Not quite sure where to post this...

[davkatreb]

...but since it involves knee and back pain issues, it seemed as good a place as any.

I started experiencing knee, hip and back pain on my Crosscheck. Suspecting cleat adjustment as a contributer, I removed my Candys and replaced them with BMX pedals. Big difference! Haven't had a lick of trouble in several weeks.

So I mentioned this to a fellow at the LBS. He suggested that replacing my CrankBros pedals with ATACs would be the way to go, as they have "alot more float". Really, I don't think float was ever the problem, and I've got four perfectly good sets of CrankBros pedals that have served me well.

I could almost live without clipless pedals. The use of BMX pedals on my (geared, full fenders) Crosscheck has turned it into a bike I can just jump on and ride without having to think about riding gear. My Singleated HooKoo, even more so. The Monocog works great clipped in or free. When it gets a Tomi cog in afew weeks my feet will have to be attached for obvious reasons, but I'm thinking Powergrips. Really, the only two bikes I would miss being clipless are my fixie conversion and the road bike.

So in conclusion, (pause for thunderous cheers:D), would I be better off with:

A-More float,

B-Expert fitting of my current cleats, or

C-Chucking the clipless experience entirely?

hopeyinzhelp

[althegud1srtakn]

times do have better float. you can fix all of your problems with:
1 pair of time atac alum pedals
1 hacksaw
1 frying pan (the hacksaw can take a while on this, i reccomend an angle grinder)
some grip tape
4 counter-sunk bolts
a drill
a tap and die set
some JB Weld

cut off one side of both pedals
cut 2 squares out of the frying pan
i'm sure you can figure out the rest

i've been trying to figure out how to do something similar with time atac xs pedals since the float is even better on them, and they just operate more smoothly, but it's a bit trickier since the sides aren't independant of each other

[robcycle]

Dave, if you can live without clipless, except for the the fixies, I say go for it. I have never used powergrips, but have people who's opinion I put allot of stock in rave about them. Also, I have used toeclips and fixies before, and it is a simple solution that works well. I don't see why powergrips would be any different.

... and if you decide you want to (cheaply) part with those four sets of crank bros, I have been thinking about buying some for a while ;)

-Rob.

[davkatreb]

See, here's the thing. I've run Powergrips before, size large. Probably would need an extra large to handle a decent variety of shoes. Point is, they worked like a freakin' charm. And these Side Show Bob-sized feet are only lacking toeclips that allow insertion of some substantial part of my foot for the Crosscheck to get clips and straps. Same for the fixie and the 'Cog when it gets the Tomi cog.

But I will always miss the awesome feeling of awesomeness that comes from riding clipless. If I ever find some recessed-cleat shoes I can actually stand, I may switch out pedals on a bike or two from time to time.

Whoa! I just looked out the window. The sun is shining, there's a nice breeze blowing and my beloved wife, The Beautif Miss Kathy has graciously granted me a day pass. WooHoo, RIDE!

[robcycle]

Sure, there is nothing like clipless. Especially on a fixie. It just adds to the oneness of bike and rider.

That being said, I bet you will enjoy your ride today, even it were on pedal spindles :p

1. Ride.

2. everything else.

-Rob.

[tryandgetme]

I vote for expert fitting of everything. I know that fore/aft position of the cleat makes a huge difference on my knees.