Toe Clips or SOMA?
Thread started by
BlAcKnYeLLoWfUji at 05.21.09 - 3:35 pm
thinking of ditching the clip-in pedals for the soma setup today...opinions?
reply
clipless pedals to straps???
after going clipless i dont think i can ever go back to cages and straps.
feels weirdzzzz
KiMS1 responding to a
comment by ruinedbyidiots
05.21.09 - 3:40 pm
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after three years of riding clipless spd's, I got tired of all the noise my cleats would make because the soles of my shoes wore out. now I use power grips
spiraldemon05.21.09 - 3:44 pm
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I get tired of changing my shoes all of the time....how do the straps feel when you're pulling up compared to spd's?
BlAcKnYeLLoWfUji05.21.09 - 3:45 pm
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i've always wanted to try those...
_iJunes responding to a
comment by spiraldemon
05.21.09 - 3:45 pm
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powergrips are for old people. no wonder spiral uses them.
spds are the best. if youre tired of switching out your bike shoes for normal shoes then just stop and go around in your bike shoes. thats what i do. or dont do that because i do it. whatever. clips and straps will ruin your shoes.
ruinedbyidiots05.21.09 - 3:47 pm
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when using cages/straps i feel like my foot is gonna slip out when i pull up.
idk, it just doesnt seem too stable.
and yeah, i have to agree that its a bitch to switch shoes all the time.
i ended up getting cleat covers to keep them protected and give me some traction when im off my bike and dont have other shoes.
not the best solution but it helps.
have you thought about getting mountain bike pedals/ shoes?
mtb shoes look normal to really cool for the most part and have actual tread on the soles so u can walk around and what not.
KiMS1 responding to a
comment by _iJunes
05.21.09 - 3:48 pm
reply
check this bitch out
http://www.koolkovers.us/koolkovers.html
KiMS105.21.09 - 3:55 pm
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i gotta second that about the cages fuckin up ur shoes... i have messed up my dress shoes for work....
pretti*ugli responding to a
comment by ruinedbyidiots
05.21.09 - 4:04 pm
reply
"mtb shoes look normal to really cool for the most part and have actual tread on the soles so u can walk around and what not."
+666!!!!!
I can walk around all day in mine. It's almost like wearing a regular shoes.
User1 responding to a
comment by KiMS1
05.21.09 - 4:10 pm
reply
oh but with the mtb shoes, i heard it could be a bit of a problem if ur riding fixed.
apparently the clips pop off easily when riding fixed compared to road shoes.
KiMS1 responding to a
comment by User1
05.21.09 - 4:13 pm
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nope, not a problem. well, not as long as you have all your stuff tightened down properly and you know what youre doing.
ruinedbyidiots responding to a
comment by KiMS1
05.21.09 - 4:26 pm
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idk how u and others ride clipless with no brakes.
KiMS105.21.09 - 4:29 pm
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I don't ride fixed. I just play a fixie rida on MR for my own amusement.
I must be doing a good job if you thought so!
User1 responding to a
comment by KiMS1
05.21.09 - 4:29 pm
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btw,
did u guys ride up to the missile silo or did u hike up???
KiMS105.21.09 - 4:30 pm
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After going under the 118, it was almost completely hiking up the rest of the way. There's a summary of the ride on the thread.
User1 responding to a
comment by KiMS1
05.21.09 - 4:34 pm
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@rbi
i have a friend that used to read this one vinyl collector's thread and she told me that u used to post up there all the time, talk massive amounts of shit, and then post pictures of urself on ur bike.
i think thats really funny.
:D
KiMS1 responding to a
comment by User1
05.21.09 - 4:36 pm
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anybody care to explain clipless....or the differences...
i know there are
A. riding nude (i.e no cages, clips, etc...just foot and pedal
B. Straps and Cages which i ride on now.
What exactly is clipless compared to the straps and cages?
pretti*ugli responding to a
comment by ruinedbyidiots
05.21.09 - 4:38 pm
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links or it never happened!!!
