Oh, Help

[Mr. Bloom]

What's your goal?

If it's casual, relaxing rides, go clipless.

If it's speed and endurance, I think you'll ultimately want the clips. I found that my speed improved about 15% with clips and that the adjustment was very easy.

I also don't think that SilverSon has had any slow speed incidents due to his clips and he just put them on one day, read the instructions, and started riding one day while we were out!

You're not a woos, but trust me, if the SilverFamily can adjust to clips...anyone can.

[farrellcollie]

How are you going to use the bike? I have campus pedals on two of my bikes - they have spd clips on one side and flat pedals on the other - I use them on my commute bikes so that it is easy on days I don't want to wear special shoes. I also have crank bros. candies on my road bike - easy to get in and out of.

[Python]

The bike's going to be used for commuting to and from work and also for going further afield. There is a strong possibility that eventually I'll be joining one of the local cycling clubs.

There is also a strong possibility that I might be doing a big charity ride in a year or two's time. At the moment this idea is but a thought and I haven't done much about it except talk about the idea to one or two people. It all rests on whether my son's forthcoming transplant is successful or not and whether we could get sponsorship or not.

Basically, the idea is to ride renal dialysis unit to renal dialysis unit throughout the UK once my son has had his transplant and (hopefully) been given a clean bill of health. He will be coming too. Our aim is to raise enough money to buy his hospital the very latest in home dialysis machines to give someone the chance of a more normal life while they are waiting for a kidney transplant so it means I'm going to have a lot of training to do. The home dialysis machines cost approximately £15,000 each.

[SouthernBelle]

Most excellent goal!

Don't know which peds you were looking at, but there are some that you can ride either way. My Shimano A520s could be ridden with regular shoes as could Meg's Smarties. Although once you master being clipped in, you won't go back, I promise.

[Python]

The pedals (same colour as the bike) are Shimano. I think they may have been SPD but I'm not sure. I've got a few weeks to think about it, but I'm slowly being drawn towards going clipless. So long as I can unclip at least one foot quickly I shouldn't be too worried (I think).

[KnottedYet]

Very cool goal!

Can you get the clipless pedals now, and put them on one of your other bikes and practice with them on a bike you know? Then when you put them on your new bike you'll already be comfortable with the clipless?

I like clipless for the power/speed advantage, but also they make me feel like I have much more control over the bike. I think you'll like them!

[Python]

I could get some clipless for my Raleigh. I did toy with the idea of trying PowaGrips but I can't seem to track them down in this country in any of the shops. Thought they might be a good starting point - if I could find some

[BleeckerSt_Girl]

What's your goal?

If it's casual, relaxing rides, go clipless.

If it's speed and endurance, I think you'll ultimately want the clips. I found that my speed improved about 15% with clips and that the adjustment was very easy.

I also don't think that SilverSon has had any slow speed incidents due to his clips and he just put them on one day, read the instructions, and started riding one day while we were out!

You're not a woos, but trust me, if the SilverFamily can adjust to clips...anyone can.

Mr.Silver,
I think your terminology is a bit off-

"Clipless" are the ones you snap/clip your special shoe into and then you are attached to the pedals.
"Clips" are the metal cages you stick your shoe toe into, with the leather strap across the top.
And then of course there are plain old platform pedals for us low brow types....

[cosc]

Python, I've had only used spd pedals for years, but decided to change since my last set of cheapo spd have been hard to clip in and out, plus my knee has been hurting. My new speedplay frogs are so easy to get in and out , I've only rode with them 70 miles, but definitely feel like they will be a winner in my book.
Some people with knee issues find the float easier on their knees. The mountain bike pedal allows you to use a cleat and shoe that is walkable. I was worried about the change since I am such a klutz, but felt like I could handle it after the bike shop set my bike on a trainer, so I could practice clipping in and out. Sometimes just placing my foot on the pedal was all it took to clip in. A miracle after my experiences with the spd's. There is many pedal options, but hope you can find the right one for you.