I posted this over on SaltySpokes, but thought I'd repost it here too!
I recently (two weeks ago?) went clipless with both of my bikes. (Why is it called clipless when that’s all it really is – clipping into the pedals? I’d call it cageless or something..) So far I like it. I haven’t tipped over at any intersections or had too much trouble clipping in (probably because I have them set really easy to clip and unclip). I only have two complaints and I’m hoping you guys can suggest some possible solutions.
First, the shoes. I’m wearing some SIDIs from the collective right now, they are fine, but I can slip my foot out of them, which is not okay. I need to find some that fit. But the real problem is that I don’t like walking around in them. They clip clop everywhere I go and I feel restricted by them, like I can’t move around as much as I’d like to because I’ll either slip and fall or wear out the metal. So I want to get some of those built in kind that look and act (basically) like normal shoes. Any suggestions on brands or better yet does anyone have a pair (ideally women specific) that they don’t wear anymore? I could use a pair that actually fits more than a pair that is easy to walk in. The latter is just a luxury.
I recently (two weeks ago?) went clipless with both of my bikes. (Why is it called clipless when that’s all it really is – clipping into the pedals? I’d call it cageless or something..) So far I like it. I haven’t tipped over at any intersections or had too much trouble clipping in (probably because I have them set really easy to clip and unclip). I only have two complaints and I’m hoping you guys can suggest some possible solutions.
First, the shoes. I’m wearing some SIDIs from the collective right now, they are fine, but I can slip my foot out of them, which is not okay. I need to find some that fit. But the real problem is that I don’t like walking around in them. They clip clop everywhere I go and I feel restricted by them, like I can’t move around as much as I’d like to because I’ll either slip and fall or wear out the metal. So I want to get some of those built in kind that look and act (basically) like normal shoes. Any suggestions on brands or better yet does anyone have a pair (ideally women specific) that they don’t wear anymore? I could use a pair that actually fits more than a pair that is easy to walk in. The latter is just a luxury.
Second, I think pulling up on my pedals more and trying to think in full circles instead of just pushing down is starting to hurt my lower back. I’ve always had back problems, so this might not be the case, but regardless, does anyone know some good techniques to be thinking about as I ride or some good stretches that I could do everyday that target those biking muscles a little more specifically?
1. For shoes, I recommend Mavic Alpines. They look casual, they're really easy to walk in, and you can get them for around $60, though they retail for $99. I use them with Time ATAC ROC pedals. I also have a really old pair of Sidi Dominators I got for free that work great with the same pedals but are terrible to walk in. If you're feet are slipping out, something's not right. They should be very tight.
ReplyDelete2. I would guess based on lower back complaints that the distance and angle between your saddle and your bottom bracket is not ideal. Just switching clipless shoes, I had to move my saddle up and forward a few centimeters to get my leg rotations feeling right. It takes some back and forth to figure out what's right for you, but once you get everything in the right place, there's nothing better.
Toe cages are actually called clips, as in "clips and straps", that's why it's called clipless. Within my first few weeks switching to clipless a few years ago (commuting to work in Manhattan from Queens), I fell at intersections, fell onto a van and sheared off the rear view mirror, and got hit head on by a turning car. I could not imagine going back to clips and straps now.
If you need any help getting your bike to fit right without shelling out at a shop, I'd be happy to help, I live in the aves.
lower you saddle a bit when riding clipless compared to riding without and accept your inner bike geek while walking around in clipless shoes.
ReplyDeleteI ride road and MTB with Pearl Izumi Alp-X and Crank Brothers pedals. I've had NO problems. The PIs are basically a running with a stiff sole and SPD compatibility. No clickety-clack on the floor.
ReplyDeleteRe: your back problems. I practice floor strokes (Lying on your stomach and raising my arms and feet off the ground 6" which having both extended behind and before you). Lower back problems are common when people first begin cycling. Also, general core strengthening (abs and such) will help the back as well as your core functions as a whole system. Read up on saddle positioning (I prefer to be set up with my knees directly over my pedal axles).