Gone clipless
#1
Senior Member
Thread Starter
Join Date: Mar 2008
Posts: 56
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 0 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 0 Times
in
0 Posts
Gone clipless
I just had to throw it out there for anyone that is on the fence about going clipless... make that move. I just got back into cycling last summer when I realized just how much I needed to lose weight along with how much I enjoyed riding. Earlier this month I decided I needed to lose the 10 year old mountain bike and upgrade to a newer cyclocross bike that better matched my normal riding experience. After reading up more on clipless pedals I began to see the sense in having my foot locked to the bike where before I was scared to death of the idea.
Well on Monday I went nose first into the deep end, and I am never going to look back. I have already had the ego bruising experience of falling over in front of my GF, and the following day I fell over at a stop light. Even with those two falls I am still 100% behind the concept. It is much easier to hold my cadence on rides now, and my times and gear choices have both improved. Thanks to the improved ride dynamics I did my first 25 mile trip on Wednesday, and I plan on upping by at least 5 miles per week to hit the 50 mile goal. This is all for a clyde with exercise induced asthma and so far out of shape that I am not even sure I remember what the shape I was supposed to be. If it is round then I guess I am pretty close, but anything else is still a bit off.
So lose the fear and make that move. You will not regret it.
Well on Monday I went nose first into the deep end, and I am never going to look back. I have already had the ego bruising experience of falling over in front of my GF, and the following day I fell over at a stop light. Even with those two falls I am still 100% behind the concept. It is much easier to hold my cadence on rides now, and my times and gear choices have both improved. Thanks to the improved ride dynamics I did my first 25 mile trip on Wednesday, and I plan on upping by at least 5 miles per week to hit the 50 mile goal. This is all for a clyde with exercise induced asthma and so far out of shape that I am not even sure I remember what the shape I was supposed to be. If it is round then I guess I am pretty close, but anything else is still a bit off.
So lose the fear and make that move. You will not regret it.
#3
Senior Member
Join Date: Jul 2007
Location: San Jose, Ca
Posts: 1,213
Bikes: 09 Specialized Tricross Sport
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 0 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 1 Time
in
1 Post
Well on Monday I went nose first into the deep end, and I am never going to look back. I have already had the ego bruising experience of falling over in front of my GF, and the following day I fell over at a stop light.
So lose the fear and make that move. You will not regret it.
And I, too, am curious as to what system you're using.
#4
Senior Member
Join Date: Jul 2007
Location: San Jose, Ca
Posts: 1,213
Bikes: 09 Specialized Tricross Sport
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 0 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 1 Time
in
1 Post
I tried the Shimano SPD's as my first clipless and since the tension is adjustable, I lowered and found clipping in and out to be easy enough.
I tried the Crank Brothers Candies because I saw some for dirt cheap at an REI used gear sale. The engagement and disengagement was generally smoother and sounded less metallic than the SPD's and I think I like them better.
I've become a roadie bike commuter and so I'm using Speedplay Light Action pedals, which are double-sided road pedals. They're easy to clip in and out of and I love em. I think that for a first time road pedal user or someone coming from double-side MTB pedals, the Light Actions would be the best choice.
#5
Support JDRF
Join Date: May 2007
Location: Arkansas
Posts: 925
Bikes: Specialized Sirrus, Specialized Roubaix Elite
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 52 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 3 Times
in
2 Posts
IMO Shimano SPD's is what I would suggest to start off with even if you are on a road bike. They are the easiest to get out of and road shoes are slippery on asphalt. The SPD's have a shoe that will grip when you put your foot down.
#6
Senior Member
Join Date: Dec 2006
Posts: 249
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 0 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 0 Times
in
0 Posts
Been using the same Wellgo SPDs for 6 or 7 seasons now. If/when they finally go, I'll probably get something different, like Bebops.
Lots of folks recomend Shimano SPDs.
Lots of folks recomend Shimano SPDs.
#7
Senior Member
Join Date: Apr 2007
Location: Northern VA
Posts: 2,654
Bikes: 2008 Trek Madone 5.5, 2009 Cervelo R3SL tdf edition, Cervelo R5 with Di2
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 2 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 1 Time
in
1 Post
The first year I used SPD compatible Wellgo mountain bike pedals on my road bike. That was a pretty good choice, since they were double-sided, easy to clip in and out, adjustable, and fairly walkable.
