Platform Pedals: Is a Stiff Cycling Shoe Really Necessary?

I've written fairly extensively over the years regarding my inability to make peace with clipless pedals. It's not that I can't use them, that I don't understand how they operate, nor that I don't comprehend the benefits they are supposed to provide. However, I just do not like them. I don't like the idea of being attached to the pedals, and even though I've gone back and forth with them on my road bike(s) at various times and for a variety of test periods that stretched from a day to several weeks and months, I just can't seem to get comfortable with the idea. I can use them when forced to, but I find that I don't enjoy the ride and I'm constantly worrying about forgetting to unclip. Ultimately, it's just not worth the stress it creates. I also realize that I am in the minority and that nearly all individuals who ride for long periods of time on the road most often end up using some sort of clip mechanism on his/her pedals.

*Image found here

Not only is it challenging to find pedals that aren't extremely large and/or heavy platform pedals, I've always struggled with the type of shoes to wear when riding. I can quite easily wear every day shoes to ride my bike, but when the rides are longer, or for fitness/exercise, the cycling is simply different and more extended and it's a challenge to find appropriate gear for my feet. What has typically taken place is that I find a cycling shoe that is intended for mountain biking and simply do not put the clips in the shoes. It works, but it's not ideal as I find myself slipping because there usually isn't enough grip between whatever pedal I'm using and the bottom of the shoe's surface.

My understanding from reading and talking to others has always been that a stiff shoe is nearly a requirement for long distance/road riding, but I've never entirely believed in the benefits to the rider.  Some research I've been doing as of late has brought to light another idea when it comes to platform pedals (whether a rubber block pedal, a touring pedal, or something else - basically, any flat pedal that doesn't require the rider to clip into a small surface that doesn't support the foot). It has been suggested that the only need for a stiff shoe when riding is because of the clip factor and the small surface of the clip mechanism, and that if one is cycling on a platform pedal that supports the foot, more damage can actually be done to the foot when using a stiff shoe because it isn't allowed to move the same way it would in an everyday shoe.

I decided to experiment with this a bit just to see if it rang true for me. I went on a ride with my typical cycling shoe and another ride in shoes that I'd generally just wear around to see if there was any difference. Granted, it's a limited scope for a test, and certainly not the most scientific, but I was interested to see if anything would feel different. I'm not in prime cycling shape at the moment due to the chaotic nature of weather this season, but it was worth it to me to see what results would show. One of my biggest complaints when I return from long road rides is that my feet always hurt. It's not the shoes (they're actually quite comfortable), but once I cross the 20 mile barrier, my toes become numb and my feet just begin to ache. I couldn't help but wonder if some of this had to do with the shoe choice and pedal combination.

So, what happened? I suppose my results were more inconclusive than anything else. When riding in the cycling specific shoe, I experienced what I typically do while riding: my feet tend to slip off the pedals (because I'm not clipped), after several miles, the outter rim of my foot goes numb as well as my toes, and my feet began to ache (almost like a muscle spasm). When I wore my everyday shoes to ride, my feet didn't slip off the pedals, however, I experienced similar (though not exactly the same) pains in my feet after a longer distance. It could be possible that simply riding in a fairly non-squishy tennis shoe could be the best route, or it may be that my issues with all of this have nothing to do with the pedals or my shoe attire, and there are other things causing the problems. Additionally, my "everyday" shoe is not one that I would choose to use for a long ride more than likely, if given a more appropriate option.

I'm continuing to experiment because I am fascinated by the idea that the stiff cycling shoe when riding on platforms isn't really the best choice, but I am curious what others have experienced. I know that I am really an oddity when it comes to road riding on platform pedals, but I'm curious if anyone has noticed any difference between shoe choice and the pains and aches of your feet - Even if you just use platforms around town, I would be interested to know if you have different experiences when using various shoe types.  I think the theory makes sense - if you have the platform to support your foot then a stiff shoe is potentially doing you a disservice - but I am interested in the more practical application and whether or not this has been true for others. I suppose, if nothing else, I'm learning that I really do have to do my own experiments rather than relying on the information that is so readily accessible on the web, and truly trust my own experiences and findings.

