School me on pedals and shoes that clip in
06-09-14, 02:31 PM
#26
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I would suggest mountain shoes as mentioned above and either SPD or Crank Brothers for pedals. I am getting ready to try SPD for the first time, but in the past, I did find the Crank Brothers Candy pedals easy to click into and release.
I have been riding on the platform side of these: Amazon.com : Shimano PD-A530 SPD Dual Platform Bike Pedal : Sports & Outdoors
They offer the flexibility of riding with either cycling or regular shoes... Even though I haven't ridden them with my cleats yet, I don't think I am a big fan of having to keep the proper side up to place my feet on, and doing it while trying to click in isn't likely to be any better... I'll give them a try, but if I find them too cumbersome, I may end up going back to my Candy pedals.
I have been riding on the platform side of these: Amazon.com : Shimano PD-A530 SPD Dual Platform Bike Pedal : Sports & Outdoors
They offer the flexibility of riding with either cycling or regular shoes... Even though I haven't ridden them with my cleats yet, I don't think I am a big fan of having to keep the proper side up to place my feet on, and doing it while trying to click in isn't likely to be any better... I'll give them a try, but if I find them too cumbersome, I may end up going back to my Candy pedals.
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06-09-14, 02:32 PM
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Really? I ride clipless on the road. What's the problem with it? As long as you remember to unclip you're good.
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06-09-14, 02:37 PM
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@ Little Darwin.
https://www.amazon.com/Shimano-PD-M324-Dual-Platform-Pedal/dp/B00AZ2OID8/ref=pd_sim_sg_3?ie=UTF8&refRID=1FBHM1E5BRKQHAJDESD0
My error. I thought all Shimano dual platforms would be the same. The above is what I have, and I used the existing holes, two of which on each pedal are not used. After looking, I see I saved some labor by only weighting the right side pedal as I never clip into the left side when I'm moving.
https://www.amazon.com/Shimano-PD-M324-Dual-Platform-Pedal/dp/B00AZ2OID8/ref=pd_sim_sg_3?ie=UTF8&refRID=1FBHM1E5BRKQHAJDESD0
My error. I thought all Shimano dual platforms would be the same. The above is what I have, and I used the existing holes, two of which on each pedal are not used. After looking, I see I saved some labor by only weighting the right side pedal as I never clip into the left side when I'm moving.
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06-09-14, 04:25 PM
#29
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I returned to cycling in 2000 at the age of 52. I had only ridden with platform pedals to that point. I went to shop to test ride a bike. Towards the end of the ride, I got a little too confident I guess and made a big effort to accelerate. One foot slipped off the pedal and wacked me on the back of the leg. I took 6 months for the bruise and localized swelling to go away. At that point, I vowed to seek out clipless pedals when my riding got stable enough.
After several months I started with a cheap set of Ritchey mtb pedals. I learned to ride clipless with those. Fell a few times, but nothing serious. I liked that you could unclip in either direction as it is difficult for me to rotate my heels outward. But, the pedals were... Cheap.
Next iteration was Crank Brothers Quattro's and a pair of real road shoes. I really liked those and since they are built around the Eggbeater mechanism, there is no adjustment. That's a good thing as it seemed that I was always tinkering with the adjustment on the Ritcheys. Eventually C/B ticked me off as they discontinued the Quattro's; they had to go.
New fave is the BeBop and Shimano mountain-specific shoes. The BeBops are light, work well for both mountain and road and they release in both directions.
After several months I started with a cheap set of Ritchey mtb pedals. I learned to ride clipless with those. Fell a few times, but nothing serious. I liked that you could unclip in either direction as it is difficult for me to rotate my heels outward. But, the pedals were... Cheap.
Next iteration was Crank Brothers Quattro's and a pair of real road shoes. I really liked those and since they are built around the Eggbeater mechanism, there is no adjustment. That's a good thing as it seemed that I was always tinkering with the adjustment on the Ritcheys. Eventually C/B ticked me off as they discontinued the Quattro's; they had to go.
New fave is the BeBop and Shimano mountain-specific shoes. The BeBops are light, work well for both mountain and road and they release in both directions.
