Speaking of pedals…

[whateveronfire]

Ok, evening update...

One thing Rapid Cycler didn't say was that I bought mountain shoes. I'm trying all this out on my road bike, but if it works, I'd like the have the same system on both bikes, which is why I was leaning toward something Crank Brothers or Frogs.

After reading everyone's ideas, I remembered that I had some really used SPD (they're old 535s, I think) pedals that came with my mountain bike (bought used). Why not try them out?

I went to REI and got some of the SPD multiple release cleats.

One of the pedals was in better shape than the other. I loosened the tension (probably too much) and tried them out. One of the pedals was hard to stay in (I think it's just that worn), but the other had a nice feel and I had NO trouble getting out. The multiple release business rocks.

So, I think I may try some SPDs. I'm going to look around for which ones might work best for the roadie. I'm not giving up on the Frog idea, but that adjustable tension/multiple release thing Shimano has going on is pretty cool for this clipless newbie.

[Zen]

My Frogs are still easier to get out of than spd's,even with the loosest adjustment on them (spd's)
I could never go back to spd's , the degree of float is entirely too restrictive.

The Sidi Blaze has a medium stiffness, wide platform, and nice grippy, knobby sole. Very easy to walk in.

[Jo-n-NY]

Another Speedplay Frog user here. Love them for all the reasons that have been mentioned and tried them upon the recommendations of the ladies here.

~ JoAnn

[rij73]

I'm ordering Speedplay Light Action pedals for my new bike (coming in about 2 weeks). They are supposed to be even easier to use than Frogs.

[whateveronfire]

Hey all--here's my update. Thanks for all the advice.

I got SPDs (M540s) and some nice Northwave MTB shoes. Put everything on the LeMond and I was ready to go (if nervous). I tried the SPDs on the trainer for two sessions and today did my first outside ride around on them.

I teach at a University, so a summer Friday afternoon is a terrific time to ride on campus--no one around, no cars, no worries. I rode around and around in circles practicing stopping and clicking out and then clicking back in.

I have them set up right now on the loosest setting.

At any rate, I had no problems at all. No falls, no close calls. It was almost like I knew what I was doing.

We'll see how it goes in coming weeks, but for this clipless newbie, the key (SO FAR!) to success was SPDs with adjustable tension and the multi-release cleats. Pull out of the pedal any way you want! (Well almost).

Thanks again for all the help. I feel on the road to clipless success.

[SouthernBelle]

I'm glad I read through to the end because I was going to suggest using the multi cleats on spds. Makes a huge difference in clicking in and out. If that one side won't stay clipped, have you tried tightening the pedal?

[whateveronfire]

Thanks Southern Belle. I replaced the old worn pedals (M535) with a new set (M540). So, both pedals are new and on the same looseness setting and I stay in when I want and can get out when I want. No worries. Anyone want some really used pedals?

[Trek1500]

I'm ordering Speedplay Light Action pedals for my new bike (coming in about 2 weeks). They are supposed to be even easier to use than Frogs.

I also use the Speedplay Light Action. I've never used the Frogs, but the Light Action pedals are very easy to use. I definitely recommend them.