LOL
User1 responding to a
comment by KiMS1
05.21.09 - 4:39 pm
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if you have a freewheel there is absolutely no reason to ride with clipless pedals or toe clips. (exceptions noted)
la duderina05.21.09 - 4:40 pm
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you should gtfo to argentina.
_iJunes responding to a
comment by la duderina
05.21.09 - 4:41 pm
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Incorrect.
Hey, and what's all this about clips and straps ruining your shoes? Mine hold up just fine under daily use. Do you guys all wear the same pair of shoes every day?
PC responding to a
comment by la duderina
05.21.09 - 4:42 pm
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i was riding with converse. the pulling up part of trying to skid or stop brakeless or whatever you want to call it put lots of pressure on the toe box and the metal cage wore out that part of my shoe super quick. i have to pay more than normal prices for my shoes because i wear a not common size, and i couldnt justify buying 4 pairs of shoes a year. fuck that. ever since going clipless i havent needed to buy a pair of converse because i never wear them!
ruinedbyidiots05.21.09 - 4:45 pm
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no...but i do notice the very tip of my shoes getting scratched. Especially my "dress" shoes i ride in to work. Also a little bug in my ear(my bike breaking every other week) is telling me to spend a lil more cash on my parts. so it might be the quality?
pretti*ugli responding to a
comment by PC
05.21.09 - 4:45 pm
reply
Incorrect.
PC responding to a
comment by la duderina
05.21.09 - 4:46 pm
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Clipless is another dumb roadie term for spd pedals and the like, where your foot is clipped to the pedal by the sole of your shoe, hence the need for special shoes.
They already had toe clips, so when spd's came out, your foot could be hooked to the pedal without the clips, thus "clipless" when in fact, it is more of a clip than toe clips.
roadies
la duderina responding to a
comment by pretti*ugli
05.21.09 - 4:48 pm
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Also a little bug in my ear(my bike breaking every other week) is telling me to spend a lil more cash on my parts. so it might be the quality?
I'm sure your parts are fine. Maybe dress shoes + clips and straps are just a bad combination. In which case I'll partially concede that point.
I wouldn't know...the only time I've ever biked someplace where I had to wear dress shoes, I just rode to a public restroom about a quarter mile from the spot, changed clothes, and rode the rest of the way all slow like an old lady.
PC responding to a
comment by pretti*ugli
05.21.09 - 4:49 pm
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more important than quality, is care.
_iJunes responding to a
comment by pretti*ugli
05.21.09 - 4:49 pm
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Correct.
PC responding to a
comment by _iJunes
05.21.09 - 4:52 pm
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i care for foxy brown...but i REALLY think the parts that keep me moving(wheels...chain) etc..i need to spend a lil more cash on. trust me a little bit compared to what i spend now will not be alot.
pretti*ugli responding to a
comment by _iJunes
05.21.09 - 4:54 pm
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PowerGrips are nerdy but they work really well. I have them on my grocery getter.I love how you can tighten them in pinch by just angling your foot.
I like Time ATAC clipless for long rides because I don't wanna mess up my regular shoes. Also, the stiff sole does give you better power transfer.
la duderina: Some people like no retention but I like being strapped in somehow, it just feels more secure to me and I can spin better. To each their own.
cabhauler05.21.09 - 4:55 pm
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with bikes, you ALWAYS get what you pay for.
la duderina responding to a
comment by pretti*ugli
05.21.09 - 4:56 pm
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I always found those terms full of FAIL.
Like, if I'm rocking BMX platform pedals, aren't those _clipless_ too?!
cabhauler responding to a
comment by la duderina
05.21.09 - 4:57 pm
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experience is the best teacher...
thanks for clarifying... no wonder cats sound like tap dancers walking through liquor stores!
pretti*ugli responding to a
comment by la duderina
05.21.09 - 4:58 pm
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well of course it helps and makes it easier and helps you go faster.
