Clipless pedals for newbies
#1
Newbie
Thread Starter
Clipless pedals for newbies
Hey everyone, I've recently been getting into cycling more and it is now my main form of transportation. I'm interested in trying out clipless pedals but am not really keen on spending $200 right off the bat for shoes, cleats, and pedals. Would it be a good idea to try and find them used or do you think that would be too difficult to find the right fit and everything? Should I just go for it and buy new? Also, any helpful tips for buying and fitting would be awesome! I'd like to be able to do a bit of walking in them into work or the gym so I guess mountain bike shoes would be better. Thanks!
#2
Senior Member
Join Date: Jul 2008
Location: 25 miles northwest of Boston
Posts: 29,552
Bikes: Bottecchia Sprint, GT Timberline 29r, Marin Muirwoods 29er, Trek FX Alpha 7.0
Mentioned: 112 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 5224 Post(s)
Liked 3,584 Times
in
2,344 Posts
you can buy everything used. but as usual, with used stuff, you'll need to be patient to find what you are looking for. visit some stores & talk to some experts to gain some insight & see & touch in person the different options, to help you know what to search for in the used market
some examples
shoes ($25)
https://boston.craigslist.org/nwb/bo...670867376.html
pedals & cleats ($40)
https://boston.craigslist.org/nos/bo...662487530.html
shoes, cleats & pedals ($25)
https://providence.craigslist.org/bo...674413135.html
some examples
shoes ($25)
https://boston.craigslist.org/nwb/bo...670867376.html
pedals & cleats ($40)
https://boston.craigslist.org/nos/bo...662487530.html
shoes, cleats & pedals ($25)
https://providence.craigslist.org/bo...674413135.html
#3
Senior Member
Join Date: Jul 2002
Location: Sacramento, California, USA
Posts: 40,865
Bikes: Specialized Tarmac, Canyon Exceed, Specialized Transition, Ellsworth Roots, Ridley Excalibur
Mentioned: 68 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 2952 Post(s)
Liked 3,106 Times
in
1,417 Posts
Consider something like this: clipless on one side, flat on the other.
https://www.jensonusa.com/Shimano-PD-A530-Pedals
https://www.jensonusa.com/Shimano-PD-A530-Pedals
#4
- Soli Deo Gloria -
Join Date: Aug 2015
Location: Northwest Georgia
Posts: 14,779
Bikes: 2018 Rodriguez Custom Fixed Gear, 2017 Niner RLT 9 RDO, 2015 Bianchi Pista, 2002 Fuji Robaix
Mentioned: 235 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 6844 Post(s)
Liked 736 Times
in
469 Posts
Shimano M520 pedals are $25. They come with cleats. .
Shimano M520 Clipless SPD MTB Pedals | Chain Reaction Cycles
Shoes are available which look and walk just like sneakers. They are always on sale. An example is below.
https://www.rei.com/product/892627/p...ike-shoes-mens
-Tim-
Shimano M520 Clipless SPD MTB Pedals | Chain Reaction Cycles
Shoes are available which look and walk just like sneakers. They are always on sale. An example is below.
https://www.rei.com/product/892627/p...ike-shoes-mens
-Tim-
#5
Junior Member
Join Date: Mar 2018
Posts: 24
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 8 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 0 Times
in
0 Posts
I bought shoes and pedals for $30 on Amazon. I liked the Wellgo pedals on my gravel bike.I rocked the cheap shoes on my MTB and they started to come unstitched but it was a good deal and told me I like clipless pedals. Since then I have a little better stuff but a cheap way to tell me what I needed to know.
#6
Senior Member
Don't forget that some cleats are two-bolt and some three, so the shoe and cleat need to match. Shimano SPD, which is one of the commonest, are two bolt. I believe that road cleats are generally three-bolt and MTB cleats two, but don't take that as gospel. MTB cleats are better for all-round use as they don't protrude below the bottom of the shoe, making them much easier to walk in.
#7
41 calories/30 min typing
Join Date: May 2018
Posts: 97
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 32 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 0 Times
in
0 Posts
Ynot?
https://www.ynotmade.com/en/shop/?category=Pedal_Straps
No special shoes required. Fits a huge range of sizes. Faster to slip a foot out of because there's no ankle twist. IMO, feels way more secure than clipless.
You need the right pedals.
Oh and no mandatory tap dancing required at the gym or work or whatever... unless you like tap dancing.
I guess you could still use these with tap shoes, so that option's still on the table.
No special shoes required. Fits a huge range of sizes. Faster to slip a foot out of because there's no ankle twist. IMO, feels way more secure than clipless.
You need the right pedals.
Oh and no mandatory tap dancing required at the gym or work or whatever... unless you like tap dancing.
I guess you could still use these with tap shoes, so that option's still on the table.
Last edited by Bang0Bang00; 08-22-18 at 02:18 AM.
