John E

Great minds think alike! Toeclips and straps on every bike I own, and Giro Rumbles are my current favorite shoes, since I can no longer get Avocet Touring I or II, which were the absolute best of all time. I tighten the straps as far as I can and still jerk a foot out as/when needed.

Charles Wahl

In my opinion, cleats are both the most "dangerous" part of this proposition for the learner, and also the most overrated in terms of the additional advantage. Using straps helps keep your foot positioned where it should be on the pedal (provided they're the right size) so that the ball of the foot is over the spindle, and foot is centered over the pedal; and that's the most important thing. Next is that you can pull up as well as push down, which helps when accelerating or climbing. Riding this way, you can loosen or tighten the strap as you learn, and are comfortable with, and it's not really difficult to get out of when you need to, provided that you're mindful of the need to pull feet off pedals toward the rear -- that just becomes instinct after a bit of practice.

A combination that works for me well is MKS GR-9 pedals (somewhat narrower and lighter than the GR-10s shown in DiabloScott's post above - nothing wrong with those, though) with normal clips and straps, and Onitsuka Tiger track-type shoes. I prefer the traditional Mexico 66, but the Serrano is OK too. I have quite wide feet, but these fit really well, and like "true" cycling shoes, keep the width of one's foot to a minimum, which is a help when riding with clips and straps.

rccardr 

He snapped out and walked around with the cages strapped to his shoes.

i believe that was also the year that he and his group got into some trouble descending Santa Rita at a more furious rate than permitted by trail conditions...

madpogue 

I was wondering more about brief stops not getting off the bike.

No surprise. I've never met the man, only seen him in videos, past and present. One thing in common is that "I've never grown up" look in his eyes.

bikingshearer 

Clips, straps and cleats aren't a PITA. But if you do something wrong and can't get your foot out, they can be a PIT leg, hip, arm, hand, wrist, shoulder and/or collar bone. Oh, and head, too (but you'll have your leather hairnet on so you'll be okay there. )

Manny66 

Straps are not that hard to get used to. After a few rides you wont even notice yourself getting in and out of them.

Get some good cycling shoes (good luck) and some cleats to go with the pedals. Make sure your cleats are aligned with your shoes so you dont have any knee issues and get out and ride.

I used straps for 17 years until 1990 when I finally broke down and bought LOOK pedals... My Avatar has me in toe clips.

ericzamora

I too rode and raced in toe clips, early 80s through mid 90s. It's a scary thought when you first begin using them, but after awhile, no big issue. I never cinched down so much i killed the circulation in my feet, but racing criteriums, they were pretty snug. The adrenaline that flows if you forget and are about to fall at a stop light helps you yank your foot out so quickly, there's no need to loosen the straps. And in the 2-3 crashes i've been in, i was on the ground on my back separated from the bike (and pedals) so quickly, i never had time to think about the clips lol

eric/fresno, ca.

64Pete

I don't own any clipless pedals. None, nada.
The road bikes all get old style pedals and straps. Any other bikes I ride are flat pedals of some kind.
I was once described as being as graceful as a one legged Ostrich- but I manage to get feet in and out ok.
I have seen as many or more clipless riders fall over at stop signs as I have fallen myself.
Just be sure to practice before you get to your ride!

The pedals and super lightweight bikes are not my problems, time on the bike, losing a bit more weight, and getting up them hills is where it's at for me.

Pete

Markeologist

I saw Ritchey’s clips attached to shoes rather than pedals trick at Eroica as well...very clever and I still tell folks who are intimidated to ride Eroica because of the toe clip requirement about his trick.

As far as the question goes, just practice with loose straps and no cleats, its not all that difficult. For Eroica Ive used an off-road cycling shoe w/o the cleat attached and the straps only snuggly cinched as I’m on a tandem. The tread on sole of off-road shoe gives my foot enough bite to the pedal while still allowing me to easily pull my foot out.

davester

As many have stated, don't use cleats. There's no reason for them if you're not racing and they are the primary factor in falling when coming to a stop. I'm actually quicker getting into my clips/straps than my buddies are getting into their clipless pedals when starting off.

Something nobody has mentioned is that you should be sure to get pedals that are designed for clips and straps. That means that they should have a strap guide on the inside edge that stops the strap from interfering with the crankarm, and a flip tab on the back of the pedal that you use to flip the pedal over when starting out. There are a number of pedals that don't have these features and they make getting into the clips/straps vastly easier than without. Here is a photo showing these two features Most prominent is the flip tab...the inside strap guide is that bent piece of the cage near the screw threads on the pedal on the right):


Campagnolo record pedals with straps

Steel Charlie

I must say that I find this thread most depressing and distressing. I never imagined that I would read such a thing. And on the C&V forum?

My God !

Salamandrine 

Are you referring to the fear of toe clips and straps? A little odd, yes, but if you didn't grow up riding them, I can see how it might be a little intimidating.

BITD it was like a merit badge. Everyone knew good bikes always have clips and straps. You got them sometime after learning to ride no hands, but before getting cycling clothes. They really are not difficult.

Slotted cleats are really no big deal either. I've probably ridden them most of my lifetime miles. I only fell over once. It was at the very first stop sign, on my very first ride with cycling shoes. I had totally forgot they were there, and did not loosen my strap. Sure it was embarrassing, but I never did it again, ever, in like 63 gazillion stops. If you forget to turn your foot with a clipless pedal, you'll fall over too.

Erzulis Boat 

I have done The California Eroica twice, and used toe clips/straps/cleats with Vittoria 1976 shoes.

Tough call if I will run them again.

