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When would I be ready for clipless pedals?

> Hey Robert,

>
> What are your thought of clipless pedals and recumbents?
>
> Since the  [Shimano M324 dual-sided] like to flip to the clip side,
> I was entertaining the idea of getting clipless shoes just so I don’t
> have to keep flipping them to the cage side when riding.
>
> K
Hi K,
Nice to hear from you.
About half the time, I use clipless pedals (a.k.a., cleats) and half the time I use platform pedals.  Usually, for long and hilly rides, and summer training sessions, I’ll use cleats because they allow me to apply more power to the pedals.  For city riding I prefer platforms because it’s easier for me to get my feet on and off the pedals and on and off the ground.  I sometimes use “Power Grips” which provide a combination between platform pedals and clips.
The primary notes about clipless pedal systems, in order to lessen the chance of accidents caused by being trapped in the cleats, is that the rider should be a) VERY comfortable with the bike, b) VERY comfortable with the clipless system, and c) ready and willing to maintain their clipless pedals and cleats.
With cleats, simply, it’s harder to get one’s feet into and out of the cleats, so one needs to be very comfortable with balancing and steering the bike at all speeds, including at slower than walking speed, (to lessen the chance that an unexpected maneuver will be required).
Secondly, once one decides to make the move to cleats, I strongly recommend that one practices — a hallway is a great place, putting both hands on the opposing walls — clicking in and out of the cleats, with both feet, numerous times — a hundred times isn’t too many — before hitting the streets.  I also strongly recommend practicing again on the street — a hundred times for each foot isn’t too many.  This is what I myself have done, and I still do a shorter version of this each time I use a new clipless system.
Lastly, be sure to read the instructions about how to care for the locking system as well as the cleats in the shoes.  If no instructions came with the pedals, they’re also available on line.  At minimum, one needs to keep the locking system (on the pedals) well lubricated and smoothly functioning.  And the cleats in the shoes need to be in good condition and not worn down.
The primary reason I’m conservative about my recommendations here, and suggest a great deal of practice, is that if one’s feet are stuck in the pedals when one loses one’s balance, there is no way to prevent falling over — and that’s going to hurt.  If it’s a bad fall, bones and bikes can break.  With bike riding, I always recommend caution, care and safety above all else, especially before speed.
The only time I’ve ever fallen on a bent was while I was wearing cleats and had to suddenly stop.  In my case, I got my foot unclipped just fine, but when I hurridly put my foot down onto the smooth concrete, the cleat slipped.  It wasn’t much of a fall.  I wasn’t hurt and nothing got scratched, but it was enough to teach me a lesson about being extra careful when I stop.
In summary, I use them, but I put in the time for practice and maintenance.
I hope this is helpful, K.
It sounds like you’re enjoying the bike, K.  Keep it up!
All best,
Robert
————
Robert Matson
copyright 2010 Robert Matson
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The Volae Tour makes molehills out of mountains, using just platform pedals, PowerGrips and sneakers.

Volae ‘bents are said to be great climbers.  And I finally got the chance to put a Volae Tour to the test to see if it’s true.

It is.  In short, the climbing ability is no exaggeration.  If anything, it’s an understatement.  Those stiff frames and comfy, aero, rigid seats are fantastic.

Last Sat., on a beautiful but cold New York Jan. day, a Volae Century-riding friend of mine and I did the following route from the archives of the NY Cycle Club.  If you know the route, then you know it was written by a hill climbing diamond frame maniac (in the best sense).  And you know the hills.

http://nycc.org/rl_db/ride.aspx?id=118
58 miles and 3,200 vertical feet.  (We climbed two of the steepest hills twice, making it 62 mi. and about 3,600 vertical feet.)

If you don’t know the route, in summary, it’s a constantly hilly and beautiful route with many steep inclines.  If you look at the route map, which includes elevations, you’ll get a good idea of the climbing involved.  Total distance from our meeting point at the Soldiers/Sailors Monument was 62 miles, plus the additional 22 miles round trip for me to ride to the meeting spot and back home.  So, 84 miles and none of it flat.

And we did it WITHOUT fancy pedals.  For the trip I was using MKS’ inexpensive $40 Touring/Cyclocross platform pedals and $22 powergrips.  And sneakers.  You can buy the pedals and powergrips at Rivendell Bike Works.  Point is, with a good bike, you don’t need expensive pedals to climb steep hills.

The entry-level Volae Tour is a great bike, and not merely good.  Positively great.  More people should ride them.

Best,
Robert
————
Robert Matson
New York City Recumbent Supply (TM)
The Innovation Works, Inc.
copyright 2010 Robert Matson