Should I start rightoff with clipless or start with cages??

[VeloVT]

Ok, I clearly have an unpopular view here . When I got my road bike about 18 months ago, it was the first time I'd ridden a bike since I was about 10. I was timid and nervous. I left the cheap test cages on for about a month, then decided to get clipless pedals. While I definitely learned to use them ! I really got them too soon, I still lacked confidence in my riding skills in general, and the pedals added a huge amount of anxiety for another month or so. It's all sort of a wash in the end, because you eventually learn to swim if you're tossed into a lake, and I certainly did. However, I think I would have had a few months that were less anxious in the beginning had I waited a bit longer to transition to clipless.

That's just me, and I think I was an extreme case in terms of how unnatural biking felt when I first got my bike. I should add that 18 months later, I'm very confident and clipless pedals are completely natural. I've test-ridden bikes recently, and I find when they put cages on them, I miss my clipless pedals but I'm fine, and when they put flats on them, it drives me absolutely crazy.

I have to say, I've read several threads here where people discuss how dangerous and frightening and unnatural cages are, and each time I just can't understand. I'm not the world's most coordinated person and as I've said, when I first got my bike I was scared to death of it, but from the beginning I never had a bit of trouble with cages. My only complaint is it's a little bit of a pain to have to turn them over when starting at intersections -- but even that is just a nuisance, not something that is difficult. (That said, I'm sure happy to have clipless pedals and not have to tolerate that nuisance).

So, I would say, don't feel like you HAVE to get clipless pedals instantly; ride your bike for a week and gauge your comfort level, then decide. And try not to feel pressured, even then, if you're not totally comfortable.

[KnottedYet]

I rode in cages for about 20 years, then switched to clipless. Now I have one clipless bike and one platform bike.

Here's what I'd suggest: If you are familiar and comfortable with cages, use cages for a while. If you are familiar and comfortable with platforms, use platforms for a while.

Use that time to observe how you pedal on the new bike. Research pedal options during that time. What kinds of pedal systems appeal to you? Do you have any knee or hip or foot issues that should be considered in the decision? How do you feel on the bike, and what do you feel is lacking/not quite perfect in the pedals? Maybe nothing is lacking. Maybe a lot is lacking and that will direct you to your next step. (unless you love what is on the bike... could happen)

Look at it as a research opportunity.

And if it turns out that the clipless pedals you already bought don't meet your needs, sell them and buy what works for you. Make your bike perfect for *you*.

[aka_kim]

Ok, I clearly have an unpopular view here . When I got my road bike about 18 months ago, it was the first time I'd ridden a bike since I was about 10. I was timid and nervous. I left the cheap test cages on for about a month, then decided to get clipless pedals. While I definitely learned to use them ! I really got them too soon, I still lacked confidence in my riding skills in general, and the pedals added a huge amount of anxiety for another month or so. It's all sort of a wash in the end, because you eventually learn to swim if you're tossed into a lake, and I certainly did. However, I think I would have had a few months that were less anxious in the beginning had I waited a bit longer to transition to clipless.

That's just me, and I think I was an extreme case in terms of how unnatural biking felt when I first got my bike. I should add that 18 months later, I'm very confident and clipless pedals are completely natural. I've test-ridden bikes recently, and I find when they put cages on them, I miss my clipless pedals but I'm fine, and when they put flats on them, it drives me absolutely crazy.

I have to say, I've read several threads here where people discuss how dangerous and frightening and unnatural cages are, and each time I just can't understand. I'm not the world's most coordinated person and as I've said, when I first got my bike I was scared to death of it, but from the beginning I never had a bit of trouble with cages. My only complaint is it's a little bit of a pain to have to turn them over when starting at intersections -- but even that is just a nuisance, not something that is difficult. (That said, I'm sure happy to have clipless pedals and not have to tolerate that nuisance).

So, I would say, don't feel like you HAVE to get clipless pedals instantly; ride your bike for a week and gauge your comfort level, then decide. And try not to feel pressured, even then, if you're not totally comfortable.

+1. When I first started cycling, EVERYTHING was new and required concentration; if my feet had been locked to the pedals it would have been too much. After a couple hundred miles I switched to cages, which I used for several years without any problem. For some reason, I found it natural to pull my foot back off the pedal (and still do not find kicking out my heel quite as natural). I now happily use clipless only on all my bikes and can't imagine going back to either platform or cages. So, I agree, do what you're comfortable with.

[jobob]

I'm with Kim & Liza. I took my dear sweet time transitioning to clipless - started out with platforms, then cages, then PowerGrips, then clipless. I think it took me about 6 months or so.

[ninerfan]

I just switched to my first set of clipless pedals last week after 2 mos of cage riding on my very first road bike and I LOVE them! However, this really seems to come down to each individual person. I know that when I bought my bike a couple of months ago, I didn't even consider taking off the cages for clipless pedals because I was inexperienced and under the impression that an amateur like me didn't really need them. Let me just say though, that after the first week of riding, I HATED the cages with a passion.

I hated the constant reaching down to tighten and loosen, and never felt that I was being especially efficient on my rides. I haven't found it so far to be difficult at all to adjust to the pedals and remember to unclip before coming to a stop. For some reason, my brain is hyper sensative to the pedals and so far I have remembered to unclip everytime. Perhaps it's all of the painful cautionary tales that I have read here that help me remember!

Anyway, just go with your gut. I don't think I have been affected by not starting with clipless right away, so if you give the cages a shot and then move on, you really haven't lost anything in my opinion. At least then you will be sure about the move from the cages to clipless. Good luck!

[SouthernBelle]

When I got my first road bike it came with SPDs with the clip-on platforms. The following week I rode the 25 miles to the shop, had them take off the platforms, bought shoes and off I went (after a lesson in the back of the shop). Never regretted it.

Cages with straps require the skill of reaching down, tightening and loosening which you don't need to do with the clipless. Plus there is the extra expense of 2 sets of pedals.

[OakLeaf]

Do they even sell toe-clip style cleats any more??? (I'd let you have my old ones but I have no idea where they might be... probably in my ex-husband's basement if he hasn't thrown them out by now )

Either way there's a learning curve. Why go through it twice?