I recently flipped my wheel and went fixed, which I’m finding equal parts incredible and terrifying. But whilst researching I came across a few clipless horror stories. I currently have it set up clipless as that’s what I am used to, but I wanted check in on other peoples experiences. Are straps inherently safer?
by danbutwy
5 Comments
Commuting, socializing, stopping for beers and groceries on your way home etc.. go straps. If youre going for designated bike rides then go clipless.
straps simply so you can wear whatever shoe you feel like. that said, you’ll end up settling into whatever feels right within a month, so don’t be afraid to venture into clipless–bonus points if you can score some good condition, used time atacs simply because they’re my fav spd style
straps = no need for clip shoes Clipless = clip shoes
personally I’ve had straps and clip pedals and I prefer much more my Shimano DXR PD-MX70 pedals. I feel safer with them.
https://preview.redd.it/dmfz6m7au5qf1.jpeg?width=1848&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=a7f1d34fe5f266b53fa4ec49f203bc97fd726283
Start off with the pedal system you are most comfortable with. Becoming accustomed to fixed gear riding is hard enough without having to simultaneously learn a new pedal system. After a few weeks give straps or toe cages a try. Keep riding!
I learned to ride fixed and clipless at the same time. I’ve recently switched to straps after about 10 years riding clipless. They both have their pros and cons. Clipless are less convenient to get started with simply because you need to buy shoes as well. Once you’re passed that hurdle, and obviously the fact that you need to wear specific kicks when you ride, they’re honestly easier to deal with. It’s easy to clip in and out, and the connection is rock solid. Sure, there’s the chance of falling, but unclipping before you actually stop reduces that risk to almost zero. Get DH shoes like Five Tens or Ride Concepts or something, as they look pretty much like regular kicks and they’re much easier to walk in than XC clipless shoes. Once you’re used to the movement of unclipping, it becomes automatic.
Straps are convenient in the sense that you can use pretty much any shoe with them, and they’re great for chill or shorter rides (you can totally use them on longer rides, of course) when you just need to jump on your bike quickly. The downsides are that I think they’re harder to get in to, and I’ve found they can be a bit more difficult to get out of occasionally. The biggest downside I’ve found is that the connection is just so much more loose and sloppy. I tried a few times to get started on straps, and the sloppiness put me off. I had to push through and just put up with it for a few weeks before it became a non-issue.
One’s not necessarily better than the other and most of it is down to personal preference. If you’re able to, I’d say give both of them a good go and see what you think.