Last edited by flatlander_48; 06-10-14 at 07:24 PM.
06-09-14, 04:26 PM
#30
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What about training for racing? You have to practice like you play, right? Do we have your permission to use clipless pedals for training? How about if we're just riding through town out to a training ride or race? Would that be okay? Or, how about if I was going to a training ride or race after work? Could I use clipless pedals to ride on city streets for the morning commute?
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Last edited by cyccommute; 06-09-14 at 04:30 PM.
06-09-14, 04:49 PM
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I guess I'll need to start carrying around one of these in my backpack.
06-09-14, 06:04 PM
#32
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Exactly! You're much more stable with clipless pedals. I'm a living definition of a casual and non completive rider, and I'm going to ride clipless. Even at my level, being clipped in is very nice when going from level ground to a short but steep hill.
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06-10-14, 11:46 AM
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Most people don't agree with this. It's ridiculous to say clipless aren't for street use. People above already stated they found clipless easier to get out of that anything else. Now if you are talking about using street shoes for work, doing short distance commuting and you are in lots of traffic/stops at intersections, then clipless may not be the best.
What about training for racing? You have to practice like you play, right? Do we have your permission to use clipless pedals for training? How about if we're just riding through town out to a training ride or race? Would that be okay? Or, how about if I was going to a training ride or race after work? Could I use clipless pedals to ride on city streets for the morning commute?
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My preferred bicycle brand is.......WORKSMAN CYCLES
I dislike clipless pedals on any city bike since I feel they are unsafe.
Originally Posted by krazygluon
Steel: nearly a thousand years of metallurgical development
Aluminum: barely a hundred, which one would you rather have under your butt at 30mph?
My preferred bicycle brand is.......WORKSMAN CYCLES
I dislike clipless pedals on any city bike since I feel they are unsafe.
Originally Posted by krazygluon
Steel: nearly a thousand years of metallurgical development
Aluminum: barely a hundred, which one would you rather have under your butt at 30mph?
06-10-14, 11:48 AM
#34
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And when you forget to unclip??
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My preferred bicycle brand is.......WORKSMAN CYCLES
I dislike clipless pedals on any city bike since I feel they are unsafe.
Originally Posted by krazygluon
Steel: nearly a thousand years of metallurgical development
Aluminum: barely a hundred, which one would you rather have under your butt at 30mph?
My preferred bicycle brand is.......WORKSMAN CYCLES
I dislike clipless pedals on any city bike since I feel they are unsafe.
Originally Posted by krazygluon
Steel: nearly a thousand years of metallurgical development
Aluminum: barely a hundred, which one would you rather have under your butt at 30mph?
06-10-14, 11:54 AM
#35
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You can make that decision only for yourself. As far as I know, no one elected you to the position of All Powerful Rule Maker of Bicycling. Even if they did, your decree would have no bearing on my choices because I wouldn't bow to your authority.
According to the All Powerful Rule Maker, you could only ride with clip less at the race. You'd have to remove the Devil's Foot Traps to ride home. 'Cause they're unsafe
According to the All Powerful Rule Maker, you could only ride with clip less at the race. You'd have to remove the Devil's Foot Traps to ride home. 'Cause they're unsafe
get over yourself, dude. Each to his/her own. 
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My preferred bicycle brand is.......WORKSMAN CYCLES
I dislike clipless pedals on any city bike since I feel they are unsafe.
Originally Posted by krazygluon
Steel: nearly a thousand years of metallurgical development
Aluminum: barely a hundred, which one would you rather have under your butt at 30mph?
My preferred bicycle brand is.......WORKSMAN CYCLES
I dislike clipless pedals on any city bike since I feel they are unsafe.
Originally Posted by krazygluon
Steel: nearly a thousand years of metallurgical development
Aluminum: barely a hundred, which one would you rather have under your butt at 30mph?
06-10-14, 12:36 PM
#37
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__________________
My preferred bicycle brand is.......WORKSMAN CYCLES
I dislike clipless pedals on any city bike since I feel they are unsafe.
