Conference noted::bicycle

    I used to have a similiar problem.  The only solution I found was
    a set of LOOK pedals.  For their performance and functionality I
    would recomend them over any other pedal.(I've had mine for 1 year.)
    The only thing to look out for is the velcro closing shoes that most
     people get when using a pedal like the LOOK. First of all, the velcro 
    doesn't take long to wear out and your left taping the shoes closed.
    Second, none of the velcro closing shoes I've seen can be adequatelly
    tightend around the front of the foot.(Over the ball of the foot
    specifically.)  My problem with conventional pedals was pronounced
    by the fact that I used two straps on each pedal because I had a
    hard time staying in with only one strap.
    
    Paul Dunn
    

    I haven't had any problem since I put the look bindings on my bike.
    Not to mention the number of times I haven't taken a spill because
    I can get my foot out of the binding. 
    
    Granted, $125 (shoes and sport bindings) is a lot to spend to get 
    rid of numb feet. But, aren't your feet worth it.

LOOK advice isn't very helpful for a mountain biker.  Yeah, I know they make
an ATB-style, but I still feel LOOK belongs on the road.  On a mountain bike,
you need something that you can get into and out of *very* fast, without
thinking about which way you need to twist your foot to get it loose.

What kind of shoes are you wearing?  I find that a real biking shoe (I wear
some Specialized 3400's on my mountain bike) fits into the Cateye clips
much better.  Other shoes tend to get flattened at the toe by the clips, and
thus put pressure where I don't want it.

Also, my Specialized nylon straps are *very* loose.  I keep less than an inch 
through the buckle, and find that works fine for the purposes of keeping my 
feet in place in rough going.

.jim

    
    I am wearing 3400s, and yes it is a mountain bike. I do most of
    my riding on the road though. I think if I end up going with a binding
    system it will be CycleBinding. I like being able to walk in my
    riding shoes, this is very important in the dirt.
    
    I have seen some toe clips that look like two clips side by
    side. Maybe they will distribute the load of the strap better.
    
    						--- Neal

>    I have seen some toe clips that look like two clips side by
>    side. Maybe they will distribute the load of the strap better.

I've seen these, too.  The ones I've seen recently are additions to the 
Specialized line.  I'd try them...you can afford to try out a *lot* of
different toeclip systems for what a LOOK setup would cost.

.jim

    
    
         I used to have the same problem; even though I rode with my
    toe straps fairly loose.  Try loosening the lacing on your shoes
    a bit, before you go and blow money on the LOOK pedals.
    
    -Regards
     DP

	I find that when my feet start to hurt, it helps to make a
	conscious effort to lift them on each stroke.  It gets the
	circulation to the bottom of my feet going.  Feet weren't
	made for constant pressure; they were made for cyclic stress.

	-Jeff

    Sorry, I didn't realize you were a mountain biker.
    
    For you road bikers who think LOOKS are a waste of money, wait until
    your on a descent and lose it.  Personally I'd like to get rid of
    the bike as fast as possible in that situation. Try that with toe
    clips.
    
    Also, your getting more than that with the LOOK.  If you take one
    apart you'll find sealed outer bearings(replaceable for $5) and
    roller bearings on the inside.  With that type of setup, the things
    should have a lot longer life than conventional pedals.  I don't
    want to sound like a commercial, but I was in accident once where
    my bike went one way and I went the other.  We seperated when my
    toe clip straps broke; unfortunately it was after my ankle straigthed
    out until it broke.  The extra money is worth the safety
    
    Paul Dunn
    

    
    After a long weekend of playing with toeclips, I think I have found
    the problem.
    
    The rounded "Bear-Trap" type pedals I was using were not placing
    my foot correctly over the shaft of the pedal, making the wrong
    part of my foot hit the top of the clip and the bottom of the pedal.
    
    Solution, trash cheap $14 pedals and buy Deore XT pedals $38.
    
    Feels much better, now I have to decide if I want to keep the Double
    clips on (called Mountain Clips) or go back to the Cateyes.
    
    Thanks for the help...
    
    						--- Neal