Pedal Question re: my Trek 1000

[Bikingmomof3]

Okay, this has probably been covered numerous times, if so, please direct me to the proper thread. I would have searched, but I am not certain what my pedals are. :o

In previous threads I show my bike. It is a brand spanking new Trek 1000 and it has these things that I am to slip the toe of my shoe in. Are those clip pedals? Seriously I was told, I just do not think in my giddiness I was paying attention.

Do I need special shoes? My running shoes seem too big (fat) in the front for these. If I need special shoes, can I find a decent pair for under $100?

Please help.

[Pedal Wench]

You have what Trek calls "Alloy/nylon road w/clips and straps". Standard platform pedals that you can use just about any type of shoe with. If your sneakers don't fit in, try loosening the straps.

Those are platforms, and the straps are usually called 'toe clips'.

So, when the new cleat/pedal systems were invented, they were referred to as 'clipless', which is very confusing because you really clip into them.

Confused yet?

[Trek420]

They are called toe clips, or sometimes &^%$ toe clips :D

There is nothing wrong with toe clips, it's just that I find clipless pedals easier to get in and out of!

"special shoes" will help even if you don't go clipless!!

More about this later, you'll excuse me TE gals. One of my coworkers has been serving in the reserves in Iraq. He just walked in, he's back....off to give him a hug :D

[DirtDiva]

Like, straps that go over your foot? Sounds like toeclips to me. I'm sure you could find a pair of bike shoes for under $100. They'd be better than running shoes anyway as the soles are stiffer. Plus, when you're ready to go clipless you'd already have the shoes to screw the cleats into. :)

[Bikingmomof3]

You have what Trek calls "Alloy/nylon road w/clips and straps". Standard platform pedals that you can use just about any type of shoe with. If your sneakers don't fit in, try loosening the straps.

Those are platforms, and the straps are usually called 'toe clips'.

So, when the new cleat/pedal systems were invented, they were referred to as 'clipless', which is very confusing because you really clip into them.

Confused yet?

Completely confused. the migraine is not helping my thinking. LOL

There is not a strap. It is more like a molded "cup" the front part of the shoe is supposed to slide into.

Does that help? All I know is it is darn difficult to get my shoes into and if I must buy new shoes, I do not want to 1) buy the wrong shoe and 2) spend a fortune.

[Bikingmomof3]

They are called toe clips, or sometimes &^%$ toe clips :D

There is nothing wrong with toe clips, it's just that I find clipless pedals easier to get in and out of!

"special shoes" will help even if you don't go clipless!!

More about this later, you'll excuse me TE gals. One of my coworkers has been serving in the reserves in Iraq. He just walked in, he's back....off to give him a hug :D

Quite understandable. Thank him for me, please.

When you do get time, I am so clueless about the shoe thing.

[Bikingmomof3]

Like, straps that go over your foot? Sounds like toeclips to me. I'm sure you could find a pair of bike shoes for under $100. They'd be better than running shoes anyway as the soles are stiffer. Plus, when you're ready to go clipless you'd already have the shoes to screw the cleats into. :)


Not really straps. The toe portion is molded. No adjusting. Does it make sense? I can try to photograph them. I think my battery is dead, but if I am not making sense to anyone, I will give it a try.

[mimitabby]

Sounds like toe clips without straps.
For my Toeclips, i found that a pair of merrill slip on shoes worked better than
the bike shoes i had for 2 years.
so try some of your other shoes.
the good news is if you buy bike shoes, you can always change them to whatever pedal system you end up if you decide to change from the clips.

[Bikingmomof3]

Hopefully this will help. Here is what my pedal and toe clip (?) look like. What shoes do I need?

http://i43.photobucket.com/albums/e368/knittingmomof3/100_1717.jpg

[DebW]

If you have typical toe clips there will be a molder plastic cup-like piece that the front 1/3 of your shoe slides into and a strap that goes around the pedals and through a hole in the top front edge of the toe clip. The clips come in different sizes to match your shoe size. They may be steel, alloy, or plastic. Running shoes usually have such thick soles that they do not work well with toe clips. Look for a shoe with thin soles - sometimes tennis shoes are better. An ideal shoe for toe clips would have a stiffener in the ball of the foot area so you don't feel the pedal cage edges. There was a shoe called the Bata Biker sold in the late 70s that was designed like this. Now I don't know of any shoes made specifically for biking in toe clips (since clipless are so popular). BTW, clipless shoes without the clips would not be a good choice as the soles are too slick. You want a rubber sole that would grip the pedal but be moderately smooth. Big bumps or ridges in the sole would make it hard to extract your feet from the pedals, too smooth may not stay in the pedals well enough.

