Clydesdales/Athenas (200+ lb / 91+ kg) - Thats it, i am going clipless. Help me

Ok i decided to go clipless, haven't rode that way since college. I need help finding shoes and pedals, can you guys help a brother out?

since i just blew a bunch of the reserves on the Garmin 305 and cadence thingy, i would like to go cheap as possible. but not so cheap i end up buying twice. Also need the two sided pedals as some days i commute on the road bike in dress shoes/loafers.

if you can let me know the pros and cons of what your using now and the price range you got them for.

thanks again for the help

I like my A-520 pedals, but I don't think they're what you want. Also, I probably over-paid for them. They were around $70 and a pair of shoes was $100. Later, on Craigslist, I got pedals and a spare pair of shoes (useful to have more in the rainy season) for $60 or so.

That said, it sounds like you would be ok with just about any recessed cleat system if you had adapters for it. You could get something with platforms built in, like one of these:

http://sheldonbrown.com/harris/images/pd6500.jpg
http://www.sheldonbrown.com/harris/images/shimano-pd-m324.jpg

... but, if you find a deal on a double-sided set, you can get something like this and turn them into something like the above:

http://www.nashbar.com/images/nashbar/products/large/NR-SPC-NCL-TOP.jpg

Once I got used to riding clipless, I really don't want to ride in normal shoes anymore. But, the gym is about a mile away, too close to drive, and bike shoes (with cleats) don't really make sense there, but neither does carrying a pair to change into ... especially when I'm going to use the pool. I'll probably be getting an adapter, like the last image, above. My girlfriend has them on her bike, and says they work fine.

... but, if you find a deal on a double-sided set, you can get something like this and turn them into something like the above:

http://www.nashbar.com/images/nashbar/products/large/NR-SPC-NCL-TOP.jpg
Those are designed for test rides only. I have a set on my wife's spin bike and, having tried them out that way, would not want to do more than a quick test ride with them in the real world.

The other options are much better choices.

I went clipless about 2 days after I got my bike. Due to the 80 some odd pounds I'm carrying I figured using mtb shoes wouldn't hinder my speed much. I found a pair of Shimano M077's that allow me to walk easily when off the bike. They work well for my commute from work to school too. Oh and they are spd clips

Like everything bike related, you get what you pay for. Don't go the cheapest route possible. If you do, you'll end up buying the nicer stuff anyways. The only difference is you'll be out the cost of the more expensive gear plus the cost of the cheap ones. It's cheaper to buy the better stuff upfront.

I use Speedplay Frogs, I think they were around $110. My shoes are some Shimano MTB shoe, I don't remember which model but they were around 70 bucks a few years ago.

So is $200 a middle of the road budget for Shoes,pedals and clips?

So is $200 a middle of the road budget for Shoes,pedals and clips?

I paid about $150 for my first set of shoes and pedals. The cleats for the shoes come with the pedals so you don't need to buy those separate. I got a set of Shimano PD-M540 (about $75) double sided SPD pedals and put them on a pair of Specialized Sonoma shoes (also about $75).

Later, on Craigslist, I got pedals and a spare pair of shoes (useful to have more in the rainy season) for $60 or so.

On second thought, you might not want used shoes. Especially if they were owned by a triathlete.

http://forum.slowtwitch.com/gforum.cgi?do=post_view_flat;post=3467762;page=1;sb=post_latest_reply;so=ASC;mh=25;

http://www.beginnertriathlete.com/discussion/forums/thread-view.asp?tid=150441&start=1

:twitchy:

I've got the Nashbar version of the Shimano A-530s pictured above. (Seattle Forest put up the pic.) The platform part is plastic instead of metal.
They've worked well for me this past year or so.

Like everything else Nashbar, if you time it right, you can find them on sale. Today they're $35 with free shipping.
http://www.nashbar.com/bikes/Product_10053_10052_502335_-1_202650_10000_202363

Went through the very same thing myself just a few weeks ago.
My criteria was to have single sided pedals, in case I ended up hating cleats. Also, to source a pair of shoes that look like normal shoes that can be walked in easily. I believe I achieved success and would recommend these:

Pedals:
Forte Boulevards (http://www.performancebike.com/bikes/Product_10052_10551_1104537_-1_1592508_20000_1605524) from Performance.

