clipless pedals
 

a friend of mine gave me a pair of clipless pedals off of a used bike he just bought. I have been thinking about going clipless for awhile so I took them off his hands. My question is how do I know if they are still functional? They are Shimano 515, I think. They look like they are in decent shape.
Thanks

Functional in what way? Do they spin nicely? As for the clipping in function, take em to a local LBS. You need some cleats anyways, nows the time to pick some up, along with some shoes. Ask em nice to help you out.

It probably wouldn't hurt to clean and regrease the bearings, too. You'll need one of these to get the pedal axle out if they're Shimano 515s. DO NOT try it without this $3 tool, TRUST me.

PS--Clipless rocks! You'll love it once you get used to it. :)

I just tried clipless pedals for the first time today. I bought the crank-brothers egg beater. I thought it was awesome. I fell the very first time I tried it because I didn't quite unhooked my right foot and also leaned to the right. Not so bad fall. After that, the ride was smooth. I noticed more power right away.

Thanks for the tip about the tool! None of my Shimano's really need to be cleaned and re-greased, at least not yet. I'm sure with time they will need it.

I have Shimano M505's on one bike, M535's on another, and A520's on a third, and I like them all. Once you go clipless it's hard to go back, at least in my opinion.

Prop yourself up on a wall and try clipping in and out a few times before shoving off for a ride. Finding out they won't release when you're moving will initiate you into the clipless club faster than anything!

Set them on an easy release, until you get use to them. You may want to change the clips on your shoes to multi release as well, as they are easier to get out of.