Post ASDouzUSHQkRGwDksy by shacker@zirk.us
(DIR) More posts by shacker@zirk.us
(DIR) Post #ASBoRct2qql0SGnhSK by shacker@zirk.us
2023-01-31T03:28:39Z
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I've been saying for years that I was losing no efficiency by using flat, spiked pedals with soft-soled shoes, compared to the usual clipless setup. But GNC just did their third round of testing on clipless vs flats, this time with a former TdF rider using spiked pedals and soft soles. TLDR; there's virtually no efficiency difference, and most cyclists only *think* they're getting efficiency from the upstroke with clipless. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aVLfqjcTbnU
(DIR) Post #ASBoV9gXMfsV2tdIrg by shacker@zirk.us
2023-01-31T03:29:17Z
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I wrote a Medium piece about this topic a while back:https://medium.com/@shacker/re-thinking-clipless-pedals-edc4165737b5
(DIR) Post #ASBoaZ6gH6qFKzRPcm by zuul@pdx.social
2023-01-31T03:30:15Z
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@shacker i just got some mtn biking shoes with grippy soft souls... looking forward to trying them out.
(DIR) Post #ASBs9wASpI1SrFljWq by shacker@zirk.us
2023-01-31T04:10:16Z
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@zuul Which shoes did you go for?
(DIR) Post #ASBsUEtetzeijiaacy by zuul@pdx.social
2023-01-31T04:13:55Z
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@shacker they are way cheaper via various on-line merchants than the suggested retail price on the official website. https://www.adidas.com/us/five-ten-freerider-pro-mountain-bike-shoes/FW2822.html
(DIR) Post #ASBzRtXM2sv9aezAzw by lkanies@hachyderm.io
2023-01-31T05:31:56Z
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@shacker interesting. I’m not super surprised there is not much difference, if any. Given the recent revolution in road tire widths, it’s no surprise to find another part of cycling completely lacking in scientific basis.That being said, I love riding clipless, and can’t imagine switching. My mountain and cargo bikes each have large clipless pedals (cranked bros mallet), and I often ride normal shoes on them. But it’s always a bit of a relief to get stuck back on the bike.
(DIR) Post #ASC1zT9Or6vFVav04m by lkanies@hachyderm.io
2023-01-31T05:36:32Z
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@shacker it’s also worth saying, I have skis for feet (and wicked high arches), so my problem is finding shoes narrow enough for me. Very different problem set than you, seems like.
(DIR) Post #ASC1zTkybOypO8V0e8 by shacker@zirk.us
2023-01-31T06:00:25Z
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@lkanies If it's of any interest (and it sounds like it's not), I love Catalyst pedals, and they are *very* long (to support your arches from both ends) - they might be perfect for your skis :)
(DIR) Post #ASC27jtsSsJzm0bLbU by shacker@zirk.us
2023-01-31T06:01:56Z
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@lkanies For me, all of this started as a way to escape foot pain that was being created by clipless pedals, which I was not able to solve with different brands of shoes or types of cleats. But later I realized how much more pleasant it was to be able to walk normally, and how I had made it possible to do side hikes etc. Now I'd never want to go back to clipless!
(DIR) Post #ASC2ZljLFoaDYd2TTc by corduroy@aus.social
2023-01-31T06:06:57Z
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@shacker I went clipless on my MTB for efficiency - I’ve known for a year or so that’s not true, but I feel more secure with them. After reading your account, I want to try out flats!
(DIR) Post #ASC2tjMnke9Q1E0xDk by gkostolny@infosec.exchange
2023-01-31T06:10:35Z
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@shacker the efficiency may be a myth but I’ve been riding clipless since I was ~16, just feels wrong on flats. Especially for controlling a cross or mountain bike.
(DIR) Post #ASC5rWKJYxs4rJUMro by shacker@zirk.us
2023-01-31T06:43:49Z
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@gkostolny It took a week or two to get used to my conversion (from clipless to flats) but I feel no difference in control now - the rubber mates with the spikes and I'm very strongly "locked in."