Pedaling Dizzy

**A lot of random musings run through my head on a daily basis. Frequently, these moments happen while cycling. I had considered doing a journal of "100 days of cycling," but, I think I will just share some of the posts I've started writing over the last few weeks. I'm sure many posts will seem like random nonsense to a lot of folks, but perhaps there will be something of value in at least one of them.  I have no doubt that some days will probably be simple randomness, while others may actually have purpose or entertainment for someone other than myself.  I promise not to occupy every post with these rambling sessions, but I find it therapeutic in many ways to be able to share. Although some posts may be written in the present tense (because they were typed at the time of the ride), a good chunk of time has likely passed since.

Some sort of flu/cold-like illness has taken over my body, and although it hasn't kept me off of my bicycle, I can definitely feel what it is doing to my body (and brain). Yesterday, as I was riding down a grooved, paved highway, I had felt as though I might pass out. It was as though the grooves in the roadway were having some kind of mesmerizing/hypnotic effect on me and I was sure someone would find me passed out on the side of the road (Just don't steal my bike, people... that's all I ask). But, because I made it through okay, I had decided to try again today. I woke up feeling even worse than the day before, but decided that I just need to keep going, even if I'm not able to get in any speedy rides.

The weather forecasters predicted a cool summer day, and even though I am getting a late start, I decided to put on a long sleeve jersey. Unless it's truly cold out, I typically don't opt for long sleeves, but with the illness and all, I figured it was better to have an extra layer that I could always remove if need be. As soon as I walked out the door, I could feel the heat. "Dammit! Why is it always the opposite of what they say it's going to be?" I muttered to myself as I went to get my bike. I thought about going back inside to change, but I knew I wouldn't likely make it more than a few miles, so I decided to stick with the current gear.

I should also say that this is the day I decided to try out clipless pedals/cleats again while riding. After debating back and forth about whether or not to try this for any length of time, I decided to put on my big girl pants and just give it a solid try for a couple of weeks to see how things go. I was a bit woozy as I started out, but I figured it would pass as I got going. It's funny how not being able to breathe very well can cause that light-headed sensation.

The ride was moving along splendidly (well, except for my runny nose, constant sniffing, headache, inability to breathe properly, and overall unbalance). Trying to find roads that are clear of debris, mud, and so on after the flooding is challenging, so I've been riding pretty much the same routes until I know that I can get through other areas. This gave me confidence when it came to the clipless pedal situation because I knew where all the stops and slowing would be, so I didn't have the anxiety I typically experience when riding attached to the bike. Score 1 for the pedal system.

I headed north (to drier lands) and decided to do an out and back quick ride. I was really getting warm and was debating stopping to remove the long sleeved layer, but something told me to just keep it on. Besides that, I didn't really have proper storage for it, so it would probably end up tied around my waist. As I was nearing the turning point to come home, I decided I would go a bit longer to see if I could get more time in the saddle. The dizziness was setting in, but I'm so determined right now to get my riding time before the weather turns that I just decided to go for it. I headed south down a highway, and before I knew it, I needed to turn around and head home.

I crossed the street to make a loop to come back home, and was turning the bike to face back in the direction I would be going. I had removed my right foot from the pedal so that I could put my foot down and wait for the light to turn. As I started to put my foot down, I could feel myself losing control (due to the balance issues mentioned above) and I started leaning to the left. Of course, instinctually, I wanted to put my left foot down to balance myself, but it was still attached to the pedal which just caused me to become more unsteady and before I knew it, I was on the ground.

Inside, I was thinking, "Wow, that really didn't hurt as bad as I recall it being the last time," but I knew I had to get up because traffic was coming and who knows if they'd actually see me laying in the middle of the road? Thankfully, the cross directional traffic signal was green as I hoisted myself back up. I limped to the curb to drink some water and regain my composure, just as a driver went by and yelled out his window, "Hey, are you okay? That looked rough!" All I could do was nod in his general direction as I seemed to be dazed and confused. I hadn't hit my head, but I think just my general illness was creating a disoriented feeling.

