MattP.

Hey guys,

I'm looking at getting a pair of clipless pedals (first pair). I would think SPD would be best to start out with, I plan to buy pedals online, than shoes at a lbs and I wuld imagine that SPD compatible shoes are most common? I need your guys' recommendations on what pedals. I want to be able to ride like no more than a mile w/o my bike shoes, just with plain shoes. I dont do real hardcore mtbing, i will mainly use them on street and XC trails. I've been looking on eBay at pedals i've been interested in, and most have been about $50-60 new. Here's ones i've looking at:

Shimano PD-M424
Shimano M520
Shimano PD-M324

Words of wisdom?

swifferman

Well good sir, in order to please your plain shoes request, you may want to look at the Crank Brothers Eggbeater w/ platform. Also known as Mallet. They are a combination platform pedal and clipless pedal.

Although, I have clipless too and have done 5 miles or so with regular shoes. It is not comfortable though.

xsdg

Cambriabike has Time ATAC Aliums for $51. ATACs were the first set of clipless pedals I got (on multiple people's recommendations), and I love them. I have to admit that when you're not clipped in, the Aliums don't exactly inspire confidence, but I have yet to actually slip off of the pedal when not clipped in -- my feet feel like they're about to come off the side, but they stick like glue.

If you feel the need for a larger platform, the Time Z pedals are at $75 on Cambriabike. They use the same excellent mechanism as the ATACs for clipping in. Not having used them, though, I couldn't say how much the platform might help.

Not having ridden anything else, I can't compare them to other pedals. I'd only ask swifferman where you can find Mallets for $60.

ATAC Alium: https://www.cambriabike.com/shopexd.asp?id=11207
Z: https://www.cambriabike.com/shopexd.asp?id=10445

[Edit: To be clear, I recommend that you get a pair of Time ATAC Aliums. The cleats are compatible with the 4-bolt pattern found on SPD-compatible shoes.]

boyRacer

Jenson had the M520 for $37 last time I checked

iamthetas

its worth the extra $ for the Times. take it from a super clutz. Aliums are an excellent pedal,especially for beginners to clipless but they are an excellent pedal for the non beginners as well who are tired of getting stuck in or out of their pedals when the conditions go down and the trail begins to stick to their pedals and cleats. SPD or clones is definetly not a beginner pedal

Raiyn

You got that right. SPD's are notorious for clogging with mud

Juniper

I also rec the Time Atac Aliums (small) or Z's (large base). Mindlessly simple to clip in and out.

iamthetas

HOLY CATS BATMAN! WE AGREED

drumbum

I've been happy with my 520's

Hoop

I just received word that my 520s have been shipped.

Great price from Jenson as others have pointed out.

lunacycle

I also cast my vote for the Time ATAC Aliums. Easy to clip into, no tension adjustments to hassle with, lots of float, and they work very well in the mud. Also, if you switch the right and left cleats, you can increase or decrease the release angle (I forgot which does which). Plus they're cheap (relatively speaking).

Ricardo

If you do light XC I suggest some 50 bucks shimano pedals with platform (entry level) and some entry level Shimano, Cannondale or Specialized Shoes. Personally I like entry level shoes because you can actually hop off your bike and walk confortable too. High end shoes are a lot stiffer and more energy efficient but if you need to hop off you will end up like walking with a pair of skis under your feet.

Hope this helps,

Ricardo

iamthetas

I got some 661 Nuevos for $29 from JensonUSA. I used them at a place called Duncan Hollow trail on Massenutten mt that was a 24+mile rock garden. the shoes were comfortable the entire time. they are as comfortable to walk in as ride in. they are as stiff on the bottom as my Shimano M180s but feel like a pair of skate shoes above the sole. they even have a "lace keeper" to keep the laces from getting in my chain that actually works. I got them to keep from messing up my "good shoes" and now use them exclusively due to the overall comfort. I still say ATAC pedals

timhines

i'm cheap. I got my SPDs from el cheapo. That's right. Nashbar. I they have served me well. no problems at all.

timhines

i'm cheap. I got my SPDs from el cheapo. That's right. Nashbar. I they have served me well. no problems at all.

wildjim

Performance Bike has Crank Brothers Eggbeaters for 59.97 - This is my favorite pedal since trying many others. They are secure, easy to clip into and out of and quiet. I've purchased another set this evening.