decosse

Hi,

As the title implies, I'm really uncomfortable (as in really scared) with the idea of clipping in. I'm not even sure I need to yet... But REI is having this sale, lol.

Backstory-I've only recently (9 months ago) got on a bike after a 40+ year hiatus. As a kid I rode all over on coaster brake step-thru cruiser, and parked it when I got my first car. I started again last Aug on a city bike-Milano Dama | Bianchi USA. Comfy, no technique for riding needed.

I discovered I liked to go fast(er) and moved up to a Specialized Vita Specialized Bicycle Components. Properly sized, BG fitted and so on. The pedals on it are flat with teeth all the way around. Very grippy once you plant your foot. Seat is grippy, too. On my first real ride I had one of those 0 mph crashes- I came to an abrupt stop, couldn't slide my feet or butt off the bike and fell over hitting a curb. Broken elbow, permanent damage-a reduction in flexion/extension. Hence the fear, despite a bit of since learned technique.

However, the Vita is a fast hybrid, and I enjoy my 25 mile rides on the state highway out to Red Rock and beyond, trying to improve my speed and stamina bit by bit. My "daily" (3x a week) rides before work are an 11-12 mile loop here in town with side streets, fast thoroughfares, and a mile of bike path. A dozen stoplights and signs, 3-4 left turns and so on. So off and on a lot during the week, long gradual climbs with wicked fast downhills on the weekend.

My shoes are Specialized Sonoma- Kind of hybrid as well and will take SPD cleats. The mount is recessed. And these Shimano M324 SPD Pedals - Free Shipping at REI.com, Shimano Click'R PD-T400 Bike Pedals - Free Shipping at REI.com are on sale.

Looking for opinions as to if I should even get a set, and given the (way too much ) info, which of the two?

Thanks!

PS- I'm lusting after a true road bike, but it'll be awhile, am going to rent a Secteur and Domane in a coupla months to see if I can handle one.. physically and financially

Bob S

Clipping in will improve your speed. While I have been using them for years it only took a day or two to forget what was on my feet. Before you use them make sure you know what is required to release from your pedals and practice the move for both feet. It will soon become second nature.

mcmoose

I've recently migrated to SPD pedals and shoes for my road bike. Previously, I used strapless toe clips on both my road bike and hybrid; I still have them on my hybrid. They're the kind you can get for five bucks (four, when on sale) at REI:



These toe clips have some of the same advantages as SPDs, in that they keep your foot in proper place on the pedal, and allow you to uplift (or at least off-load) during the upward stroke. The other advantage is that they sort of prep you for "needing to do something with your foot" when you're coming to a stop. Granted, its a very forgiving requirement (i.e., get your foot out of the toe clip), but it is a deliberate action.

When I looked at clip-in options, it seemed like there were several choice points: Recessed cleat (e.g., SPD) or not (e.g., Look). While recessed cleats were originally a MTB thing, they've become very popular for road bikes. And they were very popular with me -- I REALLY didn't like the feel of walking on cleats. YMMV.

Having decided on SPD, the next question was, do I want to be able to clip in on either side of the pedal, or would I like a "regular" platform on one side? I hemmed and hawed on this, especially since the two-sided pedals tend to be a bit heavier. I decided I wouldn't be riding my road bike with "normal" shoes very often (that's what my hybrid is for), so I went two-sided. I still wanted a bit of a platform, so I went with the Shimano PD-M530 (basically, their M520 with a platform added).

The final question was whether to go with a single-direction release cleat (SH-51) or multi-direction cleat (SH-56). The pedals come with SH-51 cleats, but you can get the SH-56s (for extra $$, of course). Several people (including honest salesmen) told me to just go with the SH-51s… you get used to the "heels out" move quickly, and many people find the SH-56s TOO willing to release (once you get used to the idea of having cleats).

I bought some Bontrager WSD Solstice shoes (yeah, there goes another $90!) and was set to go. I've done about 50 miles, and the release tension is still set at the lowest level. Haven't fallen yet (knock wood) and am finding the unclip/re-clip move pretty intuitive. There's definitely better power transfer than with the toe clips… not amazing, but definitely noticeable on climbs and accelerations.

