Clipless Pedal Advantages and Disadvantages
We recently talked about the different types of pedals, and left the conversation with the question “Do I Need Clipless Pedals?”
Advantages of Clipless Pedals
There are three main advantages that I tell every customer thinking of getting a pair of shoes and clipless pedals.
- You will be more efficient and faster on the bike. You are able to use the whole pedal stroke, not only the down stroke. Pulling up and making round circles with your pedaling technique will allow you to keep a higher cruising speed or get up those hills faster with less effort.
- The sole of a cycling shoe is stiffer and does not flex as much to cause arch or foot pain.
- You are in a locked position in the pedals for a more dynamic fitting on your bike.
Disadvantages of Clipless Pedals
In my mind the advantages out way the disadvantages, clipless pedals will make you a stronger cyclist.
- You are locked in and need to be educated how to “un-clip” your pedals
- There is a learning curve, try to learn on a trainer or in a quite community
- Your bike fit is now more important and you could injure yourself if you aren’t properly adjusted from toes up to your shoulders. It all links together in the human body chain.
- The cost for pedals/shoes starts about $150 – 250 for the common types of shoes and pedals.
Types, Styles and What to Look For
This is a follow up article to help aid you in finding your perfect system. We will discuss different types of shoes, pedals and why each is useful.
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Leave a comment
Hello,
The given price is a litle bit high.
A pair of m520 from shimano cost less than 30$ and MT41 shimano shoes are easy to find around 50$
Luc
Luc
12 May ’10
Yes its a learning curve…for me just getting into the habit of remembering to unclip at the lights…nothing like slowly toppling over to turn you instantly from cool to..well very uncool!
Sabinna
12 May ’10
Luc – You must be an online deal shopper. I’m quoting MSRP and supporting your local bike shop.
Bike Shop Girl
13 May ’10
Very informative and helpful. A little nitpicking, however, from a generation still concerned with spelling:
advantages OUTWEIGH disadvantages, and you should try them on a QUIET street.
Keep up the good work, but spellcheckers are a double-edge sord, I mean sword!
Julio
16 May ’10
@bikeshop girl,
I actually did spend just under 100 pounds for my shimano clipless shoes and pedals combined and I bought them from my local bike shop. Maybe your shop is just expensive or doesnt stock budget items?
Either way, this article pushed me over the edge in buying them so thank you for writing it
Joost Lobe
7 Apr ’11
Joost,
100 pounds… is that euro’s? I’m sure you can find them cheaper especially on discount!
Glad you got moving on going clipless, you’ll never turn back!
Bike Shop Girl
7 Apr ’11
I’ve been spinning with clipless pedals for 3+ years. Brand new to road biking this season and thought it was great that I already had the shoes and ‘knew how to use them.’ So much for that thought! Over the course of the last three weeks I have taken about 10 longer rides and have had a fall due to clips 6 of those rides.
I had my bike shop lower the tension on the pedals to ease my release a bit. Then ended up lowering it yet again on my own since then. Still fell. If I unclip both feet I am fine. But I always find myself thinking “Oh I’m okay with this now, I can just unclip the right/left at this stop…” and sure enough down I go. For whatever reason my brain just does not get the message on which way to lean. Will it get better? Should it have worked out by now? I have Shimano SPD clips/pedals. One of my friends was outfitted with shoes and clips that look like circles. ? She said she was told they were for the “less coordinated.” lol. Should I consider a change? Hate to make that investment all over again. Any tips from the experienced riders out there would be greatly appreciated, thanks. =)
Karla K
31 May ’11
Karla,
Different pedals work differently is very true… it sounds like you are on the road bike or mtb ? For easy release I normally goto crank brothers candy’s or on the road what your friend has is the Speedplays. They are much easier to get out of, a bit different to get into. I would recommend practicing more on your spin bike and stepping off the bike as you come to a stop. If you are trying to stop from your saddle you’ll fall all the time.
Bike Shop Girl
1 Jun ’11