Last year I got the Speedplay Light Action pedals, and they are even better, if a bit less convenient for walking around. I love the free float now, but it took awhile to get used to. I also have to carry around cleat covers for hobbling around when I'm off the bike, or else the cleats get clogged easily. Other than that I'm happy with the switch.
Last year I got the Speedplay Light Action pedals, and they are even better, if a bit less convenient for walking around. I love the free float now, but it took awhile to get used to. I also have to carry around cleat covers for hobbling around when I'm off the bike, or else the cleats get clogged easily. Other than that I'm happy with the switch.
#8
Do I use too many commas?
Join Date: Aug 2006
Location: Central New York
Posts: 621
Bikes: Giant Yukon SE
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 0 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 0 Times
in
0 Posts
I use SPD's. They work great for me. Plus I got a pinch flat last year and had to walk two miles. I couldn't imagine doing that with road cleats.
#9
Triathlon in my future???
Join Date: Jun 2007
Location: Southwest Iowa
Posts: 2,193
Bikes: Junk, that is why I am here. :-)
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 0 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 1 Time
in
1 Post
Shimano Dura-Ace PD-7800 with Pearl Izumi shoes. They clip in easily and work well for me. I figure if I need to walk, the shoes will be the least of my problems as I didn't prepare for my ride. And I can always take off the shoes and walk. Plus since I got the entire setup for less than the pedals cost and everything was still in the box new, I couldn't argue. If I get a mountain bike or cyclocross bike, I will probably go with Eggbeaters.
__________________
2007 Jamis Ventura Comp
2006 Jamis Explorer 2.0
2000 Specialized Hardrock (bought used)
Swim, Bike, Run and sounds like fun
2007 Jamis Ventura Comp
2006 Jamis Explorer 2.0
2000 Specialized Hardrock (bought used)
Swim, Bike, Run and sounds like fun
#10
Senior Member
Join Date: Jul 2006
Location: Jacksonville, FL
Posts: 6,882
Bikes: Trek Domane SLR 7 AXS, Trek CheckPoint SL7 AXS, Trek Emonda ALR AXS, Trek FX 5 Sport
Mentioned: 2 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 767 Post(s)
Liked 1,742 Times
in
1,014 Posts
I've used SPD's, Look A3.1, Look Keo's and Shimano Ultegra SPD-SL. I have found in my case, the SPD's seem to be the best for me. The road pedal cleats positions seem to be too far forward for me and are causing me foot pain in my road bike.
I went to the foot doc yesterday about the foot pain and road pedals and he told that the cleat position limited in how far back the rear position can go and cause foot pain. SPD's bolt patterns typically can sit back further on the shoe and foot. He also said that the hybrid positioning is different from the road bike and I might find them more comfortable on it so will try them tonight.
In any event, I found them all easy to clip in an out of
I went to the foot doc yesterday about the foot pain and road pedals and he told that the cleat position limited in how far back the rear position can go and cause foot pain. SPD's bolt patterns typically can sit back further on the shoe and foot. He also said that the hybrid positioning is different from the road bike and I might find them more comfortable on it so will try them tonight.
In any event, I found them all easy to clip in an out of
#11
Senior Member
Join Date: Jul 2007
Location: The Dash, North Carolina
Posts: 200
Bikes: Trek 4300, Cannondale Synapse 6
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 0 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 0 Times
in
0 Posts
Congrats on the move. I went clipless last summer, and I'll never forget trying to clip in the first time. I fell over in my driveway a few times (but, fortunately, nobody saw me -- or if they did, I didn't see them). Feel much more comfortable with them now, but still get a little antsy heading up to a stoplight in traffic.
#12
Out fishing with Annie on his lap, a cigar in one hand and a ginger ale in the other, watching the sunset.
Join Date: Mar 2006
Location: South Florida
Posts: 16,056
Bikes: Techna Wheelchair and a Sun EZ 3 Recumbent Trike
Mentioned: 3 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 9 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 22 Times
in
17 Posts
Crank Brothers Egg Beaters here.
You should be able to see them here
and better here.
You should be able to see them here
and better here.
__________________
. “He who fights with monsters might take care lest he thereby become a monster. And if you gaze for long into an abyss, the abyss gazes also into you.”- Fredrick Nietzsche
"We can judge the heart of a man by his treatment of animals." - Immanuel Kant
. “He who fights with monsters might take care lest he thereby become a monster. And if you gaze for long into an abyss, the abyss gazes also into you.”- Fredrick Nietzsche
"We can judge the heart of a man by his treatment of animals." - Immanuel Kant
#13
I Ride, Therefore I Am
Join Date: Oct 2007
Location: Central, PA via Philthadelphia
Posts: 490
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 0 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 0 Times
in
0 Posts
Shimano SPD on both my road bike and MTB. Wiped out once on my road bike because I couldn't unclip when 2 cars going in the opposite direction forced me to go into the gutter unless I wanted to get hit. Rode an MTB 1 week after getting them last fall and fell over about 20-30 times. It was my first MTB ride as well. I won't go back to platform.