Cleaned up, it doesn't look so bad.... but it bruised nicely later

I looked down at my left leg and realized I was actually bleeding more than I thought, but I still didn't feel too bad, so I got back on the bike and started riding. What else was I going to do? I was 15 miles from home and really had no choice. Little did I realize that less than a mile up the road, I would cross paths with Sam who was on a break (sidebar: Sam wouldn't inform me of this fact until later that evening as he proclaimed, "I saw you out on the highway today... You had a huge smile... and you were hauling!" I would explain that in reality, I was probably laughing at myself for being such a dope). I could feel my left elbow burning now, and I couldn't help but laugh as I had debated earlier about removing the outer shell.  It was bad enough I was wearing my short-shorts, but as I would discover when I got home, it probably would've been quite a bit worse had I been wearing only the sleeveless jersey underneath.

Possible lessons today:
- Be smarter than ones pedals
- Listen to the inner voice
- Don't ride when ill/dizzy

In the end, I lived through the fall, and didn't remove the cleats from my shoes because of it. Really, I blame my overall klutizness, and the fact that I didn't exactly have full equilibrium with the flu that had taken hold. I'm hoping this will be the last of the falling for awhile though because it's not particularly fun, and as much as I appreciate looking the part of a cyclist, I don't really want to be a beat up rider out on the roads. Besides, I really need a cool chainring bite on the other leg to get full street cred, I think.

Quick Turn-Around

Farewell, clipless pedals. I have said au revoir to the clip in pedals, as the experience just wasn't what I had hoped it would be. It was quite short lived, I am aware, but it was enough to know when something isn't right. I should also add that I don't look at this as a failure by any stretch. Rather, I used the time and riding with the clipless pedals as an opportunity to overcome a fear, and additionally to see if the pedals would alleviate some of the issues I've had while riding. The final ride was yesterday, when I rode over to the post office and bank, and realized that they just aren't for me.

The Hillborne waits outside the bank on the last ride with the clipless pedals

I had read that using clipless pedals can rid a cyclist of numb feet and possibly bring more speed to the ride. I found neither of these to be true over the approximate 50 miles total they were used, and if anything my feet were actually experiencing more numbness on longer rides. Perhaps I needed to give them more time, but they were becoming more of a nuisance than a help in cycling, so last night, off they came, and on to E-bay they went.

Clipless pedals: not quite right for me

Certainly, I don't regret my time with these pedals, and I think for someone more concerned with racing, perhaps they would be worth trying, but I realized that I enjoy being able to wear whatever shoes I choose, and having my feet attached to the pedals just isn't worth it for me. I am glad that I got back on and rode after falling, so that I don't hold on to some sort of fear of falling with these pedals, but I think I'm learning more each day that sometimes, we just have to try things to see if they work for us as an individual, and when they don't work, we have to be willing to move on.

Battle with Clipless: Conquered Fear?

Clipless pedals have been a source of anxiety in my bicycle life for some time. When Sam and I first met, I remember watching him clip into his pedals to go mountain biking, and having a twinge of fear ring through my body. I can't help it. I'm just one of those people who can literally feel pain when someone falls. An empath is the term some would use, though I think I'm just very open to my emotions. While Sam doesn't regularly fall off his bicycle, I have built up in my mind that these 'evil pedals' can bring no good. The mere mention of clip/clipless pedals in the past instantly brought a sensation of being trapped and of falling to the ground.

Clipless pedals on the Raleigh... do I dare ride?

Because of this innate fear and caution when even seeing clipless pedals, you can imagine Sam's surprise when I started talking about the possibility of putting them on the Hillborne. I have to admit, I surprised even myself with this matter. So, after a bit of talking, discussion, back and forth on the issue, I finally decided to order a pair, and set about a plan to conquer the mighty clipless pedals.