But as far as being necessary? They are absolutely not.
You're honestly better off riding without them. Then when you feel like you need them (example: I use clips on wolfpack & at the track, although I may stop soon) throw them on and you can really haul ass.
It is my experienced opinion that riding with your feet strapped to the pedals allows you to forget too much about what your feet are doing, which gives you less control over what your bicycle is doing.
la duderina responding to a
comment by cabhauler
05.21.09 - 5:01 pm
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You said that there is "absolutely no reason" to use pedal retention with a freewheel. This is incorrect. I win.
PC: 1
LD: 0
PC responding to a
comment by la duderina
05.21.09 - 5:05 pm
reply
i have never had the clipless joints...but the straps feel fine, also leather feels much better than the nylon straps... just make sure u wear narrow shoes. Air force ones or anything wide(most b-ball and skating shoes) might be a little hard to put back in the cage after pulling out.
no jokes about pulling out please
pretti*ugli responding to a
comment by BlAcKnYeLLoWfUji
05.21.09 - 5:07 pm
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bmx racers use spd pedals.
i remember when these kicks were released. they were brown, not black.
ruinedbyidiots responding to a
comment by cabhauler
05.21.09 - 5:10 pm
reply
power grips are almost as good as spd's when pulling up on them. of course for maximum efficiency, use clipless. but most of the time, I'm glad I changed over to power grips. especially when I'm off the bike.
spiraldemon responding to a
comment by BlAcKnYeLLoWfUji
05.21.09 - 5:11 pm
reply
read more carefully, PC.
I said
exceptions noted
these were the exceptions to which I referred, obviously.
I win.
PC:0
LD:1
la duderina responding to a
comment by PC
05.21.09 - 5:14 pm
reply
I hear yah. I don't think it's necessary at all unless you're riding fixed, it's just something I prefer.
If you read the Rivendell/BOB email lists or their newsletters riding without retention is practically a religion. There's lots of good arguments for it, for sure.
Whatever floats your boat, I say.
cabhauler responding to a
comment by la duderina
05.21.09 - 5:15 pm
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You didn't name them, nor did you incorporate them by reference. And you call yourself a law student. I win.
PC: 2
LD: 0
PC responding to a
comment by la duderina
05.21.09 - 5:16 pm
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powergrips are bad for brakeless fixed. those straps will tear in a heartbeat. but jeff has two brakes and cant mash so those things are a-ok for him.
ruinedbyidiots05.21.09 - 5:17 pm
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that's because anyone who knows anything about bikes would know the exceptions I was talking about.
PC, you ride a fixed gear on the street. Therefore, your opinion holds no weight in matters concerning bicycles. Take that shit to the velodrome. hipster.
la duderina responding to a
comment by PC
05.21.09 - 5:23 pm
reply
if you are just simply riding to and fro, not training for anything, or not participating in a strenuous ride, even those reasons become utterly pointless for riding clipped in.
la duderina responding to a
comment by PC
05.21.09 - 5:26 pm
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you say tomato i say tomatoe.
coldcut05.21.09 - 5:27 pm
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I ride a fixed gear on the street, yet you are the one backpedaling. I have caught you in an inconsistency on an online forum, which means that I am better than you. Please have the graciousness to admit this.
PC responding to a
comment by la duderina
05.21.09 - 5:27 pm
reply
It is my experienced opinion that riding with your feet strapped to the pedals allows you to forget too much about what your feet are doing, which gives you less control over what your bicycle is doing.
it's reversed for me.
coldcut responding to a
comment by la duderina
05.21.09 - 5:28 pm
reply
can you point out the exactly what was inconsistent?
I said there is absolutely no reason to ride clipped in with a freewheel, with exceptions.
cabhauler pointed out the exceptions. I agreed with his exceptions.
and if you are only riding to and fro, even cabhauler's reasons are moot, because really there is no point in being able to spin better on the way to the grocery store.