The Click'R pedal that you're looking at is advertised as the "most forgiving" SPD available -- I'm pretty sure it comes with the multi-direction release cleat. It's also "street legal" as it has the built-in reflector. Once you decide which features are important to you in a pedal and cleat, you should be fine. And you already have the cool shoes!

Good luck!

mcmoose

Oh, sorry, one last thing (promise!)...

The other factor to consider when selecting a pedal is how much float you want (if any). Float (as I understand it) is how much you can rotate (yaw) your foot before engaging the release mechanism. I have sort of wonky knees, so I knew I needed some float. The M530 has ~6 degrees, which is a moderate amount and feels about right for me. Again, YMMV.

eja_ bottecchia

You don't need clipless pedals/shoes, especially if you ride where there is a lot of stop and go traffic.

IF you really want to go clipless, the recommendations by mcmoose are excellent.

Personally, I use LOOK KEO Blade Carbon pedals. But I have been riding a long time (and have my fair share of embarrassing falls).

Good luck and ride safely.

dalameda

mcmoose has some excellent advice there, I would recommend spending a few extra bucks(a set costs about $15 on amazon) and starting out with the SH-56 cleats, the ability to clip out in any direction will give you some piece of mind initially - you may outgrow them.

Of the two pedals you are looking at, I know it is tempting to go with the first one because one side is flat for use without a clip, but having a two sided pedal (clip in either side) will actually make it easier to get used to, and not have to keep looking down to see if the clip side is up or down.

fietsbob

either of them offer adjustability , of the retention force , you can dial it back to be really soft and easy to get out of..

the 324 will let you pick a side and ride in non bike shoes . the 400 I presume is double sided .. for riding into the night there are reflectors ..

though the pedal reflectors can be added to the 324 as well ..

Wileyrat

If it were me, between those two pedals, I'd put the M324's on that bike. I pefer to have a bit of a rat trap style pedal when I'm not clipped in, so I see those as the best of both worlds.

Retro Grouch 

I've had experience with that broken elbow thing so my recommendation is based more on overcoming the resulting anxiety.

I'd get the 324's because they give you an option of which side to use. I've got a pair of those (or equals) on my beater bike and I love them. I like the ability to hop on my bike to scoot up to the C-store in whatever shoes I happen to be wearing.

It's taken me 5 years to overcome the anxiety after my accident and I'm not sure I'm completely over it even now. I wanted to jump right back on that horse and start over right where I left off. It didn't work that way for me. I've had to crawl back a baby step at a time. I'd recommend riding the platform side when that's all that you feel like and trying the clip-in side when you're feeling frisky. Keep it fun and it will come.

irwin7638

I stopped using clipless a few years ago. I don;t race, so the minor increase in efficiency didn't matter compared to the inconvenience of wearing the special shoes. I have found that VP Thin Gripsters seem to be just as efficient and allow me to wear whatever shoes I please.

Marc

Dudelsack 

You can't go wrong with either of those pedals. I'd go with the Click'r, although the M324s aren't much more difficult, especially if you have the multidirectional release cleats SH56. Both are fine for commuting.

Good luck.

MinnMan

For me, the clipless experience is unparalleled - the connection to the bike and the fluid motion of spinning when cleated in are part of what make riding so thrilling. I still on occasion use platforms and strapless toe clips and powerstraps, and they have their place but don't give the same experience. I'm not about to tell you that you have to go clipless; I'm just saying that for many of us, going clipless is well-worth getting used to and worth overcoming fears.

Biker395 

1. Yes, get a set. The pedaling efficiency factor is huge.
2. I have two sided pedals, and while they are OK, I've also chewed up my calf a couple of times with them ... the larger size itself takes some getting used to. And they really only make sense on a bike you're going to ride fairly often with street shoes.
3. Since you have a fear of them, the Click'R pedals seem like a great choice, at least to begin with. If it were me, I'd give those a try first. And when they wear out, you can move to something else with confidence.