Shoes:
Shimano MT33L (http://www.rei.com/product/811215/shimano-mt33l-bike-shoes-mens) from REI.

I spent just under $130 total for everything (pedals are currently on sale for $5 less than what I paid). The Shimano shoes were the least expensive option that I found that is actually a shoe (not a sandal), and doesn't look ridiculous (to me) while riding a hybrid. Maybe you could find them cheaper online somewhere. I went with REI because when I buy shoes, I MUST try them on first.

All that said, I'm extremely happy with what I got. I'm a total convert to clipless pedals! I've had a couple close calls, but I've got the clip tension adjusted as loose as possible, so each time, my foot ended up releasing at the last possible moment.

Good luck with whatever you decide on. :thumb:

since i just blew a bunch of the reserves on the Garmin 305 and cadence thingy, i would like to go cheap as possible. but not so cheap i end up buying twice. Also need the two sided pedals as some days i commute on the road bike in dress shoes/loafers.

Double-sided pedals aren't all they're cracked up to be. Murphy's Law says that the "wrong" side will always be the one that's facing up. Personally, I'd suggest buying a set of Shimano PD-M520 pedals (http://www.jensonusa.com/store/product/PE703A07-Shimano+Pd-M520+Pedal.aspx) and a pedal wrench (http://www.parktool.com/product/pedal-wrench-pw-3). Swapping pedals back and forth is surprisingly easy and takes almost no time once you know what you're doing...

The Shimano M520 pedals are great for beginners: they're two-sided so you don't have to worry about flipping them over, they're easy to clip into, they unclip easily, the release tension is adjustable, they're cheap ($30-35), and last forever. If you have trouble unclipping you can also try Shimano's SH-56 "multi-release" cleat, which makes unclipping even easier.

The only downside to the Shimano SPD pedals is that they don't have much float (4-6 degrees, I think). Even with bad knees, I'm pretty happy with the M520... now that I have my cleat position correct.

For cheap shoes, I like Shimano's "MT" series (e.g. MT32, MT42, MT52, etc). Depending on your shoe size, you can often find the prior year's shoes pretty cheap. The soles of these shoes aren't super-stiff, so they're not great for long (4hr, 60+ mile) rides but they're perfect for anything that's a couple of hours or less. Plus they look relatively normal. With any recessed cleat shoe, you should be prepared for the cleat to scrape on the ground now and then...

I will disagree about the double-sided pedals. I used them for a while but eventually switched to M520's must because I never used the platform side. (BTW--$33 on Amazon right now) But, I can certainly see where they would be more versatile. If you are taking off from a stop and are in your cleated shoes it doesn't matter which side is up as you start off. If the platform side is up, as you get up to speed you can flip them and clip in. If you are like me and never take short rides with the SPD equipped bike then go for full on SPD pedals. But, if you think you will want to do some short runs without wearing your SPD shoes then I would most definitely suggest you go with the double sided.

i would offer that you keep bonktown.com and chainlove.com open on your browser and check em every 30 minutes. they have had some killer deals on shoes as of late.

LL Bean and Performance Bike both had stuff on sale last Sunday. I got the two-sided Shimano PD-M324 for $59.99 from LLB, and SH-MT22 from Performance for $50 marked down from $70. Those are around internet prices, but I got the bonus of instant gratification :). I hope to get them mounted this weekend, and get the inevitable falls out of the way :eek:.

i would offer that you keep bonktown.com and chainlove.com open on your browser and check em every 30 minutes. they have had some killer deals on shoes as of late.

Great! Now I have another place to spend my money.

Honestly, thanks. Looks like useful sites.

Also need the two sided pedals as some days i commute on the road bike in dress shoes/loafers

Shimano A530 SPD Single Sided Touring Pedals

Ideal pedal for recreational riders wanting to commute or tour.http://s.wiggle.co.uk/images/shimano-pda530.jpg Relatively inexpensive (~$50) and I have on my Rocky Mountain. They are really handy as I can ride easily with sneakers or spd shoes so a trip to the store or around the block doesn't mean I need special shoes.

