THE NEWBIE CORNER: THE INESTIMABLE VALUE OF GOING CLIPLESS

You have been riding for a few months now, and you are looking to make a simple upgrade to your bike that could augment your on the bike performance. Ultimately, a newbie's upgrade decision ought to focus on this inquiry: what equipment upgrade is going to prove the most worthwhile over time, and foster the greatest improvement in my performance? Lighter wheels are always a nice upgrade. And, high end competition or race wheels will definitely cut weight from your bike, and thereby deliver you a bit more speed. Yet, perhaps the best initial equipment upgrade a newbie can make is the purchase of a clipless pedal system.

Clipless pedals offer riders a number of advantages. Most importantly, clipless pedals cultivate a more efficient and powerful pedal stroke. Notably, these systems permit you to better access your hamstrings and gluteus muscles during your upstroke. Accessing the hamstring and gluteus muscles on the upstroke in turn enables you to deliver a greater power transfer to the crank, and that increased power transfer produces a greater speed. Indeed, a rider generates far more power using a clipless pedal system than he or she would produce employing a (now almost) obsolete toe clip systems.

One often overlooked advantage of clipless pedal systems is the enhanced safety they provide. Simply, clipless pedals offer a more secure platform for foot/pedal engagement, and thereby guard against unintentional disengagements. Of course, it may take you sometime to actually appreciate the added safety of clipless pedals, for there is no doubt that the first time you approach a stoplight or intersection and slow towards a stop, you may not properly disengage your foot from the pedal, leading you to “tip over” and smack the pavement. No worries. The initial “clipless tip” happens to everyone at some point, even the most seasoned riders.

When you are evaluating what clipless system to purchase, you will encounter a wealth of options.

Most road-oriented pedals offer a cleat entry on one side. Time, Look, Speedplay, and Shimano are some of the most common manufacturers of single entry road-oriented clipless pedal systems.

In contrast, the majority of mountain bike-oriented clipless pedal systems feature a cleat entry mechanism on both sides of the pedals. Most of these dual-sided pedal systems are targeted primarily to mountain bikers, largely because the dual-sided entry mechanism offers two points of engagement—a feature that cannot be underestimated given that mountain bikers are often forced to engage and disengage from pedals on the trail. In addition, dual-sided entry pedal systems tend to shed mud very well—another element specific to mountain biking. Shimano, Crank Brothers, Ritchey, market some of the most widely used dual-sided entry clipless pedal systems.

Even though dual-sided entry pedals may be targeted primarily towards mountain bikers, they present a clipless system that works very well for new converts. Significantly, dual-sided entry systems can deliver you a bit more confidence in your pedal engagement/disengagement, and they may even guard you against the dreaded “tip over.” Thus, even if you are an aspiring “roadie,” do not feel pressured or obligated to choose a single entry clipless system. Indeed, most newbies are better suited to entering the clipless realm by transitioning with a double entry system.

Essentially, an upgrade to a clipless pedal system offers newbies plenty of material benefits. And, after an initial “break in” period, you will no doubt come to realize the value of your investment. And, when evaluating what system you are going to initially use, do not necessarily rigidly adhere to any road/mountain pedal distinction. Instead, strive to find the pedal that is best suited to your abilities and confidence level on the bike.