Usefullness of Campagnolo toe clip guides
10-18-13, 05:50 PM
#26
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I think it's sort of a muscle memory thing. I'm sure you will get better with more practice. I haven't used clips regularly since I switched to clipless in the mid-80s, so I'd probably fumble with my feet for a while, too.
My only advice: Practice track stands so you don't have to worry about fussing with the clips & straps at each traffic light.
My only advice: Practice track stands so you don't have to worry about fussing with the clips & straps at each traffic light.
04-20-17, 04:09 PM
#27
Old guy on a Bike
That's a great tip. Going to have to look for some of that stuff. Plus, those plastic soled Dettos I have can be slippery as heck.
My toes just touch my toe clips too. I suppose that if I wanted to adjust a bit I could easily make a simple aluminum spacer to go between the pedal cage and toe clip.
My toes just touch my toe clips too. I suppose that if I wanted to adjust a bit I could easily make a simple aluminum spacer to go between the pedal cage and toe clip.
04-20-17, 04:19 PM
#28
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What kind of straps are you using. I find nylon or really thin leather straps to be a PITA because they're not stiff enough to hold their position so they twist and the buckle gets dragged in with your shoe whenever getting into them. You need quality heavy duty leather straps. Other than that, it's just a matter of practice. I've been doing it so long that I can get into my clips/straps without looking faster than my buddies can clip into their clipless pedals. It helps to point your toe somewhat downwards so that you don't have to flip the pedal up so far.
Edit: Oh, and I got rid of my cleats long ago. I don't race and they provide almost no advantage in casual riding. I also don't tighten down the straps any more...mildly snug is the setting.
Edit: Oh, and I got rid of my cleats long ago. I don't race and they provide almost no advantage in casual riding. I also don't tighten down the straps any more...mildly snug is the setting.
Last edited by davester; 04-20-17 at 05:13 PM.
04-21-17, 04:42 AM
#30
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I tried cleats briefly many years ago (Nashbar $10 deal on Detto shoes!) but never warmed up to them.
04-21-17, 06:35 AM
#31
Senior Member
Cleats were never for secure pedaling, they were to allow power to be applied throughout the stroke, same as clipless today. Mostly helpful in climbing and sprinting. If you didn't have them, you would have been dropped on the first hill of a club training ride or a race. If you aren't a racer, it doesn't matter.
The tabs make it easier for sure, but it's also possible to get used to flipping in without them. As was pointed out, the campy ones are for the inside of the cage - different purpose. Campy pedals already have flip tabs.
FWIW, one can make a very effective DIY flip tab with a small nut and bolt, a couple washers, and a spare presta valve cover.
I always used the full twist method of keeping the strap in place. Might take a bit of tweaking every few thousand miles, but it more or less works. Binda regular (not extra) were always the best straps IMO. They were plain thick leather. The nylon insert of the 'Extra' was counterproductive.
The tabs make it easier for sure, but it's also possible to get used to flipping in without them. As was pointed out, the campy ones are for the inside of the cage - different purpose. Campy pedals already have flip tabs.
FWIW, one can make a very effective DIY flip tab with a small nut and bolt, a couple washers, and a spare presta valve cover.
I always used the full twist method of keeping the strap in place. Might take a bit of tweaking every few thousand miles, but it more or less works. Binda regular (not extra) were always the best straps IMO. They were plain thick leather. The nylon insert of the 'Extra' was counterproductive.
