clipless pedals?

[Flyneagle]

I have been reading this forum for a few months now and finally registry to start posting. I am very new to cycling..I bought my first bike in June a 2012 specialized Dolce. I been average right at 20 miles a ride twice a week and short 8 mile rides in between. My question is the right sides of my feet go very numb and I wanted to know if switching to clipless pedals and shoes will help with this....any suggestions would be great! I have learned so much from all the postings....

[Flyneagle]

Hi there! I was had a fitting....and everything feels really good...just when I get about 5 miles in the outer edge of my feet along with the last two toes go numb...it's a little wierd but I can't put my finger on it...I am going to go to the LBS tomorrow and see what they say....I am planning on doing the MS ride next month and so I been considering starting in on new pedals and shoes before the ride and hoping it will help

[jusdooit]

Flyneagle.......if you don't go clipless at least get a very stiff sole shoe. It is possible your foot is being allowed to flex in a way that is cutting off circulation to parts that are going numb. Maybe MTB shoes just without the pedals.
And welcome to TE!

[sookiesue]

I love this forum. I asked a question and got so many great suggestions. Thanks so much! I did get a new saddle and used it for the first time on a 65 mile ride - yeah, probably not the best idea - but it turned out to be great! Much of the saddle-area aches were alleviated. I also tried out Hoo Ha Ride Glide and that was a great addition as well. Highly recommend that stuff. A professional fitting is probably a good idea and could help with my low back issues, although they are something I have been dealing with for years and I am actually amazed at how little my back has been troubling me with all the riding I've been doing. Getting back to the clipless pedals, I appreciate all the recommendations and look forward to monkeying around with them more after I get through this event! And I'm going to get the book RubyTuesday mentioned. I love that there's something out there written especially for women. Thank you all again for all the great responses.

[smittykitty]

Isn't this forum the Best? You can learn Everything you every need to know about biking, plus how to choose a Realtor and what breakfast foods to take take on an airplane! Really what does the rest of the world do for info?

[sookiesue]

I got Speedplay frogs and I love them! So easy to clip in and out, and very comfortable with a lot of float AKA wiggle room for me! People told me things had gotten better, but I had no idea just how much better pedals have gotten since the 1990 Look pedals I used 3 times before chucking the whole thing.

[Caddy]

I'm still using 1991 Look pedals :P Honestly prefer the 0 float and clip-in is very easy.