Lots of places to find SPD shoes even in casual format such as Keen. http://www.keenfootwear.com/us/en/wall/shoes/men/pedal if you don't like traditional cycling shoe look.

I have a question that will mark me as a total newbie, but here goes:

Can you use cycling shoes *without* clips? I have no money for the pedals/clips right now, but after several hair-raising 25 mph descents where my shoelaces got caught in the chainring, I really want to get some velcro shoes for cycling ASAP.

I have a question that will mark me as a total newbie, but here goes:

Can you use cycling shoes *without* clips? I have no money for the pedals/clips right now, but after several hair-raising 25 mph descents where my shoelaces got caught in the chainring, I really want to get some velcro shoes for cycling ASAP.
If you have clips and straps it would work. Regular platforms would not be a good idea as road shoes don't provide much in the way of traction. Just a slick sole.

You can get shorter shoe laces, tuck them into the shoes or get one of the wide rubber bands that some soccer players use to cover the laces.

Ok i decided to go clipless, haven't rode that way since college. I need help finding shoes and pedals, can you guys help a brother out?

since i just blew a bunch of the reserves on the Garmin 305 and cadence thingy, i would like to go cheap as possible. but not so cheap i end up buying twice. Also need the two sided pedals as some days i commute on the road bike in dress shoes/loafers.

if you can let me know the pros and cons of what your using now and the price range you got them for.

thanks again for the help

You don't say what put a burr under your saddle to go clipless but there is another safer way to ride.

Consider "Power Grip" pedals which offer more than platforms but don't lock you onto your bike like clipless do.

http://www.amazon.com/Power-Grips-Sport-Pedal-Strap/dp/B001FYGGLC/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1313019645&sr=8-1

I went clipless without really intending to, at the low, low cost of $70. I found a beautiful pair of Pearl Izumi mountain bike shoes on clearance at MEC for $29. That kind of decided me against BMX platforms with sneakers, which was what I had planned. Adding a budget-brand pair of pedals cost another $40. I went with the dual-purpose kind. The platform side is very handy for quick trips in ordinary shoes, but also provides an alternative to the locked-in SPD side, which can be nice late in a long day. The cleated side is extremely user friendly -- easy to clip into, and just as easy to escape. The much-feared learning curve was very gentle, I found. I have yet to experience the 0 mph fall that everyone is supposed to suffer.

I'll add my two bits to say that so far I'm very happy with the dual-purpose Shimano A530. I'm wearing the Shimano MT53 shoe (the police shoe my LBS said :-) and like them very much as well. Total for both was a bit under $200 (pedals @ LBS & shoes online), you could save a bit if you shop around.

I will say that I had some issues with this setup until I properly adjusted the release tension on the left pedal. Yes, it took falling down twice before I figured it out :(

I went clipless about 2 days after I got my bike. Due to the 80 some odd pounds I'm carrying I figured using mtb shoes wouldn't hinder my speed much. I found a pair of Shimano M077's that allow me to walk easily when off the bike. They work well for my commute from work to school too. Oh and they are spd clips
I like this - MTB clip'd pedals.

I like this - MTB clip'd pedals.

I do too. Admittedly, I do change shoes when I get to campus. I have a general disliking for shoes and usually wear vibrams. I have found the MTB shoes to be comfortable enough that I could walk to class in them without any issue though.

I have a question that will mark me as a total newbie, but here goes:

Can you use cycling shoes *without* clips? I have no money for the pedals/clips right now, but after several hair-raising 25 mph descents where my shoelaces got caught in the chainring, I really want to get some velcro shoes for cycling ASAP.

Most mountain biking shoes will have a lugged rubber sole that will give you a little traction on clipless pedals, but road shoes you'll find are pretty uniformly hard and slick on the bottom making them mostly unsafe to ride without being snapped in.

Personally, of all the dual purpose pedals out there, i prefer the Shimano A530, i think it offers the best compromise. And more importantly, clearance when you are cornering.

