Thorn Cycles Forum
Community => Non-Thorn Related => Topic started by: lewisnoble on May 06, 2007, 10:22:09 pm
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I hope the discussion on this does not get too heated!!
I started cycling back in the 60's, when I did some major tours on a £5 (s/hand) Witcombe bicycle - and toe clips were all that seemed available at that time.
I resumed cycling again about 3 years ago, first on a Trek MTB and now on a Raven Tour - most of my riding is urban, with occasional trips into the Peak District - I plan to do the C2C this summer.
I still use toe clips - I tried SPDs, but couldn't get the hang of them and fell off twice. Even on the lowest setting, the Shimano spd pedals seemed hard to get out of. My sons and all my cycling friends say I should persevere as they are so much more efficient - I can see their point, but am reluctant to try spds again.
Any observations??
Lewis
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Hi Lewis
Like you, I persevered with toe clips for most of my cycling life, undertaking several major tours, and retained toe clips even when I bought my RST last year! Finally a couple of months ago, I took the plunge with SPDs and my conclusion is that there's no contest: SPDs are much more efficient. As for getting out of them, I've not really found it problem as long as I'm anticipating coming to a standstill: possibly being relaxed as you come to halt so that you remember the right movement probably makes a difference. If you are tense, its probably a bit of an impediment to releasing your feet smoothly.
I have fallen off once, at the end of a long ride, in Brixton, as a bloke in nothing but underpants holding a pint of beer started dancing in the street directly at the point where I was due to stop in front of some traffic lights. My tired confused brain forgot that I had SPDs as I came to a premature halt, and much to the amusement of onlookers, I duly keeled over!
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My experience has been identical to that of Fred A-Ms (apart from the underpant incident!). I took a lot of convincing that my toe clips should go, but now with single sided SPDs I would not look back. I went for the Shimano pedals with SPD on one side and a standard flat pedal on the other. For me this is a good choice as I can mix and match footwear (boots, sandals, trainers, formal shoes as well as Specialized tahos). It also means you can unclip in heavy traffic if needed without danger of accidentally clipping in again. Are they more efficient than toe clips? Hard to say for most relaxed riders in my opinion, the biggest gain of any sort of attachment is getting your foot in the right position, but the roadies tell us that the up-stroke is stronger with SPDs which I am sure is correct.
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quote:
Originally posted by lewisnoble
Even on the lowest setting, the Shimano spd pedals seemed hard to get out of.
Which cleats did you have? Most Shimano MTB/leisure pedals can be used with either single release or multi release. The single release require a specific movement to release, with the multi release any non pedalling action will get you out. The disadvantage is it's possiable to accidentaly pull out of the multies, though in over five years of use it's never happened to me. Thde other disadvantage is most pedals come with the singles, so it'll cost you another tenner! I think the platform/SPD ones might come with multies? Maybe geocycle could confirm.
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I have felt comfortable with both clips and SPDs.
All my bikes now have SPDs because I use stiff cycling shoes and it seems sensible to use SPDs to get the most efficency. I have a pair of cycling shoes that are a little more business like when I visit clients. One sided make sense if you want to use a variety of footwear but on my RST & tandem I use double sided SPDs because I don't want to look down to get my feet in. I just jump on & go. However on my audax bike I have single sided road pedals which can only be used on the SPD side. They are great but I often have to just flick them over to get my feet in after being stopped. This would be a pain round town or on the trails, but not if you don't stop very often.
I would use clips again if I have to but I prefer SPDs they are not just more efficient but also look alot neater on the bike. You need to set them on a loose setting and practice getting in and out (find a nice soft landing area [B)][:D]). Once mastered I don't think you'll look back.
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Checked on the way home and PH is correct that you can exit the single side SPDs by twisting either to the left or right. If you only use cycling shoes then I am sure that swislon is correct about the greater merit of double sided pedals. But, I find that the single sided pedals keep the same orientation they were last used for, so if using the SPD side this tends to remain upward after disengaging at traffic lights. This might be because they are still relatively new of course. I tend not to look down to see which side is uppermost but set off anyway and do it by feel, I don't find this a problem as at worst you use the platform side for a few revolutions.
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Okay I am going to be the contrarian here.
I put ritchey clipless pedals on my mountain bike about ten years ago and used them for three seasons. They weren't too hard to get in and out of, and I liked them fine.
