Are clipless possible?

[ninerfan]

I am a newbie to road cycling, have owned my first road bike for about two weeks now, and have already been bitten by the bug! Because I am a novice at road cycing, I purchased my bike with the toe clips and straps and assumed eventually I would transition to clipless. Well, eventually has already arrived. The cumbersome nature of the straps are killing me. I am sick of tightening, loosening, etc. at traffic lights and other obstacles.

So here is my issue. I am a poor law student with limited financial means and want to know how much pedals and shoes will run me. Mind you, I don't want clipless just for the sake of having them. I don't want, for lack of a better word, utter crap. How much can I expect to pay for something that is of reasonably good quality and will be a good intro into the world of clipless? Am I better off just waiting until I can actually afford something of better quality?

[Starfish]

I don't know very much about this...others will know much more.

But, I know that I am still using a pair of SPD compatible shoes I got for about $45 (on sale from about $60). My pedals were something like $80.

Now, do I dream of much nicer, lighter, more comfy shoes and pedals? Yes. But, really, so far so good with these. I can do 100 miles in them, and I can do long 12 hour climbing rides. No major issues.

I'll upgrade when I can, but it won't be because I have to.

That said...I have found in biking that it works for me to get the good stuff if I can, because later I (1) end up wanting it and (2) end up building my skills to the point where I can tell the difference...

[michelem]

I can't believe I am responding to a '9er fan (Go Raiders!) . . . :eek: I may have a pair of shoes or pedals for you, depending on what size you take. Let me know. :)

[jcorbiser]

I'm a big fan of clippless pedals! I haven't been cycling for all that long but have seen HUGE improvements with clipping in. I believe i spent about $80-$100 on the pedals (ebay) and maybe $75 on shoes. If you are a member at Performance or REI they often have big sales with extra coupons, etc. Actually, this weekend might be a great time to take a look. Also, if you try on some shoes and find out what your size is in a couple of brands, you could find some discounts on past year models online.

[GeoCam]

I'm a newbie too, who is just about to try clipless. I think it's possible to get decent stuff at a good price, but you might have to be patient. I found $100 shoes on sale for 50% off last weekend, but I had looked around for quite a while. A few days ago I snagged a pair of lightly used Speedplay frog pedals and cleats for $39 on ebay. I would have bought different shoes if money were not an issue, but these will be fine for starting out and maybe even for quite some time after that. I did a lot of research on pedals and the frogs were my first choice, so the only compromise there was being willing to buy used ones. I ended up with a setup that would have retailed at about $235 and I paid less than $100 total.

[ninerfan]

Uh oh, Michelem. Raiders? At least it's not be the cowboys or the packers :D ....btw, I am a size 7 1/2 or 8 in regular shoes. Do cycling shoe sizes directly transfer? I am also an inline skater and am used to getting a smaller shoe size in skates because of the mechanics of skating.

[Zen]

You might be interested in the Powergrips Toe Straps (http://www.performancebike.com/shop/profile.cfm?SKU=1401&subcategory_ID=10045). They tighten and release with a twist of the foot and you don't need special shoes.
Will you be buying from the LBS? Ask them about these.

[KnottedYet]

Speedplay Frogs: $105
Specialized Taho shoes: $70
Metatarsal buttons for my hot foot: $11

happy feet, happy biking!

[michelem]

Darn. Mine will be too small for you then . . .

jcorbiser had a good suggestion re REI, which is where I got my PI shoes for $29.99 (the previous year's model, regularly $90 or so). They have 20% deals a few times a year as well, which is when you can get a good deal on the pedals. If you do decide to buy over the internet, make sure you try on the same size/brand/style before you make your purchase so as to make sure they feel good on your feet.

Sizing really depends on brand - my PI's are a size 36 and are too big (slip in the heel). My new Sidi's are 38's and fit like a glove. I wear anywhere from a 5.5 to 6.5 in street shoes.