I believe the SPD is more of an MTB pedal however, I put them on my roadie as well so I only had to buy one pair of shoes. I am cheap like that.
They do make a difference in your pedal stroke. In the words of Tim 'The Toolman' Taylor...MORE POWER, arr,arr!
I believe the SPD is more of an MTB pedal however, I put them on my roadie as well so I only had to buy one pair of shoes. I am cheap like that.
They do make a difference in your pedal stroke. In the words of Tim 'The Toolman' Taylor...MORE POWER, arr,arr!
#14
2008 Prouty
Join Date: Apr 2007
Location: NH
Posts: 347
Bikes: 2007 Trek 7.5 FX 2007 Trek 4300
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 0 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 0 Times
in
0 Posts
I bought these at my lbs not the link, link just to show what they are:
https://www.jensonusa.com/store/produ...ip+Pedals.aspx
I had never used clipless before as well and with the weather, snowstorm now, the Trek 7.5 FX is still on a trainer in the living room...or a set of cheap rollers.
I also bought a pair of Taho MTB shoes which I like, also at the lbs.
I've only used them on the trainer but I like them so far. Aside from the lifting factor of your uplifting leg, I just feel like the bike and me are one piece of machinery. Of course you are until you fall lol.
my $0.02
https://www.jensonusa.com/store/produ...ip+Pedals.aspx
I had never used clipless before as well and with the weather, snowstorm now, the Trek 7.5 FX is still on a trainer in the living room...or a set of cheap rollers.
I also bought a pair of Taho MTB shoes which I like, also at the lbs.
I've only used them on the trainer but I like them so far. Aside from the lifting factor of your uplifting leg, I just feel like the bike and me are one piece of machinery. Of course you are until you fall lol.
my $0.02
__________________
The direct link to support me in the 27th Annual Prouty Bike Ride, July 12, 2008:
https://www.kintera.org/faf/donorReg...upId=219633987
Please support others by supporting me.
Thank You! -eric
The direct link to support me in the 27th Annual Prouty Bike Ride, July 12, 2008:
https://www.kintera.org/faf/donorReg...upId=219633987
Please support others by supporting me.
Thank You! -eric
#15
Disgruntled grad student
Join Date: Aug 2006
Location: Champaign, IL
Posts: 443
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 0 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 0 Times
in
0 Posts
Left Clipless...
I used to use SPD, but since becoming a daily commuter who refuses to dress in anything else that what I'm gonna wear for the day, I took the Welgos off for cheap platforms. It's not that I don't like clipless, but I don't care to always have to change back and forth out of my shoes everyday. I guess I could put them on for my weekend rides, but I just don't notice that much of a difference to bother (that and I'm lazy, and currently w/o a good pedal wrench).
Good luck with yours, it is enjoyable, and it is a really good cadence training exercise, much easier to make 'big circles' with the clipless
I used to use SPD, but since becoming a daily commuter who refuses to dress in anything else that what I'm gonna wear for the day, I took the Welgos off for cheap platforms. It's not that I don't like clipless, but I don't care to always have to change back and forth out of my shoes everyday. I guess I could put them on for my weekend rides, but I just don't notice that much of a difference to bother (that and I'm lazy, and currently w/o a good pedal wrench).
Good luck with yours, it is enjoyable, and it is a really good cadence training exercise, much easier to make 'big circles' with the clipless
__________________
1990 Trek 330
2006 Trek 7.2FX
2006 Trek 7.3FX (Wifey's Steed)
1990 Trek 330
2006 Trek 7.2FX
2006 Trek 7.3FX (Wifey's Steed)
#16
Senior Member
Join Date: Dec 2006
Location: Manhattan KS
Posts: 431
Bikes: 2001 Giant OCR w/105-10spd, Schwinn High-Plains Built for Commute plus 3 Others in Various Stages of Rebuild/Repair
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 1 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 0 Times
in
0 Posts
+1 on the specialized Taho shoes, they are one of my primary walking around shoes, i love being able to commute to class with them and still have a comfortable shoe to walk around in.