I had to use the bike for a bike and hike trip and put platform pedals back on it so I could use hiking boots. I never put the clipless pedals back on and eventually gave them to a friend.
I have platform pedals and toe clips on all my bikes now. I like to ride in regular shoes and hate hunting down a special pair of shoes just to ride my bike. I think the efficiency of clipless pedals is way overrated.
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Very useful observations - kep them coming!!
Lewis
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Keep, not kep . . . .
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Imho to be safe in SPD’s – or really any pedals that constrain your foot in any way – including toe clips, the action of removing your foot from the pedal needs to be very quick. It is not something you can afford to spend time thinking about, as you and your bike start toppling over….
It took me a while to get used to toe clips when I got back into cycling 10 years ago. I had a couple of falls trying to get out of my pedals back then. About three years ago I swapped over to SPD’s and had a couple of falls before I got used to them.
Getting used to them for me was really a matter of having unclipped so many times that the action became “instinctive”, and hence fast and I felt confident I could get out of my pedals quickly even when I was exhausted, distracted, the bike hit something unexpected (eg a sand patch) and I was falling off.
Looking back on it I should have spent some time sitting on the bike while stationary and really practiced the action of unclipping until it was automatic. It seems to take a bit longer for a new action to become “instinctive” these days than it did 20 odd years ago….
I like my SPD’s now and feel naked riding without them.
My better half wouldn’t go near SPD’s and rides with the kind of toe clips that don’t have straps. I have ridden her bike a few times and don’t mind them at all. I felt I could get a decent pull on the upstroke and felt free to get out of the pedals at any time. I would be quite happy touring with them but if I wanted to squeeze those extra few seconds out of a ride I would definitely go with something that really held my foot to the pedal. Then again if speed was really important to me I’d be riding some feather weight wispy thing that couldn’t take a pannier or a bump in the road instead of my sturdy reliable Raven Tour.
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If I were given a bike tomorrow the very first upgrade I would make would be to get a pair of SPD. Why? Well for me, I feel safer and more confident riding SPD than I do with toe clips or platforms. When I made the transition from toe clip I, like most others, took a few fall (at zero speed). It was entirely worth the dent to my pride though.
There are times when I would forgo SPDs. I don't have SPDs on my Town basher (I have clips) SPD shout I am expensive! I also wouldn’t use SPDs on a world tour - one more thing to go wrong.
I have used both single sided (with platform) and double sided SPDs. Double sided are my favourites for commuting and day rides. On tour however I would rate them about the same.
Good luck and if you do make the switch I hope you don’t have too many falls.
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I personally think SPD's are easier to get out of if you use a slight downward pressure as you slide your heel sideways. So in a panic when you're just trying to rip your foot out - that's when they'll try and hold you.
I have never actually fallen with SPD's, but tend to only unclip the left side and once or twice the bike's tried to go the other way. Even then, I've been strong enough to overpower the cleat and get my right leg out and on the ground before I've fallen right over.
We both use double sided SPD's on the tandem (M540's) and single sided on the solos (M324's). Because we sometimes ride the solos in normal shoes. (Well, I commute in safety boots and haven't found SPD safety shoes for sale yet).
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Wind the spring tension to its minimum setting and your foot should twist out with almost no effort. If you have to really force them out you may have a fault.
I have left mine at minimum setting for years, you can still pull up hard and your cleat won't come out.
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quote:
Originally posted by graham
So in a panic when you're just trying to rip your foot out - that's when they'll try and hold you.
This is the advantage of the multi release cleats, you will pull your foot out in that situation.
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The new, replacement SPDs on my mountain bike are very easy to get in and out of. It seems that the action has improved since I first bought SPDs almost a decade ago. Also, my new shoes, with stiff soles make things even better. It's all comfortable and effective.
Only two falls! You're not trying hard enough.
One downside with SPDs is the bit of metal beneath the shoe. I always end up taking spare shoes (currently Inov-8) for walking round in when touring. In the old days, with toe traps, I used to be able to cycle in normal hiking boots. Now, that did make quick dismounts difficult.
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Two falls was / were enough for me!!
What make / model are your SPDs??
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I agree with Graham - SPDs are much easier to get out of than toe-clips.
But it's true - it can be annoying having to wear/change into cycling shoes.... depends how far you're going though I suppose. I've noticed that toe-clips are definately making a revival in London now.
