killerkitten

As a beginner, how do I know when I'm ready to move up to toe clips, or clipless pedals? I wasn't really planning on buying shoes yet, but my LBS had a nice sale, and I managed to pick myself up a pair of these: https://www.cannondale.com/clothing/0...del-5FR02.html for half price. First of all, are toe clips and clipless basically the same in terms of skill level needed to operate? If so, would I be wise to go clipless (seems to be what I see everyone else riding). I was planning on getting some Crank Bros Candy pedals eventually, should these work with the shoes I have? Thanks a lot.

Hoop

Sweet shoes. I wish the mens version looked as nice as those.

I think you'll find that toe clips aren't recommended for mountain biking. I would guess the reason is that they are harder to get out of, requiring the use of a hand. Not easily accomplished while you are going over the bars. In the end, I think clipless is really the only sane option.

When are you ready? I guess I would characterize it as when are you ready to have more control of your bike and to quit being worried about your feet and pedals. Depending on your type of riding and what you are used to, you may never feel ready but I think anyone can benefit from clipless.

It's another skill that you should practice, but doesn't have anything to do with your skill at riding a bike (in a strict sense).

MichaelW

The skill you need is slow-speed control and track stands.

You can use toe clips off road, but it probably isnt worth the learning curve when you are going to switch to clipless later; they need different techniques and reactions.
I would advise that you go straight to clipless.
The advantage of toe clips (you can use any shoes) is really for urban utility and winter riders.

I use toe clips off road because I use them all the time. I dont cinch the straps tight, so removal is not a problem and in some cases is quicker than clipless. I have slipped on mud, wet grass and ice and my foot always reaches the ground first. I have never fallen over due to a trapped foot.

Ricardo

I went clipless two weeks ago. (I consider myself a newbie also). Once you do that, you never go back.

Just go for it. You wont regret it.

Ricardo

iamthetas

those cages your foot goes in could catch on stuff off road so go clipless. the candies should work. any shoe that says "works with all 2 bolt or SPD pedal cleats" or similar wording will work fine. I prefer Time Pedals but the candies should work with those shoes if they are SPD compatible

135crewchief

I wouldn't consider myself a newbie anymore(finaly). But about a month ago I went clipless, and for the first several rides after that i felt like a newbie again. Now I am used to them and I'm very pleased that I upgraded to clipless.

pittsteelfan102

are the spd's good pedals?
it seems like it takes me longer to get out of these then my friends clipless... is that because mine r new? or are the spds usually just harder to get out of...?

iamthetas

could be the way they are set up. thats why Im not a fan of SPD or its clones. dont do the text message type of writing( r instead of are) or the moderators will come down hard. try loosening the tension a bit . the cleats may not be centered with the pedal too