bikingmom@centurytel.net

I've had several accidental releases, all when riding with clipless
pedals (Campy Daytona).  I switched to "old school" durace sprint
pedals with straps, scored from Brian (yeah, the guy with the
hammer).  As long as I make sure that I have the cleat system
fully engaged and straps tight, I'm good to go.  I wouldn't
switch back to a straight clipless system if my life depended on
it...oh wait, it does.

Donna Smith

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:/hwebmail/services/go.php?url=mailto%3Aobra-bounces%40list.obra.org
[mailto:/hwebmail/services/go.php?url=mailto%3Aobra-bounces%40list.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,

/hwebmail/services/go.php?url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.sheldonbrown.com%2Fgloss_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
_______________________________________________
OBRA mailing list
/hwebmail/services/go.php?url=mailto%3Aobra%40list.obra.org
/hwebmail/services/go.php?url=http%3A%2F%2Flist.obra.org%2Fmailman%2Flistinfo%2Fobra
Unsubscribe:/hwebmail/services/go.php?url=mailto%3Aobra-unsubscribe%40list.obra.org

john m schmidt, pe
portland oregon

_______________________________________________
OBRA mailing list
/hwebmail/services/go.php?url=mailto%3Aobra%40list.obra.org
/hwebmail/services/go.php?url=http%3A%2F%2Flist.obra.org%2Fmailman%2Flistinfo%2Fobra
Unsubscribe:/hwebmail/services/go.php?url=mailto%3Aobra-unsubscribe%40list.obra.org

_______________________________________________
OBRA mailing list
obra@list.obra.org
http://list.obra.org/mailman/listinfo/obra
Unsubscribe: obra-unsubscribe@list.obra.org