By the way, look out for the free 68 page Tour guide we're giving away with the Guardian on Monday 2nd. - Should be a good read
Tom, The Guardian
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Hey Lewis, and all, thought I'd pop in my thoughts to this:
1) SPuDs, for me, are indeed the way and I use them plenty.
2) They give you quite a lot more acceleration, which I find very useful especially when the bike is (over)loaded and wallowing around when starting off or going up hill.
3) There are LOADS of models out there but I get on very well with Shimano's pedals. The newer models (M520, M540, M959, etc.) are SO much better than their old offerings (M515, etc.) in terms of ease of getting in & out and don't clog with mud nearly as much. The SPD/flat combo pedal is fine but features the older style of pedal on the SPD side.
4) To get the same upward power from a toeclipped pedal it really needs to have the strap done up tight over the foot (track racing style) which is obviously impractical for both on and off road use. I tried it once by leaning against a wall to do them up and soon realised what an idiot I was when I came to a stop away from the wall...
5) The multi-release cleats can be pretty nasty... I tried using them once, thinking they were the safest option. As I pulled up with my foot to accelerate away from a junction the pedal released and I drove my knee into the handlebars with not inconsiderable force. I don't mind admitting I cried... As far as I can tell multi-release is only really useful for situations where you're likely to come off the back of the bike or go over the handlebars, downhill racing maybe. These sort of falls (I've found...) don't always result in your pedals unclipping so I can see how multi-release would help.
Persevere indeed! It's worth it.
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And another alternative is Power Grips
http://www.mtbr.com/reviews/Extras/product_87805.shtml
which let you use your normal walkabout shoes, but I use them with my beloved Goretex stiff-soled walking boots, and will use them with sandals when I can find smooth-uppered stiff-soled ones.
My pedals:
http://www.sjscycles.co.uk/product-MKS-MKS-MT-LITE-double-sided-Silver-Alloy-MTB-pedals-Black-Silver--per-pair-10787.htm
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Thanks everyone - very helpful
Lewis
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Everyone has mentioned Shimano SPDs, which I have used previously, but I have recently switched to Speedplay Frogs, and believe they may be the solution for many people. I'll try and explain my reasons...
I loved the definite click of the SPDs, and found releasing was fine as long as I you remembered to do so! However, whilst cycling End 2 End last year, my knees gave my serious problems. It may have been the exertion of the trip, but I believe the pedals were something to do with it.
Shimano SPDs and, I believe, most other clipless pedals, involve some degree of "self centring". In other words, although there is some degree of "float" (where the foot can swivel 15 or 20 degrees without releasing), the spring mechanism is always gently pulling the foot toward the "centred" position.
This means that when setting up your SPDs, you need to ensure the cleat is fitted to your shoe at the correct angle. The correct angle is one which means when the SPD spring "centres" the shoe, the foot is being held at a natural angle. The problem is that if the cleat is marginally "out", when cycling your foot is gently pulled into a non-natural position.
For many people this is fine - they can get the cleat spot on, or they have no ill effects caused by a wrongly set up cleat. I believe though that anyone with knee problems needs to be exceptionally careful.
So, on to the Speedplay Frogs...
I'll let you visit the Speedplay website to look at photos and to see how the pedals work. However, I would say that these pedals are great for the following reasons:
1. There is no self centring. You still have "float", but there is no spring to pull the foot inwards.
2. The foot moves very freely - there is no resistance to pivoting the foot whatsoever. I would liken it to having your shoe on an ice cube - it is that smooth!
3. The mechanism is very simple and there is no way it can get clogged with mud. This is very different to SPDs where dried mud can prevent entry and removal.
4. There is no resistance to removing your feet - at first you will find you remove your foot without meaning to!
A few words of caution:
1. The Speedplay Frogs feel very different to SPDs. As I said, at first you will find you remove your foot without meaning to. But stick with it - you'll soon get used to the change.
2. There is no definite click when you slot your foot in - again this soon feels "right" - stick with it!
To finish...
I bought some Speedplay Frogs and some XTR SPDs a couple of weeks ago. My plan was to send back whichever I didn't use. After 3 miles I HATED the Speedplay Frogs. I was furious and close to sending them back. I stuck with it, and after only another 3 10k rides I am converted. I don't know yet how my knees will be after I go cycling in France this summer, so I will let you know.
I hope that is of some use.
Neil
ps I don't work for Speedplay, I just really like them!
