NW Cyclist

So let's hear from more of you experienced track racers, what are you using
for a pedal/cleat system on the track ? What IS working for you and what
has NOT worked ?

JD

On 4/13/08, Mike Murray wrote:
>
> I'd have to disagree with a couple of John's points:
>
> 1) For racing at the track you want a shoe and pedal combination that
> NEVER comes unclipped accidentally. I have seen many accidents caused by
> inadvertent detachment of the shoe from the pedal (even with clips and
> straps). I have never seen an injury directly because of a failure of the
> pedal to release in a fall. Some riders use pedals that have an SPD or
> other clip in mechanism AND straps on top of that. Some people have
> actually bolted the shoes to the pedals, although this is really only
> practical for top level timed events and sprints.
>
> 2) Mountain bike pedals are designed to release if a foot needs to be
> dabbed. They should be avoided at the track.
>
> 3) A shoe with no cleat used in a toe clips and straps pedal is OK for
> training classes but should not be used for racing. There is no rule
> against it but I think it should be avoided.
>
> 4) Although mass start track racing is more about spin and less about
> strength a softer flex shoe is inadequate. Track specific shoes tend to be
> stiffer than road shoes.
>
>
>
> Mike Murray
>
> -----Original Message-----
> *From:* obra-bounces@list.obra.org [mailto:obra-bounces@list.obra.org] *On
> Behalf Of *john
> *Sent:* Sunday, April 13, 2008 14:29 PM
> *To:* My Stretchy Pants; 'OBRA list'
> *Subject:* Re: [OBRA Chat] Shoes for Clips at Alpenrose
>
> Robert,
>
> http://www.sheldonbrown.com/gloss_cl.html
> A cleat can be for Toe-and-Clip pedals or for Clipless pedals.
>
> Match sprinters use toe and clip usually double straps. Since match
> sprinters are usually pretty strong, i don't think roadies debate clip
> versus clipless with them.
>
> However for mass start omnium events, clip-less pedals are fine, and
> probably preferred since they release without a struggle or without having
> to reach down and loosen the strap. Probably a majority of track racers
> that race omnium events including the pros use the same Clipless pedals and
> thus same shoes as on their road bike.
>
> If you concerned or if you are accidentally pulling out with clipless
> pedals then they aren't adjusted correctly or you need pedals that offer
> more free rotation before release. By far the most secure pedals i have
> ever used were TIME mtb pedals, or Eggbeaters (the "two bar" type pedals,
> LOOK too now..), large float, they unclip easy but over at quite a large
> angle so never accidentally released. . My issue with them though is
> undefined and small pedal to shoe interface.
>
> If you are going to use Toe-and-Clip pedals with a slotted cleat, since
> there is no float or rotation, You must get the cleats aligned properly,
> preferably professionally or you will most likely hurt your knees. But even
> then, In the old days the shoes were fairly sloppy and so probably saved
> knees. if i recall correctly, As cycling shoe's heel cups stiffened, knee
> injuries increased. Depends on what sort of rotation you foot likes to do
> through a rotation. I had no issues when i first started on toe and clip
> pedals and a cleated slot shoe. But if i tried to go back now, i for sure
> would have issues...
>
> If you are going to use tennis / running shoes with Toe and Clip Pedals,
> it is rare but there is nothing wrong with this. Mass start Track racing is
> more about high spin speeds and thus low forces, so high shoe stiffness is
> not as critical as in other types of bicycle racing.
>
> 1. You want a clean no frills shoe with minimal tread (or remove with
> grinding wheel Wire Brush..) Something that cleanly and easily goes into
> the clip pedal. Stiff thin outer sole if you can get it, or you could maybe
> even find a stiff insole.. Err or you can do like did once with a fibrous
> insole... work in some fiberglass epoxy... thin and fairly stiff. .
>
> 2. And Pedals (if using a running shoe), you want probably almost a
> platform pedal that takes strap and clip. You want surface area, not a thin
> plate pedal as for a slotted cleat. You want to push with the ball of your
> foot and you want a nice flat surface to do this on..
>
> Keep in mind with Clip and Strap pedals, they might stick out a little
> further and you thus you have to be a little more mindful of clipping the
> Alpenrose banking at slow speeds. Also tuck in laces. Also since the
> races are short , the pain is short if for example the strap is digging into
> your foot.
>
> Check out Next Adventure and City Bikes, the latter usually has a nice
> collection of used shoes and pedals for cheap. For sure there are still
> purposely built toe and clip shoes for match sprinters. bike central ..
> Probably the most cost effective clipless pedals are the three hole Look
> Style. Not that i like them. Just make sure you replace the cleat when
> worn. I use to use shimano SPD pedals a lot (cause i like walkable shoes
> for commuting) But seemed to have issue with accidental release here and
> there.. and then once they didn't release until after my leg snapped. So
> not a fan anymore of Steel on Steel pedal to cleat.
>
>
>
> *My Stretchy Pants * wrote:
>
> I've heard that at the track, clips are preferred over cleats, and have
> a set of clips for my track bike. But what sort of shoes do I stick in
> the clips? Tennis shoes? Standard cycling shoes without the cleats? I
> tried using chuck taylors in the clips on a hill and thought for a few
> weeks after that I may have broken my foot. Clearly, sneakers were the
> wrong choice. Is the clip v. clipless question an important religious
> matter, regularly debated, like optimum spoke count? Is there a purpose
> built shoe experienced track racers use with clips?
>
> Robert Synak
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>
>
> john m schmidt, pe
> portland oregon
>
>
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