Guess who's thinking of going clipless finally?
 

Yep... Me.

I have my Roubaix at the shop for it's first tune-up. The one that comes free with purchase. After 650 miles or so, it was due.

So i'm thinking this is a good time to switch to clipless, because the shop said they'd give me a thorough fitting (saying it would take about an hour) with the new pedals on. The "fitting" they gave me when I bought the bike was a real quickie.

They also said my cheapo platform pedals were already wearing out (designed just to try out bikes on, actually). So I have to do something, so i might as well suck it up and go clipless.

They're recommending the Shimano 540 SPDs, since I already have (and like) my Shimano MTB shoes. The pedals are on sale for about $80, which I thought was high, but I'm finding that price or higher at places like Performance, etc.

Can you believe that DG is going clipless????

From those of us who care deeply about you:

1. Set the clip tension as low as you can get it.

2. If you have a trainer, practice on the trainer clicking in and out.

3. If you don't, practice riding around large grassy lawns so it will cushion your fall.

4. Be sure to buy sexy shoes. Something made by Sidi (OK, you already have Shimano shoes, but these are Sidi's, dood).

5. Always give advise that is numbered, for easy reference.

540 PDM or R-540? I presume for you roadie types R-540. Either way, you won't be sorry in a week or two after you've joined Club Tombe a time or two. Sure hope you don't hurt your bike when you fall. Which you will.

Don't forget the multi release clips for your shoes, they may save you a fall.

After a few weeks you'll wonder what took so long to take the plunge. I can't imagine ever riding without them.

George is right, spend the extra $20 on the gold multi release cleats and start at the lowest tension possible for the first few weeks.

Practice clipping and unclipping often and for the first few weeks plan ahead.


Club Tombay awaits, previous members who have fessed up are entitled to pie for the first fall.

Pay no attention to the folks implying that you are doomed to fall over.

Consider Speedplay Drilliums first. Best platforms out there. $110.00 Pricey, but worth it.bk

Practice this line for when you take that 0 mph fall in front of the young girl (required) -

girl - Are you alright sir?
you - cant' breathe

Us old guys need to prepare beforehand since we don't think fast enough.

It was only a matter of time.

You did not ask for advice (like you have to ask on this forum) but I will suggest one thing that helped a lot when I started.....forget the trainer, you already know how to ride. Go ride the bike. Clip into one pedal (most people keep the right pedal clipped--I clip in left, but that is another story) and don't clip in the other side. That way you will always have your other foot free if you need to put a foot down. As you gain confidence, you will know when to clip in with both feet. On an open stretch of path or road, clip in and clip out while you are riding at a moderate pace. It is a little scary at first, but so was riding without training wheels and you learned to do that.

After you read all of the advice you are going to get, just go do what seems best for you. Oh, and don't believe a thing Tom B says about this, he has no idea what he is talking about.

Well, you know what I'm thinking so I won't even bother to say it.

DG...........Every time you push back your cycling boundaries I'm reminded of your observation long ago that you were perfectly happy to be a low mileage, low zoot rider. You are a cycling Everyman doing all the things that everyone else here has done or gone through at some point in time. Many smiles of self-recognition for lots of us I'll bet.

My bit of advice: Make sure your left foot goes in the left clip, and your right goes in the right-- not reversed. It's more efficient pedaling that way.

The Grampster is a genius and you should follow his advice to the letter.

See what I mean?

I'm curious as to why you clip in the left foot. I've noticed most the people I ride with clip into the right foot but like you I always clip into the left first.

I have actually entertained the thought, especially when my foot slides off the pedal. But it's still a loooooong way off.

I'm looking forward to a full report!

I had my left knee replaced a few years ago and like to avoid any more torque on that knee than necessary. Most folks keep their right foot clipped in to help avoid chain tattoos on their calf.

Don't go on Texas street on your first try :rolleyes:

I'll be looking for a 30 day report as well. I was clipless for about 5 weeks. Apparently doing something wrong, as I have gone faster and fallen less when I put the platforms back on.

Deeg,

If you're gonna splurge on spd pedals, ya might as well go all out and get a pair of Shimano cycling sandals. You'll never regret it. Just ask Fox or anyone else who's tried them.

If you get sandals I suggest looking for some that are not open toe.

my wife took her first ride on the new bike that replaced the dead bianchi. In addition to the other modifications, I had a set of speedplay light action pedals installed for her new Sidi genius shoes. She had only used spds before that...She loved em. So, Gary...remember that my wife had to be dragged kicking and screaming to spds...but she'd never go back again

I like my Power Grips. Not sure they do much for my performance but they keep my feet on my pedals as tight as anything could and are very comfortable to use. Look pretty dorky though. I like how I can wear my comfy Merrill hikers - because when I'm out, I'm likely to take a hike or walk around a town.

I'm sure no roadie would want to be seen with them.

Take a look at Crank Brothers stuff. http://www.crankbrothers.com/eggbeater.php
Just think of the names we could call you.

Definitely not on my good road bike. Look pedals and Sidi shoes for that. But I wouldn't mind trying Power Grips on my old MTB converted to an upright casual street bike.