As for shoes, im surprised no one has mentioned these yet. The Shimano RT31 Sport Touring shoe. Its the best of both worlds. Its got a stiffer sole then the MTB shoes, and (gonna go fredster here for a second) they look more like a proper road shoe. However they still have a recessed cleat, and a good walking platform.
http://cycle.shimano-eu.com/publish/content/global_cycle/en/nl/index/products/shoes/road/product.-code-SH-RT31.-type-.sh_road.html
I use these with my A600 pedals (a DuraAce level A520), and the shoe base lines up perfectly with the clean base for a good solid platform, and much better power transfer.


If you dont mind ordering online to get a European model shoe...Shimano also has these variants of them.

The RT52 with a 3 velcro strap design.
http://cycle.shimano-eu.com/publish/content/global_cycle/en/nl/index/products/shoes/road/product.-code-SH-RT52.-type-.sh_road.html

And the RT81 with a ratcheting clasp on the upper (of three) strap.
http://cycle.shimano-eu.com/publish/content/global_cycle/en/nl/index/products/shoes/road/product.-code-SH-RT81.-type-.sh_road.html

Once my RT31's wear out (which may be as soon as the end of this season), i will be ordering a set of RT81s.

I am thinking of going with this shoe? http://www.nashbar.com/bikes/Product_10053_10052_170186_-1_202642_10000_202527
as i wont really walk in them and dont care about looks as they will only be used for the Saturday and Sunday rides. I still have my mountain bike shoes from college in storage tried them on but they are heavy and dont seem to be breathable. if do go that route i liked the keen sandals but at $120 its a bit high.

as for pedals, i know some of you say just ride in the bike shoes to work, or buy a pedal wrench and its easy to switch. i just dont want to think i just want to hop on and ride. like when i woke up yesterday i didnt think i was tired so i grabbed the cruiser and mashed to work. the day before packed my lunch and grabbed the road bike because it was infront of the cruiser, no thought on my part just grab and go.

i have been thinking about the powergrip strap thingy, is it as easy to get out of the pedals as clipless?

also with the slick bottoms of road shoes, i have very frequent stops in traffic before i get to the MUP will it be a bad thing if the ground is moist?

thank you all for the ideas/tips, it is very much appreciated!!!!!!!!!!!!

I think i spent $100, but I believe there was a sale at Performance at the time.

Shimano SHMT22 shoes and Shimano SPDMT-540 something or others.

i just dont want to think i just want to hop on and ride. like when i woke up yesterday i didnt think i was tired so i grabbed the cruiser and mashed to work. the day before packed my lunch and grabbed the road bike because it was infront of the cruiser, no thought on my part just grab and go.

If this is the case, I would suggest you avoid clipless pedals entirely. PowerGrips aren't as good as clipless pedals, but they're pretty cheap and they're probably perfect for someone who doesn't want to lift a finger to move bikes or change shoes...


also with the slick bottoms of road shoes, i have very frequent stops in traffic before i get to the MUP will it be a bad thing if the ground is moist?

Walking in roads shoes is a bit like ice skating; there's very little traction anywhere. I haven't ever slipped and fallen while stopping, but I've felt like I was going to twist my ankle on numerous occasions while walking around in my road shoes. It's one of the main reasons I switched to MTB pedals and shoes! The other reason was to get two-sided pedals so that clipping in was easier.

thanks sstorkel,

now the road shoes have me scared with the slipping on the ground thing. i wonder if i glued a rubber pad the heel of the shoe would help?

I want to clipless for my weekend rides but for a 4 mile commute rides i rather, as you say "not lift a finger".

the MTB shoes i have dont breath and are heavy, and i assume most on the low end of price are the same?

thanks sstorkel,

now the road shoes have me scared with the slipping on the ground thing. i wonder if i glued a rubber pad the heel of the shoe would help?

I want to clipless for my weekend rides but for a 4 mile commute rides i rather, as you say "not lift a finger".

the MTB shoes i have dont breath and are heavy, and i assume most on the low end of price are the same?

