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Post by allenuk on May 20, 2010 23:24:02 GMT -7
Hello.
In previous cycling threads, I've argued against using 'cleats' (clips attached to your shoe which lock you into the pedal), but I'm now convinced that they can be extremely useful.
So far, I have only used them on my prosthetic side, so I have one cleat pedal, and one large platform pedal. This means I can still get my good foot down to the ground instantly, while the other one takes a second or so. This gives me confidence, as (barring DIRE emergencies) I always stop with my good foot down.
Advantages are many: because your foot is locked in place, you don't have any trouble positioning it, particularly after a stop. At present, when I stop, I have to pull the pedal back into position by putting my toe underneath it and scooping it upwards, then carefully position my foot on the pedal, then go. Takes 5 seconds, which can be 4 too long.
But with the cleat, it's instant (almost). Stop. Pull foot into 'right' position, start off again.
Purists says they also pull 'up' with their cleated pedals, but there is some scientific doubt about whether this actually has any effect on power. It will be a long, long time before that aspect matters to me, as I am one SLOW old cyclist.
Allen, bka London.
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ann58
Female Member
Posts: 278
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Post by ann58 on May 21, 2010 5:24:29 GMT -7
Ahhhhhhhh 'allen' you aren't that old {are u}
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mitchee
Female Member
LBKA - 2006
Posts: 55
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Post by mitchee on May 21, 2010 9:52:11 GMT -7
I love riding with cleated pedals. I rode with cleated pedals before my amputation so it was a pretty easy transition to use them after my amputation. Initially I practiced clipping in and out on side streets without a lot of traffic. After I was confident in my abilities I started riding on busy streets.
Riding with your 'good' foot on a platform pedal is great advice. You can always switch to a clipless pedal if you decide that you need or want to.
The only problem that I encounter while riding is that after I stop I can't always get the prosthetic side to unclip without having to grab my prosthesis and turn it to release the cleat. The pedal is already set to the lowest tension so it should release easily but when my leg is sweaty I can't seem to turn my prosthetic foot to release the cleat. The sweat makes my residual limb twist in the liner instead of having my prosthetic foot turn to release the cleat. This only happens after I have been on a long ride and I'm really sweaty and I've also lost some volume in my residual limb from the exercise. I consider the difficulties that I sometimes encounter while trying to unclip to be a minor inconvenience.
On a positive note, I just bought a Cannondale frame and fork. I'm looking forward to building a time trial bike from scratch. It will take some time but I will complete it over the next year.
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Post by allenuk on May 23, 2010 5:13:38 GMT -7
Ahhhhhhhh 'allen' you aren't that old {are u} If you're as old as you feel, ann, then Yes I am. (Mind, I was persuaded back onto statins a couple of months ago after complaining that previous times had left me very depressed; this time, too, it left me utterly forlorn, so I stopped taking them a week or so back and I'm feeling better already). Allen
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Post by barclay on Sept 10, 2010 23:04:34 GMT -7
I haven't tried the cleats or clips because I am shy of them after seeing too often that people fall over when they can't get their feet out (non-amputees that is). Seems to happen more when they are moving very slowly, which is better I suppose...
My preference is for platform pedals with little nubs - the prosthesis foot feels absolutely secure and there is no fiddling around to get it in the right position. I was surprised at how secure the connection is.
I do tour riding though and I can imagine that for more extreme riding the nubby platform pedals may not be secure enough.
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Post by allenuk on Sept 11, 2010 7:14:17 GMT -7
Hello Barclay.
Must say that I agree with you - I've tried cleats, but like you, I really prefer to get my feet to the ground just as fast as possible - particularly cycling in London traffic, which is hard work in the best circumstances.
So I've given up my cleats, and have stuck to my big platforms with sharp pins, and find that although sometimes my foot 'drifts' off, 99% of the time it stays put.
Allen.
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Post by paralympiccyclist on Jun 27, 2011 4:12:41 GMT -7
The more you use cleated pedals/shoes, the easier it gets. It becomes second nature to pull your foot out at lights, etc. In fact, you'll start to anticipate when you need to unclip and start to do it before you come to a stop.
A good rider will twist their ankle just enough to disengage the cleat - but leave it in the pedal so they can clip back in straight away if they don't need to put their foot down.
However - I HAVE had at least one incident when I came off my mountain bike while trail riding and my (artificial) leg remained strapped to the bike. I was about 20 feet away down a hill - sans leg!
Don't fear clipless pedals. You'll fall over clipped in at some point - we all do it. Just laugh it off and keep on riding. It's by far the best way to ride.
Colin
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Post by allenuk on Jun 29, 2011 13:44:34 GMT -7
I belong to a different Cycling Tendency from you, Colin. I don't want to fall off, and I make it my business NOT to fall off!
As I said above, I have tried cleats, and dislike them, but my preferred system is BIG platform pedals with extended 'pins', which when you're using trainer-type shoes actually grip very well. And as much of my riding is through north London's traffic, where I want to get my foot down sharpish, it suits.
Ah, another factor I'd forgotten: I also use a thing called a Gravitydropper, to raise the saddle about 4" when I'm pedalling, but which I have to throw a switch and lower when I come to rest. I think I'll try to avoid stopping with my legs 4" above the concrete AND clipped into the pedals!
I still have my cleats, but I think I might give them to a deserving cause.
Allen.
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