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Interesting feedback Neil: I developed some knee trouble last w/end and wondered whether it was due precisely to what you've described. I'm hoping it's a freak twinge exacerbated by some strenuous riding as it seems to have disappeared with a day's rest: I'm off to northern Spain in 3 days time so time will tell I guess. I'm hoping that I don't have to find an alternative as I'm now intuitively accustomed to the SPDs and haven't come a cropper since the above incident in Brixton.
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I think once your used to being "attached" to the pedals, you'll soon get used to the different sorts.
It's taken me 3 brief rides to get used to Speedplay, so I'm sure you'd be fine.
One thing I didn't say is that the Speedplay cleat is alot wider than the SPD one. I had to hack a small slither of rubber from my shoes to accomodate it, but I think that's a small penalty for healthy knees!
Depending on how long your trip is, you might even want to get some Speedplay Frogs before you go. You could always take the SPDs as backup?
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I'm using a campsite where my girlfriend and her family are staying as a focal point for multi-day sorties so if I have any difficulties, I'll be able to change circuits and rest accordingly. My gut instinct/wish to maintain a positive outlook tells me that the problem is a one-off. My would be father in law is an avid former competitive cyclist and masseur to boot, so advice and help and will be at hand if need be. I'll definitely consider Speedplay as alternative on my return should the problem persist however!
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I have returned to toe clips and straps because I could not get comfortable with "clipless". I had no problems clipping in or out and feeling "locked in" was never an issue but numb toes and foot cramps were. I tried several types of SPD pedals and shoes (at great expense) and experimented with cleat position but always with the same result; foot cramps and numb toes.
With the old toe clips I have no problems at all and have the straps adjusted just tight enough to prevent the foot sliding around but loose enough to allow easy entry and exit. Another bonus is that I can wear any old (cheap) footwear and not mark wooden floors with my cleats. For leisure riding, I don't think clipless pedals offer much advantage. After all touring is a leisure pastime not a race.
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Lewis. Like you, I started in the '60s with clips, straps and plates. Now, I wouldn't go near them again. All my bikes have double sided Shimano M520 pedals (except my TT bike - Time RSX) and I unclip without even thinking about it, whether I'm touring, off-roading, training or utiity.
Stick with 'em![;)]
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I've tried various SPD pedal/shoes and have not liked any of them. I don't have problems clipping in or out but I do find that my feet get painful when using SPDs. I think it is more of an issue with the stiff soles of the shoes because I get foot cramps when wearing the SPD shoes off the bike too! My feet just do not seem to be at home in stiff soled shoes.
I am using PowerGrips on two of my bikes and really like them. They are a simple strap that holds the foot steady but still allows the rider to move his/her feet around to prevent hot spots. They are really easy to get in and out off and you can use any type of shoe.
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Hello,
After a few years riding in spd's and never feeling completely safe (i only actually fell off a couple of times), i went touring in the summer wearing trainers (yes shock horror!) and using my one sides spd's (normal pedal other side) as didn't want to buy new pedals. Felt much happier and safer, particularly with heavy load and going up hills. Haven't put spd's back. The speed i ride i don' t think they make any difference, and as for "pulling on the up stroke", not sure i ever really did that anyway..
Jane
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Like the OP - I also started bike riding in the 60s and have always used toe clips. In the last 2 years I've moved to SPDs - had a couple of senior moments, but they're better for me because modern cycling shoes (I'm taking about SPDs rather than recessed cleat types) are not really designed for toe clips - they're just too big. I came off a couple of times because the velcro fasteners got caught in the toe straps and I couldn't get my feet out quick enough.
I use Shimano M324s on my RST and Sterling and shimano A520s on my road bike - all of which means I can get away with one shoe (Specialized Tahoes) on all 3 bikes.
I set up a bike on the turbo trainer and practiced in the comfort of my home before venturing out in the road.
Not for everyone - but they work for me.
Ian
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I used SPD's on all my bikes for the last few years and was very happy with them. This year I bought a mountain bike to ride with my grandchildren off road. I rode it in an old pair of gortex boots until I could buy someSPD's and having suffered cold feet on long winter rides was suprised to find I remained warm in the boots. I tried the same on my XTC which has dual dual use shimano's with the same result no cold feet, even after 3-4 hours in the recent cold weather.
I am thinking that cold feet are perhaps related to the rigid soles on SPD shoes this would explain why overshoes made very little difference to warmth.