1nterceptor

Since you already had a fall even without clipless pedals;
I would recommend the Click'R model that's supposed to
have an easier release. After you get them; practice,
practice, practice unclipping and clipping in. I used
Shimano's M520 for about 5 years. My MTB shoes wore
out and I switched to Speedplay X/2.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FFyX...IoDLA&index=46

NOS88

I think for most people the learning curve for using clipless pedals is relatively short. I like Retro's thinking about the multi-sided pedals. If you're really anxious, your learning curve might be a bit longer, and having an "out" on stressful days could help reduce the anxiety. If you go clipless, consider practice sessions engaging and disengaging where there are no curbs or other obstacles to fall into should you go down again. Some people find that riding on a level grass covered area gives them a higher sense of security about falling. For me, I just leaned against the side of my garage and clipped in and out a few dozen times, and then headed to an empty parking lot to practice some more.

JamieElenbaas

OP,

First of all, by all means, go clipless. Once you get used to them, you will probably feel naked on flat peddles - I know that I do.

Second, it's hard to beat SPD for general purpose cycling; shoes are easy to walk in, peddles can be adjusted to release easily in up to three axis, and they are widely used...

...which leads me to my last point. If you use SPD shoes, most gyms have spin bikes with SPD peddles. This means that you can get used to retention in perfect safety on a spin bike. Do a few spin sessions in SPD peddles and you will have no problem the first time you swing a leg over your bicycle.

rydabent

The M324 pedals are excellent. If nothing else they are a great pedal to start with for riding with clips. You can clip in when you are out on the trails or road, or not when riding in a congested area. The also have a release adjustment that makes the really easy to unclip from.

decosse

Thanks so much for the great responses! Sorry it took me a little while, I work the 4-midnight shift and was too tired after work last night to post

Great encouragement and you all have touched on my concerns. If I want to improve to where I can do a 30-40 mile charity ride, or a club ride in the casual "B" group, it's time to start. And if I'm serious about a pure road bike....

Speaking of time, it's 9:30 AM, and the weather is great- 70degrees, 5 mph wind, sunny, 20% humidity. I'm going to do my 11 mile loop and write a more detailed post over lunch when I get back!

Doug64

My wife and I use the Shimano 324 pedals on our touring bikes; they are an excellent pedal.

If you go with any of the SPD pedals, adjust the pedal's cleat tension to its lightest setting. This will allow you get out of the pedals with minimal pressure.

nuke_diver

mcmoose has great suggestions. Just to added to the experience for you

I rode platforms exclusively on a road bike since the early 70's. I decided to get a new bike about 6 months ago since my old bike makes climbing the hills around me very difficult (30+ yr old steel 12 speed). At first I kept platforms on my new bike because I wasn't sure about clipins. I eventually got a pair after doing a bunch of research and trying shoes. Unfortunately for me I could only find a few pairs that were comfortable and thus MTB type shoes were not an option for me since I would have liked to be able to walk a bit in the shoes. I did have a lot of trouble getting used to the clips and found that the advice for how to get out of them didn't work for me (the amount of float in both the shoes and my knees might be a factor). Once I did work it out and got comfortable I found that the clipins made some difference in overall comfort and endurance but a bigger difference in climbing. I don't believe I pull up but I think it is just easier to keep the spin going on steep (15% type) grades than without. So for me they have become an important part of my weekend rides. The clipins are ok because I usually only walk from the back step to the front of the house the rest of the time I'm on the bike.

For commuting though I still use platforms because there are more chances of having to quickly get my feet on the ground and that is harder with the clips (and yes I have fallen once and nearly fallen another time while on the road). Plus I don't have to bring a pair of shoes to work with me

Nightshade

If you're that damn scared of clipless why go clipless??

Are you planning on racing?