Therefore, there is absolutely no reason to ride clipped in with a freewheel, with exceptions.
I'm failing to see the inconsistency here.
la duderina responding to a
comment by PC
05.21.09 - 5:30 pm
reply
you cant just say "with exceptions" and then not list what some of these exceptions are.
ruinedbyidiots responding to a
comment by la duderina
05.21.09 - 5:32 pm
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Not really talking to anyone in specific. Just itching for a chance to use that de-motivational poster. Carry on.
TheDude05.21.09 - 5:33 pm
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i've been riding with my feet strapped to my pedals long enough to have forgotten when i got them...
am i still on my bike?
coldcut responding to a
comment by la duderina
05.21.09 - 5:36 pm
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I guarantee you that if you took your straps off and went out and rode your bike you'd pay a lot more attention to what your feet are doing.
la duderina responding to a
comment by coldcut
05.21.09 - 5:38 pm
reply
ride fixed so the drivetrain does all the thinking for you.
ruinedbyidiots responding to a
comment by la duderina
05.21.09 - 5:40 pm
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I prefer to be challenged when I ride. ;)
la duderina responding to a
comment by ruinedbyidiots
05.21.09 - 5:43 pm
reply
i don't like to waste my energy.
coldcut responding to a
comment by la duderina
05.21.09 - 5:46 pm
reply
I have some soma clips. I've busted 2 of them. They only come in pairs so when the 2nd one broke, I had a backup ready to go.
I started using them when i had a free-wheel with platforms. the difference is amazing. I started out with some plastic toeclips, then finally got the somas, which were noticeably better than the plastic. I'd never go back.
Cages still have a fair amount of play. I rarely ever cinch down the straps, cause it would just be a pain when i have to come to a light or dismount or whatever, so i ride them a little loose. all the easier to slip in and out.
I suppose if i had a bike strictly for long rides/ and or wolfpack. I'd probably go clip-less. I imagine its safer for (easier to disengage in a pinch) and more efficient.
But for me. riding to the store, work, party, etc etc etc i really like just bing able to have somewhat normal shoes for my day to day.
trickmilla05.21.09 - 7:09 pm
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MKS GR-9 platform pedals
Large Plastic Double Strap Clips - F'ing Amazing
Double Straps
4 Life, waay too used to this setup. I recommend it
HANDBONE05.21.09 - 7:50 pm
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powergrips are cool too, not for lance armstrong though
HANDBONE05.21.09 - 7:56 pm
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any of you guys use straps and clips on your single speed/geared bikes ? i'm putting a single speed together and wanted to put clips on.
HANDBONE05.21.09 - 7:57 pm
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i use these adidas minretts and i can't feel the cleats when i walk around. most people can't tell they're shoes with cleats. i use eggbeater c on fixed and they work fine, but i know other people swear by spds. regardless, using clipless feels like a much smoover than clips.
sciencefriction05.21.09 - 10:02 pm
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you guys are all awesome...I've got more information than I know what to do with now...lmao....go MR
BlAcKnYeLLoWfUji05.21.09 - 11:11 pm
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la dudarina,
WTF GTFO ALREADY
some people always think about what their feet are doing and some people want to get places quickly. unless im on a freak bike i'm clipless. i have thoroughly enjoyed and felt the advantage of riding clipless while riding brakeless, pulling a music trailer, commuting with gears and panniers, and while being a roadie. no point my ass, its like saying there is no point in choosing a real motorcycle over a moped. what if i want to go long distances or freeway speeds? WHY LIMIT YOURSELF?
larsenf05.22.09 - 1:24 am
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it's okay dude. i'll let you ride clipless. ( :
and i'd love to have a moped, a scooter and a motorcycle.
but if i had a roadie, clipless for sure. unless it was singlespeed or someshit.
HANDBONE responding to a
comment by larsenf
05.22.09 - 2:20 am
reply
It's even wackier when I see dudes riding their SWB/USS, 26"/20" recumbents with LOOK pedals.
