Commuting - Shoes, Pedals Recommendation

I re-started riding bikes about five months ago. I am riding to work for the last couple of weeks in fairly high trafic in Orange County, CA - around 10 miles each way. I have tried clipless pedals before, but fell down couple of times becase I couldn't dismount quickly enough, so I have pedals with clips at the moment. Unfortunately, I seem to fumble too much sometimes getting into the clips, uphill, in the traffic, when I get nervous. I never had any difficulties getting into clipless. As you can see, I am still a bit beginner. I also hear that there are big differences between pedals. Would you have any recommendation on commuting pedal/shoe combination for somewhat of a beginner, who doesn't have any high performancee ambitions at the moment? I would really appreciate any advice.

If you are in So Cal, the cold weather is not an issue.. (as it does here in Vancouver, Canada)..

So, if you are comfortable on a bike (in other words, you are a decent bike handler), stick with clipless pedals and FORCE yourself to think about the fact that you are clipped in. I was really leery about moving to clipless and let a pair languish in my closet for about 2.5 years before I moved to them.,

One of the drills that I did, when I moved to Clipless was I would practice:

a) braking and unclipping at the same time. In due course, whenever I braked, I realized that I was clipped in and automatically unclipped. No falling over business (I did fall over twice though).

b) unclipping while standing in a doorway (so that I could hold on to both sides) and practice clipping in and clipping out without looking at the pedals).

I would recommend sticking with clipless. Once you go clipless you will never want anything else. IMHO.

Narayan.

I'm with Narayan. I changed to clipless a year ago. Not fallen yet but I've come close a couple of times.

I use ShimaNO spd 515's (I think) double sided pedals and Specialised Body Geometry MTB comp shoes to commute in.

No pressure points, feet v comfy.

And I love the click as you move off. :)

I'm going to be switching to these:
http://www.timesportusa.com/images/zcontrolpedal.gif

I'm new to the whole clipless pedal bit myself so I figured a pedal that gave you the option to ride properly while unclipped would be a good thing while learning. The cleat design is what allows this
http://www.timesportusa.com/images/Z_freeride.gif

From the timesportusa.com site
Unlike other pedals with a pivoting cage, which are not stable when the shoe is disengaged, Z pedals ensure perfect stability both engaged or disengaged. The concave recess in the new ATAC cleat allows the shoe to sit lower on the pedal, increasing contact between the shoe and the platform and improving stability and grip. The concave recess in the cleat also acts as a pivot point when above either of the engagement arches of the pedal. The pedal is free to pivot on this point, to maximize contact between the shoe and platform. In any foot position, you have a stable, secure grip

As for shoes - man everyone's different you're just going to have to try some on.

One factor to consider is Road vs MTB ("mountain biking") shoes. I chose MTB shoes because they have rubber cletes and road shoes don't. I commute and hence have some walking to do. So the rubber cletes help me avoid wearing down my metal of the clipless on my shoe.

Roadies don't like the MTB shoe that much, it's a whole additional 2 grams more in weight. No problem for me, maybe if I was Lance. ;)

Lots of opinions are out there on which clipless to use. I chose Shimano 515, and have had no problem with it. Search on "clipless" and you will have alot of reading on that subject.

Have fun!

Thank you all very much. I did search and read about the subject elsewhere, but decided to ask in this forum because of the specific application for newbie especially for the use in city commuting. Also first hand experience and thoughts of people sensitive to the insecurities of newbies are so much different from the experienced veterans - on all subjects of equipment, training, ... Again, thank you.

? for you spud users. I loathe my M515s and am contemplating shelling out for frogs. The problem I have w/ them is no matter how I clean, lube, or adjust them, they squeak like all get out. I can get them to be quiet for a day or two, but the darn squeak always returns.

Anyone else have this problem or advice on fixing it?

I went from clipless back to plain old platforms for commuting. I never fell with the clipless, but had two very close calls where I had to slam on the brakes and come to a complete stop quickly. Each time I just barely got my foot out of the clips prior to falling over into fast moving traffic. Straps can be even worse, so I went back to basic platforms.

I really like my PD-m324 pedals by Shimano. The are spd on one side and platform on the other. They are very adjustable and I have them set very loose and have never pulled out of one because of being set too loose.

If I want to wear sandals or casual shoes I use the platform side but I usually clip in with mountain bike shoes. I ride with mountain bike shoes for commuting because I want the rubber soles for pushing off from stoplights or accross busy streets. Road bike shoes usually don't have this type of sole.

http://bike.shimano.com/Footwear_Pedals/pedals/componenttemplate.asp?partnumber=PD-M324

Ditto to bjlaw!

I use this pedal for my commuter/run to the video store/go to to the bank/post office bike. When I ride to work, I use mtb shoes. The other times I wear what ever I have on. I also keep a set of reflective velcro straps on the bike for when I have jeans on and arn't planning on going far.

Another big advantage is you can always choose to ride platforms untill you are at a longer strech of highway.

I use Shimano double sided SPD pedals, and MTB shoes. You don't have to look or feel with them. After a while, clipping in is just a matter of stepping down with the unclipped foot. It will become second nature.
Hey Oso, mine always squeek like crazy too, unless I give them a quick brush with detergent and rinse them off every couple of rides. I think it's the grit that builds up. They don't squeek as much since I tightened the tension on the spring. I don't grease them, I put wax based lube on the points wear grease would go.

