Commuting - Clipless Pedals for me? Lots of questions!

I have been commuting to work now for approx. 2 months (approx. 10km one way), and am getting more and more interested in cycling. I am planning on doing more longer rides on weekends as well. Several people have suggested that I purchase clipless pedals. I currently ride a Trek 820 MTB.

I'm unfamiliar with all of the different pedal "systems" and how some appear to be compatible with others, while some are not. Can someone shed some light on the different types/brands, etc.?

Also, what type of pedals would you suggest for my riding (ie. urban commute, some longer rides on paved country roads, some rides on gravel country roads)

Also, what type of shoes do you suggest (MTB specific or road specific, or "casual" shoes)?

I also would like comments on riding clipless pedals with regular shoes. I will be doing lots of shorter rides to school once I start classes again, and won't want to change shoes all the time. I've seen "platforms" that clip into the pedal to allow use of regular shoes. I've also seen clipless pedals with "platform" style pedals on one side, and the clip-in side on the other side. Any comments on either of these options?

Thanks for all of your help in advance!

Darren

As far as different systems for mountain bikes, there's SPD and ATAC. SPD is the more popular as most bikes feature Shimano parts and shimano-compatible pedals.

As far as shoes, I'd recommend a set of "walkable" shoes for you, since you'll probably be walking them a lot. Do you go mountain biking at all? The walkable shoes (like the ones Cannondale makes) you can walk on without having to change them continuously.

Since you're riding a mountain bike, I would go with SPD pedals, if only because of the wide variety of shoes and pedals. I have the M536 and M515 pedals, and the former have a fairly good platform if you are going to be doing occasional shorter rides in regular shoes. The M545 pedals have a much wider platform though, which I would imagine to be a lot better with regular shoes. I don't know about the pedals that are platform on one side and clipless on the other, but I like a no-look step into the pedal with both sides available for clipping in.

As far as shoes go, I would go for casual to intermediate mountain type shoes. I use the Shimano MO37s which have a good rubber sole for pushing off at lights. They also have recessed cleats which make walking a lot easier. Road shoes have really slick, hard soles, which just aren't my thing in traffic. Even some mountain shoes don't have the kind of rubber grip on the soles that I like on pavement. You just need to go to the LBS and see what looks good to you. :)

Just to confuse things further... there's SPD pedals and there's SPD-compatible 2-bolt mounting. SPD pedals describe a family of similarly designed pedals that involve sprung claws. There are many SPD pedal clones out there. Most MTB shoes have recessed cleat boxes that will accept SPD compatible cleats. Most pedals designed for mountain biking use cleats which will fit SPD mountpoints and thus SPD compatible shoes. Many of their cleats are similar looking to the Shimano design such as the cleats for the Time ATAC and Crank Bros Eggbeater pedals (considered by many to be superior to actual SPD pedals) but are not compatible with the actual SPD pedals themselves. Many pedal manufacturers (and consequently the manufacturer of the cleats) will list shoe compatibility.

Just as a matter of interest, are you using plain platform pedals, or have you fitted toe clips and straps?
Clipless systems are more beneficial if you ride hard. The difference in efficiency (compard to toe-clips) for just riding along is marginal.
For short journeys with lots of walking around, in all weathers, I would use a trail shoe with toe clips. You can get waterproof trail shoes, but with clipless bike shoes, you always have holes or slots drilled into the sole. Winter-grade clipless boots are available, but are very expensive.

Darren -

I'm in a somewhat similar situation. I love clipless pedals, it took me a couple of rides to get used to them. But now, I wouldn't go back.

Anyway, I'm in the market for a new bike for commuting and all around riding. My Mt. Bike just isn't doing it for all the road riding I do. So I'm looking for a pedal that has a clip on one side and a cleat on the other. Shimano does make one - model PD-M324.

Here is a link:
http://bike.shimano.com/Footwear_Pedals/Pedals/componenttemplate.asp?partnumber=PD-M324

Here are a bunch of reviews on it:
http://www.mtbr.com/reviews/Pedal/product_79591.shtml

Has anyone in this forum had any experience with this pedal?

Thanks,
Lorenzo

My first clipless was the 323 model (same is the current 324). It honestly is a great intro pedal, it lasted me for over 5 years, I just replaced it with 515's last year. I say go for it, very versatile, and inexpensive to get into clipless.

Do you go mountain biking at all?

No, I ride mainly urban roads for my commute, and some country roads which are about half paved and half gravel, but I never ride singletrack or anything like that, and don't have much desire to do so.


Just as a matter of interest, are you using plain platform pedals, or have you fitted toe clips and straps?


I'm using platform pedals with no clips and straps.


You just need to go to the LBS and see what looks good to you.

That's the plan, but I just thought I'd ask here first so that I at least knew what to ask when I got to the store, and so that I could know a bit about what I'm talking about.


Shimano does make one - model PD-M324.



It honestly is a great intro pedal, it lasted me for over 5 years,


That's the model that I was looking at earlier as well.

Thanks guys for all of your help! Keep it coming if you have any more comments. I hope to get to the bike shop sometime in the next couple of weeks so I'll let you know what happens!

I ride SPD's and MTB shoes on everything including my carbon road bike. Cheap, very compatible, recessed cleats, walkable shoes... I like the look of those pd-m324's... for the versatility of not always having to wear bike shoes. But you can pick up a set of generic spd pedals for less than $20?

Originally posted by Zaphod
But you can pick up a set of generic spd pedals for less than $20? yes at performancebike.com . You can pick up clones of the Shimano 324 at performance bike, and at nashbar.com . the pedals are on sale at nashbar.com , and there is a 20% off coupon CEM9, listed in hot deals threads, but you have to get to a $75 order I think.

