pedals and cleats

[rachelroo]

I got my bike the other day, and I got clipless pedals on it, But I didn't get any cleats to go with the pedals. Is that normal? I was under the impression that you always got cleats with pedals because they are designed to work together but I'm new to this sowhy not ask all of you who probably know.
thanks

[batsheva]

the cleats are attached to the cycling shoes, which have little holes in them where the cleats go-- you do need the clipless shoes to go with clipless pedals to use them...

[rachelroo]

yes, I have the shoes and the pedals but no cleats. Am I supposed to buy them seperatly. I just thought the cleats came with the pedals.

[batsheva]

yes, you need to buy the cleats separately - get the LBS to affix to shoes and then you'll be all set-- they need to know which pedals you have so they can put the correct type of cleats on.

batsheva

[Python]

I've just put on Shimano SPD R540 today. The pedals came complete with the cleats. I think some come with the cleats and some don't.

[RoadRaven]

Yep... as you have discovered, these are always sold separartely - you have to request each, or make it part of a deal.

There are so many different types of cleats and pedals, and cleats in your shoes wear out, so assumptions are never made that just because you need new pedals you will also need new cleats.

[rachelroo]

ok thanks for your help
-rachel

[Python]

Roadraven. We must do things a bit different over here in the UK. The SPDs and cleats came in the same box. They weren't sold separately or as part of a deal, they just came together. Strange how the same company uses different sales techniques in different countries.

[michelem]

My mtb pedals (shimano) came with cleats; same with my road pedals (also shimano). I live in the U.S. What kind of pedals do you have, Rachel?

[Blueberry]

At my local shop, when you buy a bike that comes with clipless pedals, the cleats should come with the bike. Lots of times the shops keep them if you don't ask, but they *are* included.

CA

[SouthernBelle]

Agree. When I got my bike with pedals, I got cleats. When I got new pedals, I got cleats.

[KnottedYet]

My pedals came with the cleats, too. I would have to request a 2nd set of cleats specifically if I wanted the cleats only. I have Speedplays. Do the different brands do things differently?

Edit: oh, wait, I see. Different countries, different sales patterns. (sorry, guess I skimmed over that!)

[RoadRaven]

Hmm... I stand (sit) corrected.

Interesting Python... I didn't know that.

My "always" is based on only on my/our experience. Bikes come without pedals, and you choose your pedals. But our new bikes with pedals don't come with cleats unless we have negotiated them.

So, I guess the upshot Rach is always ask... good luck :)

[silver]

Here in Indiana, the cleats usually come with the pedals. Did the bike shop install the pedals? if they did they should have installed the cleats. What kind of pedals are they?

[RolliePollie]

My pedals came with cleats too. I have Crankbrothers Quattros. I successfully installed the pedals and cleats myself...it was easier than I expected.

[LadyInMotion]

last week I purchased new shoes and pedals, SPD. Cleats were included. Of course, I also purchased the bike, bag and everything else I needed to start. The LBS threw in many freebies, I didn't think to ask about cleats, they just took care of me and there are no charges for them on my BOS. But now I have learned not to take that for granted if (when) I make any changes.

[michelem]

P.S. I didn't buy my pedals at the shops where I bought the bikes, and the cleats came in the box with the pedals so I didn't have to ask for them specifically . . .

[kiwi girl]

One of the Aussie girls might be able to confirm if I have this right but ...

When I bought a pair of road shoes in Australia, they came with a pair of 'no name' spd compatable cleats :confused: Apparantly the explanation is that on their own they are just 'shoes' and attract one rate of import duty, but if cleats are included they become 'sporting equipment' and attract a lower rate of import duty

[rachelroo]

I cant really tell what brand they are. They say IP on the side of them. I negotiated for them with the deal on my bike. (did that sentance make any sence) I'm sure they threw in the cheapest pedals there were, because I didn't really have a preferance yet so I was fine with what they threw in for me to learn on. Now that I've been reading all your posts here I'm thinking speedplays. I'll go to thelbs today if I can get off work before they close.