Gross cycling efficiency is not altered with and without toe-clips

The aim of this study was to examine the claim that reductions of 8-18% in submaximal oxygen consumption (VO2) could be due to changing components on a Monark ergometer, from standard pedals without toe-clips or straps (flat pedals) to racing pedals of that era, which included toe-clips and straps (toe-clip pedals). This previously untested assertion was evaluated using 11 males (mean age 22.3 years, s=1.2; height 1.82m, s=0.07; body mass 82.6 kg, s=8.8) who completed four trials in a randomized, counterbalanced order at 60 rev center dot min(-1) on a Monark cycle ergometer. Two trials were completed on flat pedals and two trials on toe-clip pedals. The Douglas bag method was used to assess VO2 and gross efficiency during successive 5-min workloads of 60, 120, 180, and 240 W. The mean VO2 was 2.1% higher for toe-clip pedals than flat pedals and there was a 99% probability that toe-clip pedals would not result in an 8% lower VO2. These results indicate that toe-clip pedals do not reduce VO2.