[CR]Traditional leather shoes

(Example: Component Manufacturers:Campagnolo)

To: classicrendezvous@bikelist.org
From: "Bianca Pratorius" <biankita@comcast.net>
Date: Tue, 4 Apr 2006 21:48:07 -0400
Subject: [CR]Traditional leather shoes

With all the techno advances in cycling, and Look pedals being about the best of the slightly off topic ones, still traditional cycling shoes used with cleats and clips have a lot to offer. I am going to state the case for them now. First, bikes look a touch better with Christophes. Second, cyclists walk, and look better with traditional black leather shoes. Even with plastic or metal cleats, one can still walk into a store and purchase an item without falling on one's face. I can barely walk two feet with my Look feet on without looking and feeling like a teetering klutz. Third, with properly set up cleats and clips there is no power loss over the modern Look (or similar) system. I repeat,, there is no functional loss of power or technique. The proof is that track racers often still prefer the traditional over the click click plastic route.

Now, clipping out from a tightly pulled strap and cleat IS much more of a hassle. You must reach down, and undo a foot before having a chance of coming out. I can think of many opportunities when a fast confident clip out is needed to save life or limb, or even more importantly, bike.

Garth Libre in Miami Fl.