changing pedals on a vintage bike
 

is it a wise idea to take off the stock pedals and clips and change them to some modern non-clipped pedals? clips scare me to be honest, so I took the clips off but the pedals without the clips are a little uncomfortable and my shoes slip a bit , so I was going to look into what are some of my better options

is it an easy switch? are the sizes pretty standard from 80's bikes to a modern pedal?

Changing your pedals to anything else will only work if the new ones have the same threading. Can get tricky if you have French/British bikes. A better option for you if all you want to do is dump the clips is to get half clips. Avoid the plastic ones and find some metal.... Velo Orangs has some. No fear with halfclips, your feet will come out when needed. If you want to change the pedals minus the clips, get some platform ones. Many of them are made to be used with street shoes and give you good grip.

3SS

I am willing to bet the Huntington has 'standard' 9/16 pedals on his bike and switching to clipless will be no problem. I would only be concernd about threading if he said "I have this old Motobecome and I" since that would raise the French flag.

Nothing wrong with clips and straps they just take a little practice is all. Huntington just what kind of bike do you have?

Spindle sizes have been mostly standard for the last couple decades with the exception of a Shimano "Aero" pedal and different threading. Keep in mind the left one will be reverse threaded. One can get used to clips but there's definitely a learning curve. Grant Petersen, the polarizing head of Rivendell bicycles, advocates using platform pedals instead of clips or modern 'clipless' pedals. I'm a big fan of the Japan-made MKS touring model.

it's a 1983 Univega viva sport

Me too. I use clipless pedals on all my bikes regardless of age. There are so many clipless pedals to choose from, I'm sure you will find one you will like.

I use Look and Speedplay.

I believe the OP is talking about flat pedals, not clipped=/=clipless.

And really, it just takes practice to get good with toe clips. Give it a week of going slow, getting in out a lot. All you have to do is have them less than snugged down and wiggle your foot back.

Not wanting to hijack this thread, but my question could pertain to the OP at some point..I bought (yesterday) a pair of Specialized shoes from my LBS yesterday and will be returning them because the velcro straps make getting in and out of the pedals (Campy SR) a real pain. I am not sure what to do - I can use my street shoes for now but I'd like to know are there any decent lace-up cycling shoes out there? Ideally I'd like to use them without cleats at first and add cleats later. I'd like to stay with the clips for now...any suggestions?

Of course, there are older slotted cleat shoes available, as well as newer touring shoe types.

vintage bike,

vintage pedals,

vintage shoes.

Vintage cycling shoes are inexpensive on ebay, and one can be used on all your bikes. I like putting my cycling shoes on, means its CYCLING TIME.

I apologize...should been more clear. I am specifically wondering if anyone has a recommendations for a new / currently produced lace-ups cycling shoe? I am currently looking on the used market eBay, Craigslist but having a hard time finding anything decent in my size - 13. Would also prefer new if possible...

IMHO clipless pedals are the single biggest improvement in cycling comfort ever. When I rebuilt my Holdsworth I put the original superleggera pedals back on and rode with cleats for a while and it was a terrible experience - no float = sore knees. My recommendation is to get get clipless pedals with mountain shoes so you can walk around normally whilst wearing them. I ride Eggbeaters and SPD-compatible pedals. The Eggbeaters are great for starters because of the 360-degree entry.

I read something on wikipedia about magnetic pedals, is that a viable option nowadays?

The purist in me prefers the vintage completeness of my '70s De Rosa with it's complete Campy ensemble, but upon reflection - my knees are older now and I think I'll just grab a pair of Look pedals and throw the Superleggeras in a box. That's what I rode in the '90s...

oops.

I read this here a long time ago pertaining to clips & straps-

"You'll fall down a few times. You'll learn. You won't fall down anymore."


That's how it was with me. A few embarrassing falls- and now it's a part of process. I'm sure I'll fall some more- but probably not any more than I'd fall with clipless pedals.

Except on French bikes, right? :lol: Oh, wait...

There's something about the look of the clips on a vintage bike that just seems right. That being said, I wore out one of my pedals last year (you could see the ball bearings rolling around) and replaced them with cleated pedals. My bike doesn't look as good, but I like how it rides.

What about Chrome or Mission Workshop shoes (currently produced)?