Cycling Shoes & Clipless Pedals

Thanks Kate! :)

Hibiscus09,

well after all my being glad I have speedplays - there is something very wrong with the right one. Don't know if it's the shoe or the pedal itself but it WILL NOT clip on!! I tried for 30 minutes today and finally had to abandon my ride. :( BF is going to look at them tonight and see if he can figure them out before tomorrow's group ride.

just thought I'd share....:)

bikerchic My problem is because my legs are weak to begin with

Then I do 33 to 38miles I am mostly pedeling one legged I am not sure I would be able to get them to unclip. Great for you on the ride and no falls then would be great for me I fall at list one a week because of my legs but I still ride. I would love to reattempt the clippless but I think I"m a little chicken after the first time. How much does it take to get out of the speed play one:confused: sandy

Grasshopper -- I read that you have to lubricate them with a dry chain lube -- something called "White Lightening"? I'm sure there are other brands. Anyway, I haven't bought any yet -- but, I just read it's good to do it every time you ride! Are you doing that? The site also said to make sure they're clean & that there's no debris stuck anywhere.

Thanks, I checked for debris but I didn't have the lube with me. Did lube them about 3 weeks ago so maybe it's time again :)

Here's some reviews -- the only problem listed seems to be the cleats not being so hot & needing lubing a lot. :D

http://www.roadbikereview.com/PRD_28...x.aspx#reviews

thanks! looks like I need some lube!! thanks again!

Quote:

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Originally posted by hibiscus09
Grasshopper -- I read that you have to lubricate them with a dry chain lube -- something called "White Lightening"? I'm sure there are other brands. Anyway, I haven't bought any yet -- but, I just read it's good to do it every time you ride! Are you doing that? The site also said to make sure they're clean & that there's no debris stuck anywhere.

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I find that regular lube with dry lube ( I use pro lube, don't like white lightening) is critical, especially if you ever hose your bike off, or ride in the rain or mud.

geargrrl

Thanks -- can you get that from places like Wal-Mart or do you have to go by the bike store?

bike shop... and FWIW I am using SPD clips

Irulan

Grasshopper,

Hopefully you've solved your problem by now but sometimes mud gets between the spring and housing. If you look at the outside of your cleat you'll see square openings. If you push the spring with your thumb you'll see it move up into this opening. That area needs to be kept clean and if it gets full of mud you cannot click in. I run a little optical screw driver through that area, it works perfectly. I just cleaned mine and I couldn't believe the junk that was up in there. Rinsing it with water will not clean the junk. It only happens if you walk through a lot of mud which I did about a month ago.

Another thing that can happen, but probably not, is that the screws that hold the springs on are too tight. Then the spring won't move properly. My LBS did that to me and I was having a terrible time clicking in.

Also, keep them lubed but I've gone for quite a while without lubing and not had problems.

I also lube the tracks on the pedals.

The cleats are very simple, I just bought a new pair of shoes and was able to install the cleats myself! I was so proud because they seemed so strange to me at first.


Hope this helps

Thanks Irulan and Kathi! :)

Thanks!!

Thanks for all the advice. I took them apart, cleaned everything and oiled them. It was better but still wierd. I think I've just developed an "affliction" with that foot :) I'm setting it wierd suddenly..I did check to make sure the cleat hadn't moved.

Oh, and getting covers for them TOMORROW! Thanks again for all of your advice!!

Stupid Question # 1( - I'm sure!)

But, are those riding clipless riding road or mountain bikes?

Stupid Question # 2

Do the clipless improve your speed?

Clipless for both road an mountain - For your first question - and I don't think it's stupid at all!! I know plenty of people that don't want to use clipless when mtbing....seems scary!! Does to me too!!!

And to your second question - god yes!!!!! You can pull up on the pedals as well as pushing down and it gives you a solid place to rest your foot. You learn to use the entire circle for your stroke instead of just up and down and that makes you faster and able to last much much longer!!! (I'm still getting the hang of it, so on hills I find myself just mashing straight down - focusing on the whole circle makes it easier!!)

