Originally Posted by
Ed Wiser
Clip petals help with putting power into the petals. GCN+ just released a video on clip petals. Where they measured how much clip petals help with your petal stroke.
I saw one that GCN did on that topic showing some difference especially out of the saddle sprints. Probably something there, but bear in mind those guys don’t ride that way much. If you ride thousands of miles, all year long, year after year without clips, you don’t ever give it a thought.
That said, foot retention is not generally needed to be a vigorous and safe rider (with the except of track riding and probably fixed gear in general.)
OTOH, it’s pretty much essential for racing in just about any form or circumstance (except maybe BMX?). YMMV.
Otto