Regards Malcon
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Hello,
After a few years riding in spd's and never feeling completely safe (i only actually fell off a couple of times), i went touring in the summer wearing trainers (yes shock horror!) and using my one sides spd's (normal pedal other side) as didn't want to buy new pedals. Felt much happier and safer, particularly with heavy load and going up hills. Haven't put spd's back. The speed i ride i don' t think they make any difference, and as for "pulling on the up stroke", not sure i ever really did that anyway..
Jane
I used to be a SPD devotee and then started riding in street shoes and BMX platforms. Now almost all my bikes are platforms and I just wear regular shoes. I've never felt at any disadvantage on the bike and have a great advantage as soon as I get off and I'm wearing runners!
I find my bikes' utility and enjoyment is inversely proportional to the amount of specialist bike gear I need to wear when riding.
As a note I also use platforms and running shoes on my downhill MTB....so far I've never come off without meaning to.
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Neither! I used SPD pedals for around six years. I was very pleased with them, especially when using the multi-release cleats (which as others have suggested are very easy to get out of).
However, I found the leisure style (and hence not so stiff) SPD cycling shoes gave me a pain in the ball of my foot. I also disliked having to wear special shoes whenever I went cycling.
I've since changed to BMX style platform pedals (the ones with short pegs) which I use with regular "trail" style shoes (Merrill in my case). I can't say that I have noticed much difference in efficiency of pedalling. My feet are not quite as securely planted on the pedals as with SPD, but given I seldom cycle out of the saddle, this isn't really a problem. I like having one pair of outdoor shoes for all activities and not having to wear special shoes for short cycling trips.
Kevin
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I had some spd's on my old road bike, and similarly, I never felt completely safe. I had at least one nasty fall, usually at low speeds. Indeed, I ended up taking my foot out the clip about 100yds from a junction....until one day I decided enough is enough - I bought some MKS pedals, stainless toeclips and leather straps, and have never looked back. I wear a pair of Quoc Pham flat-soled cycling shoes.
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Last year, after cycling with toe clips for 16 years, I tried SPDs but soon went back to toe clips after several falls. Yesterday, offroad in a forest, I fell off my Sterling at low speed! Couldn't get my feet out of the toe clips quick enough after coming to an abrupt halt in a deep bed of pine needles. At least it was a soft landing :)
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I got a pair of the first SPD pedals when they first came out. I thought they were fantastic. I added the clip on reflector things, not for the reflectors, but because they gave you a plain platform on one side of the pedal. They did a few things: allowed you to ride with ordinary shoes, allowed you to flip the pedals over to the platform side when you didn't want to be clipped in, and made the pedals be always level in the same position so you could clip straight in when you did want to be clipped in.
A more hard wearing, and more positively attached, alternative available these days is Winwood Decksters. They do add quite a bit of weight though.
I started off with the release tension fairly low, but soon got confident enough with them to adjust it to higher tension.
I'm getting a Raven Tour in a couple of weeks, and yes: it'll have SPD pedals.
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While I've found SPD's to be more efficient, this is not the main reason I like them. The 'no hand' aspect s what sold me...mind you I always used to ride with clips and straps, never just clips.
(Warning: long winded but relevant point coming)
Funnily enough when I bought my first pair of cycling shoes I went for the MTB Shimano line as I wanted to be able to walk easily when commuting. The pair I bought had an old set of Cannondale SPD clips installed. Getting in and out of my M324's was instinctive and flawless from the first ride. I then acquired a pair of Shimano road shoes with Shimano SPD clips. These locked in far more tightly and had no 'float' like the Cannondale SPDs. After nearly falling several times due to finding it hard to unclip I gave them away.
Just my 2c worth :)
Yehuwdiy
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Well, I did puts SPDs on my RT (M980s), and Winwood Decksters, and the combination is perfect for me.
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I like my SPDs a lot and get on fine but like most other cyclists I've forgotten and fallen off. Just the once.
I have two bikes, one with and one without. The issue for me is remembering which bike I'm on! It reminds me of the time when I used to have an automatic car (which I really liked) and my wife had a manual. Very occasionally I drove her car, frequently I'd brake towards the end of our road and become surprised when it would start to shudder and stall. Then I'd remember. So I do wonder whether it would make sense to have SPDs on both bikes one day.
