Flats or Clipless
05-05-23, 06:14 PM
#1
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Flats or Clipless
I just purchased my 2nd road bike Trek Domane Al 5 Disc). My 1st Trek 1.2 was stolen right out of my garage. I had just finished paying for it, too! Just a little about myself.
I am sure this question has been rehashed many times on this forum. If I am riding about 80-90% of the time in Daytona Beach, FL (not bike friendly) on roads would you use flat pedals or clipless? Just FYI, we do have the Daytona International Raceway here and people think they are driving at the track on our streets.
I am sure this question has been rehashed many times on this forum. If I am riding about 80-90% of the time in Daytona Beach, FL (not bike friendly) on roads would you use flat pedals or clipless? Just FYI, we do have the Daytona International Raceway here and people think they are driving at the track on our streets.
05-05-23, 06:55 PM
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I always use clipless for everything but use what you feel safe with. Seems like you are leaning toward flats.
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05-05-23, 07:08 PM
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And yes, you should stick with flat.
05-05-23, 07:15 PM
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I think the bias from most serious cyclists is that you are not fully integrated with the bike until/unless you are clipped in, but honestly it’s a personal decision and your choice.
I would never go back to flat pedals but it takes some time to get used to clipless.
Your choice.
ps sorry to hear about bike theft. I had my first “really good” road bike stolen in Baltimore in 1985 and I know the feeling.
I would never go back to flat pedals but it takes some time to get used to clipless.
Your choice.
ps sorry to hear about bike theft. I had my first “really good” road bike stolen in Baltimore in 1985 and I know the feeling.
05-05-23, 07:25 PM
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Yes
05-05-23, 08:18 PM
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This ^ ^ ^ ^.
05-05-23, 10:02 PM
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I just cruised through Manhattan on a single speed with platforms and didn't think anything of it, two weeks prior I did it on my single speed cyclocross bike which has clipless, only went with platforms this week because the cross was geared way too low for decent speed on pavement. Feel equally (not)safe on the streets with either and really don't see either as an advantage or disadvantage for general riding. Racing I always clip in for the slight advantage they give but otherwise find keeping track of my shoes as the biggest determiner of which I may prefer to use from day to day.
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05-05-23, 11:53 PM
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Once you get used to clipless it becomes second nature to clip out any time you need to (except when you don't), but if you're happy with how you ride on flats there's no real "need" to go clipless.
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05-06-23, 12:22 AM
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Click-in (clipless), flat pedal, toe clips & straps, PowerGrips. They all work to some degree and have their advantages & disadvantages.
Most of my bikes use "bear trap" platform pedals with PowerGrips, as I've learned that is the optimum setup for me personally for a good balance of power and flexibility. But on other bikes I have the full range of systems above. They all have their place.
Most of my bikes use "bear trap" platform pedals with PowerGrips, as I've learned that is the optimum setup for me personally for a good balance of power and flexibility. But on other bikes I have the full range of systems above. They all have their place.
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05-06-23, 04:40 AM
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Another option is “enhanced platform.” You can get a pair of mountain bike toe clips ( no straps ) and attach them to your platform pedals.
They help situate your foot on the pedal and assist if you need to pull up at times. And there is no way your foot could get caught in one.
I have cut the clips back to the first (of two) crosspieces, so the clips are shorter and unlikely to scrape on the pavement and make noise.
They help situate your foot on the pedal and assist if you need to pull up at times. And there is no way your foot could get caught in one.
I have cut the clips back to the first (of two) crosspieces, so the clips are shorter and unlikely to scrape on the pavement and make noise.
Last edited by NJgreyhead; 05-06-23 at 04:56 AM.
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05-06-23, 10:19 AM
#12
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Check out toeclips as an option. Clipless have saved my *** more than a few time from going over the bars and bunny hoping even more.
05-06-23, 12:58 PM
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The answer is both. Why settle?
I have used these on my rigid 29er for the past year and will not go back to regular SPD and I prefer them over my Ultegra SPD-SL pedals on my proper road bikes.
They have a lighter tension than other SPD so clipping out is no issue and my feet are supported better with the platform so no more hotspots.
SHIMANO PD-EH500 SPD & Flat Dual Sided Bike Pedal
I have used these on my rigid 29er for the past year and will not go back to regular SPD and I prefer them over my Ultegra SPD-SL pedals on my proper road bikes.
They have a lighter tension than other SPD so clipping out is no issue and my feet are supported better with the platform so no more hotspots.
Last edited by CAT7RDR; 05-06-23 at 01:02 PM.
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05-06-23, 06:37 PM
#14
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^ this
05-07-23, 05:06 PM
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At higher cadences you'll likely find that a clipless pedal will benefit you. Maybe that's not for you at this moment of time. As you get older and your knees start to hurt you then you might at that point desire to learn how to spin a higher cadence. That way you can maintain the speed you are use to without having to push as hard on the pedals. And you might even find you will be faster and able to climb that hill that's been wearing you out without even getting tired.
I found this out in my early 50's.
I found this out in my early 50's.
05-07-23, 05:15 PM
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Why is there an option for "Clipless" without an option for "Clips"?
I rode with toeclips for many decades. Then switched to clipless, and haven't looked back. For me, they're comfortable for riding any bike that I choose to ride.
I've settled with Shimano SPD and compatible pedals/cleats (the little steel ones). They allow me to be comfortable on or off the bike.
I rode with toeclips for many decades. Then switched to clipless, and haven't looked back. For me, they're comfortable for riding any bike that I choose to ride.
I've settled with Shimano SPD and compatible pedals/cleats (the little steel ones). They allow me to be comfortable on or off the bike.
05-11-23, 01:09 PM
#17
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I've broken my right ankle 3 times (being a **** while rock climbing) so I'm reticent to try clipless pedals and shoes. I get on pretty well with flat pedals and hiking boots though ...
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05-11-23, 01:43 PM
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Cool 
05-12-23, 10:51 AM
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If I'm riding in a sitch where I need to put a foot down every 10 minutes or less, I want a simple platform. If I'm getting good long stretches with no stops and a steady cadence, I definitely want that attachment.
05-12-23, 04:11 PM
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I use clipless (SPD) for commuting, as well as toeclips in the past. However, in my environment, I only need a couple of unclips in 10 miles or so, and at times have gone significantly longer distances.
