• FartsWithAnAccentM
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        137 months ago

        Clipping into pedals is pretty common actually (which is actually called clipless despite having clips), at least with road bikes and racing. The idea is clipping your shoe to the pedal makes your pedaling more efficient.

        Personally, I prefer flats in case I need to hop off quickly, like if I’m about to get hit by some dipshit in an SUV.

        • teft
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          37 months ago

          Mountain biking too.

          I prefer flats too but most pro downhill and enduro riders use clipless.

        • @TachyonTele@lemm.ee
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          27 months ago

          That’s why I asked, I’ve never seen anyone do it before. Pretty much for exactly that reason.

          • @nilloc@discuss.tchncs.de
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            27 months ago

            I rode clipless pedals for mountain bike racing (cross country). It is so much more efficient and they have shoes with thicker soles and deep treads which makes them more comfortable to walk in.

            They also make jumping over small obstacles and rocks easier and safer.

            • @GBU_28@lemm.ee
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              27 months ago

              Yep. I just use the clips with the smallest degree of pop out…works great and I never noticed being “delayed” to get my foot out and onto the ground if I need it. Even in some VERY time sensitive situations

          • Hanrahan
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            27 months ago

            I would never ride without being clipped in, maybe 100 yards to the shop and back but other then that clipless is much much better. Used then for about 20 yeaes now. Took about 2 weeks to get used to from memory.

            • @sqw@lemmy.sdf.org
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              07 months ago

              i hadn’t seen the seat, just the clipped-in feet.

              when its underway i guess the “seat” lets you steer (with your thighs) a bit and gives a point of leverage for the unclipping (especially when its the singleton clip/unclip).

              not sure why, but it all seems a bit inelegant. but if it multiplies effort anywhere near what a bike can do, that’s a big achievement.