When a cyclist uses the phrase "clipping in," he is referring to the engagement between his shoe and the bike pedal. Cyclists use a flat pedal, clips or a clipless pedal. A flat pedal is the most basic and allows the foot to float freely. This can have negative consequences, however, as the cyclist has to keep his foot from slipping off the pedal in rough conditions, where it's easier to hit the wheel or jam a pedal into the shin. Many cyclists find clipless pedals or clips a better alternative.
Toe Clips
A toe clip is a stirrup-like basket that attaches to a flat bicycle pedal. The basket is located on one side of the pedal and the earliest ones were made of leather, felt or plastic. The clips hold the straps open, allowing the rider to slip his foot into the basket, which adjusts to hold his shoe and foot securely in place. In the 1970s, plastic cleats were introduced, which replaced an earlier aluminum or leather cleat that was nailed to the bottom of the shoe. The cleats helped riders position their foot on the pedal more securely.
Advantages and Disadvantages
Because of improvements in clipless pedals, toe clips are slowly being phased out as technology improves. One advantage of toe clips is their cost. With clipless pedals, you must purchase separate shoes and cleats. Toe clips can be used with most shoes and cost less than purchasing clipless pedals. One of the disadvantages is that there is little adjustment once your foot is secured in the stirrup. This has led to knee problems in some cyclists. It also can be difficult to quickly remove your feet from toe clips.
Clipless Pedals
Clipless pedals use a cleat attached to the bottom of a cycling-specific shoe, which is designed for the cleat to screw into. The cleat securely locks into a mechanism in the pedal. There are various types of cleat and pedal combinations. Some cleats are recessed in the shoe, allowing the rider to walk around freely without stepping on the cleat or wearing it down. Road cleats and pedals tend to have a larger interface than those for mountain bikes, which are designed to easily shed mud and debris.
Advantages and Disadvantages
One of the advantages of clipless pedals is that they can be adjusted to fit the physiology of each rider. A bike fitter is able to place the foot in the perfect position and it will stay there while the rider pedals. This ensures that maximum power is transferred from the rider to the bicycle and decreases the risk of injury. One disadvantage of a clipless pedal system is that, like toe clips, it takes practice to adjust to it. New clipless pedal riders should practice clipping in and out on grass before riding on the road.
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