Using Clipless pedals on fixed gear bikes

I managed to get back to the UK last week and brought back a pair of my Egg Beaters and a pair of Specialized shoes for trying out on the fixed gear.

First impressions are very positive (though have been using clipless pedals for 15yrs, so no surprises there). When "braking" on fixed, I'm puling up on the forward stroke of the crank revolution, (ie resisting forward revolution), I'm a little concerned about the bolts that hold the cleats onto the shoe. Has anyone heard of these bolts stripping because of the tension applied when "braking"?

(before anyone asks, I am running a front brake! :)

Cheers!

Doubt the force you're exerting pulling up will be enough to strip the bolts. However, what gear ratio are you using? Eggbeaters are pretty tough, better than my shimanos. Keep unclipping during skids! not nice. Would recommend that you pull up with the foot that you unclip with less, because wear on the cleat is what you need to worry about most.

i'm running 48x18.

I'd say I pull up equally with both legs. I'm using the standard brass cleats that came with them, but when they wear out, they'll be replaced with the harder wearing (I think they're called) Premium Cleats

I've seen shoes fall apart (ie. cleats tear off) on road bikes so it's possible on fixed but if they're not too loose and not too tight yyou should be set.
I used old as SPD shoes and they've not budged. Can't vouch for eggies though (which I just realised you were talkign about!) duh

i run 48x18 too. you shouldnt have anything to worry about. I think i need to get me some tougher cleats... or perhaps take my shoes off and not walk on rough surfaces so much...

could be actually scott. i just have shit as fuck specialised shoes. planning on upgrading to sidis in the future, and time atacs are sposed to be the don anyways.

scott not scot yeah i've used time atacs for about 10 yrs now.....love em!

True, True. True.

I have got into the habit of only riding with one foot clipped in.... It's a combination of falling off too much when clipped in (which creates a constant fear that looms over you like a dark cloud as you come to a stop!!) and stopping and starting all day. I just sit my foot on the other pedal and push back with it when skidding.... I find that it's in a better position when not clipped in.

I go through phases of loving clipless, where I'm in all the time and have no worries, then I have periods of falling off. Often when only my right foot is clipped in and my balance shifts over that way and I just let it go..... no point fighting the ATAC cleat and it's never unclipping power! I'm sat there on the floor and i'm still clipped in! At least they do what they say on the box :-)

jon, attack of the atacs :P

Just been out on the bike again for a longer ride, and after having adjusted the cleats. The eggbeaters that I replaced my clips and straps with, I think are the best pedals for riding fixed in my opinion as

1) (afaik) they are the only 4 sided pedal on the market,
2) you can clip into them backwards (ie, back of cleat first followed by the front),
3) they're much easier and quicker to clip in to than using clips and straps
4) you get a nice solid "CLUNK" when you clip in
5) even when the reduced release angle is set up on the cleats, I've had no problems with accidental unclipping, and they're fine if you need to make a quick release
6) they look much cooler than anything on the market :)

I've been using Egg beaters for about 3-4 years on my mtbs, and they make so much sense on a fixed gear, I totally recommend them!

Cost? Durability?
Fight!

I don't believe you.

it's all true!

Just borrowed a pair so I'll give you an update in a week or so.
After that I need to borrow some atacs from someone as I appear to have talked myself into a test type scenario.

Shit.

redeye Just been out on the bike again for a longer ride, and after having adjusted the cleats. The eggbeaters that I replaced my clips and straps with, I think are the best pedals for riding fixed in my opinion as

1) (afaik) they are the only 4 sided pedal on the market,
2) you can clip into them backwards (ie, back of cleat first followed by the front),
3) they're much easier and quicker to clip in to than using clips and straps
4) you get a nice solid "CLUNK" when you clip in
5) even when the reduced release angle is set up on the cleats, I've had no problems with accidental unclipping, and they're fine if you need to make a quick release
6) they look much cooler than anything on the market :)

I've been using Egg beaters for about 3-4 years on my mtbs, and they make so much sense on a fixed gear, I totally recommend them!

What, exactly about the above is fixed specific?

Do you work for Crank Brothers?

Why do you like 'CLUNK' noises?

Ooooh, sorry: just relaised that was a bit harsh.

I thought you might be a fake user, employed by CB or some marketing team. Then I checked your profile and realised that you are a proper user, not a fakenforumenger.

Sorry Sorry.

Why do people like a car door that has a clunk? It feels secure.

I like my handcuffs o have a solid clunk and my guns to have a solid clunk it maes me feel secure.

I'd say they be fine. Fixed use is probably on par with heavy mtb use, and that's what egg beaters are designed for. The screws will be able to take the tension, no problem.

fixed use isn't as stressful as full-on mtb freeriding/agressive XC/whatever bollox.

it just isn't.

I've done/do both.

landing a drop off with level cranks (and with much stiffer cranks and frame than a road bike) will put more stress on those pedals than a bit of skidding.

the smegg beater "smarty" things I've got have so far survived the daily slog and don't look like giving up anytime soon. for off roading they ain't really up to it, by all accounts.

Erm - you won't strip the bolts.

You might, on the other hand, rip the whole anchoring point out of the bottom of the shoe. Which I have done. Would post a pic if I could find it.

Worry if your shoes start creaking.

(Worth pointing out that the final straw was the chain derailing and jamming, which is never good)

aaargh I was wondering what that creaking sound was. I had examined every part of my bike and started to think I was hearing things. Now you say shoes start creaking and it all becomes clear.

I ripped my left foot clean off the once - blood everywhere.
That'll teach me to ride 60 x 13...

redeye Just been out on the bike again for a longer ride, and after having adjusted the cleats. The eggbeaters that I replaced my clips and straps with, I think are the best pedals for riding fixed in my opinion as

Out of interest, have you tried ATACs? I've heard that the small contact point of eggbeaters can lead to hotspots and had a friend who swore off them after a rather nasty accidental unlipping accident launched him into a bus stop. I've also read a number of stories about CB pedals falling apart rather unhelpfully, although the company is meant to be very good about fixing them.

[size=50]+[/size]

Never accidently unclipped ever, not even once, not never ever (ever).

To be recommended.

[cite]Out of interest, have you tried ATACs? I've heard that the small contact point of eggbeaters can lead to hotspots and had a friend who swore off them after a rather nasty accidental unlipping accident launched him into a bus stop. I've also read a number of stories about CB pedals falling apart rather unhelpfully, although the company is meant to be very good about fixing them.

I haven't, no. Prior to the egg beaters, I was a Shimano man. There's always going to be the extreme negative stories in the media from any product, but I won't be changing my 'beaters anytime soon. Although, I will be keeping an eye on cleat wear and bolt tightness until I can gage durability.

What are those pedals above, they look interesting?