Originally Posted by krazygluon
Steel: nearly a thousand years of metallurgical development
Aluminum: barely a hundred, which one would you rather have under your butt at 30mph?
My preferred bicycle brand is.......WORKSMAN CYCLES
I dislike clipless pedals on any city bike since I feel they are unsafe.
Originally Posted by krazygluon
Steel: nearly a thousand years of metallurgical development
Aluminum: barely a hundred, which one would you rather have under your butt at 30mph?
06-10-14, 03:52 PM
#38
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Excuse me?! I'm not the one who has said
Follow your own advice...dude. syncro87 didn't ask if he should use clipless but asked a specific question about them. Your comments aren't an expression of opinion as in "I wouldn't use them" which would fit neatly into the "to each his own" ideal. But your posts are pronouncements that no one should use them as if you set the rules. That's not "to each his own". That's an order from on high. There are hundreds of thousands to millions of bicyclists who would disagree with your "orders".
Unless you plan to take up racing the is no need to use clipless pedals. None what so ever! Clipless=racing.
Don't be swayed by all the wannabe racers that populate forums like this.
Don't be swayed by all the wannabe racers that populate forums like this.
Fine..........if you are racing or competing but never on the street.
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Last edited by cyccommute; 06-10-14 at 03:55 PM.
06-10-14, 06:01 PM
#39
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Excuse me?! I'm not the one who has said
Follow your own advice...dude. syncro87 didn't ask if he should use clipless but asked a specific question about them. Your comments aren't an expression of opinion as in "I wouldn't use them" which would fit neatly into the "to each his own" ideal. But your posts are pronouncements that no one should use them as if you set the rules. That's not "to each his own". That's an order from on high. There are hundreds of thousands to millions of bicyclists who would disagree with your "orders".
Follow your own advice...dude. syncro87 didn't ask if he should use clipless but asked a specific question about them. Your comments aren't an expression of opinion as in "I wouldn't use them" which would fit neatly into the "to each his own" ideal. But your posts are pronouncements that no one should use them as if you set the rules. That's not "to each his own". That's an order from on high. There are hundreds of thousands to millions of bicyclists who would disagree with your "orders".
__________________
My preferred bicycle brand is.......WORKSMAN CYCLES
I dislike clipless pedals on any city bike since I feel they are unsafe.
Originally Posted by krazygluon
Steel: nearly a thousand years of metallurgical development
Aluminum: barely a hundred, which one would you rather have under your butt at 30mph?
My preferred bicycle brand is.......WORKSMAN CYCLES
I dislike clipless pedals on any city bike since I feel they are unsafe.
Originally Posted by krazygluon
Steel: nearly a thousand years of metallurgical development
Aluminum: barely a hundred, which one would you rather have under your butt at 30mph?
06-11-14, 08:18 AM
#40
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To paraphase the great Inigo Montoya: You keep using that phrase. I do not think it means what you think it means.
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Pokin' around the Poconos A cold ride around Lake Erie
Dinosaurs in Colorado A mountain bike guide to the Purgatory Canyon dinosaur trackway
Solo Without Pie. The search for pie in the Midwest.
Picking the Scablands. Washington and Oregon, 2005. Pie and spiders on the Columbia River!
Stuart Black
Plan Epsilon Around Lake Michigan in the era of Covid
Old School…When It Wasn’t Ancient bikepacking
Gold Fever Three days of dirt in Colorado
Pokin' around the Poconos A cold ride around Lake Erie
Dinosaurs in Colorado A mountain bike guide to the Purgatory Canyon dinosaur trackway
Solo Without Pie. The search for pie in the Midwest.
Picking the Scablands. Washington and Oregon, 2005. Pie and spiders on the Columbia River!
06-11-14, 09:03 AM
#41
Senior Member
I don't race, shave my legs or wear spandex. I ride an entry level hybrid primarily for fitness and the simple joy of cycling. I went from mashing flat pedals to spinning clipless and I will never go back. It's just a noticeably more efficient pedal stroke.