edit: The pic appeared after I posted. You have some sort of modern? unusual? toe clip that doesn't use straps. These will force your foot into the right position on the pedal but not produce much pedaling power or keep your feet from slipping sideways or backwards. My comments above still apply. But if I were you I'd swap them for real clips and straps.

[Bikingmomof3]

Sounds like toe clips without straps.
For my Toeclips, i found that a pair of merrill slip on shoes worked better than
the bike shoes i had for 2 years.
so try some of your other shoes.
the good news is if you buy bike shoes, you can always change them to whatever pedal system you end up if you decide to change from the clips.

I just put a phot of my pedal on. Please take a look when you get time. I am not a shoe person, so I only have running shoes and Birkenstocks. I will need shoes, I just do not want to spend a fortune on them, KWIM?

[Bikingmomof3]

If you have typical toe clips there will be a molder plastic cup-like piece that the front 1/3 of your shoe slides into and a strap that goes around the pedals and through a hole in the top front edge of the toe clip. The clips come in different sizes to match your shoe size. They may be steel, alloy, or plastic. Running shoes usually have such thick soles that they do not work well with toe clips. Look for a shoe with thin soles - sometimes tennis shoes are better. An ideal shoe for toe clips would have a stiffener in the ball of the foot area so you don't feel the pedal cage edges. There was a shoe called the Bata Biker sold in the late 70s that was designed like this. Now I don't know of any shoes made specifically for biking in toe clips (since clipless are so popular). BTW, clipless shoes without the clips would not be a good choice as the soles are too slick. You want a rubber sole that would grip the pedal but be moderately smooth. Big bumps or ridges in the sole would make it hard to extract your feet from the pedals, too smooth may not stay in the pedals well enough.


Were you able to see the phot? It posted right before your postm but i am never certain if other can view the picture. I have the molded cup, but no strap.

[KSH]

. Look for a shoe with thin soles - sometimes tennis shoes are better. An ideal shoe for toe clips would have a stiffener in the ball of the foot area so you don't feel the pedal cage edges.

Uuuummm... better yet with BM3 with your NEW Trek 1000... go out and buy some proper shoes and clipless pedals... *evil grin* :cool: ... they are safer in the long run... AND you will go faster! :D

[Pedal Wench]

Until you're ready for clipless pedals (with cleats that attach the shoes to your pedals) you could get away with a cheap pair of tennis shoes - like the old Keds, or the knock-off that Target sells. However, I found a pair of Diadora shoes that worked best - they had a stiffer sole than the tennies, but still had a low profile that would fit, and the sole wasn't too slick, or too grippy. I'll see if I can find a pic.

[Bikingmomof3]

Uuuummm... better yet with BM3 with your NEW Trek 1000... go out and buy some proper shoes and clipless pedals... *evil grin* :cool: ... they are safer in the long run... AND you will go faster! :D

Any suggestions on clipless pedals and shoe brands? I am still learning.

[Pedal Wench]

http://www.teamestrogen.com/products.asp?pID=17948

[Bikingmomof3]

edit: The pic appeared after I posted. You have some sort of modern? unusual? toe clip that doesn't use straps. These will force your foot into the right position on the pedal but not produce much pedaling power or keep your feet from slipping sideways or backwards. My comments above still apply. But if I were you I'd swap them for real clips and straps.

I have no clue what I have. LOL They were all like that. The guy had a metal clip in the sole of his shoe and he did well, although I would think anyone would look great compared to me. They hold the foot very securely, my shoes just do not truly fit. They were meant for funning and have a very think sole.

I seriously need so guidance. I could hop to my LBS, but they will give me a song and dance a sell me the most expensive stuff available. Where I bought the bike (that bike store was awesome) is a long drive from me and they did not carry shoes.

[Bikingmomof3]

http://www.teamestrogen.com/products.asp?pID=17948


Thank You. :D

I did not know metric shoes came in a 39 or 39.5. Augh, more decisions. LOL

[KSH]

Any suggestions on clipless pedals and shoe brands? I am still learning.