You're already pushing against the damned pedals like they're a wall, so I don't really see the use for them in that circumstance.
bentstrider05.22.09 - 2:48 am
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I'm failing to see the inconsistency here.
And that is why I weep for you, Lindsay. That is why I weep.
PC responding to a
comment by la duderina
05.22.09 - 3:05 am
reply
Russell cries?
Did not know that, I learn something new everyday.
bentstrider05.22.09 - 3:15 am
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they don't want their feet to slip just as any other cyclist doesn't their feet to slip
Gav responding to a
comment by bentstrider
05.22.09 - 8:00 am
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that ended like a week ago dude...
I can get places quickly without being clipped in. Sometimes I think I'm faster on my hybrid than my road bike and I have never rode clipped in on my hybrid.
Let me put it this way. I ride clipped in on wolfpack and at the track. Unless I'm taking my road bike somewhere and don't feel like dealing with spd pedals and flat shoes and that happened like once..
EXCEPTIONS ^^^ the rest of the time, I feel absolutely no reason to use clips. Riding to school? no reason to clip in. Going to the grocery store? No reason to clip in. MR ride? 1,000 reasons NOT to clip in.
If you are going out to do some serious cycling ok then throw those clips on (<
I personally like the challenge of riding without a crutch. It requires you to put more effort into gluing your feet to your pedals without the use of technology.
Rich Bartlett and I were just talking about this at the track. He was running flats, I was clipped in. Of course he is faster riding with clips and he does run clips in actual races, but the rest of the time he runs platforms. I cannot go around the track without clips anymore...they became a total crutch. Rich Bartlett is a better bike rider than me. By far.
I see A LOT of pros doing this, running flats at practice and only clipping in for a race...they've all told me it makes them get more in tune with their bike and said it has improves their skills. (I didn't ask Rich why he likes it better...although now I wish I would have..)
la duderina responding to a
comment by larsenf
05.22.09 - 8:47 am
reply
I'm pretty sure PC is going senile in his old age.
la duderina responding to a
comment by PC
05.22.09 - 8:48 am
reply
must be something in the polluted water of Long Beach
spiraldemon responding to a
comment by la duderina
05.22.09 - 9:21 am
reply
Feet slip sounds like a weak reason to need a sophisticated piece of equipment to ride on.
bentstrider responding to a
comment by Gav
05.22.09 - 9:44 am
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clipless pedals = pedaling efficiency.
if you cant understand this then i feel bad for you son.
ruinedbyidiots05.22.09 - 9:49 am
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STOP MAKING PC WEEP!!
I MEAN IT!!!
YOU STOP IT NOW!!!!
I'M SERIOUS!!!
User105.22.09 - 10:29 am
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clipless pedals = for the weak
la duderina
05.22.09 - 12:53 pm
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wOOP thERe it IS !
WOOP ! tHere it iS !
HANDBONE05.22.09 - 10:37 am
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Dingo made a pair himself, with a regular pair of vans, a steel plate and the cleats (or whatever you snobby fucks call them.)
Am I a third class citizen because I like to wear regular slip-on vans and generic toe-clips? You guys make me feel that way. Most of my bikes are still plain old platform pedals, does that make me even less?
You guys argue about the weirdest things.
You may now continue...
the reverend dak responding to a
comment by ruinedbyidiots
05.22.09 - 10:46 am
reply
I'm kinda pissed about this comment.
HANDBONE responding to a
comment by the reverend dak
05.22.09 - 10:48 am
reply
One of my supervisors at work is an old road racer.
I sent him a link to this thread
His response:
“are kids srsly this retarded nowadays? Are these the kids I see with track bikes on the streets? Fucking typical…”
KiMS105.22.09 - 10:53 am
reply
I'm sorry syoma, but why?
I like my regular old pedals, but some of the talk on here makes me feel stupid for liking them.
the reverend dak responding to a
comment by HANDBONE
05.22.09 - 10:58 am
reply
silly old man ! we're the kids you don't see on the streets !
