces in our pedal circles. There IS no "360 degree" application of power.
Having said that, I prefer clipless, because I get more power applied through more of the stroke than with flats. I know that, because during a short period of time a few years ago, I had to switch back to flats; it took two days for my calves to turn into solid knots of cramp because I had to modify my pedaling -- my foot came off the pedal every stroke! I was slower, it hurt more, and I was no longer 'part of the bike', I was just 'on the bike'.
1mph increase with clipless and cleated shoes? Shouldn't be a problem, once you get used to it.
Having said that, I prefer clipless, because I get more power applied through more of the stroke than with flats. I know that, because during a short period of time a few years ago, I had to switch back to flats; it took two days for my calves to turn into solid knots of cramp because I had to modify my pedaling -- my foot came off the pedal every stroke! I was slower, it hurt more, and I was no longer 'part of the bike', I was just 'on the bike'.
1mph increase with clipless and cleated shoes? Shouldn't be a problem, once you get used to it.
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I dont pull up, but pull back when my foot gets to just before BDC, or maybe the 8 oclock position. I have to concentrate to do this, so I dont do it automatically. My goal is to mash less. It is a more efficient motion, and helps when I ride with a faster group. I also find this helps to ward off cramps in the toes.
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Clips and straps are a poor substitute unless you are seriously retro or a track racer that can rip his cleats out of his shoes.
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Really!?
I think back to other circa mid 80's technology that was thrown out. Lemond road bars, suspension road forks and seat posts, soft-ride. clipless appears to be standing up well to the test of time.
The number of people who go backwards from clipless and cleats to platform or toe-clips for performance is likely pretty small.
I think back to other circa mid 80's technology that was thrown out. Lemond road bars, suspension road forks and seat posts, soft-ride. clipless appears to be standing up well to the test of time.
The number of people who go backwards from clipless and cleats to platform or toe-clips for performance is likely pretty small.
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I got some walking shoes for Christmas..Will I be able to walk faster?
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"Pedalling in circles" and "pulling up" are both in dispute, I guess, but there's a clear efficiency edge to clipless that I don't think anyone has mentioned in this thread: You don't fight your own efforts. On platforms, to keep your non-powered foot in contact with the pedal, you have to exert some degree of pressure on the pedal -- pressure that is counter to the effort you are exerting on the opposite pedal. With your feet clipped in, you can fully unweight the unpowered side. Also, the retention system effortlessly keeps your feet in the ideal position for efficient pedalling. I don't know whether I CAN go faster on clipless pedals, but I know I DO go faster. It's just easier to pedal harder and faster when you know you can't slip off. Toe clips or stretchy straps provide some degree of help, but both are more dangerous and harder to use.
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"Pedalling in circles" and "pulling up" are both in dispute, I guess, but there's a clear efficiency edge to clipless that I don't think anyone has mentioned in this thread: You don't fight your own efforts. On platforms, to keep your non-powered foot in contact with the pedal, you have to exert some degree of pressure on the pedal -- pressure that is counter to the effort you are exerting on the opposite pedal. With your feet clipped in, you can fully unweight the unpowered side. Also, the retention system effortlessly keeps your feet in the ideal position for efficient pedalling. I don't know whether I CAN go faster on clipless pedals, but I know I DO go faster. It's just easier to pedal harder and faster when you know you can't slip off. Toe clips or stretchy straps provide some degree of help, but both are more dangerous and harder to use.
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Well I know I got faster when I went to white cycling shoes from my black ones. Or, was it going to black shoes from my white ones?
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#93
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Just wondering... My speed is less than 15mph on avg. and I am hopeing going from Nike training shoes to a good pair of cycling shoes would improve my effeciency by at least 1mph. I'm kinda believing the hype about carbon bikes being faster and so forth. Can't afford a new bike right now, but I could upgrade my shoes...
Don in Austin
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I guess I don't know how to take advantage of being locked in. I went to the local veloway and did alternate runs with Shimano SPD "flip" pedals and changed shoes after each 3 mile loop. My times were better with the pedals flipped to platform and my steel-toed work shoes. A riding partner had a bike stolen and I helped her put together a half-ass replacement. She has my SPD pedals and regularly asks about paying me for them or buying me another set. I told her no hurry whatsoever! Platforms suit me fine.
Don in Austin
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I am having this image of Don in Austin winning the TdF wearing steel-toed work shoes and work pants.
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Don in Austin