I'm sure a lot of people with more experience can answer these better, but here's my 2 cents worth! :)

Well,
I learned to ride cleated/clipped-in on a mountain bike, and now that I do, I can tell you that going up hill over rocks (seated) is charming! (I love my seat too; Serfas Curva). I almost feel like I'm cheating in comparison to when I first started riding.

I now have "power" in my pedals and use a better range of gears than when I didn't clip-in. I also up graded this past fall to the Shimano 504's. I recently asked the pro-rider at my LBS what pedals she uses; she also uses the 504's. She said she likes them better than the Speedplay...of course, she X races. Also, hose/wipe your bike down after you ride in harsh terrain. It's an important habit to cultivate and will keep you on top of what is going on with pedals, tires, ect. Then lube as needed. Again, use a product that is not going to gum up the works. I like a teflon based product for parts/cleats and Dumonde Tech for the chain.

Could be that I'm becoming a better ride which makes for a faster, smoother, easier ride. I think if you are a roadie or spinner, you can really tell the difference between cleat systems over a platform/cage riding. Like everything else, take your time, learn from your mistakes and details, details, details!
Terry

I'm really enjoying mine now! [I would say here -- "Haven't fallen since I switched to Speedplays!" but I don't want to jinx myself! LOL]

I had a close call today & was able to get out of my pedals before I fell! Yippee!

I was at a 4-way stop and had clipped out of my left pedal. Well, this lady came through the stop & was turning toward me -- she was all over the road! I leaned in the opposite direction (to the right --still clipped in!) -- I guess it was just instinctive to lean away -- because she was too close for comfort. Anyway, I started teetering that way & was able to get my foot out before I bit the dust. Good test for me. (Well, if you don't count the almost getting hit part!) Anyway, I did scratch up my left leg a little on the bike but I didn't notice that until my sweetie told me later.

Am doing the clipless thing on a brand new Le Mond. Am TOTALLY black and blue knees down. Took the bike to LBS and they loosesned the springs.

I want to try Time pedals or eggbeaters. Anybody tried those?

Also, got these neat pedal cover gizmos called Winwood inserts. I"m not going to spend my cycling time on the ground. I want to enjoy my new bike

Chains -- what type of clipless pedals do you have now?

Hi
I have the windwood clip ins you may have problem with the flip to get you feet in it take some getting use to. Your clipless pedals are the top heavy. I just found out that one pair of shoes I have specialzed would not work well in one of my look pedals
They worked fine on the other look pedals I have on my hybrid. I put my sidi cleats on and tried them on the road bike that I was having the problem with cliping in and out. The sidi were slightly bigger on my foot and the pedals work just fine.

Do you have a stationary trainer. If you do I started to work my pedal there first then when I could do it freely then I moved to a quite parking lot no cars and did it over and over then I maoved to the road. My clips are on zero and loose aas they can go. It may be your shoes if you have a small foot to or the angle.

Did your LBS have you pedal them there and watch you to check the problem.

those are some good ideas. I have a clunky old airdyne exercise bike but I think the pedals can be changed, actually.
Good idea re: loosening all the way. Yes the LBS put me on a trainer to watch and adjust but altho they are real nice, they think that other types unusual of pedals are just bells and whistles.

Have been practicing on enclosed college campus roads.

I think I can deal with the Winwoods, better than crashing constantly.

I am starting to think my problem may be my shoes, which are a low level Diadora MP shoe that has a recessed rubber cleat hole. I am wondering if real road shoes might clear easier.

I am now using Shimano M515 which came with '03 LeMond Wayzata. BTW, veeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeerry sweet bike

Quote:

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Originally posted by ChainsOflove
I want to try Time pedals or eggbeaters. Anybody tried those?

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I don't have personal experience with eggbeaters, but a guy in my bike club has them and highly recommends them. He pointed out that you can clip in so much easier because it actually has four sides! However, there must be a downside or I would think I would see more folks using them!

~Angie

Well it turns out that the springs on the m515 pedals were still just way to tight.

I managed to conquer it, however, and then at the end of the minuteman bikeway in boston, the nicest LBS guy said: "they should have loosed them all the way, knowing it was your first time.:"

So he unwound them some more, and actually now they are too loose! but I was clipping in and out like a pro. Only had one small spill when Ipanicked when a truck came by.