If not then you really don't need the damn things!

pbass

I have to agree with this. I previously had spent a lot of time worrying about whether to go clipless on my road bike or not, and it was just unnecessary stress. And being a little "older", I too was worried about falling over (which is kinda funny cause I mostly mountain bike now, but that's besides the point..)
Anyhow, in my case I did eventually go through the expense to try them and actually didn't like them--never fell over or anything, just didn't care for being fixed to the bike like that--I much prefer riding "free" on both road bike and MTB with good grippy platforms, in my case VP Thin Gripsters on the road machine (my roadie friends say I drank the Grant Peterson kool-aid.

decosse

Thanks for all the input! Mcmoose, I really appreciate the suggestions! I'm not so sure about those toe straps, tho .

It looks like it took people a bit of time deciding if clipping in was something you wanted/needed to do. I enjoyed reading about your experiences and watching the vid. RetroGrouch, I fell back in Nov. and was too stubborn (or hair-brained) to get the elbow checked in time to do anything. I just iced it, did ROM and took anti-inflammatories. Turns out it was a displacement fracture of the radial head. I got back on the bike in a couple of days, then spent the next several weeks overthinking every mount and dismount. One day I just hopped on and went, and it seemed easier again.

As far as "why bother if they scare me"? Good point, actually. If I were just doing in-town riding, frequently off and on the bike, I wouldn't. But I really enjoy getting out on the road. I hear about efficiency, improved speed, easier climbing and so on. My rides all have climbs, the ones out on the road have 11-15 mile ones. I'd like to do some club rides. I can average 10-12 mph, most casual easy club rides want 13-14 mph average. These are social rides, not races, and are fun. I went on a teaching/recovery ride with a group and had a great time. I have no interest in their "challenge" or training rides, just the ones which finish at the frozen yogurt shop I'd like to get over the fear, and it's not easy to just try clipping in. I'm seriously looking at road bikes- if I were to get one, I'd like to be able to efficiently use my meager power resources (grin) to best advantage. These pedals seem to be a way to find out if I can HTFU (lol) without going in the deep end- give it a serious try without a big cash outlay. If it doesn't work for me, then at least I'll know.

Overall, it looks like the M324 is favored. I like the idea of having the non-clip side in town, and working into the clip side. Having to flip the pedals over might be annoying, but for this bike and learning I think it's a reasonable trade off. Grass isn't easy to find here in the desert, but there is a nice flat parking lot across the street at the college. 24 Hour Fitness has free trials (ahem) so a spin class may be in order

Anyway, thanks again for all the responses!

Dana

howellhandmade

You're right, if you don't try, you don't know. Maybe it would help to quantify the expense. I'd set a budget of $100 for shoes and SPD cleats and see how well you can do beating that by watching for a sale. After that, you could try a spin class (free) and if you hate the feeling, sell the shoes on CL (hardly worn) and likely get half of your expenditure back. So, you've tried it and lost $50. Is that bearable?

Let's say that you like the feeling from the spin class. The Shimano SPD pedals I have on all my bikes cost about $50 a set. There probably are cheaper ones, but let's start there. If you try them on the bike and don't find them to your liking, you can sell both the pedals and shoes. So, you're looking at being out $75.

Personally, my comparison is not clipless pedals to platforms, it's clipless to clips and straps where you had to reach down and flip the buckle to get out. By that latter comparison, clipless pedals rock. The little twist it takes to get out becomes habit very quickly and you don't think about it.

Just looked back: OP, if your shoes will accept SPD cleats, you're just a couple of bucks away from your spin class! Never mind all the stuff I wrote; shoes are the biggest cost and you're there already.

Retro Grouch 

I broke the radial heads on both arms so I was pretty much unable to feed myself or to do anything for myself. Had to have a home health care aid while my wife was at work. It was 9 weeks before I could drive my school bus again and a lot longer than that before riding a bicycle. Not the happiest period of my life. After 2 years I was just about recovered when I fell again with a recumbent tandem and broke my hip. That was another 9 weeks off work and another extended period off the bicycle.

Bottom line, I'm pretty risk averse with my bicycling today but I still prefer using clipless pedals for the vast majority of my bicycling.