Shimano clipless pedal on Raleigh Super Course

While it may not be a factor for some individuals, one of the other things that bothered me about the idea of clipping into pedals (though this was a minor issue in comparison to my fears) is that the shoes, much like cycling apparel, are so unattractive in my opinion. I just wanted to find a shoe that looked like a semi-normal shoe, rather than one that looks as though I'm about to enter the Tour de France. It's just a personal opinion, but I was happy to find a few different choices in a more every day kind of shoe. I ended up getting a pair of Keen Presidio shoes that had compatibility with the Shimano pedals I purchased.

Normal looking shoes, which is just what I wanted, rather than a more typical 'road' shoe

The bottoms of the seemingly normal shoes have a small clip on them
to attach to the pedal (please, ignore the dog hair)

While looks are certainly not everything, there is something helpful in being excited to put something on, rather than not loving it, or even liking it remotely. I think I was able to find the happy medium with this shoe. It's not the most attractive, but it doesn't repulse me either.

So, after having both pedals and shoes, it was time to start practicing.

Day One:  We (the royal we, of course, as Sam is the one who did the work) put the pedals on the hooptie bicycle. Just looking at the pedals kind of made my stomach drop, so I had to get used to the idea first.

First try was in the house to see how the clips worked

Day Two:  First, I tried the pedals out indoors to see what they felt like and where the clips were in relationship to the shoe/pedal. Then, I got on the saddle and sat with one leg up on the curb and practiced clipping in and out of the other pedal. Then, I switched sides and tried clipping in and out of the other side. I never once pedaled the bicycle.

Trying out the pedals outdoors on day three

Day Three: I repeated day two's activities, and then was brave enough to try riding with only one side clipped in to the pedals. After practicing this a few times, I decided to take the leap and attach both sides and hope for the best. Miraculously, I didn't fall over; but, since the brakes on the Raleigh aren't great, and probably need to be replaced, it was a little scary stopping at times. On this evening, I asked Sam to go ahead and put the clipless pedals on the Hillborne, so that I could ride it on day four. A scary prospect, but it needed to be done eventually anyway.

Clipless pedals on the Hillborne! Woo hoo!!

Day Four:  I decided that in order to feel comfortable enough with these pedals, I needed to take an actual ride somewhere that involved lots of stop signs and signals. Having them on the bike that I'm comfortable riding made more sense to me than trying to make things work on the Raleigh which is in all honesty, too big for me. I had made the decision not to go on too long of a ride this first time out, so I took a path I'm familiar with that is about 20 miles. Seemed like a long enough ride and I'd be able to stop and start plenty of times to test my proficiency with the clipless pedals.

A familiar road that runs along the major interstate. Though not many stops, I had plenty of room
to start and stop the bike as I saw fit.

All was going well. I was riding along, stopping at will, all the while preparing myself by clipping out of the pedals before I started braking, to know that I would be able to put my foot down when the time came. I was able to take in the beautiful sites, and even though things are quite dry/dead right now, the skies were just beautiful!

Beautiful, partially cloudy skies in Colorado today

I considered going on a longer ride because all was going so well, but instead decided that I should return home. Riding home, I was becoming so confident, that I even took out the little camera to take some cool pictures of the shadows of the Hillborne.

Look at me! Riding with one hand, taking pictures AND pedaling in clipless pedals.
Who would have thought?

I was nearing home, and debating another fear I have: curbs. When I was about 8 or 9 years old, I had an incident in which I was riding on my mothers' road bicycle (which was, of course, too large for me) that had super skinny tires. I remember riding up on the curb to the house, and falling on my elbow. Not only did I do this once, but I did it three times in a matter of four days. I ended up with this horrible, scabby elbow that was green and pussy for months. I've never forgotten that, and have been working on this fear slowly, as I know that I won't actually fall over on a curb, but always remember that. As I neared the house, I unclipped the right foot, so I could prepare to ride up the curb of the driveway. I suppose I should point out that these aren't flat curbs like those in many neighborhoods, but rather are sloped curbs that don't recede to the ground at all. As I approached the curb, I decided to go for it. I rode up and had no problem at all!

