For that matter - why is there any need to ride a high performance racing machine for low level casual riding/errands etc. Seems like a city bike with platform pedals would be perfect for that - which is pretty much what you're saying I think. Lots of commuter bikes are built just for that.
As far as pedalling along at a cruising speed on a racing bike - unweighting the pedal so the other foot is not pushing the other foot upward along with starting the power stroke earlier is more or what is going on. An allout effort/sprint/standing hillclimb is another matter altogether when fluid motion/highly coordinated movement often takes back seat to extreme effort/power output where a foot can easily be pulled out the back. The faster/longer you ride - the more of a difference clips/clipless systems make.
I can't see any advantages for riding in shoes without a rigid sole - except for off the bike use as you said. I still remember the feeling of riding on open rail pedals with tennis shoes - especially when standing! Talk about hot spots!
I love well designed modern shoes that come in sizes that fit me and don't mind the wet! (12 wide) and the clipless systems that go with them.
Roman Stankus Atlanta, Ga. USA
-----Original Message----- From: classicrendezvous-bounces@bikelist.org [mailto:classicrendezvous-bounces@bikelist.org] On Behalf Of Tom Sanders Sent: Sunday, January 07, 2007 1:11 PM To: classicrendezvous@bikelist.org Subject: [CR]Goring a sacred cow...are pedal foot movement restraint systems really necessary?
I have been talking with a few other folks who have serious doubts that any
but a racer actually pulls up on the rearward pedal. I have heard enough
tales of a racer accidentally pulling out of a pedal to think that they
probably do. However, does the casual rider really need toe clips or cleats
or clipless pedals? Especially for city riding it seems that the benefit of
having your feet free for instant or panic stops far outweighs any benefit.
I know for a fact that after having had a Winter bike set up for the last
couple years, I really appreciate my platform pedals in snowy and icy
conditions. I can wear just about any kind of foot wear to keep my feet
warm and dry and the possibility of the bike suddenly squirting out from
under you on a patch of ice is always there.
In normal summer riding, it seems that such common problems as 'Hot Spots"
on one's feet can be readily eliminated by wearing comfortable shoes...one
can walk into a museum, library or coffee shop with a clear conscience ( to
say nothing of a normal gait) while wearing one's comfy New Balance shoes.
Is there any quantification of energy saved or anything like that in riding
with and without the various pedal restraint systems? Is there really any
objective evidence that such pedals are better? I am thinking the only
benefit I really get from them is a feeling of being a part of the bike when
I ride (I'll readily admit that I really enjoy that feeling). Of course,
for display or show, I like to have the bike's original type pedals on, but
I sure am questioning if all the business of more specialized pedals have
not taken a side track away from a more comfortable style of riding.
Tom Sanders
Lansing, Mi USA