Anyone else had this difficulty in mentally swapping from bike to bike and back again?
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Old thread but still evergreen, so I'll put in my two cents...
I have always used toe clips and straps and continue to do so, largely because I've invested in SunTour Superbe/Superbe Pro pedals for each of my bicycles, and they have yet to wear out! They use a well-shielded combination of deep-groove Conrad cartridge bearings and roller bearings and they just go and on. The one pair of XC Pro variants even have the WTB-licensed GreaseGuard injection system that pushes out contaminants as fresh grease is injected; ideal for really poor conditions. Between the tandem and the singles, I'd have to rebuy a number of pedals, so I plan to with these till they die.
Decades ago, I managed to buy out the remaining stock of old size 45 Detto Pietro Article 74 1- and 2-bolt cleated cycling shoes (leather with nylon soles and cleats) from a failed bike shop and they are a good match for the pedals, so I should be set for awhile. The first pair lasted for 100,000 miles before I reglued the toes and heels to the soles and delegated them exclusively for use on muddy/rainy day rides. I carry a spare set of shoes for walking and off-bike use while on-tour (a pair of nylon mesh Merrell Breeze clogs I can kick on and off with no hands needed when I crawl in and out of my tent while cyclo-camping).
I really have nothing to compare my present setup to; they have always worked well for me. That said, I'd sure be willing to try a set of clipless pedals and shoes if I could find a set in leather to fit my narrow feet. I can see dedicating my expedition bike (the Sherpa) to a clipless setup while keeping all the others as quill-and-clips-and-straps.
Are there any clipless pedals -- I think I'm beginning to prefer the SPD format for walkability -- that have shielded cartridge bearings and similar longevity to my SunTour Superbe/XC Pro quill pedals? Any good leather shoes you might recommend for SPD use? Thanks in advance!
Best to all,
Dan.
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I have wide feet. I remember back in the 1970s when I had a racing bike and would go out occasionally with some racing groups. I had a pair of those skinny leather Italian racing shoes with the cleats on the bottoms. They really were't comfortable! I still have the leather toe straps - they're on my Carradice SuperC saddlebag, for tying down a wet jacket.
I use Time ATAC pedals now. I don't know how durable they are - mine have lasted maybe ten years, but I haven't pushed them hard at all. My favorite shoes are "Shimano MT52 Mountain Shoes". They've got a good amount of room at the toes - maybe too much if you have narrow feet!
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Thanks for the data points, Jim. Darn, I liked your Time ATACs, but my 5A-width feet don't if the shoes that go with 'em are wide. When asked if I have narrow feet I reply, "Yes, I ski!". Somewhere between us is a pair of average-width feet...
Best,
Dan.
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The ATAC pedals take cleats that fit into SPD shoes. So you can use any SPD shoe that you like.
For the colder weather I have a nice pair of Lake brand shoes. Hmm, I don't see the same shoe anymore on their website. They have one cycling boot that's even more seriously insulated.
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Having ridden without toe clips or spds for years I thought I might hedge my bets thus: I bought a pair of Shimano MT 32' shoes and a pair of Shimano A520 double-sided pedals. I was very skeptical about using spds as the thought of an unceremonious traverse through 90 degrees to the tarmac was strangely unappealing! I set the pedals to their loosest setting, clipped my shoes in and off I went. Only for a three hour ride that was mostly on tarmac. My initial thoughts are that I like the spds a lot. They do seem efficient; it is quite reassuring that your feet stay put and don't move around and getting in and out of the pedals is easy with a quick flick on the ankle ( sounds like a cue for a song!) For day rides and perhaps longer I'd give them a hearty thumbs-up.
My immediate doubts thus far: For off-road riding I think I'd prefer to have my 'twitch muscle' reactions unencumbered. The thought of slipping in mud and not being able to instantly react remains a concern for me. In those circumstances I think I'd prefer to ride on flats with a pair of trainers on. I imagine too that on a long tour I'd prefer the flexibility that the afore mentioned combination offers. All IMHO of course :)
PS With regard to flats I rather like the look of these: http://www.ergon-bike.com/gb/en/eurobike2011-pc2
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Speedplay maintain a nice online museum of historic pedal designs (and has at times offered a traveling exhibit at bike shows here in the States as well).
