I haven’t done RAGBRAI. But you could do any ride without cliples pedals. It is easier with them… Unles you break your wrist.

Cllarence Pickard did!

Clips are those “cages” some people use. Clipless is the name given for pedals that use a cleat to clip into the pedal. The latter is far safer. Using a flat pedal without any attachment to your shoe might seem safer, but you face the possibility of your foot slipping off, and you lose any benefit to the upstroke when you’re pedaling. I suggest you practice on some soft terrain (grass) and get back into the clipless pedal scene.

Yes, it was clipless pedals…I suppose I have a little over a year to get back into it!

The good thing about clippless pedals is when you crash they usually break free on their own, the cages or clips you can do real damage and never get your foot out of. The safest way would be neither untill your foot slips and that pedal breaks your shin in half. I think you should practice more till you are comfortable with clipless. Just remember to free your foot before (well before) you need to stop that way it is out and free already.

Kicks9

I have seen lots of riders out there without clip (clip or Clipless pedals).

I did 10 or so RAGBRAIDon’t swet before the advent of clipless. Don’t worry about it.

did my first few with the toe cages, but never cinced them down tight. Also wore tennis shoes. Not ever going back to either. Then 10 plus years with Look cleats, last 15 or so with shimano sandals.

I rode this ride something like 15 times using toe clips and straps, cinched down snug but not tight. Wasn’t until the mid-90’s that I went to the clipless pedals, and then only on Trusty Rusty. It’s nice to be able to pedal off on whichever bike I feel like without having to try to match up the pedal to the shoe with the appropriate cleat.

-“BB”-

Do you really need clips? I always thought those were for race competitors or people with money burning a hole in their pocket (ie all those suburban yuppies with radios blaring on their bicycles)

bramasoleiowa: Do you really need clips? I always thought those were for race competitors or people with money burning a hole in their pocket (ie all those suburban yuppies with radios blaring on their bicycles)

Of course you don’t need clips. You don’t really *need* a saddle either, but it makes riding more comfortable.

This will be my third RAGBRAI on flat pedals.

After trying two different clip less pedals, three different shoes, and an expensive professional fitting session I became very frustrated with whole concept. My knees ached, my feet hurt and my wallet was quickly emptying.

Eventually I decided to chuck out the conventional wisdom on efficiency instead listen to what my body and common sense was saying, “Pedaling efficiency is less important that comfort and simplicity”.

I switched out to BMX / Downhill MTB pedals. 4 years and over 12,000 miles later I’m still “Riding and Smiling”. I wear stiff soled tennis shoes or Keen sandles and have never had a problem with slipping off the pedals.

It’s awesome to never have to worry about putting on special shoes before hopping on the bike nor having to worry about messing up cleats when I want to ditch the bike and go scrambling up a hill or creek stomping.

I have done the last 2 years with clipless pedals. Not a problem.

topher, sounds like either not enough “float” or cleat angle was set wrong. Did the professinal fitting address those ( I assume they would) or just bike fit? (stem height, length, angle, seat palcement and height)

jwsknk:
topher, sounds like either not enough “float” or cleat angle was set wrong. Did the professinal fitting address those ( I assume they would) or just bike fit? (stem height, length, angle, seat palcement and height)

I had the full fit done through the BG system. It was one 4 hour session and two follow up hours. My pedals and clips were adjusted multiple times to no avail.

http://www.specialized.com/us/en/bc/SBCGlobalPages.jsp?pageName=BGFIT

In my research I’ve found a number of other more experienced riders who also are opting for flats.

http://www.bikejames.com/strength/flats-vs-clipless-please-prove-me-wrong-why-i-wont-let-it-go/

http://www.mountainbikesapart.com/bike-skills/flat-pedals-vs-clipless-pedals/

I have no angst for anyone who enjoys their SPD’s but am glad I personally got past the idea that if I’m not clipped in then I’m not a serious rider.