CLIPLESS OR NOT?

Do we recommend clipless pedals? No and yes. It depends on a couple of things.

We don't recommend using clipless pedals to beginners and anyone looking to improve their cycling technique. These devices would not help in development of proper perceptions needed in cycling technique and they would actually simply get in the way since those things require their own getting used to. "Falling over" seems to be one accepted funny "hurdle" on the way to pedaling with clipless technology. It also takes a precious second or ten to get out of them so you would benefit on shorter distances by not having to deal with them.

However, we do recommend clipless pedals to anyone cycling long distances. It is obviously assumed that you have worked on your cycling technique and have achieved a certain level of proficiency. To truly benefit from these pedals you must not rely on them, but use them as an extra security measure for when you accidentally loose your focus, when your foot slips, etc.

If you include the clipless pedals in your technique work - you set yourself up from the get-go for less than what's possible. But if you include them in your advanced training and use them strictly as a helpful addition to your already stellar technique to help secure your already properly positioned feet - then you truly use technology to your advantage instead of relying on it to make it happen for you.

It is also a good idea to switch between wearing thin soled running shoes and cycling shoes to develop and then learn to maintain proper perceptions during cycling regardless of the shoe you're wearing.

To sum it up - do you need clipless pedals? No. But could you benefit if you use them correctly? Absolutely.

Article by Dr. Nicholas Romanov
Composed by L. Romanov