Today I bought clipless pedals and shoes and made it up the 14% grade into my subdivision with my new bike.



This is my first SSFG and I hit a wall about two thirds of the way up the hill in the first two attempts with the stock 48/16 and platform pedals. The last time I walked a bike up a hill was when I was twelve years old and having to do it now was embarrassing.

A small ding in my bank account, a few hours time, a new tube of blue loctite and the word "redemption" came to mind as I powered over the top. Felt really good. They aren't super stiff carbon road shoes but it's still amazing what a difference even lace-up shoes make when clipped in.

I'm used to the ease and float of Speedplay pedals. The SPD SH51 single release cleats were super easy to get used to and I'm happy with them at about 2/3 tension. The jury is still out on relative lack of float.


-Tim-