Floyd

I finally did it. After many years of not wanting to spend $ to get clipless, I finally did it yesterday. I never considered myself enough of a "hard core" bike rider to consider clipless but recently decided it is time. Went to the LBS and looked at shoes, glad I found some for my extra wide feet. Got on my P-38 in the trainer for a few minutes and got to clicking and unclicking then for a test ride,,,no falls. Could not wait to get home and go for a ride. Had one 'no-speed' fall as I did not coordinate my clip in... then on for a nice ride. I think I am going to like this. Happy New Year

dgholmes59

I started using clipless pedals on my mountain bike several years ago. Personally, I love them and do not like riding without them. It was the first item I installed on my EZ Sport. I run the Shimano M540 pedals. Blue Sky Cycling had a very good price on them.

When I rode a mountain bike, I fell twice at a stop because I did pay attention and forgot to unclip. The crazy thing was that I had been riding for over a year with them before I did this. I felt so stupid.

The third time I fell was also at a stop also on my mtb. I had pulled into a ditch to rest and had one foot clipped and the other unclipped. I was backing the bike and lost my balance to the side that my foot was clipped in. Down I went.

I ride my recumbent much more than I rode the mountain bike. Clipping and unclipping is very much a habit now. I switched the M540's out to a flat pedal one day to wear boots because of the cold and I found myself twisting the the boot everytime I stopped as if to unclip my shoes. Without thinking, I was doing it at every stop. I did not realize it had become such a habit. I did fall several times in the beginning clipped in, but honestly, I don't think it would have mattered clipped or not. Once you start falling on the bent, it is hard to stop. In fact, on some bents it might be more beneficial to not be able to get unclipped in time to protect your foot from further damage.

You will find the pedals will enhance your ride. I like them because they hold your foot to the pedal. Because the shoes are board lasted, this essentially makes the pedal the size of you foot instead of the size of the pedal. This spreads the pressure out a bit for added comfort. It also increases your power by utilizing the upstroke as well and results in more efficiency.

You will find after time, you will clip-in and clip-out without even thinking about it. Enjoy.

hawkijohn

Along with all the other benefits, it's also nice to be able to pedal with one foot on a tight turn while unclipping the inside leg. I'm new to bents myself but I'm sure gravity would come into play without having the connection on those really long rides and the legs could get weary of just holding up the weight.

Shaman

Floyd... Whatshoes did you find for your wide feet? I finally got a pair of Lake MX90X direct from the factory. My size is odd as well but they helped me to choose the right size and checked inventory status. I really like these shoes.

Never gone clipless before but my trike came with dual purpose pedals (SPD on one side and platforms on the other) and came with the cleats. Finding shoes that fit me is a real bear. Since these were under a $100- and it was Christmas, I figured "go for it". I've been getting use to them on a trainer and really really like the feel. Riding the platform side had always given me cramps in my arches and my pedaling efficiency was pretty low. This comes from the fear of the "foot-suck" phonomina that everyone warns you about with a trike. Now I am feeling those muscles on the backside of my legs... This will take some getting use to

Floyd

I had been to the LBS earlier just to check out what I might do. I did not try any of the shoes cause I did not have time but looking at the what I thought was pointed shoes I was thinking I will not be able to fit my square foot into those. However the other day went back and said, I want to try on your widest shoe and gave him my foot size. The first pair he comes out with allowed me to get them on but sardines have more room in their can... So he tried another brand (sorry can't remember which one) but a bigger size and they were more roomy so while he goes off to take care of another customer I see a bigger size of the first brand "Answer, Speeder" on the shelf. I pulled it down and got it on and it was comfortable also. They really are not as wide as I would like cause my toes are not 'filling in' the front of the shoe. But they are comfortable enough so will go with them...hope I can say that in six months.
The brand on the pedals is Wellgo so is not so well known i would guess. Since this is my first time I trusted the owner of the bike shop. I have no trouble getting in and out so it is full speed ahead I guess..

Shaman

Very good, Floyd. Yep, you are bold in purchasing something "close enough" when it comes to shoes.
The pedals you are using are probably also SPD compatable. I would visit the Airbomb website and see if they have your size in Lake shoes model MX101X. They are only $58- +s/h right now. It's a deal that's hard to beat for shoes made for our clunky feet.

Floyd

Thanks for the info... I will give these a long wear-in and even use my shoe stretchers if need be. On the first ride went for 13 miles, I know, not a long ride, but did not feel any discomfort at all so will be anxious to see how they do on the long haul.
this is a great site.................

Sadaharu

For my clunky boat feat, the specialized taho has been really great, and has never felt tight width-wise.

megaman

That's the same brand as I use. I feel the shoe is a bit snug, but doesn't seem to bother me. I really had to search to find a pair that fit that good even.