#8
Full Member
I used these for 6 months before I took the plunge and bought clipless.
https://www.cyclesurgery.com/p/zefal-strapless-toe-clip-R5514071.html?channable=e11508.MTc5MjY1XzEyNA&colour=124&gclid=EAIaIQobChMI0f2ax6uA3QIVrrvtCh2gjAlGE AQYCSABEgJT0PD_BwE&gclsrc=aw.ds
then bought the m520 pedals, haven't looked back since!
https://www.cyclesurgery.com/p/zefal-strapless-toe-clip-R5514071.html?channable=e11508.MTc5MjY1XzEyNA&colour=124&gclid=EAIaIQobChMI0f2ax6uA3QIVrrvtCh2gjAlGE AQYCSABEgJT0PD_BwE&gclsrc=aw.ds
then bought the m520 pedals, haven't looked back since!
#9
Heft On Wheels
Join Date: Nov 2014
Location: South Dakota
Posts: 3,123
Bikes: Specialized,Cannondale,Argon 18
Mentioned: 13 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 887 Post(s)
Liked 560 Times
in
346 Posts
I will suggest the latter. If you want to go clipless just go all in. Find great fitting shoes, find the pedal system you like and go for it.
I did it this way and never looked back. Make sure you use a door way or something and practice before real world riding too. Just go for it.
I did it this way and never looked back. Make sure you use a door way or something and practice before real world riding too. Just go for it.
#10
41 calories/30 min typing
Join Date: May 2018
Posts: 97
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 32 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 0 Times
in
0 Posts
Another way you could think about the Ynot straps: buy some really nice running or skater shoes and pretend you bought cycling- only clipless shoes. Only difference is you can wear your nice new kicks even if you're not cycling.
I'm not hating on clipless, I just see them optimized in the context of track cycling (no stopping allowed, steep banking corners so every inch of clearance matters, no random obstacles like rocks/roots/pedestrians, every ounce of power matters) and little else.
If we're talking about anything to do with urban = Ynot straps.
Track or racing = sure clipless.
#11
Senior Member
Join Date: Apr 2015
Location: Metro Detroit/AA
Posts: 8,207
Bikes: 2016 Novara Mazama
Mentioned: 63 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 3640 Post(s)
Liked 81 Times
in
51 Posts
My shoes were like $50 from Nashbar, and I haven't spent over $25 on a set of Shimano SPD pedals. Not cheap just to try out, but not exactly breaking the bank either.
#12
Senior Member
Join Date: Jan 2009
Location: Colorado Springs, CO
Posts: 5,974
Bikes: 2015 Charge Plug, 2007 Dahon Boardwalk, 1997 Nishiki Blazer, 1984 Nishiki International, 2006 Felt F65, 1989 Dahon Getaway V
Mentioned: 54 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 1364 Post(s)
Liked 1,678 Times
in
827 Posts
Been bike-commuting with plastic toe clips for over 20 years. About $10 bucks a pair on amazon. Use any shoes you want. ($12 Wally World sneakers are fine).
#13
Gravel Rider
Join Date: Jul 2018
Location: CT
Posts: 153
Bikes: 2019 Trek Checkpoint ALR5 | Trek Farley 5
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 93 Post(s)
Liked 0 Times
in
0 Posts
BAH! Go flat spiked pedals and wear any shoes you want including Birkenstocks.
#14
Senior Member
Join Date: Jul 2008
Location: 25 miles northwest of Boston
Posts: 29,552
Bikes: Bottecchia Sprint, GT Timberline 29r, Marin Muirwoods 29er, Trek FX Alpha 7.0
Mentioned: 112 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 5224 Post(s)
Liked 3,584 Times
in
2,344 Posts
#15
Senior Member
Join Date: Jul 2008
Location: Minneapolis, MN
Posts: 6,432
Mentioned: 13 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 539 Post(s)
Liked 44 Times
in
38 Posts
Clipless's main advantage is in foot retention, ie keeping your foot physically connected to the pedal when pedalling wildly. It's not actually a performance benefit, they've done studies on pro racers in the lab and they get the same times whether wearing clipless or flat tennis shoes. Some people argue that they allow you to all out spring at a faster speed, or provide some small but important in racing in effeciency. I'm trying to avoid wading into the endless debate but whatever small gains you might get there you lose in the time it takes to change shoes, if you're biking for transportation.
#16
Senior Member
Join Date: Jul 2008
Location: 25 miles northwest of Boston
Posts: 29,552
Bikes: Bottecchia Sprint, GT Timberline 29r, Marin Muirwoods 29er, Trek FX Alpha 7.0
Mentioned: 112 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 5224 Post(s)
Liked 3,584 Times
in
2,344 Posts
#17
Senior Member
Join Date: Jul 2008
Location: Minneapolis, MN
Posts: 6,432
Mentioned: 13 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 539 Post(s)
Liked 44 Times
in
38 Posts
Lol, see my response to your question in the other thread:
Cleated pedals & avoiding wet &/or cold feet
Cleated pedals & avoiding wet &/or cold feet
#18
Senior Member
I rode with toeclips and straps for a while, but I find that it's much easier to get in and out of my SPD clipless. I got reversible pedals, platform on on side, SPD on the other for the days I just want to go somewhere quick in tennis shoes.
