Calling SPD users...

Took my first ride since I built a fixified wheel for my peugeot. I'm trying to master skid stops and occasionally my front foot comes unclipped with humourous consequences. I'm currently using the multi-way shimano cleats and was wondering whether to switch to a pair of single-way release ones I've got kicking about somewhere.

What are people's experiences? Is it a good idea to use single-release cleats on fixies?

Clips and straps.

*Oh, and to make it relevent, I'm an ex-spd user. Switched to Time atac and then to clips and straps. It's a natural progression...

Did you wind the tension right up? If you are still unclipping you've got worn cleats or a weird foot-wobbling style.

Apparently the multi-way cleats are supposed to come unclipped if you pull upwards, which is what I do with my forward foot when I skidstop. Thats not weird is it?

The single way ones only unclip if you twist your heel, which is why I reckon they might cure the problem. I'm not too keen on whacking the release tension up high as I'm paranoid about being glued to the bike if I have an accident :S

[edit] also what are the advantages of clips and straps over spds? I know a lot of you guys use them - other than being able to wear normal shows whats good about them?

"Apparently the multi-way cleats are supposed to come unclipped if you pull upwards, which is what I do with my forward foot when I skidstop. Thats not weird is it?"

Edited: They release by twisting your heel 'either' left OR right whereas the non-multi cleats only realease outwards (I think, I have always used the multis). They don't realease 'upwards'.

Well paint me orange and call me charlie.. you can 'sort of' release upwards but it seems you need to twist your heel as well:
http://techdocs.shimano.com/media/techdocs/content/cycle/SI/Pedals/PD_M515/SI-42Z0E-En_v1_m56577569830612322.pdf

Sh1t, now I'm not sure which cleats I have. I always assumed Shimano specced new pedals with the multis but this might not be the case. The cleats with the shoes might actually be black (they are scuffed silver so hard to tell).

Just keep the tight and keep your foot straight.

fc9k

[edit] also what are the advantages of clips and straps over spds? I know a lot of you guys use them - other than being able to wear normal shows whats good about them?

Being on and off my bike as much as I am everyday, my main advantage is cost. I'd go through a pair of shoes in 6 months to a year and cleats every 4 months or so. Rediculous amount of unclipping from worn cleats is no fun!
Clips and straps is about once a year each.
I also have some oldschool adidas Eddy Merckx shoes with cleats for the track, completely locked in place!

Obviously if you road-race or ride trails, you should have the appropriate footwear/pedal system. I feel that goes for street riding as well...

i agree with tramps here.. i made the move over to clips and straps from times.. they just keep wearing down using them all day, but double toestraps all the way.. even though im back on clipless for a little while because i broke my other pedals

so any recommendations on what gear to get?? ideally cheap!

I got some cheap MKS pedals from Brick Lane, the pedals were £20, the clips £6 (I think) and the straps a few notes. I haven't done the double strap thing yet, but it'll no doubt come. I'm pretty inexperienced with all this, but they seem to work just fine. I'm sure that clipless are 'better' if you're riding alot without getting off, but once you're off your bike in clipless shoes, you walk funny and sound like you've got heels on.

I've got some slip on Vans for shoes, canvas, quite cheap and slip into your clips really nicely with nothing to get in the way.

But like I say, I'm no expert

I have ATACs and I never unclip unless I want to, even when the cleats are really worn. Never used SPDs, so can't comment on them.

I use clips and straps at the weekends if I'm just pootling around - clipless gives me much more power and control, so I prefer the ATACs for proper riding, but if I'm just ambling about the clips are fine. Plus they make me go slower, which isn't a bad thing if I'm off down the pub.

Only problem I've had is that cornering has to be decidedly more delicate with clips and straps, because they stick out more than my foot on the ATACs. I had a nasty pedal strike about a month ago because I forgot about that!

I've heard loads of people using ATACs on here, but never heard of them before. Is it mainly a fixie thing?

fc9k I've heard loads of people using ATACs on here, but never heard of them before. Is it mainly a fixie thing?

i think the atac system started out in the mtb world, tried and trusted design many favour over spd.

Yea, tried and tested in the mtb world. Messengers discovered they'll last for years and years of abuse. Fixed riders like them because they are more secure than spd. Overall I think they are the most preferred (tho those who have a preference) of clipless pedals. They have my vote even though I gave them up for clips and straps (again).

when I am out to ride I have looks, and liek my skiis have the tension cranked. I think it depends on what you are doing with the bike, generally I would endorse toe baskets- or duct tape.

trampsparadise Switched to Time atac and then to clips and straps. It's a natural progression...

The word Mike's looking is 'regression'.

Do you now believe the earth is flat, too?

:-)

It's ironic that Mike's gone that way - I was delighted to dump my clips and straps as soon as SPDs came out. I found clips and straps way too fussy. A lot of guys migrated back when there was that problem with Sidi Dominator soles. But whatever works for you is good.

If you can afford it, the speedplay frog system is pretty secure.

The cleats do wear pretty quickly and they cost a lot!

Buffalo Bill

Do you now believe the earth is flat, too?

:-)

But of course! And there's always a tailwind...

Time has the spring at the front = no way will you ever disengage accidentally - get a pair.

I don't like toestraps etc for the simple fact normal shoes don't hold your foot tight enough nor is the sole sufficiently rigid.

The problem with toeclips and straps is that unless you're wearing proper cycling shoes with slotted shoeplates your feet aren't properly attached to the pedals.