Until..........  As you will recall, I had unclipped my right foot, but I forgot that when I come home, my habit has been to put my left foot on the ground.  As I was nearly stopped, I attempted to put my left foot on the ground, but it was, of course, still clipped into the pedal. In an instant, I was on the ground. Ugh! So close to a perfect ride. As I lay there laughing at myself, two neighbors came rushing to my aid. One of these neighbors doesn't even speak English, but was still trying to help, the other just kept asking if I was okay. I couldn't stop laughing, but tried to choke out, "I'm okay. I'm okay." I really was okay, sans a bit of a bruised ego, a small scrape on my hand/elbow, and a bit of a sore left ankle (from trying to twist out at the last second, I presume).

Small scrape on the outside of my hand/palm

A tiny bit of blood, and a little scrape, though very hard to see with all my freckles!

While my biggest fear was realized in one quick moment, I understand now that it isn't that bad to fall. I had read prior to doing this that everyone falls at least once in their clip/clipless pedals, and I guess I was no exception to this rule. I'm just hoping it was the first and only time it happens, mostly because I felt like a complete idiot for falling in my own driveway.

I rock! Riding in the clipless pedals and taking a picture. :o)

In all of it though, I have to say that there's something to be said for conquering a fear. I felt free, and as though I could do anything in these moments of riding. I didn't feel trapped by the pedals at all, and in reality, didn't notice them much, other than knowing that I needed to be aware of stopping and prepare for it before the last second.

Though the unknown is scary, it can be freeing to conquer a fear

I've discovered in all of this that it is important to overcome fears, especially when they are irrational. While I am a klutz (as was proven by my tumble this morning), I think this is helping me be more aware of my surroundings, and to take chances with things that I might not otherwise try at all. I am very proud of myself for working through this fear, and I truly believe that if I can use these pedals, anyone who can ride a bicycle can do so as well. While clipless pedals may not be something everyone needs or wants, I would encourage those who have a fear to try to work through it. You may surprise even yourself! Now, I must go and ice my ankle, as I believe it is swelling before my eyes. Probably should check the Hillborne for scratches as well. :o)

Decoding Clipless

G.E.: "So, why are they called 'clipless' pedals?"
Sam: "What?"
G.E.: "Clipless pedals. Why are they called 'clipless' if you have to actually clip into them? It doesn't make any sense. Why not call them clip pedals?"
Sam: "Well, there are clip pedals."
G.E.: "Okay. So, what is the difference between the two?"
Sam: (After a long story that I honestly can't recall in detail, which also didn't answer the question) "I don't know."


This is the (summarized) conversation that took place regarding clipless pedals in our household a few weeks ago. Since Sam's been a mountain biker for so many years, and uses pedals that he clips into, I thought he'd be the perfect source to get a definitive answer to my questions. Unfortunately, he just confused me more, so I took it upon myself to do some research to find out why the term 'clipless' is used for pedals that are in fact not even remotely clip-less. After all, if someone who has used them for so many years doesn't know, who could I turn to for a clear answer?

The whole issue was bothering me, and I couldn't put it to rest until I was able to get an answer. This is what I discovered. Apparently, in bicycling days of yore, bicycle pedals were either platform style (with no straps or clips used), or they had toe clips and straps to hold your foot in place.  The clip was almost always made from steel and formed a space at the front side of the pedal that the cyclist would slide his/her foot into. The foot stayed in place by utilizing a leather or nylon strap that the rider could pull tighter to keep the foot in place (similar devices are still found on some bicycles today, generally, though not exclusively, in less expensive price ranges).

Side by side difference between two different pedal types

When clipless pedals came into existence, marketers of the product needed a way to set apart these new pedals from what was more commonly known. To distinguish these new pedals from the toe-clip pedals described above, they decided to call them clipless pedals. Clipless was meant to refer to pedals that were non toe-clipped. Today, we hear these pedals referred to both as clipless and clipped pedals, but they are the same pedal type. The name has just stuck, and even though the former toe-clip pedals aren't as commonly seen, it seems that the more modern version of clip pedals may forever be known as "clipless".

