Singlespeed & Fixed Gear - Pedals for a novice fixie

Hi guys

I have been riding geared bikes for over 3 years (club rides, training, commuting and a little bit of racing). I started to become real interested in fixed gear a few months ago, test rode a few and decided to go with the 2004 Bianchi Pista (which is on route, I'm told).

My question to you guys would be about pedals. I have Look pedals on my Pegoretti. The Pista comes with WTB SPD pedals (which I never used before). I read some other posts saying that WTBs are not all that great.

Shall I learn how to clip/unclip on the fly with these SPD pedals or should I go with a used eggbeaters which I can get quite cheaply. The 4 sided entry is appealing to me since I am concerned about being able to clip in while the pedal is moving.

Any advice would be greatly appreciated. Also, I you have any pointers for getting up to speed with clipping in/out quickly, I would appreciate it.

For example, when you stop, do you unclip at the very last second? If so, do you get out of the saddle first? If not, that would require that your unclipping foot reaches the ground.

Thanks a lot

Took my first fixed gear ride today. The bike had toe clips, and as I was adjusting the straps I decided I didn't like that idea...so I pulled the double sided SPD pedals off my flat bar and put them on. They clip in on both sides, but I have a platform on one...so I rode the first five miles on the platforms and the next 20 clipped in. I have Shimano shoes SHM-037 and they are 'walkable' if need be.

Good Luck

On a fixie it's so much easier to click into an eggbeater than a SPD.

I have never used SPD style pedals so I really can't comment on how they will be. Since it comes with them might want to give them a shot you have nothing to lose, if you don't like them put your looks like on yoru pista and see how you like them. If you do get a second pair if not try something else. YOu can try both without costing any money so :) I personaly use campy pedals before that looks which are very similar to looks single I can only clip in on one side but it is not dificult at all but that could be because I'm used to look and campy so came natural to flip pedal and clip in.

I've got spds on my fixie and clipping in is no problem at all... far easier than toe clips in my opinion. Spds are nice because they have a bit bigger platform than egg beaters for riding without cleated shoes. That said, I run spds because that is what I have. If I had the cash, I've have some Crank Bros. Candys. They seem perfect for overall city riding.

i use Time ATACs on one of my fixies, and normal toe clips on the other. both of them have their advantages, i feel. the time pedals are nice because you don't have to adjust the tension on them, and they have a lot of float, which is comfortable.

i agree with Kev. on this and say give them a shot before you change them. you never know until you try...

After experiencing the dreaded "pull out" while using SPDs I switched to Speedplay for track and road and Time Atac for any ride walking (portage-coffee) might be involved. They are easy to get into and, knock on wood, I haven't had a pull out yet. Both the Time and the Speedplay pedal systems are excellent.