I use ritchey logicpro pedals and Nashbar "gonzo" shoe. Very inexpensive (not cheap)at less than 50 bucks, IIRC. You will not be happy with straight clip-less pedals and street shoes. Nashbar makes a neat pedal that allows you to use both.

Hope this helps,

ehenz

looks like nashbar has a pedal called the "rodeo" for $26.95... that is spd on one side and regular on the other... Also, I have used the Lake MX80 for the past several years and just love them... If you buy both before the 30th and enter coupon code CEM9, you can get 20% off (fog already said that). That plus $10 shipping brings shoes and pedals to your door for about $75.

Hey,
I just switched to clipless last weekend, and my riding pattern is almost the same as yours. I ride an "adventure touring" bike, which is like a touring bike with more MTB components. I commute, do short tours and enjoy unpaved roads or paths that aren't hardcore. I bought Shimano MTB shows earlier this year, which worked great with standard toe clips (the reinforced sole gives you a better transfer of power to the pedal). I decided to switch to clips for the greater efficiency in the primarily road riding I do and to eliminate the annoying squeak of shoes in clips. Wanting the flexibility I bought the Shimano PD-M324's that have already been mentioned. Great pedals, no problems or complaints. I had to adjust the tension (which is trivial if you have a 2mm hex wrench) as they were all wonky (right one maxed, left one near min) I've done a few long rides and my usual week of commuting and love the pedals, wouldn't go back now. I may try to do a little light offroad this weekend and see how that goes.

Another vote for the Shimano PD-M324's. I've used them since December. Another advantage of having platforms on one side is that you don't have to be clipped in if your riding in iffy situations, where you may need to "unclip" in a hurry.

Shimano 324's here.... loving them. I use the platform side for work journeys to save me changing shoes, and the cleat side for other journeys. Work well with thew walkable (and cheap!) Shimano 020 shoes....

My $.02 worth.. Mountain biking shoes.. Go to a site such as the Specialized website and look in their bargain basement area. You wil likely find a pair of last years shoes on ultra low closeout.. Buy one. Try a pair with an inexpensive pedal system. Maybe $70 total.. If you like them, upgrade. I have tried the Shimano MTB type of pedal, and liked them. They got loose after a while however.. (the result of inexpensive purchase). I upgraded to Speedplay frogs on Sidi MTB shoes. The investment is about $190 for the shoes, and $150 for the pedals. For me.. worth it. The shoes are extremely comfortable and the pedals are very easy to get in and out of. Perfect for commuting and touring. Have fun..

For my commuter, I'm a Shimano SPD man with Shimano MTB shoes even though its a rode bike. The other great recommendation about this stuff is its longevity - I've had my same shoes and cleats for three years and over 20,000 kms of commuting and they're still going strong.
Definitely worth the investment of around $AUS220.

I've been clipless about a week - the lbs had a pair of Bontrager spd clones that had come with a new bike (the buyer prefered flatties) that I picked up cheap together with some Gaerne 'Free ride' shoes (MTB/Touring trainers) they had reduced (yes cheapness is a recurring theme :) )

I set the tension as loose as it went, and haven't had any problems unclipping accidentally or intentionally. Getting my non-leading foot in sometimes takes a short while, but I guess that will come with practice.

Pedalling wise, they're a big advantage over flat pedals and a small advantage over mini toe clips (no straps). They're forcing me to spin rather than stomp as well. ;)

I'm happy enough with them to order more shoes :)

Richard

The reason I went over to clipless was on the advise of a physiotherapist after I had torn a hamstring doing some wind sprints. He said as I was getting all my fitness from biking that my hamstings were not strong enough compared to my quads. Having clips works out the hamstrings. Still have to do hamstring excercises but less of a problem.

I tried to cycle with clipless pedals for about a year, but returned to the usual Giant platforms.

With clipless pedals one can also pull the pedal up, not only push it. But by pulling the pedals up one also increases the pressure in the saddle area, what I would like to avoid.

Besides I noticed that when I am on bike for several hours my feet are more tired in the fixed position in the clipless pedals.

I also find it easier to negotiate numerous stop-lights without clipping my shoes in and out.

Originally posted by Max
With clipless pedals one can also pull the pedal up, not only push it. But by pulling the pedals up one also increases the pressure in the saddle area, what I would like to avoid.

It sounds like you did not have your saddle or seatpost adjusted correctly. Or possibly your pedalling technique was a little off. I notice no such extra loading when using clipless pedals. It also sounds like a model of pedals with some float might have helped your feet fatigue. at anyrate, some people get accustomed to clipless pedals... some don't. Ride what's most comfortable.

I tried clipless/platform type pedals all in one a few years ago. The idea is good, but the two pairs I chose were rubbish. I can't remember the exact brand but it was a two letter name..VP..something like that..anyway if not, it was a division of Exus. Both sets fell to pieces within a few weeks.

Now I use Shimano SPD pedals..the silver and also the black ones..can't remember the models, but they have been excellent, and Look road pedals on my other road bike..equally as good.

I ditched all my old platform pedals..I could never go back to them.

Originally posted by chester2
I tried clipless/platform type pedals all in one a few years ago. The idea is good, but the two pairs I chose were rubbish. I can't remember the exact brand but it was a two letter name..VP..something like that..anyway if not, it was a division of Exus. Both sets fell to pieces within a few weeks.

Now I use Shimano SPD pedals..the silver and also the black ones..can't remember the models, but they have been excellent, and Look road pedals on my other road bike..equally as good.

I ditched all my old platform pedals..I could never go back to them.

VP! no wonder i found a pair lying on the ground. Guess there no good :confused:

Darren, Clipless is cool!




"...Slowly I become one with the mud." Lift me up. Jars of clay