Red_Leaf24

Ok, I'm a complete Newbie. I just started to get serious about cycling (hoping to survive my first century next month).

I see that those who are serious about cycling have special shoes and the pedals that go with them. I currently use tennis shoes with toe clips on my cheap pedals. What is the advantage of going to the cycling shoe/pedal combo? I'm not too interested in shaving an ounce or two off my bike's total weight, but if there is a serious performance improvement, I'd be very curious to try it out.

Thanks for your help!

RL

dabac

Bike shoes have a stiffer sole, that transfers more power which makes you faster, but is also more comfortable. Compare to standing on a ladder wearing trainers vs wearing sturdy boots.

You also get rid of the straps across the foot, which means you can be more securely attached to the pedals w/o loss of comfort or bloodflow to the foot.

You can connect/disconnect w/o having to tighten/loosen a strap with your hand first.

It also provides a more definite connection than the toeclip and strap.

CACycling

As noted above, it isn't about weight (although you can get light weight clipless pedals and shoes) it is about a solid connection to the bike and a stiff sole to transfer power better. I would highly recommend you give them a try. Decent shoes and pedals can be had for well under $100.

jsmithepa

Do u even have the appropriate clothing to do.... 100 miles!??? How far u gone so far?

Yes, special pedal/shoes makes big difference, but perhaps not a good time to do this.... it's like buying new shoes for a hiking trip.

BCRider

I remember that I was a little nervous about my first leap into shoes and clipless pedals. But it only took me a couple of days to see the light once I was riding them. Now I don't have a single road only bike that doesn't have clipless on it.

I really like using SPD mountain bike style clipless since the shoes have recessed cleats and the pedals are double sided. They may or may not be as efficient as true road pedals but the ability to walk normally and the double sided aspect so I don't need to flip them around more than makes up for any small loss.

SPD pedals tend to be more universal and cheaper. Another good reason when you're trying to outfit 5 or 6 bikes with pedals....

HillRider

+1 to everything BCRider said. Shimano SPD pedals and compatible shoes are the least expensive and most rewarding way to get into clipless pedals. As soon as you do it you will NEVER go back to street shoes and toe clips.

fearfeasog

i have a pair of Time Atac Alium MTB pedals i got from Jensonusa.com at 46 bucks, and shimano MT51 shoes from LBS at 90. so far i have only used them on the stationary stand for practice, but i have to say i really like the time setup. easy to get in and out of. my shoes could be stiffer, which would make it even easier i think, but no complaints so far. also heard that the Time pedals have lateral float (ability for you foot to move side to side a few mm while remaining cliped) and this is good for bowlegged freaks like me who tend to have knee problems.

i'm very nervous about taking them out on the road, but obviously i'm going to go somewhere where i won't be likely to fall under a bus, or be seen falling by anyone! >_<

Benjamino

I've been riding clipless for about a month now and absolutely love it. I haven't fallen (yet) but had 1 close call on my front walkway. Luckily, I bought multiple release cleats, so when I paniced and tried to jump of the bike, my cleats released and I stood there, thankful that I bought a bike that fit me.

But before you go on your century, be sure to break in your shoes. It took me a couple of weeks for my wide feet to stretch them out.

HillRider

Almost all MTB and most road clipless pedals have rotational "float" and most riders benefit from it as it allows your foot and knee to move as they wish during the pedal stroke. The amount varies from about 4° to about 20° depending on make and model. Some, like Time's, have a bit of lateral (sideways) float also but that is less common.

If you have a preferred foot orientation (toes in or toes out) you can install the cleats so the desired "neutral position" of your foot is centered in the float range.