All this suffering for nothing. grrrrrrrrrrrr

Am going to get my own tool set today. This is stupid trying to depend on these bike guys. :mad:

Chainoflove

Sorry I could not get back to you alot of work. Yes I think it is your shoes. I have a pair of sidi and specilize. I have to use one pair on one look pedal and the other on the more advance look pedal. Even though my two shoes are the same size. The sidi let me clip out easier on my red bike with the 539 and the other shoe works with the 79.00 look pedals. What did your LBS say about the shoes that you are using?

Thanks WilliamTash

The LBS just said it had nothing to do with m y shoes, yadda yadda.

Today I got a set of hex wrenches and tried on a bunch of shoes.

I am doing much better now. Went on a 20 mile ride friday and I was clikcing in and out just fine.

I may still want a nicer pedal/shoe system, however. :p

Chainsoflove

Sounds like you need to fined a new bike shop. Great on the pedals. I asked by LBS about speedplay for me she said there are positives and negative to all pedals. speedplay has much more float than looks do. Yet they don't have as much foot area. They are great for bad knees she loves hers because of her knees. She also told me that it really felt different about alot of years with looks. You really need to have a good feel for you LBS and trust them alot. Maybe looking for another one that makes you feel you can work with will help.

Hi Everyone:

Just read all your posts about clipless pedals and learned a lot from you all. I haven't been using straps, clipless pedals, or cycling shoes yet because I couldn't afford to get everything all at once. However, my birthday is this month so I am treating myself to a pair of cycling shoes. As soon as the LBS's can find a pair in my size that is. Which brings me to some questions.

1. Are using cycling shoes very different from regular shoes? I mean will it take a lot of getting used to?

2. When I can afford it I will eventually get the speed plays to go with my new shoes. Should I expect to fall when I first get them?

3. My husband says my feet are in the wrong position on my current pedals but that the speed plays will position them correctly when I get them. Does this mean that relearning where to put my feet is going to cause a significant reduction in my level of riding?

Hibiscus09 I am glad things are going better for you now. Keep in mind that there are plenty of drivers that simply aren't very considerate or else they just don't realize how close they are to cyclists or how much danger they are putting them in. I'm glad you didn't fall. What a great achievement!

Hi Bianchi Babe - there's a lot of cool things about using cycling shoes and clipless pedals. For a start you'll discover you can pull up as well as push down on your pedals. I rode my old mtb the other day with just flat pedals,where I couldn't pull up, and couldn't believe just how much pulling up I would normally do without even thinking about it.

Cycling shoes have a nice stiff sole so your foot stays flat and doesn't curl, giving you a nice firm base through which to transfer all that power. They shouldn't really take any 'getting used to' but they should feel comfortable and not squash your toes.

They should also fit snuggly round your heel/ankle so they don't slip up and down. The only thing that might be a bit different is learning to teeter about in them - tap dancing style - at the all important coffee stop. ( Watch those slippery cleets on tile floors - they're lethal!):D

You mentioned you husband thinks your feet are in the wrong place at the moment. When you get your new shoes and pedals why not get your LBS to help you set them up as they can tell you if you've got it right or wrong.

Enjoy :)

Hey Bianchi -- :)! You'll love the clipless -- get the Speedplays. I much prefer the cycling shoes -- more support and comfort.

I guess I'll update you guys here on my MS150 ride adventure. I was training hard & the longest ride I had done at 3.5 weeks ago was 54 miles.

Then it hit. The dreaded ear infection. LOL I've never had one of those & MAN -- did it hurt & did it last FOREVER.

First I was given an antibiotic, decongestants & ear drops. Then a stronger antibiotic. Next prednisone (steroids). Yesterday, my ears finally started popping like they may be clearing up & the pressure is lessening. Holy Cow!!!