I LOVE my Speedplays (pedals). Very easy to get in and out of! The float is really nice too.

Downside? You have to get road shoes...versus mountain biking shoes... road shoes are hard to walk in.

[Kano]

Any suggestions on clipless pedals and shoe brands? I am still learning.

Bikingmom --

I have Specialized Taho shoes, like the cheapest I could find out there that felt good on my feet -- and they were coincidentally, the cheapest on the LBS rack that day, at about $69 (check REI if you have them nearby, since they're starting to have end of season clearance sales!) I bought those last year -- shoes that fit in the toe clips on my old bike made my feet unhappy while pedaling. The hard soles ARE better!

I just bought the pedals a couple of days ago (Saturday!) and they're Shimano M520. They were about $55. I think that was about the cheapest set they had -- He found them in the back, when he was checking inventory back there to make sure he had a pair of the ones I'd chosen. These look the same as the pair he said were like 80 in the case, and they work the same, but who am I to complain about saving some $$, eh? There's a screw type adjustment for the "tension" for getting in/out of them, and the LBS set them for very easy. I'm pretty pleased with how they work!

DH's set was a more expensive, but his are a different style with the hardware on only one side, and a bit of a platform -- not exactly that campus style (he changed his mind on those when I asked him what the heck would he want to wear his birks on his bike for ever again?, but then bought something similar but smaller) His shoes cost more too -- he's got VERY wide feet, and had trouble finding something that fit!

I'm no expert, but I think I got a great deal on starter shoes and pedals -- maybe you can too!

Karen in Boise

[Bad JuJu]

They used to call those things "half-clips"--sort of a toeclip without the strap--meant, I think, to be used by people who were a little hesitant to go the whole clips-and-straps route, and I think they were also popular with roadies moving over to MTBs back when clipless pedals weren't so well-known/mainly used by the pros.

Anyway, I still use toeclips, and I find that my feet are happier with what used to be called a touring shoe--not sure what they call it now. It has a stiffer sole than your average sneaker or running shoe, and that stiff sole transmits more of the power from your legs into the pedal = stronger pedaling. A bonus of many such shoes is that they can be converted to shoes for clipless pedals simply by adding a cleat on the bottom of the outsole. Look for shoes that are advertised as "SPD compatible." I'm contemplating making the move to clipless any day now--well, at least when I get my new bike out of layaway.:)

[Bad JuJu]

By the way, I have Diadora Caymano cycling shoes. Some say Diadoras aren't very durable, but they're the ones that fit me best and their durability seems fine. Currently on sale at campmor.com:
Caymano (http://www.campmor.com/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/ProductDisplay?productId=39168393&memberId=12500226)

[CorsairMac]

momof3: you don't need special shoes as everyone here has said to ride with that style of clip but if you're going to do any distances, you may or may not be more comfortable in a stiffer sole. Like some said, a pair of Keds should work just fine with those clips. If you start having problems with your feet and/or knees - you might consider looking at a bike shoe with a stiffer sole. I bought both of my pairs for under $75.00....they'll come with cleats but you don't have to have the cleats put on.

If you choose to go clipless, it's such a personal thing: some people need float for their knees, some don't. Some want a bigger pedal platform, some don't. Type clipless or pedals in the search box and it should pull up all the different threads regarding clipless pedal systems.

[Kathi]

Back in the spring, when the ortho wouldn't let me use my Speedplays, I got this shoe at REI for $30.

http://www.sierratradingpost.com/p/326,78282_Shimano-SH-M038-MTB-Cycling-Shoes-For-Men-and-Women.html

I tried gym shoes, hiking shoes and regular shoes. The treads kept catching in the cleats of the pedals. Also, I seemed to forget to tie my laces and they kept flopping into my chainring, not to safe for me. The Shimano shoes have the velcro strap over the laces to keep them in place.

I think Shimano sizing is weird, the 37 is listed as a U.S. size 4.5. I wear a size 5 without my full length orthotic which puts me into a size 6 shoe. The sizing of these shoes are more like a 6.5 as they were still a little big for me.

Some companies like Pearl Izumi are making a spinning shoe that might work but I wanted something as cheap as possible because I didn't plan to use them long. In fact, I don't think my Speedplay Frog cleats will work with them.

