Commuting - what are clipless pedals?

This may sound dumb, but I've seen some on the internet but it looks like they are actually part of the shoe and not the bike. So when you unclip you actually take the pedal with you. Please help with these questions...

Can some one please explain to me what is being unclipped and if you need to use special shoes for them.

What are clipless pedals?

What are clipped pedals (if there are clipless then there must be clipped right?)?

Is there any benifit to buying bike shoes if you only have the regular pedals that cam with the bike?

Thanks!

This may sound dumb, but I've seen some on the internet but it looks like they are actually part of the shoe and not the bike. So when you unclip you actually take the pedal with you. Please help with these questions...

Can some one please explain to me what is being unclipped and if you need to use special shoes for them.

What are clipless pedals?

What are clipped pedals (if there are clipless then there must be clipped right?)?

Is there any benifit to buying bike shoes if you only have the regular pedals that cam with the bike?

Thanks!

It is confusing!

1. Platform pedals - those pedals which might come with a cheaper bike. The traditional pedals on which you put any shoe and simply ride.

2. Pedals with toe clips. Platform pedals with leather/plastic straps - toe clips into which you put your shoe.

3. Grip tights. A kind of toe clip where the more you turn your heel to the bike, the tighter the straps become.

4. Clipless - inappropriately named, but the meaning is that you have done away with the toe clips (#2 above) and replaced them with a locking device which locks the bottom of special shoes into a special mechanism on the pedal to insure 1-1 contact between the shoe and the pedal. These vary a lot in style and design. You release your foot by twisting your heel away from the bike, or, hopefully, in an accident it will release itself, much like a ski binding. Some of these have platform pedals on one side and "clipless" on the other. These are adjustable as to tension so it can be set to release more or less easily.

There are different kinds of clipless, some made for mtn bikes and some for road bikes, but generally, you can use a mtn bike clipless on a road bike - at least I do.

Generally "bike shoes" have a stiffer sole to prevent "hot spots" on the bottom of your foot, so it is a good diea to get a bike shoe even if you are riding with platform pedals.

I am sure you will get lots more info, but I think this is the basic info.

DnvrFox is correct, but I'll add a little to it.

The stiffer soles also allow prevent the shoe from absorbing your pedaling energy, allowing you to get more out of each pedal stroke.

Also, the cleats on typical road shoes are difficult/annoying to walk around in. So a lot of the mountain bike shoes are great for commuting, etc., because you can lock in when you ride AND you can walk around when you're off the bike. Though keep in mind the stiffer soles are not too comfortable for extended walking periods.

Hi I am also considering clipless down the road. I've been riding on studded platform pedals for awhile, so for now I want to move to a cycling shoe with a stiffer sole, so i can move to clipless next spring.

For me, comfort while walking around is extremely important. So do all the mountian clipless shoes have recessed cleats so they don't touch the ground when you walk?

I was looking at these models, any feedback? Know if they're recessed or not?

1. Lake MX 101 (http://www.lakecycling.com/mx101.html) - $80 USD
2. Lake G2 (http://www.lakecycling.com/lxg2.html) - $60USD

Hi I am also considering clipless down the road. I've been riding on studded platform pedals for awhile, so for now I want to move to a cycling shoe with a stiffer sole, so i can move to clipless next spring.

For me, comfort while walking around is extremely important. So do all the mountian clipless shoes have recessed cleats so they don't touch the ground when you walk?

I was looking at these models, any feedback? Know if they're recessed or not?

1. Lake MX 101 (http://www.lakecycling.com/mx101.html) - $80 USD
2. Lake G2 (http://www.lakecycling.com/lxg2.html) - $60USD

I'd personally go for the SHIMANO SM-071

Corsaire

Hi I am also considering clipless down the road. I've been riding on studded platform pedals for awhile, so for now I want to move to a cycling shoe with a stiffer sole, so i can move to clipless next spring.

For me, comfort while walking around is extremely important. So do all the mountain clipless shoes have recessed cleats so they don't touch the ground when you walk?

I was looking at these models, any feedback? Know if they're recessed or not?

1. Lake MX 101 (http://www.lakecycling.com/mx101.html) - $80 USD
2. Lake G2 (http://www.lakecycling.com/lxg2.html) - $60USD
MTB shoes have lugs on them that will allow you to walk without real fear of damaging the cleat.
Many commuters favor MTB shoes even on their road bikes.
Lake makes a decent shoe but so do a LOT of other manufacturers.
I would suggest (like any other shoe) that you go down to your LBS and try on shoes from different manufacturers to see what feels best. Bring a pair of the socks that you typically would wear while riding as sock weight / thickness will have an effect on fit.

Thanks for clearing things up DnvrFox!

Your descriptions are exactly what I needed and very much appreciated.