Good luck to you! :)

[velogirl]

9er fan (do you have a name?)! try the Recyclery in San Rafael -- it's run by Trips for Kids and they carry lots of used and new clothing and equipment and deeply discounted prices.

if you can wait, they're having a warehouse sale on Oct 6th -- http://www.tripsforkids.org/events.htm#1

Lorri

[RolliePollie]

I may have some shoes for you! They are Pearl Izumi Vagabond Road shoes in size 39 (US 8). I wear an 8.5 but I have super narrow feet so I bought these shoes a little small. I think they would fit a medium to wide width 7.5-8 very well. They are "gently used" but they're in great condition. Send me a private message if you're interested and I can give you more details! :p

[amy]

I got my first clipless lat weekend... Forte Campus Pedals for $25 or $30 on sale and $90 Cannondale shoes on sale. There were quite a few pairs of cheaper shoes but they didn't quite work for my size 11 narrow feet. I love them.

[Eden]

Definitely try REI, or the dreaded Performance store if you have one near. I got my first pair of mt bike shoes on sale for less than $20 at REI, my first pair of road shoes on sale at Performance for $12.... I even got my Sidi's on sale for $30, but don't expect to see that everyday. I have tiny feet, so good deals tend to fall my way.
as far as pedals go Crank Brother's Candy C pedals can often be found on sale for less than $50, epecially if you don't mind an unpopular color.

[amy]

So, Performance is really that way everywhere?

[Eden]

What way? that they usually have shoes on sale? I guess so. They always seem to have a bunch of pairs at the two stores around here that have been in the store so long that they've been way marked down. That's how I got my Sidi's. They are Sidi Genius shoes, but they are '04's or '03's (nice color, silver with light blue) and I bought them in '06 so they'd been in the store for several years until they were down to $30. I wear a very small size though (like a 4.5 -5), so not too many people out there are looking for them.

[Christopher]

9er fan (do you have a name?)! try the Recyclery in San Rafael -- it's run by Trips for Kids and they carry lots of used and new clothing and equipment and deeply discounted prices.

if you can wait, they're having a warehouse sale on Oct 6th -- http://www.tripsforkids.org/events.htm#1

Lorri
+1 for the Recyclery! We got my sister's gorgeous Rossin frame there. I'll tell her about the sale. It is a great place for vintage steel frames, often lugged, but you need a good idea of what you're after as there's so much stock.

[short cut sally]

9'er fan, try Nashbar or Performance for sale items. They have cheap pedals and cheap(er) pedals. I've used their own brand and haven't had a problem with them (but not the cheapest ones, they were really quality poor) I bought my SPD's for like 29.00 thru Nashbar and shoes can be purchased online, stores or LBS. Try to get shoes that are comfortable for you, not comfortable on your wallet. You will be a happier person.

[SouthernBelle]

Also don't forget ebay. I bought 2 pair of shoes. separate sales, same seller. Apparently a whole family tried cycling for one season and then quit. I got the mother's pair of Specialized and the son's Lake MTB shoes for a grand total of $10, including shipping.

[jcorbiser]

http://www.probikekit.com/index.php

This is a great place to buy pedals...really discounted and they have a 10% off blanket discount right now. They have shoes as well, but not a lot to choose from if you are looking for a WSD. I have a pair of size 40 shimano carbon road shoes that you can have if they fit. I wear a 7.5-8 US but these were a tiny bit too short for me. I know have Sidi Zeta's in a 40.5 and they fit great! Send me a PM if you are interested in the shoes...

[aicabsolut]

Hmm..

Look KEO Sprint pedals, I think approx. $145
Specialized Comp Carbon shoes, I can't remember what I paid. MSRP was $160. I got them on sale.
Specialized BG green (+++) insoles: $40 (I think they're 50 now)

A few pairs of replacement cleats, because the KEOs wear out fast and sometimes break, and I switched to red for a while and now am back with grey. Luckily, they're cheap.

I also race if that makes a difference for comparison :D

[amy]

No, I meant you referred to Performance as the "dreaded Performance". I went there and it was crazy, disorganized, crowded... but I have to say with a little work I got everything I needed and some knowledgeable advice.

[karen]

the "dreaded Performance"

I love my local Performance shop. I bought my bike there because it's in the shopping center immediately next to my apartment complex and between work and home. Infinitely more convenient than any other LBS in the Atlanta area. There's a lot of knowledge in the shop, and some great folks there. I love their satisfaction guarantee - The manager recommended that I trade up from my hybrid after I was complaining about being unable to keep up with my road-biking friend. He's truly dedicated to his customers' satisfaction and I really appreciate that in any store!