HANDBONE05.22.09 - 10:58 am
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I really feel like everyone really feels like we feel like we need to be performing 101% at all times and are racing time-trial.
i'm not mad at you dak
HANDBONE05.22.09 - 11:00 am
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i just looked at my skateboard and got really pissed at the SyOMA setup
HANDBONE responding to a
comment by the reverend dak
05.22.09 - 11:06 am
reply
i think there's a huge difference between giving a 110% and being reasonably logical.
KiMS105.22.09 - 11:21 am
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I have an unused set of power grips
Holler at me with an offer if you are interested
anderson.1082@osu.edu
jonnyboy05.22.09 - 11:25 am
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There is absolutely no reason to breathe in oxygen and exhale carbon dioxide. With exceptions.
PC05.22.09 - 12:25 pm
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im not going to lie that post kinda make me want platforms. plus ive been reading about how even with float the way your clipped in is still bad for your knees. so i get the whole platform argument BUT wouldnt you be at a disadvantage when you do race and you do clip in since you havent been working your muscles on the back to up section of your stroke?
larsenf responding to a
comment by la duderina
05.22.09 - 1:45 pm
reply
there's not a single Muff in that video...
where are the real Muffs?
adrian responding to a
comment by the reverend dak
05.22.09 - 2:23 pm
reply
I haven't read the post--past several at the top.
But, on the subject, I think clip-less pedals are really nice. As some of you know, I am in road shoes more than I am in spd or cages.
Here's the benefit: up to, and always right around, thirty percent gain in efficiency from clipless pedals when compared to cages, clips, whatever you want to call them.
I have felt this benefit for a long time...and over long distances. They have helped me in fast rides, centuries and endurance rides. I know this, because I was rocking cages during my first attempts at fast, weekly rides, centuries...and the like.
Sometimes I ride MR rides in regular kicks, with pedals that are designed for road shoes. I have done this so much, because most MR rides require minimum effort...and I don't feel any worse for it.
Sometimes I will walk around in mountain shoes with soles...this is an 'in between,' because spd shoes are (at least they should be) rigid at the soles. This gives you a huge advantage, although not as much as a nice fitting road shoe.
Here's my statement: If you can afford to change cleats every couple months (20-40 dollars), then ride road shoes. If you don't like to look funny, or If you can't get used to walking in them, then use some good mountain spd's with good rubber soles.
If you must use cages, for whatever reason, then--by all means- do what you like.
tren responding to a
comment by adrian
05.22.09 - 3:37 pm
reply
I didn't bother reading your post after you stated you didn't read the thread.
Sorry, that's my policy.
User1 responding to a
comment by tren
05.22.09 - 4:23 pm
reply
PLATFORMS FTW
@PC you can stop now. you're embarrassing yourself.
la duderina05.22.09 - 5:19 pm
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platforms + toe clips & straps ftw.
coldcut05.22.09 - 5:25 pm
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I have some power grips on my fixed gear, they feel super comfy when i wear vans or converse. If im skip stopping or smashing real hard they tend to slip off from where you have the bolt that tightens them. There cool if your not a seriously smashing. I also have some soma double straps, there strong and will not slip off when your doing your thang. the metal cages are a little to abrasive on me feet on long rides though. Ive never tried spds but there actually on my upgrade to do list and from readin this thread i might do it sooner than later so i can get more efficient on my pedal strokes.
Debut21305.22.09 - 5:49 pm
reply
hahaha. i love you, man.
coldcut responding to a
comment by la duderina
05.22.09 - 5:49 pm
reply
the soma double straps are notorious for breaking as well. they apparently changed them to alleviate this problem, but i still wouldnt trust them for riding brakeless.
think of toe retention as seatbelts for your feet. you get what you pay for.
ruinedbyidiots05.22.09 - 6:07 pm
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Oxygen is a crutch.
JB05.22.09 - 6:18 pm
reply
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