New with lots of questions

[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