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Just switched to clipless. I had been on flats, raced twice this season and did fine, but now I want to take it to the next level. I'm definitely using new muscles, like on the front of my lower leg and the hip flexors. Don't feel the hamstrings so much, but those were always strong on me so maybe I wouldn't notice.
Anybody out there have any personal experience with the performance gain from clipless? I'm not sure how to measure it precisely, since I'm continuing to train and getting in better shape.
posted about 2 years ago | Report
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I notice the difference on long climbs. When my quads start to burn I focus more on lifting with the hamstrings and glutes, it is almost like getting new legs. I always try to lift but I really focus on the lift when I start to get tired.
The other difference I find is just the feeling of being glued to the bike and being able to handle the bike better. I rode with flats the other day and felt uncomfortable. I never imagined I would say that when I started with clipless.
posted almost 2 years ago | Report
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Greg, that's interesting. I notice an improvement on long climbs too, although I'm not as aware of my pedaling stroke as you must be. I just pedal; I guess I instinctively leverage the clipless when the hills wear out my quads.
As for the connection, that's a plus and a minus. My feet don't move around on the pedals on the rough descents, which is nice, but sometimes at low speed I wish I could reposition my feet farther backwards or at a different angle for maneuvering.
I'm racing again this Sunday and next Sunday too. We'll see how I do with clipless under race conditions.
posted almost 2 years ago | Report
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