[Bikingmomof3]

I took all the advice-thank you everyone! This group is helping me in so many ways, I love it here.

I went to my former (never going there again) LBS and bought bicycle shoes. They are SPD shoes. I bought Shimanos (which are sized weird, btw). I came home and took the half clips off after contacting the friendly, helpful bike store that sold me the bike. They said they add them to the bikes because it helps many feel more comfortable when first trying out the road bikes. He said, take them off, I forgot to (actually he said he would be happy to do it and I mentioned I cold just as easily). :) My plan to go clipless by the end of August. I have been keeping track of pedal recomendations. You galsd are awesome!!:D

[kjay]

BM3, I sure do like your toe clips! Looks like there's plenty of room for the toe of the shoe. Wish my Trek would have come with toe clips like that. I removed my straps so that my clips look more like yours now, but they don't have the room in the toe that yours has. I do like them, though, as they are easy to get in and out of and so I'll use them a while longer before switching to clipless.

[Kathi]

I took all the advice-thank you everyone! This group is helping me in so many ways, I love it here.

I went to my former (never going there again) LBS and bought bicycle shoes. They are SPD shoes. I bought Shimanos (which are sized weird, btw). I came home and took the half clips off after contacting the friendly, helpful bike store that sold me the bike. They said they add them to the bikes because it helps many feel more comfortable when first trying out the road bikes. He said, take them off, I forgot to (actually he said he would be happy to do it and I mentioned I cold just as easily). :) My plan to go clipless by the end of August. I have been keeping track of pedal recomendations. You galsd are awesome!!:D

That's what I told the Shimano rep, they're sized weird. No way can I get a full length orthotic in a size 4.5 shoe. I wear a 5 but have to go up to a 6 for the orthotic. The rep gave me some excuse that they were last year's and the higher end shoes were sized better:confused:

Anyway, mine served their purpose and I'm happily back in my Sidi's.

[Bikingmomof3]

BM3, I sure do like your toe clips! Looks like there's plenty of room for the toe of the shoe. Wish my Trek would have come with toe clips like that. I removed my straps so that my clips look more like yours now, but they don't have the room in the toe that yours has. I do like them, though, as they are easy to get in and out of and so I'll use them a while longer before switching to clipless.

Thank you. :) I am hoping with practice I can go clipless in a month.

[CorsairMac]

Since you bought Shimano SPD shoes, you might want to look into the Shimano dual-sided pedal.........it's perfect for first time clipless users and commuting/MTB'ng. One side of the pedal is a clip, the other side is a platform with a recessed area the cleat fits into but you don't clip in. That way you can always ride the platform side if you're feeling a little "iffy" on the clip side.

[Bikingmomof3]

Since you bought Shimano SPD shoes, you might want to look into the Shimano dual-sided pedal.........it's perfect for first time clipless users and commuting/MTB'ng. One side of the pedal is a clip, the other side is a platform with a recessed area the cleat fits into but you don't clip in. That way you can always ride the platform side if you're feeling a little "iffy" on the clip side.


Sweet! I will be checking into these tomorrow. :D

[Bikingmomof3]

Since you bought Shimano SPD shoes, you might want to look into the Shimano dual-sided pedal.........it's perfect for first time clipless users and commuting/MTB'ng. One side of the pedal is a clip, the other side is a platform with a recessed area the cleat fits into but you don't clip in. That way you can always ride the platform side if you're feeling a little "iffy" on the clip side.


I took your advice and then chatted with Cari-unbelievably nice person, with seamingly endless patience. We narrowed it down to Simano M520 SP Pedals or Shimano PD-M424 Pedals.

Any advice?

[Pascale]

Hey, don't know if you are interested, but since I'm looking at going clipless I was following your thread and looked to see if my LBS's carried those models. During my search I found the M520's at a really great price

http://www.lickbike.com/productpage.aspx?PART_NUM_SUB='0763-04'

Even with shipping they are -$5-10 less than I can get them here in my town...

