Conference noted::bicycle

    I bought toe clips and straps because I so many racers seem to strongly
    advise them.  I however an not a racer and I started out on a summer
    trip through Europe with them on, only to toss the straps into a
    canal in Holland after falling over tricycle style..standing still. I
    had unclipped my right foot, placed it on the ground and forgot
    that my other foot was clipped and tried to get off the bike..wham!
    Well, that had to happen only twice before I tossed them.  As for
    the toe clips themselves...I can't imagine riding without them.
     Thy keep your foot in position and prevent it from slipping, while
    allowing you to pull your foot out any time.  The clips really help
    in climbing hills, too.
    
    I think the only way to avoid soreness is to experience it at first
    until you break in your saddle.  Make sure the saddle is leather
    so that it will become supple as it wears in.  I never wear bike
    shorts but I wouln't advise against them.  No matter what you wear
    or what kind of saddle you have, you will be sore in the beginning.
    Your body has to get used to the saddle.  Don't try to provide yourself
    with more cushion, it may only add to the friction causing more
    pain.

    Saddle soreness -
    
    If Pat is a woman's name, and not a man's, the first thing I'd
    suggest is to make sure you have a woman's seat.  Next (whether
    you're male or female), be sure the angle's adjusted right.
    Then work on increasing your mileage S-L-O-W-L-Y.  If you're
    impatient, or really want to ride long, long distances,
    a Spenco saddle pad soaks up the shock better than anything.

    Toe straps -
    
    The clips help position your foot, which is a great improvement
    in itself.  You might want to start this way, if you're not
    secure about strapping yourself in.  Later, I'd suggest trying
    the toe straps.  When they're tightened correctly, they make
    climbing much easier.  As .1 pointed out, they can be hazardous
    if you're not used to them, but believe me, this stage passes.
    Another option today is to use so-called "clipless" pedals,
    which combine the direct contact of pedals with toe clips and
    straps with the quick-release mechanisms of ski bindings.
    These usually aren't easy to walk in, though, limiting their
    usefulness for touring.
    
    MATT    

    The stitching in your shorts may fall in just the wrong place.
    I've tried just about every short on the market, and wouldn't 
    you know it, the most comfortable ones for me are Descente --
    also among the most expensive.
    
    To make your shorts a little more bearable, spread baby powder
    over the crotch before you put them on (each time you ride).
    It works for toddlers, and it works for pedallers.
    
    Justin

    For long distance riding (a day, a weekend, a tour), comfort
    and efficiency become exponentially important.  Years and years
    ago I added toeclips - more efficient (less energy used per day)
    and better foot position control, as Matt points out.
    
    Next step: reluctantly I tried cleats (with straps).  I'd thought
    they were only for racers.  But the pedals stopped eating into
    the soles of my feet as they had without cleats by the end of 
    the day's ride ... and again, they were more efficient.  
    (I took walking shoes on tour, for evening and extended touristing.)

    A few weeks ago I (again, reluctantly) shifted to strapless pedals -
    *still* more efficient, more comfortable (no straps eating into
    the *tops* of my feet) ... and easier to get out of, once you get
    used to them.
    
    So go for it!   -john

    
    	I just recently switched to the new "mountain" style toe
    clips, (I think they're 'specialized' brand) they have two bars 
    that come up over the foot to guide the toe strap.    I really 
    like the feel of these toe clips better than the old style!    
    Add Alfredo Binda 'extra' toe straps, and it's ultimate!!
    
    	If you're going to use toe straps, the various brands
    seem to vary in performance.    I've never found any toe
    straps to be equal to Alfredo Binda's.
    
    					Alan.

    Note 1139 contains a lot of stuff about shorts and comfort.
    
    
    Rod

    .3 mentioned the chamois stiching being an irritant with shorts - I've
    had that problem if it's really hot and sweaty.  My solution has been
    to use these cotton liners that Performance sells - I swear by them,
    they're better than wearing nothing under the shorts.  Performance
    has two types, a thin and padded type.  I've only tried the thin ones.

    - Jim

    
    
    I just did my first century of 89 yesterday, and since last year
    I have mastered tightening my straps while on the bike.
                                                                    
    Well I can say I was a bit sore at the end of the ride but the most
    noticable pain I had was in both my big toes.  Loosening the straps
    seemed to relieve the pressure and the pain of the toe.
    
    Do I need a larger clip? do clips come with different angles around
    the toe, or should I just remember to trim my nails before long
    rides? 
    
    
    Rob

>    Do I need a larger clip? do clips come with different angles around
>    the toe, or should I just remember to trim my nails before long
>    rides? 

The answer (currently being discusssed in another note) is clipless pedals. 
Comfort is the number one reason for going clipless.  Foot pain with clips and
straps is just something that you have to live with.

Re: .8
I had a problem with pressure on my big toe when I got my last pair of 
shoes. Seems like the shape of the sole held my toe higher. The 
solution: I took a pair of pliers and bent the toe clip until it wasn't 
pressing on my toe. No problems after that. (By the way, I have since 
converted to clipless and they ARE great.)

Al

    re .10
    
    you must of had metal clips, mine are plastic.  Maybe if I put em 
    in the oven at 200 for 5 minutes I can get the same results.
    
    re .9
    
    I dont know if I could tour with clipless shoes, Id like to find
    a setup thats pactical on the road.  Packing a second pair of shoes 
    is hard to justify when your trying to keep your total load under
    30 lbs.
    
       
    thanks,
    
    Rob

    Try "Cycle  Bindings" the shoe has a concave cleat so you can walk
    on  them. There's a touring model shoe that looks as if you really
    could  walk  in it. I haven't seen them much, but everyone who was
    using  them  really  liked  them.  If I ever go clipless, it's the
    system I'll use for the same reason you state.

--David