#19
Senior Member
Join Date: Aug 2017
Location: Mid Atlantic / USA
Posts: 2,115
Bikes: 2017 Specialized Crosstrail / 2013 Trek Crossrip Elite
Mentioned: 43 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 1002 Post(s)
Liked 237 Times
in
155 Posts
$40 for a pair of Race Face Chester pedals and your shoes stick to them like glue, but your foot still easily comes off when you want to move it.
They are not too friendly on your shins though.....
#20
Senior Member
Join Date: Jun 2018
Location: NW Ohio
Posts: 1,142
Bikes: 1983 Univega Super Strada, 1986 Panasonic DX5000, 1984 Fuji Team 85 Univega Gran Turismo, 1984 Lotus Unique, 1987 Centurion Expert, 1987 Centurion Ironman Master,
Mentioned: 14 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 677 Post(s)
Liked 460 Times
in
182 Posts
This. Shimano M324 pedals and mountain bike shows. Pedals are flat on one side and take the clips on the other.I find the clips much easier to get in and out of than toeclips with straps but if you just want to ride a short distance turn the pedal over to the flat side.I think for longer distances being clipped in is more comfortable and makes me feel more connected to the bike.
#21
Senior Member
Join Date: Apr 2015
Location: Metro Detroit/AA
Posts: 8,207
Bikes: 2016 Novara Mazama
Mentioned: 63 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 3640 Post(s)
Liked 81 Times
in
51 Posts
How are those quality-wise? Looked at them a year back, didn't want to spend the money on a pedal no one had heard of though.
#22
Senior Member
Join Date: Jul 2008
Location: 25 miles northwest of Boston
Posts: 29,552
Bikes: Bottecchia Sprint, GT Timberline 29r, Marin Muirwoods 29er, Trek FX Alpha 7.0
Mentioned: 112 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 5224 Post(s)
Liked 3,584 Times
in
2,344 Posts
#24
Senior Member
Join Date: Apr 2008
Location: Salt Lake City, UT (Formerly Los Angeles, CA)
Posts: 1,145
Bikes: 2008 Cannondale Synapse -- 2014 Cannondale Quick CX
Mentioned: 5 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 212 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 83 Times
in
54 Posts
I've used platforms, platforms with clips, SPD clipless, and SPD-SL clipless. My take:
Platforms are fine for kids and maybe for commuting. Once you've tried one of the other options you're unlikely to go back to a simple platform.
Platform with clips: Good for commuting and low-intensity riding.
SPD clipless (MTB or casual road): Good for low to medium intensity riding up to 25 miles, or high intensity up to 14 miles.
SPD-SL clipless (Full road pedals): Good for medium to high intensity riding up to whatever distance you've trained for.
There's some gray area between distances for SPD vs SPD-SL. I've ridden SPDs 100 miles. But I didn't realize that my foot discomfort was due to hot spots until I switched over to SPD-SL and witnessed what it is to ride without that form of fatigue. Road pedals really do provide a better platform. And while shoes are hugely important, I was riding really nice SIDIs on my SPD pedals, and mid-range Giras on my SPD-SLs. Even the nice SIDIs couldn't totally compensate for not having a true road pedal.
I have noticed one other thing: Once I grew accustomed to clipless, I feel LESS IN CONTROL when I ride platform pedals. It's as though part of my bike handling is based on that attachment point. Without it, it's harder to stay confident in demanding handling situations.
Platforms are fine for kids and maybe for commuting. Once you've tried one of the other options you're unlikely to go back to a simple platform.
Platform with clips: Good for commuting and low-intensity riding.
SPD clipless (MTB or casual road): Good for low to medium intensity riding up to 25 miles, or high intensity up to 14 miles.
SPD-SL clipless (Full road pedals): Good for medium to high intensity riding up to whatever distance you've trained for.
There's some gray area between distances for SPD vs SPD-SL. I've ridden SPDs 100 miles. But I didn't realize that my foot discomfort was due to hot spots until I switched over to SPD-SL and witnessed what it is to ride without that form of fatigue. Road pedals really do provide a better platform. And while shoes are hugely important, I was riding really nice SIDIs on my SPD pedals, and mid-range Giras on my SPD-SLs. Even the nice SIDIs couldn't totally compensate for not having a true road pedal.
I have noticed one other thing: Once I grew accustomed to clipless, I feel LESS IN CONTROL when I ride platform pedals. It's as though part of my bike handling is based on that attachment point. Without it, it's harder to stay confident in demanding handling situations.
#25
Senior Member
Join Date: Jul 2017
Posts: 71
Mentioned: 1 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 36 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 0 Times
in
0 Posts
If you've got an REI close to you they are having their end of summer clearance on shoes and apparel. I just picked up some Shimano shoes and A520's for about $120. Nice thing about REI that I didn't know before I went there is they have a no questions asked 1 year return policy for members (1 time $20 fee), even if it's been used they'll take it back for store credit.