Originally Posted by
steve_cay
Wow Wanderer, your advice deserved more credit! I was looking at various web sites for pedals and shoes, when my wife asked what I was looking for and then said there was a "$50 off $150 purchase coupon at Sports Experts for the next 2 days" in the flyer.
Ran over to Sports Experts: Louis Garneau Shoes for $95. No name M324 pedal copies (dual platform/SPD) $50. Had to stuff the bill a few dollars to $150, and minus coupon left at C$95 ... or US$75 for shoes and pedals! At that price I figure it is a no brainer ... the shoes are surprisingly walkable, and highly rated on Amazon (only negative reviews are that mail order size did not fit). And if the dual Platform/SPD pedals get annoying, can alway upgrade to better SPD/SPD ones with not much money lost.
Cant wait to do the mandatory 1h practice in the garage, go for a ride tomorrow, and see if I feel the incredible difference (or fall off bound in and break some bones) so many articles speak of!
Another bit of advice, but first the facts. You will fall down, and more than once!
That, and adjust those pedals all the way slack, and then just turn the screw in 1/4 turn to get a bit of tension on it! That's all! A light touch of very light oil will also make it easier to get out of them. Better yet, spray the clipless bits with a little silicone spray, for the same reason. Once you get comfortable with them, just use a very light touch of oil on the pivots and springs.
Practice snapping your heels out sideways to see how easy it can be, and it becomes second nature after that. In an emergency, you can pull them out with brute force, even straight up, but I imagine that is pretty hard on shoes and pedal workings.
Good choice on the 324 clones, probably by Wellgo, as they look like regular pedals, and are pretty easy to pedal on, even with the wrong side up. They will serve you well. I also predict that they will start creaking/squeeking after awhile, where the Shimano ones won't. That's still OK, because you got in cheap, and when they start to be a problem, which may be a long time, watch the sales for really good prices on the Shimano.
Practice, practice, practice - and you will enjoy them a lot!