CraigB

I'm perfectly willing to believe this. But I also believe that trying to pedal in circles is beneficial for my efficiency, and being attached to my pedals aids me in that effort.

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.

MinnMan

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.

Wogster

Think of the physics and the biology, any conversion from reciprocating to circular motion, goes through 4 stages, TDC or top dead centre, there is no power applied, then the power stroke, then you reach BDC or bottom dead centre, then comes the up stroke, yes with a pedal system you gain the ability to pull up, where as otherwise your using momentum to carry the leg back to the normal position. The question is, does that ability automatically make you faster, without putting in additional effort, no, you need to now lift the leg on the upstroke which uses different muscles, but still uses muscles. The real question, if you don't race, does it really matter?

az_cyclist

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.

Mithrandir

I would say it's 100% equipment. Went back to the MTB a few weeks after having the new bike, for one ride, and sure enough my RPM dropped again.

trustnoone

Most enthusiast level bikes and better don't come with pedals anyway, so I say pedals and shoes first. Then once the bike is complete, wheels

trustnoone

Get them. You're money won't be wasted. Entry level Looks or Speedplays and whatever you are comfortable paying for shoes. You're money won't be wasted.

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.

trustnoone

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.

trustnoone

So shoes and training would be better than either by themselves?

DnvrFox

So, if shoes give you 1 mph faster, does that mean that if you are just sitting on the bike with your feet on the pedals you will go 1 mph?

teachme

10 Wheels

I got some walking shoes for Christmas..Will I be able to walk faster?

JanMM

At least 1mph faster.

marmot

"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.

Phil85207

Very well said. You could have said his a long time ago and ended thread.

NOS88

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?

mprelaw

PF Flyers, or Red Ball Jets? The Kid in the Red Ball Jets was the theme of their TV/radio ads.

Don in Austin

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

DnvrFox

I am having this image of Don in Austin winning the TdF wearing steel-toed work shoes and work pants.

Don in Austin

In my dreams! But I did ride a century + 12 miles with the steel-toed shoes and levi shorts, the first half on a MTB. That was over Christmas vacation a year ago. I think I would rather not tell you how long it took, but let's just say I did it all within the same day. I plan to do it again Thursday. This will be another urban "century to nowhere" where I just ride around Austin aimlessly until I have 100 miles accrued. I will hang out for a while and then my riding buddies and I will go on the Thursday night 15 miles "supper ride" from my shop to the house. I will post when this has been accomplished.

Don in Austin