Clipless Newbie
 

I've been riding for fitness/commuting for about 6 months now. I recently purchased a Trek 7200fx. I've decided I want to try clipless pedals for all the advantages mentioned here on the forum. I've been looking for inexpensive pedals that also have a platform available to use uncliped.

Today, I found a pair of clipless pedal adaptors on eBay:
http://cgi.ebay.com/Wellgo-Clipless-...QQcmdZViewItem

Does anybody have any familiarity on how these work?

If I like riding clipless, I'll probably upgrade pedals early next year when I start a new job.

Thanks for any help you can provide.

I'd recommend something more like these. The part time cleat/platform stuff always makes me nervous. I have a set of the M324 pedals on my CX/commuter ride and they are very sturdy when using either regular shoes or cleats.

I would not trust it. Go into a bike shop and look at how a clipless system works. There are parts, moving parts that let you clip in and release easily. Those things don't look like they allow for this. I sure would not trust them.

Performance has their "campus" pedals, Nashbar has the same with their brand on it, both are rebadged Wellgo pedals with SPD on one side and platforms on the other. They are simple and work fine. I think I'll put mine back on for the winter, my Vans will certainly be warmer than my vented Shimano road shoes.

I have and recommend you get the pedals that have clipless attachment points on one side and are normal platform pedals on the other side.

I have pedals like that - clipless and platform in one. It's fine for quick jaunts on platform. But when I intend to ride decent distance for pleasure's sake, it's clipless.

I've got the performance campus pedals. I rode on the platform sides for months, but I finally got shoes! So now I'm using the clipless side. It kicks butt! You'll love clipless :D.

I'll make the same suggestions as these guys. First, go to a bike shop and have them explain all about clipless. Then buy whatever they recommend, or order on line if you must, but I think you're best to stay away from those adapter types. I wouldn't trust them either. Remember, you're fastening yourself to the bike with these, and any malfunction could be disasterous.... Your bike could get scratched, bent or broken. Oh yeah, you could get hurt too.

aj

I agree that the adapters are probably a bad idea.

On another note, when you are learning to use the clipless pedals, you will slow down, forget to unclip, and fall down--at least once. When that happens, just smile, and know that you been initiated.

I agree with the Shimano M324 Pedals

I have them and they work great! I use the Multi Release Cleat.

http://i22.ebayimg.com/03/i/04/e4/24/31_2.JPG

This is a pretty good buy with FREE shipping
http://cgi.ebay.com/New-Shimano-PD-M...QQcmdZViewItem

Aren't the 'LOOK' pedals specifically designed to have a larger surface area, both for comfort and for platform functionality?

Personally, I'm still using the strap-pedals that came on my bike, and I see no iminent need to upgrade. If I ever do upgrade, it'll probably be on my mtb first (for safety), and road bike later on (same pedals to fit the shoes I use for my mtb). My 2¢

I just bought a Trek 7200 and went with the Shimano M324 pedals. I paid $49 on Ebay for them. Trek high end hybrids come with these pedals. I'm not quite ready for bike shoes yet but didn't like those plastic pedals that came with my bike.

Are the Shimano M324 balanced or do they naturally stay on the clipless side?

On my commuter, I have a set of Shimano M515 pedals (equivalent to the M520), with the clip-on reflector adaptors. The clip-on reflector adaptors offer a decent surface for occasional riding with standard shoes, but with them, the pedals tend to stay on the clipless side. It makes the pedals very good for regular clipless riding and occasional riding with city shoes. Also useful when, because of ice concerns, I prefer to ride out of the clips.

Shimano M324 seems to stay on the platform side, due to the weight of the clip apparatus on the one side.

That's true, but it only takes a little time on the bike to get a feel for flipping it over with your toe so that the cleat falls right into its socket.

the Nashbar one stays on platform side as well. It's an easy flip to clipless. (easier than my toe clips or powergrips were)