Lemond described it as pulling through the bottom of the stroke. Similar to scraping mud off your shoe. I've always pedaled like that and cleats have always been beneficial to me. Your mileage may vary.
Rob Dayton Charlotte,NC 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