Bike pedals, cleats and shoes 101?
12-08-07, 01:33 PM
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Bike pedals, cleats and shoes 101?
alright, just received my first ever road bike. overall, real happy with it. i have not bought a pair of cycling shoes or cleats or whatever you call them. here's the thing, how to choose the right one for myself?? apparently i found out they are different types of pedals, the SPD being maybe the standard one on most bikes. what are the rest?? i have been looking for shoes on ebay, the sidis look pretty sick! but i haven't really decided on which one to get, just kinda browse what they have. i think the pedals i have on my bike are SPD, but they are pretty crappy ones and i am thinking of getting them replaced. any recommendations??it looks pretty complicated to even put on. like i said i have not bought a pair of the shoes yet so i don't really know. i was hoping that there is something real simple to use. like a pair of shoe with the cleat and everything so all you have to do is clip in on the pedal and ride. is there such a thing???
12-08-07, 01:58 PM
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just go to ur Local Bike Shop and ask to try on some shoes, get whichever fit u the best. ask them about pedals too. done
12-08-07, 02:04 PM
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For the most part choosing pedal systems is like choosing a PC or a Mac. The best or easiest one to learn is the one you start with. You can't really go wrong with any of them. I have gone between Look and Shimano based largely on looks and weight. Chances are if you gave me some cheap Nashbars I wouldn't know the difference in feel.
I find choosing good shoes more important than the difference in pedals. Specialized finally cured my problem with hot spots.
I find choosing good shoes more important than the difference in pedals. Specialized finally cured my problem with hot spots.
12-08-07, 02:14 PM
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I would choose pedals and shoes at the same time from the same store. That way you will be certain the shoes fit, and that they will work with your pedals.
If you can, see if you can try the shoes while actually riding a bike, many shops have trainers set up at this time of year. Putting on shoes and walking around will give you an idea of how they fit, but you won't really know how well they fit until you try to ride a bike. The soles on cycling shoes are much more stiff that on a typical athletic shoe, so it will not feel the same as when you are walking around in a pair of Nike's.
If you can, see if you can try the shoes while actually riding a bike, many shops have trainers set up at this time of year. Putting on shoes and walking around will give you an idea of how they fit, but you won't really know how well they fit until you try to ride a bike. The soles on cycling shoes are much more stiff that on a typical athletic shoe, so it will not feel the same as when you are walking around in a pair of Nike's.
12-08-07, 03:50 PM
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If you do a search of the Forums with words like "clipless" and so on, you'll find an avalanche of info and opinions -- most of them even based on experience. I recommend it.
