spectastic

I just got a new bike, a 2013 windsor knight, with ultegra parts and clipless pedals. I would like to get a pair of cleats to accommodate these pedals for long distance rides. But I'm also wondering whether I should invest in a new pair of flatbed pedals instead.

I have a $30 helmet from Amazon that doesn't fit my head very well. I don't know if it's just a lower end helmet, or whether there is another one of the same quality that better fits me.

If possible, I would like to keep the total cost below $70

StephenH

Do you already have the shoes for the cleats? If not, that'll put you way over $70.

Otherwise, visit a local bike shop, try some helmets on, see what you think. On the cleats, you're pretty limited by what kind of pedals you already have.

IthaDan 

Yeah, cleats are paired to the pedals. But the cleats that work with your pedals. (duh).

As far as helmets go, they all have to adhere to the same standards, so the differentiation is weight, ventilation and brand. Protection wise, they're all about the same- though it's just a matter of time before someone comes in here to say that, despite the lack of empirical evidence, that a more expensive helmet actually DOES offer more protection and the standards are minimum requirements.

spectastic

I purchased a skating helmet for $24 shipped. I chose it because I think they will be the best fitting helmet for less than $90 bucks, despite the disadvantage in ventilation. It has 16 vent holes, most of which are in the back. I think it will be good for commuting and non-scorching temperatures.

As for shoes, I don't have them. But I found a cheap one for about 30 bucks. The cleats for it is 14 bucks. On the BD website, it says "[COLOR=#000000][FONT=Arial] (compatible with most two-bolt sole pattern shoes)" so I'm assuming https://www.jensonusa.com/Shimano-SM-...ease-SPD-Cleat could work, along with https://www.jensonusa.com/!HYMc7W3ODM...medium=organicthis. What do you think? Will these last me at least two years of gentle use?

Last thing is sizing. Are these charts pretty standard, or are they more specific to the particular shoe model? Are they like soccer cleats where you can break them in and feel comfortable, or is it a more delicate fitting process?

DieselDan

Helmets from different manufacturers with the same size can still feel different from the shape of the mold. Specialized helmets fit me the best, but Giro lids feel too oblong.

Do not ever equate clipless pedal cleats to soccer, football, baseball, or lacross cleats. Pedal cleats fit into a clamp to hold your foot on the pedal. Start by installing the cleat all the way forward and in, respective to each side. I'm better at demonstrating then explaining, so this forum isn't the best for me.

StephenH

Do you actually have the bike there? If so, what brand are the pedals? If you can't find a brand, try a photo. If you don't have the bike in hand yet, wait until you get it. "Bonus Clipless pedals (compatible with most two-bolt sole pattern shoes)" is the spec on the BikesDirect site, and this could still be several different cleat styles, I'm thinking.

A given style and type of cleat only comes in one size, so it's just a matter of identifying exactly what you have. Some pedals are sold with cleats, and if you don't have that bike yet, wait and see if it comes with cleats.

I have a roundy BMX helmet, and the main drawback to it is that it's heavy. You don't notice that unless you're used to a lighter one, then wear it. The cheap helmets at Walmart are ugly, but otherwise should be okay.

spectastic

Yes I already have the bike. No they did not come with cleats. This is a picture of what it looks like. Supposedly, it fits most two bolted cleats. But you would know better than I do.

I'm sticking to skater helmets mainly because they seem like they would fit better. Plus, it has more protection. And if I take it off, I won't look like wolverine (my hair naturally stands up). I seriously doubt the weight is an issue. I'd probably feel more of an effect after a hair cut.

Any more input on bike shoe fit? And when I was comparing bike cleats to soccer soccer cleats, I was really talking about the shoes. How do you make sure the bike shoe isn't too narrow, or too wide, or whatnot? Is this generally an issue, or not?

spectastic

oh snap it did come with cleats. I didn't dig deep enough into the packaging; thought it was just reflectors and random bolts. From the looks of it, it looks exactly like the cleat featured in the link I posted above.

Still would like comments about the link to the bike shoes, as well as fit. I'd do the research myself, but things have been downright crazy with school and work. I am literally taking minute out of my sleep writing this post. So any help is appreciated.

StephenH

Good to know the cleat issue is solved.

Some of the mountain-style cycling shoes allow you to walk around without the cleat sticking out, I don't know if that's an issue or not. I don't know how worthwhile a $29 cycling shoe is, either.

If you refer to the sizing chart on that shoe link, you can see the issue with sizes. The cycling shoes seem a little more consistent brand-to-brand, but still, if you wear, say, a size 9 US shoe, you don't know if that puts you in the 42 or 43 size until you try them.

spectastic

yes, it would be excellent to be able to do normal things without having to change shoes. The only issue might be sole stiffness, which might not be as good for a mtb shoe.

how does a $30 shoe compare to a $60 shoe? Weight, stiffness, durability?

spectastic

ok, I bought a pair of gavin elite road shoes for $55. Apparently, they are an excellent value, and have both SPD as well as SPD-SL compatibility. 2 birds one stone; I'm very happy.

The only thing is I will have to bring an extra pair of shoes/sandals if I want to tour long distance or something.