(DIR) Post #ASC5uFeM1VJm0PAG48 by FabOnABike@mastodon.lol
2023-01-31T06:44:18Z
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@shacker Went full flat after having tried clipless and fell 2 times on a trail because I couldn't clip in and had no grip on the pedal. I'll use good shoes but flat pedals....also..summer - sandals - flat pedals 🤣
(DIR) Post #ASCAxQ608q532hQUm8 by lkanies@hachyderm.io
2023-01-31T07:40:53Z
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@shacker yeah, I read your post. It makes sense.I skirt it a little by riding mountain shoes on the road — road weenies have always looked at me askance, but I’ve never ridden with road shoes, even though by far most of my riding is road (mostly commuting).I’ve walked 4mi home while on the phone lots of times in my commuter shoes, so it’s not a problem for me. (Although it’s true I’ve not done much side hiking in the woods.)
(DIR) Post #ASCD5B2EDlwIYbUKXI by ancientsoul@social.vivaldi.net
2023-01-31T08:04:42Z
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@shacker I rode flats with grippy shoes before. I switched a few years ago and now I feel safer with clipless. This might make me revert to flats again. On the road however vanity will keep me on clipless for a long time
(DIR) Post #ASCE9JG9gTEBB5XLSy by wav3ydave@mas.to
2023-01-31T08:16:39Z
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@shacker for me (mostly road/gravel) it's not really about the efficiency though, it's more about never having to worry whether my feet are correctly positioned and in good contact with the pedals. Gave up on road systems a year or so ago though, can't see the point of them. SPDs all the way.
(DIR) Post #ASCtnC7TkIEujncEhU by shacker@zirk.us
2023-01-31T16:03:17Z
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@ancientsoul Vanity? Interesting- that aspect had not occurred to me, though I do gloat inwardly a bit when I sail past a clipless rider :)
(DIR) Post #ASCtsDVK1d6QToAAXg by adamrice@c.im
2023-01-31T16:04:11Z
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@shacker It is fascinating to me that being locked in doesn't really have an efficiency advantage—I still suspect it does in edge cases, but they're just that: edge cases. I did commute in flat shoes for half a year but never got comfortable with it.
(DIR) Post #ASD7tkWm84EoY2T41w by ancientsoul@social.vivaldi.net
2023-01-31T18:41:19Z
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@shacker a long time ago, I used a fixie on my road rides. I did the same when I passed people on geared bikes 😁
(DIR) Post #ASD8aphQmAp52Yzmy0 by ancientsoul@social.vivaldi.net
2023-01-31T18:49:07Z
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@shacker road shoes and road pedals are vanity. Even clipless MTB pedals and shoes are more practical in most ways, they just don’t look right on a road bike.
(DIR) Post #ASDoLrD74WkLSRM9TM by shacker@zirk.us
2023-02-01T02:37:02Z
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@ancientsoul Huh! I love the flexibility of choosing from a much wider array of shoe types, and looks with flats.
(DIR) Post #ASDouzUSHQkRGwDksy by shacker@zirk.us
2023-02-01T02:43:23Z
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@FabOnABike i’m surprised you felt you had no grip on the pedal. If the pedals have good spikes and you are wearing soft souled shoes so the rubber mates with the spikes, You should have almost as much connection to the bike as you get clipless.
(DIR) Post #ASEB6MaYwGMF5VuClU by ancientsoul@social.vivaldi.net
2023-02-01T06:51:55Z
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@shacker good point and I’m pretty sure no one other than me cares about my shoes and pedals. I use flats in the winter and while the increased rolling resistance of studded tires is annoying, I appreciate the shoe flexibility.
(DIR) Post #ASGRFb7xEpVbNdj3Kq by FabOnABike@mastodon.lol
2023-02-02T09:02:17Z
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@shacker The issue is, the pedals are rather small (clipless) and the shoes i wear had the metal plate to clip in. And for some reason it didn't clip in on the trail and therefore i didn't have a large surface to keep my foot on..