If you look at the shoes i posted on the bottom of page one, those shoes have a recessed SPD cleat, and thick rubber sole that provides decent traction for walking on damp ground. They do click and clomp a little, but i have never slipped or had an "oh sh**!!" moment in them in regards to traction. Personally I prefer them over the MTB shoes, as being more road oriented, their foot base is a bit stiffer.

thanks buck the rt81's look decent i am going to shop around for a week or two to see if i can get a deal on them. if not, do you guys think these shoes will be good?

http://www.performancebike.com/bikes/Product_10052_10551_1088986_-1_1590008_20000_400959

or

http://www.nashbar.com/bikes/Product_10053_10052_168982_-1_202642_10000_202526#ReviewHeader


as for the pedals i think i will go with the shimano a530's @ my LBS as most here recommended them. unless there are better or cheaper comparable options?

the MTB shoes i have dont breath and are heavy, and i assume most on the low end of price are the same?

I own a pair of cheap ($50?) Shimano MT31 shoes. With a lightweight cycling sock, they breathe almost as well as my $140 Specialized BG Sport mountain bike shoes... Good enough for a seven-day 550-mile ride from SF to LA, anyway. The MT31 has been discontinued, but Shimano sells a number of similar models.

thanks buck the rt81's look decent i am going to shop around for a week or two to see if i can get a deal on them. if not, do you guys think these shoes will be good?

http://www.performancebike.com/bikes/Product_10052_10551_1088986_-1_1590008_20000_400959

or

http://www.nashbar.com/bikes/Product_10053_10052_168982_-1_202642_10000_202526#ReviewHeader


as for the pedals i think i will go with the shimano a530's @ my LBS as most here recommended them. unless there are better or cheaper comparable options?

Between those shoes, based solely on the reviews, if you have narrower feet, get the Diadora. If you have wider feet, get the Nashbars. Nashbars also seem to run a little larger (in the european sizing) as well.

I dont believe you can go wrong, or will be disappointed with those pedals.

Between those shoes, based solely on the reviews, if you have narrower feet, get the Diadora. If you have wider feet, get the Nashbars. Nashbars also seem to run a little larger (in the european sizing) as well.

Neither shoe looks like it will have terribly good traction to me. The Diadora in particular looks like it's basically a road shoe with a tiny amount of added rubber/plastic. The Nashbar shoe doesn't look like it will breathe terribly well.

Neither shoe looks like it will have terribly good traction to me. The Diadora in particular looks like it's basically a road shoe with a tiny amount of added rubber/plastic. The Nashbar shoe doesn't look like it will breathe terribly well.

I would tend to agree. They look very hard plastic to me, and not rubbery.

funny thing happened today. well not funny but related.

today on one small quick hill instead of dropping two gears i just stood up and mashed my way up it. apparently old 80's road bike pedals cant hold fat guys, i bent the pedal about 5 miles from home. i had to ride back all wobbly and a storm was coming in. so i stopped at a bike shop that has horrible reviews on yelp. asked the owner about clipless and he told me its like putting a ferrari pedal on a ford. i said i am looking for a dual sided pedal he told me they are too expensive, i said how much, he said expensive. i looked out side and the wind started to pick up so i new i couldnt walk home in time so i paid the nice and wonderful LBS owner $45 for some pedal i didnt want. hopped on the bike and low an behold the pedals are too small for my feet. but tthe sky got dark and i knew i might not make it home.

i would have liked to go back inside and get the pedals i wanted or at least ones that fit. i still got caught in the storm about a mile away, just for an FYI hail hurts like heck!!! and hard rain can make it through the helmet holes and does hurt the skull.

i have a feeling when i go back tomorrow the guy wont let me exchange the pedals, and i will be out $45 bucks. plus the cost of pedals that fit (those i will get at they LBS i always go to and now love even more). so clipless shoes and pedals may not happen now for money reasons.

update:

went to my the LBS (the good one) and picked up some Crank Bro's mallets on sale for $40!!!! a bit heavy but they seem like they will "fit the bill". i used them today as platforms and couldnt have been happier. now just need to catch some shoes on sale.