I'm in survival mode fugue. I'm eschewing my favorite bike sandals for flip flops, avoiding toe clips altogether—I can't be bothered to flick the pedal. I wear as little clothing as propriety allows. I keep riding to a minimum.
With renewed interest in the Peugeot, but lacking energy to tackle anything just yet, I ordered tires and a few other items in air conditioned comfort. Clicking and browsing, I stumbled onto Grant Peterson's take on bike specific footwear. (More power to you if you understand his mumbo jumbo on efficiency.) However, his general thoughts on simplicity make sense to me: get on bike, ride in normal clothing. Basically, Just Ride. With these thoughts in mind, I've decided to forego toe clips on the Peugeot's revival—a first for me. It will be a simple utility bicycle, one with a front rack, wire basket, upright bars and—since the Ross will find a new home—this rendition will neither replicate the Trek mountain bike or the Miyata tourer.
It's all clear now, even in this sultry weather.
In the heat I wear the same Annie, and I've seen that article by grant peterson before and love it, so down to earth and practical. Vicki
ReplyDeleteGlenn's article is interesting. But I thought that the benefit of clipping in to pedals was that one could more easily spin in a circle, rather than pedal squares. I agree that a rider rarely pulls up on the pedal, but I do push forward from the top of the pedal stroke, and then pull backwards as well as down at the bottom. Glenn did not mention that in his article. I wonder what he'd say about it??
ReplyDeleteAs for stiff soles, I do think that the sole of the shoe has to work with the pedal. I get sore feet if I try to ride rat-trap pedals with flimsy shoes. If I were to use a nice big platform pedal though it would not be a problem. So it's really about getting gear that works for your needs, and works well together.
My own preference is for Speedplay Frog pedals, because they allow my feet to rotate a bit. That eases the strain on my knees. But for my next bike I am going to look for a nice big solid pedal so that I can try riding without clipping in.
I love, love toe clips. For touring, for my long commute to work, I wouldn't be without them. And, I use bike shoes or bike sandals. But for this bike, that I will only use for around town, errands, coffee shop stops, I will try going without toe clips. I've ordered platform type pedals with grippy surface.
DeleteHave you ever seen the old Phil Wood platform pedals? I'd love to see those come back. They would be great for just that sort of use!
DeleteOh my! Those pedals are very rare and -- I must admit -- butt ugly to boot.
DeleteIt sounds like you're making a good choice for the pedals and the type of riding you envision with this bike. Do you happen to know if the wheels are 700c or 27"? The largest 27" tire you can get these days are 1 3/8", if you can find them. 700c is the standard, but that means upgrading your brake calipers to a long reach model. I 'spose it comes down to your budget; and how much riding you plan for this bike.
ReplyDeleteThey are 27" wheels. I now have two 27" wheeled bikes and don't plan on upgrading them anytime soon because 27" rubber is still readily available. I'm getting Panaracer Pasella tires for the Peugeot.
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