By: girl meets bike

girl meets bike — Thu, 12 Feb 2009 20:53:35 +0000

I’ve thought a lot about this;
1- You are absolutely right that clipless pedals are not for everyone, and thank you for pointing out that suburban/urban areas can be downright dangerous for some types of clipless. For the record: I personally HATE Shimano clipless pedals. Yes, I know that this is anecdotal, but I’ve seen more people get stuck in Shimano’s than anything else. I believe, that it is because the spring in the mechanism is too loose, at the “loose” levels. I’ve experienced it myself (the hard way). Although I LOVE Shimano grupo’s, I wish they’d just give up on pedal systems. (I love Crank Brothers clipless pedals, but that’s just me). That said:
2- There are several systems that are more appropriate for you and your circumstance (meaning, the sum of ALL of your ride conditions). For example, if I were in Northern NYC, I’d probably ride MKS mini toe clips with no straps. I also just found these: mini toe clips on Amazon for $3.25 . I’d probably match that with MKS Gr-9 pedals, but only if I could get the surface of the pedal less smooth.
3- The point is, ride the pedals that feel most comfortable for you, under your current circumstances. If a system works for you, don’t fix it; but if you find several close calls, then, YES, fix it, and don’t wait because, take it from me this (especially goes out to younger riders, teens-mid 20s), accidents don’t un-happen. Once you fall, you cannot un-fall. And the consequences that you suffer will always be there in some way. Always.
4 – It’s a horrible feeling when you get badly injured due to equipment failure, so try your very best to protect yourself by recognizing failure signs. One of the worst things that we can do to ourselves is second guess a signal: “… had several occasions when I couldn’t release from the pedal and dumped over…” should have been a sign that the pedal was wrong for you. So if anyone else recognizes themselves here, please re-evaluate your pedal system, and consider switching.

By: vicp

vicp — Mon, 19 Jan 2009 18:49:41 +0000

Warning!!!
Clipless pedals are very dangerous.
I’ve been riding bicycles continuously since I was 5. Have even commuted to work year-round in suburb north of NYC, Had been using Shimno clipless pedals for about 10 years and had several occasions when I couldn’t release from the pedal and dumped over. The last time, at age 58, caused my right hip to fracture. I needed 2 surgeries and 6 months of rehab. After the accident I found out about two other cyclists who suffered hip fractures because they couldn’t release from their pedals.
Needless to say I took them off my Trek and will never use them again.
The Pain was not worth the gain.

Comments on: Nine Beginner’s Tips

By: girl meets bike

By: vicp