Do I Need To Go Clipless?

[Bike Goddess]

Bad JuJu & PrairieDog

I have BAD knees so when I first tried clipless at the bike shop it was pretty funny. Didn't matter how they adjusted the cleats, I could not get my foot out. Just not strong enough.

So, one of the guys who was helping out with this whole process suggested we try Look type pedals. You can get a floating cleat for these which is what they put on my shoes. Voila! I could easily clip in and out! I've been riding clipless for almost 3 years now and wouldn't be without them!

So, that said, try Look or "Look alikes"!!!!!! (Be sure to do it on a trainer inside the shop with someone standing by to adjust the tension)

[Prairiedog]

Thanks for the tip, Nancy. I will try clipless...but geez, I just got new bike shoes.

[KnottedYet]

PrairieDog:
Look at the sole of your new bike shoes. At the ball of your foot, is there a long hexagonal kind of pattern, maybe an outline? (about the size of half a dollar bill) Your bike shop guys can use a knife to cut along that hexagon/rectangle/whatever, and peel off that piece of sole. Under that piece are recievers for cleat-screws. You don't need to buy another pair of shoes for cleats.

[KnottedYet]

Ok, I just looked at mine again, and actually that removable bit is the size of 1/4 a dollar bill. My Specialized Taho's also have two ridges of sole material to the left and right of that bit, so my cleats don't touch the ground much when I walk.

[Prairiedog]

Hi Knotted...yes, my cycling shoes do have the option for cleats but I'm concerned the soles aren't deep enough that I'd have to remove them to walk. I'll take my shoes with and see if that's an option or if I need to buy YET ANOTHER PAIR of cycling shoes!