New with lots of questions

[psycholist]

First of all to all, this is my first post and just wanted to intro self...

I just started riding about a month ago. I am doing most of my work right now on a trainer. I began at 15 mins, I am now at an hour...I live on hilly dirt roads and so must build stamina before I can even go around the block - downhill is great, but impossible to get home ! Another reason I can't just hit the trails is due to my Fibromyalgia (which is a chronic pain coondition) ~ However, I refuse to let that slow me down or stop me.

I just discovered this wonderful invention called a bicycle! About a year and a half ago, I decided it was time to loose weight and get in shape. When I started I could only do 5 mins of exercise and that whupped me for the day. Anyway, after loosing over 45 pounds and working my way up to running, I discovered that while I enjoyed the running, it was just hurting and tearing up my body way too much. This is when I began to consider a bike - WOW! I just wish I would have started sooner! I LOVE IT! The amazing thing is ~ it doesn't hurt me! So here I am - totally addicted...

And so now to my question...I want to go buy shoes, when I pedal I have began to get hot spots, and I have read that the right shoes might help. Also I think I want MTB shoes but not sure ~ My immediate goal is to be able to ride the dirt roads around my house...after that who knows? Also if I am gonna get the shoes do I have to get the clip on pedals? I think I read somewhere in one of the threads that if I do the clips, I will increase my pedal power?

I would appreciate any advice you have. I have enjoyed reading the info you gals have offered and have learned much; look forward to learning more ~ and ridin' more ~Janice

[Kalidurga]

Janice, I have to applaud you for being so determined to ride in spite of your fibromyalgia. My mother suffers from that and arthritis. Her doctor recommends gentle exercise, but Mom won't do anything. I tell her that it'll be hard in the beginning then get easier and easier, but she seems to prefer living with the constant fatigue and discomfort. I wish you tons of good luck and many miles of enjoyable riding!

That said, I can't give you any advice on shoes or clipless systems. I have a pair of lightweight hiking-type shoes that I ride in, but I haven't had any trouble with hotspots. Regarding pedals, though, you're right that anything that holds your foot firmly to the pedal will definitely increase the power and efficiency of your stroke. You've got a few options for pedals, in order of result:

1) Clipless pedals and the appropriate shoes to go with them. Can be expensive (by my standards) and it seems you can only wear the shoes for biking. But, from everything I've read and heard, you'll get the best results going this route.
2) PowerGrips, which can attach to most pedals or can be bought pre-attached. You can wear any sort of shoes with them, from sandals to clod-hopping hiking boots. I just tried mine for the first time yesterday and noticed a tremendous difference. They take some adjusting the first time out, but they're great once you get them set just right.
3) Toe clips/cages. These also attach to pretty much any pedal and can be worn with a variety of shoes. They don't hold your foot as firmly to the pedal as the first two unless you're willing to adjust them each time you get on the bike.

I'll also say that you came to the right place for advice. I'm a newbie here, too, and have picked up some great tips. Everyone seems to really enjoy talking about bikes and riding, so it's a very comfortable place to ask questions.

[psycholist]

Thank you for the encouragement and info, I agree ~ that from what I have seen, everyone is very helpful and encouraging. I have learned more from this site and I truly appreciate the estrogen-focused advice.

As for your mom, if it helps...back to my 5 mins when I began to exercise, it would take me a week before I could increase my time to one minute more! If she could just commit to 5 mins a day - it becomes contagious - that plus a positive additude is everything...

but back to the shoes...from what I have been told, the bike shoes have a harder sole and so doesn't bend the wrong way so that the foot pain is prevented. Additionally, I was told that there are some shoes that you can either use w/ or w/o the clips. What I was thinking is first but the shoes, then later the clipless pedals - but then I think if I buy the shoes, I might also buy the pedals...

Not only the foot pain, but slipping off the pedal is starting to bruise as I get faster and slip harder, even though I am only on the trainer..

