Tried clip-in pedals after 2 years of flats, wish I did it sooner

I always thought clip-ins were overkill for a 4 mile commute through side streets. Then I hit a steep hill last month and almost ate pavement because my foot slipped off the pedal. Am I missing other obvious upgrades that make daily riding easier?

2 comments

2 Comments

jordan_webb491mo ago

Same thing happened to me @miles798, except my foot slipped going up that hill and I almost went headfirst into a parked van. Now I'm wondering if fatter tires would soak up those cracked side streets better than the slicks I've been running.

miles7981mo ago

Honestly that hill slip is exactly how I made the switch too. My first pedal slip happened at a stoplight on 23rd street in the rain and I ended up with a bruised shin and a dent in my confidence. For a short commute like yours, I’d say a bell or horn that actually works is the next thing. People don’t hear you coming on side streets and it saves you from having to dodge cars or pedestrians. Also check your tire pressure once a week, even if you think it’s fine, because soft tires make every hill way harder than it needs to be.

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