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A Clip-In Overshoe for Commuter Cyclists

JAMES GARRAD

With the 'Atlas Clip-in Overshoe' commuter cyclists can now reap the many benefits of clip-less cycling pedals without having to carry another pair of shoes, or subsequent bags. Rather than changing in and out of their cycling shoes, cyclists can wear the 'Atlas Clip-in Overshoe' on top of their existing shoes, allowing them to clip onto the pedals whilst also protecting their shoes. Once their journey is complete, the overshoes collapse down and magnetize together, making them very portable in their supplied pouch.

Design Team

James Garrad - Designer

Ultimately, this increased convenience is another small step in reducing the barriers to cycling and increasing participation—in the hope to reduce pollution and road congestion.

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David Beck

5 years ago

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Here's a crazy thought. Keep a spare set of shoes at work.

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- James Garrad
  
  David Beck
  
  5 years ago
  
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  Hi David thank you for your continued feedback.
  Perhaps this will work for some people such as yourself and that is great. However, cycling shoes (as I am sure you know) have a stiff sole plate that makes them very difficult and uncomfortable to walk in. Not to mention that they will be covered in mud and debris in the winter/autumn months which might not look the most professional (dependant on work-place), and the cleaner won't be thanking you either.
  
  In addition, for commuting to other places than work this would obviously not be viable.
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Red Stone

5 years ago

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Its a shoe,and a big one at that. Big enough that you can wear it over another pair of shoes.
Oh but you won't need an extra bag to carry a spare pair of shoes, but you will need a "pouch" which is supplied to carry an extra large pair of shoes. Just use your existing cycling shoes and carry a bag/pouch. Or buy a pair of casual or mountain cycling shoes that have recessed clips that let you walk around and the pedals that go with them.

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- Michael Denham
  
  Red Stone
  
  5 years ago
  
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  Or toe-clip or straps...
  
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  - Michael Denham
    
    Michael Denham
    
    5 years ago
    
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    Hi James, Wasn't sure how directly to reply to your comment (technical issues). Anyway, I may disagree with some of what you are saying as a heavy cyclist, but as a designer it is really good to see the level of rigour and understanding in your research. Keep it up.
    
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  - James Garrad
    
    Michael Denham
    
    5 years ago
    
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    Hi, thanks for your comments. I did address these point in the 'detailed explanation' when I submitted, but for whatever reason hasn't made it to this post.
    The base of the overshoe would be 15mm deep, and the upper material 1.5mm thick laminated neoprene (which due to its slight stretch hugs the inner shoe) ensuring its compacted size is as minimal as possible whilst still maintaining the performance of a clip-in shoe (The physical prototype visible is not representative of the final product spec). The pouch is not required for its portability, it was implemented in-case the overshoes were covered in mud and moisture after a journey.
    In regards to other pedal options that you rightly pointed out - I found during my research that :
    -Toe cages are efficient however they can be very dangerous with users often tightening the straps to increase pedalling efficiency which can make them notoriously difficult to get out of at traffic lights or in an emergency (also from experience aha)
    - Casual SPD shoes (with the recessed clips) are often overly expensive, unsuitable for work environments, limited in style /brands and are prone to dismantling due to the weakness of the SPD attachment to the walkable rubber sole.
    
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Mik Efford

5 years ago

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I'm guessing this is for a cold climate? Ain't no way in hell I'm wearing neoprene boots over my nice leather kicks in summer. They'd be destroyed from the sweat. Cycling feet need to breathe!
I think they'd also need more than just one big leather strap over the foot as when you pull on the upstroke your heel or toe would lift through the neoprene as it's not a static material. Spread the load wider so there's no hot-spot on the foot. Think more oversized sandal and you could be onto something for summer.

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- James Garrad
  
  Mik Efford
  
  5 years ago
  
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  Hi Mik, thank you for your feedback. The target market would be the UK - so relatively cold (and wet). The need for good water protection and some abrasion protection drove the material choice.
  
  I did explain some more of the detailed features of the overshoe when I submitted however, they didn't make it into the final post. Your concerns about the heel lifting would be an issue if there was not a small heel cup within the upper material attached to the sole. With the angle of the large PU strap pulling the most effective portion of the foot into the heel cup the inner shoe will not be able to move - even on an upstroke [please see bottom left drawing -up one]
  
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David Beck

5 years ago

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As someone who commutes on a bicycle most everyday, 30 minutes to work, 90 minutes to home (I take the long way home), the very idea of "power transmission" is ludicrous. Making getting from A to B a race (who are you racing) everytime is just plain stupid. Platforms or loose clips are more than adequate. And there are plenty of stylish and inexpensive spd shoes (Giro, Quoc Pham, etc) if you really have the urge to "drop the hammer". (I wish I could put in a rolleyes emoji).

For shnooks, on occasion I ride platforms on Wednesday night and weekend club rides. I don't get dropped, even on my laterally compliant vertically stiff bike and roadie spandex. Call me a cycling rebel. (Again, rolleyes would be good). What I can't believe is people still believing the BS spewed by Bicycling magazine.

Then again, there are plenty of Strava-addicted roadies to buy into this idea. But those nut cases will get their spandex in a bunch for making them adjust their seatpost 15mm to adjust to the thickness of the soles.

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- James Garrad
  
  David Beck
  
  5 years ago
  
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  Hi David thanks for your feedback.
  I am aware that the 'power transfer theory' is still in hot debate within cycling communities. However what I think we can say is that there are certainly benefits, with most people who start using clipless pedals continuing to do so. Whether that is; the ability to generate torque from different portions of the pedal stroke, reducing foot flexion because of the stiff sole, allowing for a more consistent and energy efficient pedal stroke or the reduced concentration and energy keeping your feet in position - is yet to be quantified.
  In addition, I will say "power transmission" (at least for this consumer type) will be more about reducing inefficiencies and reducing fatigue than it will be about increasing speed or "racing".
  
  And regards to "Strava-addicted roadies" adjusting their "seat post 15mm" - cycling fit can be very important ;)
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  - David Beck
    
    James Garrad
    
    5 years ago
    
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    Really? "Hot debate"? For commuting?
    
    Honestly, if you want more people cycling to work, the store, wherever, you are making things worse with line a BS. Claiming you need specialized crap in order to do something that a 5-year-old can do puts people off.
    
    Your "pedaling efficiency" line is entirely marketing BS to sell your unneeded product. I'm happy to wait for you to produce any evidence of your claim. But I know I will wait until death because you have none.
    
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