power grips?

[stauqmuk]

I've actually been thinking about foot retention a little more since my first answer and although I still prefer flats on an MTB sometimes security is necessary. Given your aversion to SPDs I'd now suggest Holdfast straps. They're super comfortable, easy in and out, hand made in the US, come in all colors and can even be done with custom silk screening if you want. They're not cheap but the old saying "you get what you pay for" is very true here, I've had the same set on various bikes for almost 6 years now. Through winters, thousands of miles and a fair few crashes these things are still in top shape. With all that said, your gonna have to go and check all these options out for yourself.

 

[FluffyChicken]

Normal pedals cost about the same as cheap spds and that's excluding the clips. The shoes are the same price. So cost/performance shouldn't be an issue and is just an excuse you're using

So you'll either have to go try them for yourself.

I ride normal shoes (well trainer, hiking boots, them walking trainer things) on my spd if I need to for commuting, always have. They just act like a pedal that's a little bit different under foot.

Go buy some PowerGrips, do it, do it, do it. You can then get that itch out of the way.

Not all spds are the same, as not all flat pedals are the same.

 

[FluffyChicken]

Them there HoldFast look interesting, you'll not need to twist out your foot like you do with power grips.(just-ish like spds)

 

[Piers]

I like Power Grips and used them before SPDs.
They are good but I found you could only use one size/shape of shoe with them, unlike toe clips and straps which have the flexibility of adjustable strap length to accomodate wide or tall shoes and boots.

 

[T'boo Ted]

I used them years ago, the thought of toe clips scared the hell out of me, comming from bmx I was fine on flats, till i started doing radical DH 9you know where you follow some gentle singletrack with a bump or two...) found that I kept losing my footing, needed something to hold my foot on when bouncing around (didn't bounce on bmx, just jumps or peddling flat out), got these they were brilliant. Kept foot in place, easy to get out of and were cheap (back then)...job done. used for about 2 years before switching to spd

 

[Groundoggy]

Love Power Grips. Never liked toe clips at all. I like SPD's too but I'm just not the rider I once was and really don't need them anymore.

Haven't ever had a problem dislodging from my pedals when needed. Power Grips seem the easiest to dislodge from IMO. Shoe choice can have an impact on ease of entry into Power Grips. Having a bit of a point or a 'low profile toe' helps (not suggesting you wear witch boots or anything).

 

[MiniNinjaRob]

I must admit that I'd love to try Powergrips - I've always liked the look of them and they might suit my RM nicely once it's finished. Nice to see that they are still available and still being used by lots of people.

And don't listen to this SPD nonsense. They aren't as versatile, cost a lot more as you have to use specific shoes and, for me at least, flats have the best control of any pedal off road. Guys - if you're "bouncing off" flat pedals you're using them all wrong!! SPD's (or actually 3 bolt LOOK style which is way more comfortable) are for road bikes IMHO.

 

[unkleGsif]

I can't see a massive difference between these and toe clips/straps tbh...
they look like toe clips without the plastic cage

I use spd's and normal shoes for local shop type rides, and with my trainies on, they grip the pedal well enough for a bit of town riding

G

 

[We_are_Stevo]

Like most people 'above a certain age' my first toe clips were metal clips with leather straps on a road bike; my first MTB clips were the plastic version of those with nylon straps; when Zefal brought out the strapless toe clip BiTD I had them on all my bikes; now I've put them on my Kili and rediscovered just why I liked them in the first place...

Powergrips strike me as too much faffing about to get your toe in quickly, and they look bl**dy naff once they start to fray.

The Holdfast just look like you're cycling in a pair of sandals! :shock:

IMO...

 

[development_cycle]

I have a set of PG's that came on a bike that just got delivered, they are well used but complee so if you want to try some for less than £20 drop me a PM.