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Here's the problem, I have one hellish year of health problems, shoulder surgery, two extended stays at local hospitals for systemic infections and moderate case of high blood pressure that has resulted in periodic foot swelling, as a result I am flat out of shape. I have one sweet classic (15 year old Colnago Master Ti) road bike but road shoes that I can no longer wear due to swelling.
I live in an area with a lot of climbs so trying to rebuild an aerobic base is problematic. First solution was to turn my mountain bike into an urban terrorist machine which I ride for short trips to the local stores as the first phase of my rehabilitation. The problem is that the bike and I would be greatly enhanced by installing a clipless pedal system so that I can get my cadence count up, defeat the hills, and start to extend my rides (I used to just switch by pedals from one bike to the other as needed). So... I'm about to order a pair of Shimano MT42's (they are on sale for $49.00) so I can ride and walk around the places where I do my local errands and a pair of Shimano A530 SPD sport/touring road pedals. But then I thought to myself, "self" would it be better to just suffer through the plain jane beginner pedals and use my money to buy a new pair of good road shoes for when I get my act back together?
I hate spending money so before I clicked the complete order button I should seek out saner advice.
Here's the problem, I have one hellish year of health problems, shoulder surgery, two extended stays at local hospitals for systemic infections and moderate case of high blood pressure that has resulted in periodic foot swelling, as a result I am flat out of shape. I have one sweet classic (15 year old Colnago Master Ti) road bike but road shoes that I can no longer wear due to swelling.
I live in an area with a lot of climbs so trying to rebuild an aerobic base is problematic. First solution was to turn my mountain bike into an urban terrorist machine which I ride for short trips to the local stores as the first phase of my rehabilitation. The problem is that the bike and I would be greatly enhanced by installing a clipless pedal system so that I can get my cadence count up, defeat the hills, and start to extend my rides (I used to just switch by pedals from one bike to the other as needed). So... I'm about to order a pair of Shimano MT42's (they are on sale for $49.00) so I can ride and walk around the places where I do my local errands and a pair of Shimano A530 SPD sport/touring road pedals. But then I thought to myself, "self" would it be better to just suffer through the plain jane beginner pedals and use my money to buy a new pair of good road shoes for when I get my act back together?
I hate spending money so before I clicked the complete order button I should seek out saner advice.
Hope the post wasn't TMI
Thanks
What I'm about to say is my opinion only.......
You spend a lot of time on clipless pedals which in this case is foolish since rehab is best done in street shoes on plain platform pedals that help you focus on the whole body without the risk of falling due to clipless pedals.
It is my firm opinion that clipless has a place on the race track but never on the street where they can ,and do, cause injury due to locking at the wrong time.
Yes, I know some riders swear by clipless but I see little to no advantage using clipless on the street. These pedals were invented for racing and racing is where they are best used.
Also.........
I was really kinda hoping that the dangerous clipless accessory would not come up for discussion anytime soon but I really knew that was to much to hope for. I really hate these damn things since I've seen what they can do to a rider that can't unclip fast enough to get clear of his bike. Not pretty...............
i had a year similar to yours several years ago, so i can relate to the expense and starting over on my exercising, especially riding my bike. i finally got back on my bike and it has been a slow start over, but i would encourage you to get back out there and enjoy the ride!
[i]What I'm about to say is my opinion only.......
And I appreciate you giving it.
Quote:
You spend a lot of time on clipless pedals which in this case is foolish since rehab is best done in street shoes on plain platform pedals that help you focus on the whole body without the risk of falling due to clipless pedals.
My training regime is based upon maintaining a highest cadence without exceeding a set heart rate. Maintaining a high cadence rate just an be done when power is only applied on the down stroke. And because I am concentrating on how my body moves on the bike being able to maintain an efficient posture on the bike which means placing more weight onto the saddle than the pedals. Plus it is a ***** to jumb shot elevations when you can get that lift from the vastus laerrallis and the rectus femoris.
Quote:
It is my firm opinion that clipless has a place on the race track but never on the street where they can ,and do, cause injury due to locking at the wrong time.
I've worn clip since 1972 when I would do intervals against cabs in mid-town Manhattan.
Quote:
Yes, I know some riders swear by clipless but I see little to no advantage using clipless on the street. These pedals were invented for racing and racing is where they are best used.
Some, I've never been on a group ride where anyone wasn't clipped in
I am a big fan of clipless, especially SPD's. I do not feel as comfortable or confident biking without them, especially on climbs. You have to get over the hurdle of getting used to them because they can be terrifying at first. But eventually they do get to be 2nd nature and you don't even think when clipping in and out, even in emergency situations.
You have to get over the hurdle of getting used to them because they can be terrifying at first. But eventually they do get to be 2nd nature and you don't even think when clipping in and out, even in emergency situations.
I'm with you, talking about unsafe...anybody besides me remember using bird cages with cleated shoes and having to reach down and pop the strap release? Of course you could just use a cleat on one shoe, but then that's how I blew a sprint, back in the day.
Anyway, the question isn't to clip or not to clip, but which bike to clip into.
Here's the problem, I have one hellish year of health problems, shoulder surgery, two extended stays at local hospitals for systemic infections and moderate case of high blood pressure that has resulted in periodic foot swelling, as a result I am flat out of shape. I have one sweet classic (15 year old Colnago Master Ti) road bike but road shoes that I can no longer wear due to swelling.
I live in an area with a lot of climbs so trying to rebuild an aerobic base is problematic. First solution was to turn my mountain bike into an urban terrorist machine which I ride for short trips to the local stores as the first phase of my rehabilitation. The problem is that the bike and I would be greatly enhanced by installing a clipless pedal system so that I can get my cadence count up, defeat the hills, and start to extend my rides (I used to just switch by pedals from one bike to the other as needed). So... I'm about to order a pair of Shimano MT42's (they are on sale for $49.00) so I can ride and walk around the places where I do my local errands and a pair of Shimano A530 SPD sport/touring road pedals. But then I thought to myself, "self" would it be better to just suffer through the plain jane beginner pedals and use my money to buy a new pair of good road shoes for when I get my act back together?
I hate spending money so before I clicked the complete order button I should seek out saner advice.
Hope the post wasn't TMI
Thanks
Those shoes look pretty flexible, better for walking than cycling. After a few miles I bet you will start feeling the cleat through the sole when you start putting a lot of force into your stroke. 10 years ago, I bought a similar pair of biking shoes (specialized rockhoppers) that cost around $70. I wore them once and now they are in their box on a shelf in the garage. I used to use road pedals (LOOK, Mavic, Shimano, etc.) I have several pair but eventually went double-sided spd, on every bike - tandem, road, mtn.
Double-sided so I don't have to fiddle with them to get them on the right side at intersections - in traffic. I also got the stiffest soled shoes, usually carbon - and I can walk in them very comfortably.
I rehabilitated a broken fibula on clipless pedals, I didn't worry about falling. I also didn't worry about my screwed-together ankle from moving out of line, because it was clipped in. It held it in place.
Last edited by PanTerra; 08-15-2012 at 11:04 AM..
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