cannondale?

[Catrin]

muirenn-I don't feel comfortable going clipless with my foot being so messed up. I have to be able to get a foot on the ground very quickly so I don't slam down this left foot! So thank you for that reassurance. I am so scared to ride in traffic.

Do I need gloves? I have to get a helmet and bike shorts, I guess. Just trying to get the basics.

Yes, you do need gloves to protect your hands.

You absolutely do not have to go clipless right now - or ever if that is what you want! Do not allow anyone to tell you that you aren't a real cyclist if you do not clip in - I have actually had someone tell me this. It is your ride and you need to do what works for you. I ride quite long distances with BMX pedals - so far the furthest I've gone is 70 miles without clipping in. I've had foot surgery myself so I understand.

If you do decide to stick with platform pedals, you should probably look into better pedals than what came with your bike eventually. Personally I prefer BMX pedals because there are pins that give my shoes something to grip and my feet stay where they are supposed to, they don't bounce off yet I am not attached to the pedal.

Last summer I rode close to 500 miles clipped in, and while there are advantages to that, it isn't the only way to do it. I am currently back on my BMX pedals due to recovering from an injury.

Really all you need right now is a helmet and gloves. Bike shorts would certainly make your ride more comfortable - go with the most expensive that you can afford...it does matter where shorts are concerned. They should be the tightest that you can fit into - you don't want the padding to slide around when you are on the bike

Do you know how to change a tire? If not, see if one of your local bike stores might have a clinic where you can learn that. You will also need a small seat-bag in which to keep your tube and tire changing tools - there isn't much but it is important to have this on the bike at all times.

[channlluv]

Muirenn's right. Do not feel pressured to go clipless. I rode for two years before I tried it, and now, a year on, it still makes me nervous. All of my recent tipovers (and by all, I mean both -- I'm getting better) and near-crashes have been because I couldn't unclip quickly enough.

TE has a really nice couple of bike bags. I use two, one for tools that fits under my seat, and the second is a bento bag for my phone, keys, multi-tool (easier to get to in a hurry), and a gel or mini-Clif bar. http://www.teamestrogen.com/prodFB_840200.html - I have the large one. It holds my iPhone and my keys, plus a mini-Clif with no problem.

Also, if you're going any distance at all, you might consider a Road ID. Accidents happen. I have this one, with a woman riding a road bike on the front: http://www.roadid.com/Common/LearnMore.aspx?PID=1

I ride alone a lot, but even if I'm with someone, my main riding partner doesn't know my blood type, you know? And I don't know hers, now that I'm thinking of it. I need to pass this message on to her.

Post a picture of your new bike. We share pics of our new rides here.

Roxy

[warneral]

Congrats! I started on a similar-level bike last summer and soon upgraded The components are OK and will definitely give you an idea if you like a roadbike.

I would agree to wait on clipless. Get used to the bike itself before trying the clipless. I fell a LOT and was glad to fall on a used bike instead of a brand new perfect bike

[KnottedYet]

Another "don't worry about clipless" voice here.

I've been a bike nut for a long time. I rode with clips/cages mostly, but then switched to Speedplay Frogs... and then decided that was too much fuss and bother as well.

All 3 of my road bikes have BMX pedals.

There are some very sexy ones, that look really cool and racy, which might interest you. They are available through Rivendell, but can also be ordered from any bike shop. "Grip King" is the name used by Riv, pedals are made by MKS. http://www.rivbike.com/products/show...g-pedal/14-053 Their generic name is "Lambda" pedals.

Big and grippy. They'll give a lot of support to your injured foot.

[Catrin]

...There are some very sexy ones, that look really cool and racy, which might interest you. They are available through Rivendell, but can also be ordered from any bike shop. "Grip King" is the name used by Riv, pedals are made by MKS. http://www.rivbike.com/products/show...g-pedal/14-053 Their generic name is "Lambda" pedals.

Big and grippy. They'll give a lot of support to your injured foot.

Knotted - do these actually have pins? I can't really tell from the photo but it doesn't look like they do. Am currently deciding what pedals to have them order for my Gunnar, my current favorite are the Sun Ringle Zuzu pedals (currently on my LHT)

[Kerry1976]

I am totally interested in this because I'm not too keen on hitting traffic clipped in. Also, I feel like my Lake MTB shoes are bricks on my feet. I suppose I've been spoiled by my lightweight running shoes.

With the Rivendell pedals (or Sun, etc.), can they be installed in place of SPD pedals at home? My LBS is a nice place, but I'd much rather do something simple like this at home. Looks like I need a pedal wrench and some grease, correct? (MTA: I've placed an order via Amazon - this looks like a fun project)

Also, with these types of pedals, do you will need special cycling shoes or can you wear running shoes or something similar? (MTA: Found the answer to this question - can wear any shoes - YAY!)

[Catrin]

Certainly you may install them at home if you have a pedal wrench! You can also wear regular shoes but it does help to have stiffer shoes to help prevent foot pain. I wear hiking shoes/boots in the winter and Keen Commuter sandals in the summer. I have had foot surgery and ride long distances - and have found that regular running shoes do not provide enough support to ride comfortably. Of course your experience may vary.