While there are innumerable different pedals out in the world of bicycles, the general information is the same for the two basic types that allow one's foot to be secured to the pedal. And, after a bit of time investigating, I was able to put the issue to rest. Even though it still seems silly to me to call something 'clipless' that is by no means clip-less, I can at least now know why the term exists, and put that section of questions in my head to rest.

*Information obtained from Bike 101; photo from The Future Place

Giving In to Temptation

Early last week I finally gave in to my curiosity, and despite my utter fear of clipless pedals, I ordered a pair (as well as shoes) for the Hillborne, and they are scheduled to arrive today!

One of the funniest parts about this decision is that for the last few nights, I've had the most bizarre dreams about clipless pedals, sometimes finding clipless pedals in very strange places. For instance, one night I had a dream that I had to use a public lavatory, but the only ones I could find had toilets that only came with clipless pedals that the user had to clip in to in order to use the facilities. Another night I was dreaming about bizarrely shaped clips (they were long, triangular shapes) that wouldn't fit into the shoe (and vice versa), so I just kept falling over, because I would get trapped or hooked trying to get clipped in properly.

These are the Shimano pedals I ordered. They are single release pedals, so we'll see how it goes.

Though I seem to be having some anxiety about this (at least as the dream analysts would likely see it), I am actually looking forward to trying these out to see if it is something I can use functionally. The plan is to put the pedals on the hooptie bicycle first, so that if I do fall over, I won't harm the Hillborne. I'm hoping that I don't fall at all, but knowing how klutzy I can be, I'm sure there will be at least one fumble and tumble before the learning process is through.  Am I completely crazy for even trying this? I'm not sure, but I am looking forward to the experience, even if it doesn't work out.

Big City Future

This morning I was reading a post linked through Cyclelicio.us that claims "According to a May 2010 Brookings Institute report, “metro areas are exceeding national averages on population growth.” For the first time, America’s suburbs are more likely to be home to minorities, the poor, and a rapidly growing older population, while younger, educated whites move to cities for better jobs and shorter commutes." I'm curious as to what this all means for me and for others who live in small towns and cities. Will the small city become obsolete? Will we begin to think of suburbia as 'the ghetto?' Does this mean if I don't live in a larger city, I'll be left behind? I have no issue particularly with living in a larger city, and I am beginning to understand as I age each year that there really isn't a reason to live in a smaller town because everything is easily accessed in larger cities, but I find it curious that the 20-somethings of today are flocking to larger cities in large numbers. It does make sense though, particularly as the larger the city, the more people there are, and the more likely one is to meet friends, a partner, find a job, and be able to bike or take another alternate mode of transportation on errands, meetings and work. With larger cities come other issues though (such as over population and more crime).

While there are days I enjoy living in a small city (less than 100,000 is my definition of  'small'), there are many other times when I long for the convenience of real city life. Though I have experienced living in a large city, it was one that was quite spread out and not at all built to sustain living without a car (though I did so for a good chunk of time). I am also curious to see if the current 20-something workers will get into their 30s and 40s and wish to live in a smaller area?

I know that I've found that there's a level of city that I enjoy and then it becomes too much. For example, Denver is fine as a city and is very doable, however, I'm not sure I could live in New York for the long term. Though I've busied myself musing about the future and what it will entail, I realize that nothing happens over night and for now, those of us living in small town America will have to make do with what we have.

In other news, I'm wondering who in the world I'm becoming? I actually purchased a synthetic fabric bike jersey the other day (whether I will wear it or not remains to be seen), and this morning found myself browsing clipless pedals. I've had some foot strain issues and have read that it could be due to my shoes or lack of the clipless pedals.

I wish that I didn't fear these pedals so very much because it would be an easy decision, but I've heard and read too many incidents of newbies falling down at a signal because they can't unclip his/her shoe, and I know how clutzy I am, so I question whether I want to endure the trials and tribulations of learning to do this. While I am tempted to take the plunge and force myself to figure it out, I really don't want to drop my pretty bicycle, nor do I want to hurt myself.