pedals on a new bike

I hope to be able to try some bikes this weekend. Last weekend it was raining, so all I did was chat with a salesperson. A lot of the bikes on the floor had no pedals. Is this because they assume you'll have a preference and/or shoes for specific models? The guy asked me if I'd be bringing my own shoes when I came for a test ride. I had to give him a blank expression :) "Uh... No, don't have those yet." Should I just bring my gym shoes and not worry about it? (I did buy some bike shorts already.)

Also, I have no trouble envisioning clipless pedals. I got used to toe clips easily enough, and clipless seems like a big improvement. Do you all like the double-side ones, or do you use "regular"? I don't have the term yet. These new fangled things, I tell 'ya! The thing I didn't like about toe clips was that they were upside down and had to be flipped.

Thanks again for all the great advice.
Amy

If you want to try clipless, you'll need shoes with cleats. [digression: I can see where the name "clipless" needs to evolve soon. There won't be anyone left who remembers toe cages under the name "clips" and "clipless" will seem even more back-asswards than it does now. How can you clip and unclip from something that's clipless????]

But back to the question -- yes, you'll need shoes if you want to try a bike with clipless pedals. Some bikes come with reversible pedals -- clipless on one side and flat on the other. I have such on my bike, since I sometimes ride it on my way out to the woods for a hike. I don't go hiking in my bike shoes and don't have bike cleats on my hiking boots, so must have a flat side to the pedals. However, if I had two bikes -- one for road riding only and one for commuting, heading out to hikes etc., I would not have reversible pedals on the road bike. They don't _always_ wind up clip-side down, but it is something of a nuisance to be fumbling with my feet trying to feel which side is up, find the clips and clip in, all the while keeping my eyes on the road. I have learned to do it, but it took some practice and is still a bit of a nuisance.

All that said ... you could maybe try shoes too while at the shop. I imagine not all shops will be accomodating. Different pedals take different cleats and they might not be willing to attach and detach them. Also, new shoes often come with a bit of sole covering where the cleats go, and the shop might not be willing to take that cover out until you buy the shoes. But if you find just the pair you want and buy them, a shop with good service ought to be willing to put cleats in so you can try out different pedals and bikes.

We've had endless discussions about types of clipless pedals. I prefer Look style pedals as they have a large platform and I can, if need be, ride with my running shoes. I also have what they call "moveable cleats". Try the bike on a trainer with shoes clipped in and see if you can clip out. It should not be hard to do that.

Check in the open topic area for opinions about pedals. They abound!

Sounds exciting that you are getting a bike! It's like trying on shoes, don't compromise. Make sure it feels right to you. Also, make sure they give you the correct size handlebars. They should only be as long as the distance between your shoulderblades.

I'd suggest a steel frame over an aluminum one if you can afford it. Aluminum is a much harder ride as it doesn't cushion you as well on the road. My 1st bike was steel. I still ride it and love the feel!

Good luck and let us know the outcome!

Dachsund, the salesperson was trying to find out if you already had bike shoes and therefore a preference for a specific pedal which you would want on the bike you're test riding. Since you do not, just take the shoes you bike in now. They'll put some cheap plastic platform pedals on for now. You can choose shoes and pedals later.

Go read our endless discussions on pedals and talk to your LBS guy. First place to start is 1) is this a road bike and 2) do you want to use road shoes? Nothing says you can't use mtbike shoes which will have lugs on the bottom and be easier to walk in, but such shoes are not compatible with pedals like Looks that have large cleats and platforms.

You may find this article helpful regarding the fit. If this is a road bike, a good place to start for bar width is the width of your shoulders (the bony points or arms parallel) but everyone has a preference based on handling of the bike, wrist comfort, etc.

http://www.peterwhitecycles.com/fitting.htm