ETA- As posted above, if you didn't cut your teeth riding this system, it's not really worth it to learn it now. I have had years of riding this setup under my belt, and feel very comfortable. Learning something in your youth imparts a level of confidence (perhaps misplaced) and nostalgia that is quite satisfying.

steve sumner

just 2 quick thoughts: those that complain of toes going to sleep are using toe clips that are too long
they do come in sizes! also if you're only going to use clips for this one ride why not go for half-clips
with out straps. positions the foot properly with no possibility of getting stuck. still in production from MKS

non-fixie 

I believe you're being a bit too pessimistic. As long as you're moving being strapped or clipped in is never a problem. It's when you stop, and have forgotten which system you're using, that you'll fall over. Done that when getting acquainted with clips, and a few years later when trying clipless for the first time. Unless you're very unlucky the only thing that will be damaged is your ego.

ofgow

Pars said: “If you can't get used to toe clips/straps, just use flat pedals. No one will care.”

Oldairhead said: “I saw Tom Ritchey at Eroica California a few years ago at the top of Cypress Mountain. He was off the bike but there were clips and straps on his shoes as he was walking around. Apparently he just rode in his normal clip-less pedals and attached the clips and straps to the shoe! Brilliantly original thinking.”

The Golden Boy said: “I have my straps on, but not tightened. I could just use the clips- the straps are just there for appearance.”

Erzulis Boat said: “if you didn't cut your teeth riding this system, it's not really worth it to learn it now. I have had years of riding this setup under my belt, and feel very comfortable. Learning something in your youth imparts a level of confidence (perhaps misplaced) and nostalgia that is quite satisfying.”

I did Eroica Gaiole last year and observed numerous participants using platform pedals several others using “half clips” (no straps). As near as I could determine, Eroica’s vaunted tech inspection consisted of nothing more than a guy standing near the table where they funnel everyone through at the start. He looked at all the bikes, but never challenged anyone as far as I could see. If you had down tube shifters and non-aero brake levers you were good to go. Eroica California might be a different kettle of fish.

madpogue 

Does Eroica require clips and straps? Or do they prohibit clipless? Two COMPLETELY different things.

randyjawa 

There is no trick, as nearly as I can see. In an emergency, their is no way that I could disengage from the pedals. Wearing/using SPD, I can be out of the pedals without thought and in less than a blink of an eye.

Nothing on Earth will ever get me to use Rat Traps and straps again! I cannot even find rat that will use them Being forced to wear a helmet and prevented from wearing SPD shoes strikes me as inconsistent.. Anyway, not being allowed to wear SPDs would be one and the main one reason why I would not participate in an Erocia event. Being told to wear a helmet would clinch the deal.. Though I would really like to participate in an Erocia event, I am all but positive that I will never do so.

I am a SPD guy all the way.

joesch

Agree since this is what you are using and probably would not benefit from the straps anyway, ie develop and use the pull up stroke.
Straps take practice and best to start loose until you have confidence removing your feet(s)

fishboat

I rode toe clips and leather straps from about 1980 to about 5 years ago. I never really thought about them being a challenge to use..just use them correctly and there's no issue.

Most folks have a preferred foot to take out at a stop..mine is the right. I always wore Sidi leather soled shoes with the nylon-slotted cleat that fit over the edge of Campy pedals. In my case I'd tighten my left foot down and leave the right foot just loose enough to get a foot out..or more likely I'd tighten my right foot down and loosen the strap with my thumb if I came to a stop. Loosening the strap is an easy habit if you have your straps set up correctly. Below is setup almost right:



To loosen the strap just press briefly on the pointed release with your thumb..an easy and quick maneuver...and pop your foot out. The part that isn't correct in this pic is the threading of the strap through the pedal. The strap should have a full twist in it after it goes through the outside of the pedal and before it goes through the inside of the pedal. The twist keeps the strap in place so it doesn't move when you loosen the strap buckle with your thumb during a ride.

All this is an unconscious habit when you ride...much like snapping your foot loose with an SPD setup. I used them for 35 years and never went down because of them. Pretty straight-forward.

repechage

I attached toe clips and straps to my son’s bike after he slid his foot off twice in one ride.
he complained. Then understood, the feet stayed in place. He could climb faster, much to my chagrin.
when I commute I just use “tennis” shoes.
any serious ride, cleats. So much more efficient.
granted I have 48 years doing this- it is second nature to cinch then release one foot upon starting and stopping.
it is so much muscle memory now I still reach down when I am using clipless pedals.
the advantages so outweigh the extra effort.

i did get my son to try cleats, he appreciated the add d power with little cost but still prefers shoes without cleats.

he uses Campagnolo form factor pedals with the backside tooth to help engagement.

rccardr 

Actually, Eroica is the only time I use platforms. The rest of the time I use MTB SPD’s.
I’m so used to ‘the pull up stroke’ that when I first put on the platforms for Eroica I keep yanking my feet off the pedals!

joesch

I know you are a veteran of classic's.

My comment was targetted at the thread creator and this was not clear since I responded to your post.

non-fixie 

Eroica pays homage to the period when the likes of Ottavio Bottechia, Gino Bartali and Felice Gimondi ruled the Giro d'Italia and the Tour de France. And your bike should reflect that, by either being period-correct or a modern tribute.

Either way, clipless pedals don't fit the picture.

Having said that, if you show with your orange Stella, all dressed up like Louison Bobet, everyone will understand that your size 14 feet will not fit toe clips and you're using platforms.

madpogue 

^^^^^ The "spirit" of Eroica is well-documented and has been discussed at length. So the OP is not requied to use clips and straps; that would have been a more useful answer.