I was gonna go down to the bike shop and (hopefully) get a cateye so I can tell my speed and distance - and thought I would check out the shoes and pedals...

I haven't heard of PowerGrips - will have to look into that - but then it goes back to the foot pain, and the harder soled shoe

Thanks again ~Janice

[Jen Jen]

Riding with "clipless pedals" (which is a confusing name, because you're definitely clipped into those pedals) involves special pedals and special shoes with "cleats" on them that snap in. There are "road shoes" that have a very hard bottom, no flex, and "mountain biking shoes" that are a bit more like regular shoes, i.e. the soles flex so if you fall off your bike or need to walk, you can (from what I understand, I only have road shoes).

Learning to ride clipped in can be a bit challenging and scary. I've cycled casually for a few years now, and this year stepped up to a nice road bike and clipless pedals. If you don't clip out, you fall! That being said, it's very advantageous to wear them. Instead of only being able to apply pressure as your front foot pedals down, you can exert force with both feet the entire time you cycle.

So, are you up to the challenge of clipping in? If so, I'd recommend visiting your LBS (local bike shop) and having them help guide you in what is the right style of pedals and shoes. I would say, bare minimum, count on $50 for the pedals and $50 for the shoes (and possibly much more).

If not (cost and falling have scared you, maybe), I'd ask what are you riding in now? For years, I cycled comfortably in a good pair of sneakers. I would ride for hours with no discomfort. You mentioned you're bruising yourself slipping off the pedals. I'd recommend maybe slowing down and concentrating on keeping those feet on the pedals, maybe you're getting too ambitious with pedaling and not paying enough attention to form?

Hope this helps,
Jen

[fatbottomedgurl]

One thing I never see mentioned is the safety factor added when being clipped in. I find my ability to start at intersections greatly hindered if I am not clipped. I use a platform-style shimano pedal with mountain bike shoes. Occasionally I will ride down to 7-11 or somewhere in my sneakers and I hate stopping and then trying to get my pedal positioned correctly for a quick start up.

Mountain bike shoes have the cleat recessed into the bottom of the shoe so you can walk in them. Nice if you want to stop for a coffee or a smoothie. Many "roadies" wear mtb shoes for this reason. I think mtb pedals have more "float" or the ablity to pivot your foot a little w/o unclipping. Shoes and cleats must be matched with the pedal you choose.

Shimano has a multi-direction release cleat that pretty much releases in any direction. This is an option if you are concerend about technique. I will probably try out a pair soon, as a mtb'er I get in lots of situations where a quick release is crucial. (But I still crash...)

Some pedals have a little thing that clips in and makes it a platform. There are also "campus" pedals that clip on one side and are a platform on the other. So there are lots of options. If you go the clipless route spend a lot of time practicing in a safe place, like on the grass at the park (I am assuming with your dirt roads you won't be on a road bike with little skinny tires).

Most of all, have fun and get fit!

[psycholist]

Okay so I just got back from the 2 LBS' and saw a few shoes...now I have to find a pair small/wide enough for me, neither shop had my size, but i did look at a few different kinds/types. I have a feeling I'm gonna have to visit many shops to find my shoes - which probably works out better for me cuz then I can keep learning as I go.

Form? Yes possibly. I may ask my cycling friend what he thinks.

As far as scared, sure but we all have to start somewhere...at least the dirt is soft...er than the asphalt (grimmace/grin).

What I am thinkin' is I like the idea of the push/pull, and right now all of my riding is done indoors on a trainer and yeah I have a MTB with wide tires. The shoes I am using now are trail runners and were working okay until I started increasing the time on my bike.

The pedals I saw were shimano, and then the egg-beater kind. By the time I find the right shoe size - barney rubble feet - I just may become the ehem... expert on these clipless - shoe-clippy things. BIG LAUGH!

I am curious about the campus pedals, cuz I haven't seen those yet. But one question comes up, are they top heavy? I mean do you have to play with them to get the clip side or do you have to do that with all clips?

Thanks again for the 411~Janice