Anyway, I've been training for 3 weeks now on a stationary bike & the longest I've gone is 15 miles at a time. I have been doing that 3 times a week & 2 other days doing morning interval training on my elliptical at home. Not easy when you feel like you need to go to the hospital. LOL

My ride is next weekend & hopefully I'll be 100% by then. Regardless, I'm doing it. :D Except there's a hurricane looming out in the ocean now that may be heading towards our coast -- which is where the ride ends up at. :eek:

Such fun & excitement! :D

Dear Mighty Mitre:

Thanks for the advice. Usually we stop at a winery and just eat lunch outside so there isn't any tile floors just dirt.

You said to have the LBS check out to see if my feet are positioned correctly which brings me to another question.

Have you ever had a custom fit on your bike from a LBS? It just so happens that the owner or manager of two of the LBS's is a guy who showed up at the support group I started a couple of years ago. So when he saw me returning the butterfly saddle he started asking questions and I told him that the Butterfly had been worse than my original saddle and as such I hadn't been able to ride for two weeks due to extreme soreness. I told him I thought I would stick with my old saddle and go ahead and get cycling shoes. So he said that if my old saddle wasn't as bad as the butterfly for me that it could be the fact that I never had a custom fit and as such, if I made an appointment during the week, he would not only custom fit my bike but do it for free! Isn't that sweet of him? I feel so lucky. He said to wait until my shoes came in though before doing the custom fit and that would be a good time to ask about my foot position.

I also had another nice experience. I thought I heard someone call my name as we were riding but I didn't recognize the other two cyclists and since my husband didn't hear my name he thought it was wishful thinking. Well it turns out it was a guy I know who is the best cyclist I know. You can't imagine how tough the mountains he rides are. He rides all up and down California camping out here and there. Anyway he called me yesterday to see if it was me that he saw that day and I said it was and he said I was doing real well for a beginner! He said it was great that I made it up one of the steep hills, came down at a terrific speed, missed the warning sign about the large cement bump, and yet managed to stay on the bike even while air bourne. I know he was taking into account the type of hills and the fact I am a beginner but it felt really nice to hear someone who is so proficient give me a compliment. He even said he would like to find time to ride with Gene and I sometime. I can't believe it. As good as Gene is, Vin is still in much better shape and the fact that he would actually say he wants to ride with us is amazing because we are so not in his class. But isn't this exciting good news?

Dear Hibiscus:

I am so sorry to hear about your ear infection. I had one once several years ago and remember it as being very painful. I sure hope yours gets better fast. Like before your MS150. But you know if you do still have your ear infection, remember your riding at a distinct disadvantage. I've read some cycling articles that say you really strain your body when you ride with any kind of illness and it can cause undue stress on your heart. So be careful and good luck. Tell us how it works out.

I am planning on getting the speedplays. But first the shoes. Maybe by Christmas I'll have enough saved up for the speed plays. One thing at a time. Although it is amazing how one little thing can make a big difference in performance.

Good luck on the MS150. I hope the conditions won't be to windy.

Thanks Bianchi! :) I didn't notice if you had picked a particular brand of shoe or not but mine are Specialized Body Geometry. I like them lots.

Dear Hibiscus09:

I haven't been looking for any thing particular in a shoe other than one that will enable me to use speed plays when I am able to get them. But the brands that the LBS's have shown me have all been Shimano, SiDi, and one other that I forget the name of. The Shimano's actually come in my size which is a plus, but on the advice of the LBS's manager/owner I ordered a pair of SiDi's. I don't have to buy them if I don't like them though. Besides, since this guy owns/manages two of the three local bike shops he is still going to get my business one shoe or the other. Actually he is really nice and his two shops are very run by mostly knowledgeable and experienced cyclists who really know what they are talking about. Since my shoes haven't come in yet and they were expected to come in earlier this week, I expect they will soon get the news that SiDi's don't carry my size either. When that call comes in I will ask them about the ones you mentioned to see if they carry them or can order them. Thanks for telling me about them.

Hibiscus09:

Forgot to ask you, how is your ear infection doing? Are you feeling better? I hope so. Good luck this weekend.

You're welcome. :) Ears are still a little stuff. :( But, it's okay -- I'll hang in there -- I'm sure it will be okay by next Friday. Unfortunately, there's a great big hurricane out in the water heading this way. :eek: I'll just have to see what that does before riding my bike towards the beach. LOL