[DirtDiva]

There's nothing wierd about Shimano's actual sizing, it's just their conversions are wonky. I wear a US women's 8.5 in running shoes, which always say they are equivalent to a euro 40. My Shimano shoes (the same ones as Kathi's, but the women's version) are, lo and behold, a size 40 also. Or perhaps they haven't done wonky conversions - maybe they're just giving the men's equivalent sizing instead of the women's... :confused:

[Bikingmomof3]

Hey, don't know if you are interested, but since I'm looking at going clipless I was following your thread and looked to see if my LBS's carried those models. During my search I found the M520's at a really great price

http://www.lickbike.com/productpage.aspx?PART_NUM_SUB='0763-04'

Even with shipping they are -$5-10 less than I can get them here in my town...

I am heading to my not so local bike store (where I bought my bike) and they are hooking me up with duel sided pedals and setting up my new shoes (that my cruddy lbs sold me).

He mentioned the following Shimano Pedals: 520, 525, and 424
All are duel sided. So we shall see what I come back with. I wish I could take all of you with me. My knowledge is minimal-although Cari taught me so much last night. How cool is that? She does not know me, yet spent hours explaining pedals to me. This list rocks!:D

[Kano]

I took your advice and then chatted with Cari-unbelievably nice person, with seamingly endless patience. We narrowed it down to Simano M520 SP Pedals or Shimano PD-M424 Pedals.

Any advice?

Bikingmom --- I got thsoe M520 pedals the other day, and they're GREAT! At least for me, I've been delighted with how easy they are to use. I think you'd like them too!

Karen in Boise

[Bikingmomof3]

Karen,
I am clipless! Mine are just like the 520s only they have a removable cage on one side-I think of it as clipless training weels. :D

[Flying Fish]

:) GOt some Forte shoes for under $50 at Performance-- clearance. They should have had these little parts in the box which you can use once you want to get fancy-- mine were missing. I don't miss them. They are like flat, stiff tennis shoes. they have some reflective stuff and make me walk like a duck-- almost as funny as those people clomping around in their cool bike shoes.

What do you do with the kids when you ride?

FORGIVE ME. I AM HAVING NEW POSTER DIFFICULTIES. DIDN'T SEE YOUR LAST POST. I WILL SOON BE OFF AND RIDING.

[Bikingmomof3]

What do you do with the kids when you ride?


Flying Fish,
The boys ride as well. :) I am new to riding (less than a month) so the boys can ride cicles around me. Sometimes my husband and I go by ourselves. My children are now, thankfully, old enough to be home for a few hours without us. Usually they want to be on the trails with us. The twins have new Trek bikes, so 4 out of 5 of us have Treks. My oldest wanted to keep his old mtb (he is hloding out hope for ipod speakers-um the pointof his ipod was so *I* did not have to be subjected to his music.

[Bluetree]

Since you bought Shimano SPD shoes, you might want to look into the Shimano dual-sided pedal.........it's perfect for first time clipless users and commuting/MTB'ng. One side of the pedal is a clip, the other side is a platform with a recessed area the cleat fits into but you don't clip in. That way you can always ride the platform side if you're feeling a little "iffy" on the clip side.


I have Keo Look pedals on my bike.

Sometimes, I want to bike to a friend's house but I don't want to walk around in my road shoes -- kinda awkward. I have a set of cheap platform pedals I can switch out, so I can wear my Keds, but that seems like it would be a pain to change it often.

Does anyone know if there are dual-side Look pedals? If so, would it be worth the price... or am I better off just changing my pedals to my platforms when needed?

[DebW]

I have Keo Look pedals on my bike.

Sometimes, I want to bike to a friend's house but I don't want to walk around in my road shoes -- kinda awkward. I have a set of cheap platform pedals I can switch out, so I can wear my Keds, but that seems like it would be a pain to change it often.

Does anyone know if there are dual-side Look pedals? If so, would it be worth the price... or am I better off just changing my pedals to my platforms when needed?

There are, or used to be, adapters that would clip into Look pedals and provide something akin to platform pedals with toe clips. I have an old pair that you can have for free. I don't use Looks anymore. PM me if interested. Can anyone verify if modern Look pedals can use the same cleat as Look pedals from the mid-80s?

[SadieKate]

There are, or used to be, adapters that would clip into Look pedals and provide something akin to platform pedals with toe clips. I have an old pair that you can have for free. I don't use Looks anymore. PM me if interested. Can anyone verify if modern Look pedals can use the same cleat as Look pedals from the mid-80s?
Traditional Look pedals and the new Keos do not use the same cleats.