I use SPD-SL on my road bike. Regular SPD on the touring bike and my commuters. I'm thinking about switching to Crank Brothers for ease of use and maintenance issues. They cleat itself is also a little shorter so the should "click" quite as much when I walk.
I use SPD-SL on my road bike. Regular SPD on the touring bike and my commuters. I'm thinking about switching to Crank Brothers for ease of use and maintenance issues. They cleat itself is also a little shorter so the should "click" quite as much when I walk.
#17
2008 Prouty
Join Date: Apr 2007
Location: NH
Posts: 347
Bikes: 2007 Trek 7.5 FX 2007 Trek 4300
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 0 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 0 Times
in
0 Posts
I wasn't sure I wanted to go completely clipless, or whether I'd even like them, so that's why I got the pedals I did. This way I could clip in OR just use the platforms on the other side; i.e. not having to have the Tahoes on when I wanted to take a spin.
Once I try them out on the road, then I'll decide whether I want to use a fully clipless pedal. I'm thinking I will.
Once I try them out on the road, then I'll decide whether I want to use a fully clipless pedal. I'm thinking I will.
__________________
The direct link to support me in the 27th Annual Prouty Bike Ride, July 12, 2008:
https://www.kintera.org/faf/donorReg...upId=219633987
Please support others by supporting me.
Thank You! -eric
The direct link to support me in the 27th Annual Prouty Bike Ride, July 12, 2008:
https://www.kintera.org/faf/donorReg...upId=219633987
Please support others by supporting me.
Thank You! -eric
#18
POWERCRANK addict
Join Date: Mar 2005
Location: North Acton, West London, UK
Posts: 3,783
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 0 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 0 Times
in
0 Posts
Time, every time!
https://www.timesport.fr/us/home.htm
https://www.mtbr.com/reviews/manufacturers/3421/
Sidi SRS only!
https://www.sidisport.com/
https://www.mtbr.com/reviews/manufacturers/3490/
https://www.timesport.fr/us/home.htm
https://www.mtbr.com/reviews/manufacturers/3421/
Sidi SRS only!
https://www.sidisport.com/
https://www.mtbr.com/reviews/manufacturers/3490/
__________________
shameless POWERCRANK plug
Recommended reading for all cyclists - Cyclecraft - Effective Cycling
Condor Cycles - quite possibly the best bike shop in London
Don't run red lights, wear a helmet, use hand signals, get some cycle lights(front and rear) and, FFS, don't run red lights!
shameless POWERCRANK plug
Recommended reading for all cyclists - Cyclecraft - Effective Cycling
Condor Cycles - quite possibly the best bike shop in London
Don't run red lights, wear a helmet, use hand signals, get some cycle lights(front and rear) and, FFS, don't run red lights!
#19
2008 Prouty
Join Date: Apr 2007
Location: NH
Posts: 347
Bikes: 2007 Trek 7.5 FX 2007 Trek 4300
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 0 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 0 Times
in
0 Posts
+1
I don't dress in costumes either.
__________________
The direct link to support me in the 27th Annual Prouty Bike Ride, July 12, 2008:
https://www.kintera.org/faf/donorReg...upId=219633987
Please support others by supporting me.
Thank You! -eric
The direct link to support me in the 27th Annual Prouty Bike Ride, July 12, 2008:
https://www.kintera.org/faf/donorReg...upId=219633987
Please support others by supporting me.
Thank You! -eric
#20
2008 Prouty
Join Date: Apr 2007
Location: NH
Posts: 347
Bikes: 2007 Trek 7.5 FX 2007 Trek 4300
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 0 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 0 Times
in
0 Posts
Specialized Tahoe
Halthane I agree, although I haven't done it all day outside, I thing the Tahoes would be comfortable. The recessed cleates are nice. I will give it a try though, I always wear them with a pair of coolmax socks from https://www.nlzwear.com/ price is ok and shipping is fast, priority mail, 3 days.
-eric
__________________
The direct link to support me in the 27th Annual Prouty Bike Ride, July 12, 2008:
https://www.kintera.org/faf/donorReg...upId=219633987
Please support others by supporting me.
Thank You! -eric
The direct link to support me in the 27th Annual Prouty Bike Ride, July 12, 2008:
https://www.kintera.org/faf/donorReg...upId=219633987
Please support others by supporting me.
Thank You! -eric
#21
Pants are for suckaz
Join Date: Mar 2007
Location: Mt. Airy, MD
Posts: 2,578
Bikes: Hardtail MTB, Fixed gear, and Commuter bike
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 0 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 1 Time
in
1 Post
I ♥ my SPD pedals.
