Silvio S 30 Thailand

[hoyden]

I bought frogs from ratz and like them a lot. Way nicer than my previous style and easier to unclip. I do a lot of clipping in and out on a ride so spending more for good is a good investment.

 

[Mathew Fy]

When I had my Sofrider I must have subconsciously learned to point my toes forward to keep my feet on the platform pedals. I really don't think it takes much effort. I didn't notice what I was doing until I put clipless pedals on my Silvio and realized I didn't have to point my toes anymore -- but I still tend to.

Does riding with pointed toes provide much aerodynamic advantage?

 

[ratz]

Does riding with pointed toes provide much aerodynamic advantage?

It mostly just feels natural for many people to do that.

In theory You get more power if you can keep the toes pointed up but not everyone can learn to do it or likes it I still struggle with it but practice it more and more

 

[bladderhead]

This is one of my heel-clips. It has a toe-clip, cut down and installed backwards. I was lucky enough to have some old metal components in the shed that were exactly the right size. They are probably not as effective as proper clipless, but they solve the main problem of pedalling a 'bent - they stop your feet slipping backwards off the pedals. I never had a problem getting my feet in or out of these, even when I first used them.

You will have to be some kind of clever, dremel-equipped fabricator (I am not) or find the right bits to make them the right size (I did). Or if you are really clever you could make adjustable ones.

 

[Steve Rose]

There a log of different shoe types and it can get daunting to get up to speed on them.

May people start with and stay with a Mountain Bike shoe because the cleat is recessed into the body of the shoe making them easier to walk in; and less likely to take damage from hard surfaces. Their are many types. SPD style are the cheapest; but can have a heavy spring in the pedal that needs to be loosened to protect your knees and to make it safer to unclip on a recumbent. Frogs are safer and better for you knees, but cost more and aren't something that everyone likes. There are others.

but that's not solid advice; IF you came over for dinner and said I need shoes and cleats what should I buy; and I want to be sure you'd be happy 95% of the time. I would tell you to get your shoes first; "Sidi Dominators" will fit any one with their massive size ranges; and can usually had online for a good price. Most online store will let you return and swap them if you get the size wrong. They have a world wide presence. To that I would tell you pair SpeedPlay Frog. In the US the two items would total out < $300 I have no idea what they'd be world wide. Frogs' are easy to sell on ebay if you don't like them. The Dominators will work with the other MTB cleat options.

If you were going to go racing; then the recommendations would be different.

thanks Bob

 

[LarryOz]

In theory You get more power if you can keep the toes pointed up but not everyone can learn to do it or likes it I still struggle with it but practice it more and more

I think this is because you can "pull down and then back" with your extended foot quicker and with much more power when your toes are pointed up than with your toes pointed.
The caveat is also that you must have the correct crank length to make sure your legs are not over-extended during the push stroke (which would force you to point your toes) and not bent to much when brought back in (knee bend past 90 degrees). I believe that if all this is set up "idealy" for you, you should be able to "apply" a good deal of power no matter where your foot (or crank) is in its rotation.
This takes some fine tuning (of not only crank lengths, but also BB/boom extension) and usually many attempts to get it right for you.

 

[Steve Rose]

I bought frogs from ratz and like them a lot. Way nicer than my previous style and easier to unclip. I do a lot of clipping in and out on a ride so spending more for good is a good investment.

thanks for the info, I will have to get them on my next trip to USA, as they do not have a dealer in Thailand.

 

[super slim]

Wiggles in UK, and Chain Reaction In Ireland are the cheapest way to get parts in Australia with free shipping if purchases over $170 AU

http://www.wiggle.com.au/cycle/clip-in-pedals/?ea=4294789793

http://www.chainreactioncycles.com/th/en/speedplay-frog-titanium-mtb-pedals/rp-prod123811

 

[Steve Rose]

Just finished another good ride today at Lumpini Park Bangkok. All my sensors worked so here is some data: 24.94 KM time 60 minutes, 436 calories, speed max 29.1 km/h, avg. 24.9 km/h, cadence max 118, avr. 89, heart rate max 147, avr 138.
Starting to feel a lot better on the bike and faster. I seem to hit an energy wall around 40 minutes, then take a water break and start again. My legs are tired after one hour. I will need to build up endurance over time. Still no back pain which is a great effect for me riding recumbent vs DFB.
I think getting some clip ins will help since I lose some footing later in the ride and on bumps if not paying attention.

 

[ratz]

I seem to hit an energy wall around 40 minutes,

That would be normal 40 minutes and 90 are when most people, depending on fitness; burn through their glucose reserves. Long and easy training will improve your aerobic system and make the less of an issue. In the meantime getting some natural sugars in at those low points will restore you energy. High water content fruits (like berries) are your friend.

 

[Steve Rose]

thank you ratz

 

[Steve Rose]

been riding for several months now, doing 25 KM sessions at lunch 3 X a week. On some windless days i can get up to 30 KPH on the flat circuit at Lumpini park. Had my first big fall trying to avoid hitting a person blindly walking in the bike lane. Bike ok just some road rash, now gone.
Still enjoying my cruz bike.