Try using PAM cookign spray on the pedals to stop squeaking.. it's weird.. but it works good

Jeff

OK, I believe I risk my skin and good name with this reply;) But someone must say this...



Why I prefer to ride with conventional platform pedals.

A conventional pedal lets you move your feet a little back and forth. This is specially good when there is need of relieving pressure on your muscles in leg and foot. Like in a big climb or when riding a long distance. This also helps the foot from getting sore. Even the knees and leg benefits as you can alter the hardest working musclers so the risk for overstrain is at minimum. Most, maybe all clipless pedals offer some kind of float, that is because we are different and moves in different ways. This helps saving your knees. On a conventional platform pedal you can float as you wish. Make sure though not to wear shoes with really hard soles as you must feel where the pedal is under the sole. This is necessary, otherwise you might slip off the pedal causing a ugly crash. It is my belief that there is no need for a clipless pedal unless you are a competetive racer. Long live the conventional platform pedal.

For more information about feet on pedals check out The Rivendell Reader No. 28.


OK, now it´s said. No turning back...:D

that is why i dont use clipless pedals on my commuter(go andres!!! -- admire your courage)... i use one on my road though..

Anders, I've been using clipped pedals for over 20 years and clipless for over a year and I've had one fall where a factor was not getting my foot out (and it was my fault for not anticipating a need to stop)

If I ride platform pedals, my feet come off the pedals when ging hard as I obvioulsy pull up to a certain extent. And I'm no racer!!

Being clipped in does improve the efficiency of your pedalling.

I've never really had muscle or joint problems either.

Hi,
I have heard that the Eggbeaters are among the easiest to get in and out of.
I like them. The shoes I am using are Sidi Mega Dominators; and I love them.
They are expensive, but IMHO, they are worth every penny. I have wide feet, and these are the only cycling shoe I have ever seen wide enough that it didn't hurt.

Speedplay Frog's and Sidi Dominators... great combination.

Originally posted by chewa
Anders, I've been using clipped pedals for over 20 years and clipless for over a year and I've had one fall where a factor was not getting my foot out (and it was my fault for not anticipating a need to stop)

If I ride platform pedals, my feet come off the pedals when ging hard as I obvioulsy pull up to a certain extent. And I'm no racer!!

Being clipped in does improve the efficiency of your pedalling.

I've never really had muscle or joint problems either.

Well, even if you have not experienced any problems, it does not mean you can not find something better. I still uphold my statment:) Like with dropbars versus straight handlebars, it´s obvious the dropbar offer more hand positions, and a big relief for people with numb hands, sore backs and so on. Even people with no problems must agree that more different hand/foot positions are a benefit to a static position.

I´m not trying to start a quarrel here, if you´re fine with your clipless pedals, keep enjoying them. But they are not the only way to go. Clipless pedals are not necessary to others than competetive racers or people wanting extreme performance. I believe they offer no kind of superior performing to platform pedals for the every day user. They kan even be a problem to some people.

Ride well:)

I'm a big fan of clipless, and I wouldn't ride my mountain bike or touring bike without it, but for commuting I really don't think it's necessary. I use platforms. I don't like baskets and I don't know anyone who does, so that's out. Just the added hassel of hauling an extra pair of shoes for work or school is more trouble than its worth, I think.

But hey, if you want to carry extra shoes and you think it's worth it more power to you. Clipless is definately a lot more fun.

Thanks you all for the advice I needed. I tried the one sided clip pedals, but ended up clipping when I didn't expect it at intersections when I was in a hurry to get through, so I finally decided on Shimano MTB clipless, set up for real easy tension. I like the way clipless allign my foot on the pedal, for best power transfer. This way I know where I am at, at all times. When I start in a heavy traffic up hill, the clips help to allign my foot correctly and to allow me to apply power and accelerate fast, so that cars do not do silly and dangerous passes around me. It is working quite well. As far as the extra shoes go, I just keep a pair of business shoes in my office, so I had to cary spare shoes with me just once. I actually carry whole change of clothes, notebook PC, bunch of paper and other material with me every day. It is a bit heavy and gives me a great workout up hills. I consider myself quite fortunate to be able to do all this. The good advice from you all is really appreciated.

Well, it looks like you bought your shoes, Comp, but for theoretical interest, I thought I'd add a different opinion.

I like using platforms with toe cages and straps. The reason is that the bike is more useful for other purposes than a long commute. You can just hop on in any clothes and ride to a friend's, to the store, to a meeting, or whatever. You can wear dress shoes (though not all of them fit in the cages, so you have push on the flat side), boots, or anything else.

In the cold of winter, too, I have to use non-cleated shoes for warmth. But see the winter biking section for that, in case you're curious about what life is like outside Southern California.

A long ride with such a set-up isn't as efficient as with the clipless, true, but if I'm not touring I use the platforms and cages.

I like my look composites with my Sidi shoes.

Down side is the look composite bottoms are slicker than snot on the cement. They make covers for walking around.

But the Sidi shoes I have are comfortable, adjustable on the fly (feet swelling), and stiff.

Asthetically they look pretty good too.