I have a pair of decade-old Shimano 545 pedals on my mountain bike, a pair of Shimano 324 platform/SPD combo pedals on my greenway bike, and I have a pair of 'basic' 2 sided SPD pedals (Richey's I believe) in the parts box in my garage just waiting on another dropped bar road bike to put them on.
I like SPD's because they offer adjustable tension, a wide variety of pedal types, and they have proven to be reliable for a very long time.
I have a pair of decade-old Shimano 545 pedals on my mountain bike, a pair of Shimano 324 platform/SPD combo pedals on my greenway bike, and I have a pair of 'basic' 2 sided SPD pedals (Richey's I believe) in the parts box in my garage just waiting on another dropped bar road bike to put them on.
I like SPD's because they offer adjustable tension, a wide variety of pedal types, and they have proven to be reliable for a very long time.
#22
Downtown Spanky Brown
Join Date: May 2007
Location: Enola, Pennsyltucky
Posts: 2,108
Bikes: Motobecane Phantom Cross Pro Kona Lana'I
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 0 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 0 Times
in
0 Posts
Off topic, why are they called clipless if you have to clip in and out of them? Why not call them clips?
#23
POWERCRANK addict
Join Date: Mar 2005
Location: North Acton, West London, UK
Posts: 3,783
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 0 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 0 Times
in
0 Posts
toe CLIPS and straps - hence the clipless in clipless pedals
__________________
shameless POWERCRANK plug
Recommended reading for all cyclists - Cyclecraft - Effective Cycling
Condor Cycles - quite possibly the best bike shop in London
Don't run red lights, wear a helmet, use hand signals, get some cycle lights(front and rear) and, FFS, don't run red lights!
shameless POWERCRANK plug
Recommended reading for all cyclists - Cyclecraft - Effective Cycling
Condor Cycles - quite possibly the best bike shop in London
Don't run red lights, wear a helmet, use hand signals, get some cycle lights(front and rear) and, FFS, don't run red lights!
#24
Banned.
Join Date: Dec 2005
Location: Upland Ca
Posts: 19,895
Bikes: Lemond Chambery/Cannondale R-900/Trek 8000 MTB/Burley Duet tandem
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 0 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 4 Times
in
3 Posts
Left Clipless...
I used to use SPD, but since becoming a daily commuter who refuses to dress in anything else that what I'm gonna wear for the day, I took the Welgos off for cheap platforms. It's not that I don't like clipless, but I don't care to always have to change back and forth out of my shoes everyday. I guess I could put them on for my weekend rides, but I just don't notice that much of a difference to bother (that and I'm lazy, and currently w/o a good pedal wrench).
I used to use SPD, but since becoming a daily commuter who refuses to dress in anything else that what I'm gonna wear for the day, I took the Welgos off for cheap platforms. It's not that I don't like clipless, but I don't care to always have to change back and forth out of my shoes everyday. I guess I could put them on for my weekend rides, but I just don't notice that much of a difference to bother (that and I'm lazy, and currently w/o a good pedal wrench).
There are some clip on type dealie-bobs (not sure what they are called) that clip onto the spd's so that one side is like a platform pedal. The other allows the cleat to clip in. My mtb came with them when I bougth it. I've seen several on testbikes at the shops.
Would allow you to use clipless on the weekends and platforms for the commute. Plus you don't have to remove the pedals risking the cance of crossing or strippin the threads!
A little over 12 dollars!
https://www.nashbar.com/profile.cfm?c...%20Accessories
#25
Out fishing with Annie on his lap, a cigar in one hand and a ginger ale in the other, watching the sunset.
Join Date: Mar 2006
Location: South Florida
Posts: 16,056
Bikes: Techna Wheelchair and a Sun EZ 3 Recumbent Trike
Mentioned: 3 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 9 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 22 Times
in
17 Posts
The "Clipless Pedals" should really be called Cleat lock or Cleat binder pedals.
__________________
. “He who fights with monsters might take care lest he thereby become a monster. And if you gaze for long into an abyss, the abyss gazes also into you.”- Fredrick Nietzsche
"We can judge the heart of a man by his treatment of animals." - Immanuel Kant
. “He who fights with monsters might take care lest he thereby become a monster. And if you gaze for long into an abyss, the abyss gazes also into you.”- Fredrick Nietzsche
"We can judge the heart of a man by his treatment of animals." - Immanuel Kant