See:
Speedplay Pedal History Museum Landing Page
http://www.speedplay.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=pedalmuseum.intro
Quill/Platform Pedal Gallery
http://www.speedplay.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=pedalmuseum.quill
Clipless Road Pedal Gallery
http://www.speedplay.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=pedalmuseum.clipless
MTB-specific Clipless Pedal Gallery
http://www.speedplay.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=pedalmuseum.mtb
Toe Clips, Toe Straps, and Cleats Gallery
http://www.speedplay.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=pedalmuseum.mtb
Bicycle Pedal Timeline
http://www.speedplay.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=home.history
Fair warning: This site is a time sink; I've spent way too much time there, looking at everything from the oldest spindle and spool designs to the latest in clipless. I wish there was more detail and some technical specs included, but it is still an entertaining effort and a great series of galleries.
Best,
Dan.
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I used clips for years, changed to SPD's and was perfectly happy until I rode a long event (200km) with one cleat slightly out position. The result was terrible pain in my (already weak) knee. Following that I tried the Crank Eggbeater style, which allows much more float and that seems to help with my knee problems. These seem to be working well (three years now), and I have them on both of my road bikes and my MTB. When we get rain down under, it forms really tenaceous goo with our clay soils and that clogs most clip-less styles, but the simple wire system of the Cranks Bros things seems to be unaffected.
Over the years, I have suffered some terrible falls, on and off-road, but find that all clipless styles seem to release you to be free of being tangled up in the bike, which is more than I can say about clips and tight straps.
Regards from Australia,
Greywolf
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I took to SPDs on my Tricross. Fell off twice, both times my careless fault, but kept going with them. Liked the push/pull sensation a lot. Developed a corn on my left foot just at the edge of the cleat. Specified SPDs for my new Thorn RST but fell off third time out with them. Started off in too low a gear and could not snap my foot off in time to regain balance. Partly as the SPDs were not worn in and were still very stiff. Decided on the more relaxed touring mode of the Thorn I was happy with flat pedals and went back to them. Have stayed with them as I like wearing ordinary shoes for touring and the freedom to stop and stare at will and at the drop of a hat. Norman
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I started back in the hey day with look shoes and pedals and more recently changed my racing fleet to the more recent shimano ultegra clipless pedals and shoes. On my two thorns I have the toe clips without the straps. Using this new fangled plasticy toe clips.
I find the benefit of using normal shoes and the advantage of instant foot release (especialy with the grandchild on the back) far out way the benefit of cleats. The other advantage I find is that the more flexible normal shoes allow for more foot movement which I find more comfrtable when riding all day. I still have my cleats on my race bike but I think the main advantage is raw accelertion in a sprint than them being more efficient. I have never seen any comparisons on efficiency but to be honest I am a bit sceptical.
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My two cents:
So, cycling for ages but never had SPDs
Commute, do city cycling and tour whenever I can (only just have my XTC)
Got Shimano PD-M324 double sided pedals for trainee purposes
Spring settings seem to be half-tight
Cleats are SH51 single release ones
So...I got on the bike first last Sunday after a quick training round in the front street.
And so far I found it easy to use. There was a bit of an emergency pull-out at the traffic light (green for 3 seconds sheesh..)
My two cents:
The pedal will easily unclip with your foot in the bottom position
So what I tend to do if I see a traffic light/ejit driver coming is get ready to unclip
I think of rotating and pushing my heel outwards...that seems to do it for me.
Mind you I got shoes of e-bay from somebody who couldn't get used to SPD...so you are not the only one :)
If you keep going you will get used to it no doubt ^_^
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BTW there's Power Grips as well these are similar to toe straps but you twist into them with your feet, so you don't need to tighten the straps while already moving as with toe clips :)
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I started off with rubber block flat pedals some time last century, they worked fine.
Once I got dropped handlebars I had to get toeclips and straps - used them for years and liked them.
Moving with the times, and afraid I was missing something, I acquired double sided SPDs and suitable cycling shoes.
After falling over a couple of times I grew to like them more than toeclips.
I have recently moved on to using one sided SPD pedals with a flat side as well, useful for the occasional casual shoe ride, although I tend to ride barefoot in SPD sandals.
Mrs julk likes her pedals with the short half length toe clip without a strap.
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i changed over to spd when look first brought them out 100 years ago ;)
if your new to spd go for shimano one sided spd. and only clip into one of the pedals, that way until you get used to locking into the pedal you still have one foot free left side is better. ;)
hope that works for you.