Clipless Pedals?

[hayleymajayley]

I want to get some clipless pedals, I've never used them before. I want something that has a decent sized platform, so I would still be able to pedal without being clipped in, as I am a tad bit clumsy and still a little new, and it'd probably help a lot with avoiding smashing my face in the pavement! Anyone have some good suggestions? I'd prefer not to spend tons on it, but if it's amazing and worth it, I guess I'd dish out the big bucks!

Oh and I guess if I need a certain type of shoe to go with also. Or just any good shoes at all! Man I love the new pink PI shoes but they're a little pricey.

[alpinerabbit]

Since I put that stupid idea* into your head I might as well comment:

Shimano has several models that go with the standard SPD cleats.

The PD-A 530 is the lightest, as far as I found them. Guess from about 80$.


Re: shoes, I've got something like this (http://www.trisports.com/shimano-sh-m076l-mountain-bike-shoe.html)for my MTB, you can walk in these easily.


*it's not stupid, believe me

[Possegal]

Many more experienced folks will chime in, but having not that long ago been in your cycling shoes - ha ha ha - I thought I would say something.

Here is what I put on my bike. http://bike.shimano.com/publish/content/global_cycle/en/us/index/products/pedals/mountain/product.-code-PD-M324.-type-pd_mountain.html

Here are the shoes I have.
http://www.performancebike.com/shop/profile.cfm?SKU=23609&subcategory_ID=2110

The cleats on the shoes are also able to be used on the spin bikes at my gym, so that was one reason I went this route.

Now I just bought a new pair of Nike cycling shoes and I'm planning on changing out my pedals. But I don't regret easing into things with these larger platform pedals and shoes with multiple uses for me.

[alpinerabbit]

The suggestions above are fine as well - that pedal weighs a bit more. I suggested mountain shoes because you can walk in them better. But bottom line, the important thing is the stiff sole.

[hayleymajayley]

Now I just bought a new pair of Nike cycling shoes and I'm planning on changing out my pedals. But I don't regret easing into things with these larger platform pedals and shoes with multiple uses for me.

Oooh if you want to sell the pedals I might be able to take them off your hands :] They definitely look like they'd meet my needs!

Thanks for the reccomendation alpinerabbit, those look like they'd work great, and a bit smaller. Awesome!

[AnnieBikes]

I think that the SPD cleats are also better for learning. I have the Shimano A-520 pedals and really like them. There is a large platform on them, but not necessarily very good for riding uncleated. After you get used to them, you will wonder how you ever rode without them! http://bike.shimano.com/publish/content/global_cycle/en/us/index/products/pedals/road/product.-code-PD-A520.-type-pd_road.html Several of my friends switched to them after seeing mine. The are slightly different from the A-530 mentioned above.

I wear Keene Commuter Sandals http://www.rei.com/product/765248 all year long for their comfortable fit and decreased foot pain. They have a stiff sole and are great for long or short distances. I also have a pair of older Shimano shoes for my MTB which are easy to walk in and also have SPD cleats.

[Possegal]

My pedals will either end up on my hybrid, or my sister's bike as she ventures into the world of clipless. :) I got them because I knew nothing and the bike store recommended them as they were the cheapest way to go while still being able to use my spin shoes. They are cheaper than the other Shimano pedals listed here, though not by very much and when you figure all the other expenses, it is really a very small difference. The others look nicer and I'd probably go that route if I were starting out now. But like I said, no regrets from me with the way I started, it was an easy learning curve for me. Well, with a few falls here and there, but they make for great party stories! And it is funny how all my non-bike riding friends are just so terribly amazed that I ride attached to my bike. Either they think it is a lot harder than it is, or they think I'm a lot less co-ordinated than I think I am. ;)

[alpinerabbit]

@possegal - It just means your friends lack imagination :D

@ hayley - There are people who are not very coordinated (me) and have never taken a fall (me). If you keep thinking of it, it will be easy.

[hayleymajayley]

I'm sure I'll be thinking about it constantly! Even without clipping in I still somehow have trouble getting going from a stop sometimes.. my boyfriend is amazed at my ineptitude.

[ny biker]

I'm sure I'll be thinking about it constantly! Even without clipping in I still somehow have trouble getting going from a stop sometimes.. my boyfriend is amazed at my ineptitude.

You are not alone. This article helped me last year.

http://outside.away.com/outside/bodywork/carmichael-20070330.html

[Ana]

Welcome to TE :)

I learned on SPDs and found them quite easy (but you have to adjust the tension!!). My only fall so far was not pedal related...it was an operator malfunction... :p I really liked the two-sided entry :) Very helpful when learning--you just fish around with your foot and eventually it clips in!

Now I have Looks and I love them :) I like that they have a large platform. I am not very good at clipping in because they are weighted at the bottom and for some reason the angle they fall at is difficult for me to clip in. They're relatively inexpensive on ebay (I think I paid $20-$30 for mine and they came with cleats) but you might be able to find something on craigslist too :)

I also nabbed some Ultegra SPD-Ls which I am planning to try as soon as my current cleats wear out (or maybe sooner)...

[hayleymajayley]

Thanks for the link ny biker :] Very helpful! I bookmarked it so I can look it over again when I get my pedals!

Thanks Ana! I definitely do love the great deals on Ebay and Craigslist :]