I fell once - BFD - zero mph falls are quite survivable. And that only happened because I was trying to get too cute for my own good riding up onto the sidewalk to press the pedestrian walk button to get the freaking light to change and tried to time a brief pause right at the button without unclipping. Lesson learned. Should have known better in the first place.
Apart from the increased efficiency of being able to "pull" the pedal through the stroke, there is the added benefit of ALWAYS having your feet in exactly the proper position on the pedal. I don't care who you are - if you ride flat pedals your feet are moving around on the pedal - and admit it - occasionally slipping right off. I'm happy to leave both those experiences behind me.
I fell once - BFD - zero mph falls are quite survivable. And that only happened because I was trying to get too cute for my own good riding up onto the sidewalk to press the pedestrian walk button to get the freaking light to change and tried to time a brief pause right at the button without unclipping. Lesson learned. Should have known better in the first place.
Apart from the increased efficiency of being able to "pull" the pedal through the stroke, there is the added benefit of ALWAYS having your feet in exactly the proper position on the pedal. I don't care who you are - if you ride flat pedals your feet are moving around on the pedal - and admit it - occasionally slipping right off. I'm happy to leave both those experiences behind me.
06-11-14, 09:16 AM
#42
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06-11-14, 11:08 AM
#43
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I have never nor will I ever race but I love my SPD pedals. I tried regular old school clips for about a year and of course ordinary platform pedals. I don't worry about a pothole knocking my feet off the pedal and subsequently crashing with the spds. i don't understand why think they are only for racers.
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My preferred bicycle brand is.......WORKSMAN CYCLES
I dislike clipless pedals on any city bike since I feel they are unsafe.
Originally Posted by krazygluon
Steel: nearly a thousand years of metallurgical development
Aluminum: barely a hundred, which one would you rather have under your butt at 30mph?
My preferred bicycle brand is.......WORKSMAN CYCLES
I dislike clipless pedals on any city bike since I feel they are unsafe.
Originally Posted by krazygluon
Steel: nearly a thousand years of metallurgical development
Aluminum: barely a hundred, which one would you rather have under your butt at 30mph?
06-11-14, 11:54 AM
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06-11-14, 12:37 PM
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Perhaps if you were required to show a current USAC or UCI racing license as a condition of purchasing clipless pedals?
06-11-14, 01:13 PM
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06-11-14, 01:20 PM
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I think this was mentioned once or twice, but far from given the consideration it deserves.
If you are using clipless your feet are far less likely to come off the pedals when something unexpected happens on the street. You can accomplish that other ways but all make it more difficult to get your foot off when you want to. Clipless systems all release easily if used and set properly.
I've had at least 3 incidents that could have come out very bad riding platforms all on descents.
One was just a simple pothole, a small but significant chance the foot would have come off otherwise.
The second was where a section of what looked like old rough road was really gravel. Very good chance that with platforms I would have dabbed down a foot and gone down. That could have been very nasty as this was on the access road to fire camp 7 (I think might be 9) and if I did not get out on my own no one would have found me until the fire raging at the time was out and the fire firefighters returned.
The last was descending Sepulveda into the Valley. A poorly done road patch that I only found out was not flush when I crossed it at an angle. I'm all but sure I would have touched a foot and gone down. I'm 90% sure that even clipped in I would have gone down if the next patch was not flush.
On this one I know the potential cost. A lady in a ride of the L.A. Wheelmen that came through about a half hour later went down and suffered a broken collarbone and ruptured spleen.
If one is never riding faster than 15 MPH and never does a hill worth the name clipless may not be worth it. But I like being able to go where I want, even into the mountains and I go far too many places on the road where platforms and tennis shoes would mean very sore feet and excessive risk on every downhill.
If you are using clipless your feet are far less likely to come off the pedals when something unexpected happens on the street. You can accomplish that other ways but all make it more difficult to get your foot off when you want to. Clipless systems all release easily if used and set properly.
I've had at least 3 incidents that could have come out very bad riding platforms all on descents.
One was just a simple pothole, a small but significant chance the foot would have come off otherwise.
The second was where a section of what looked like old rough road was really gravel. Very good chance that with platforms I would have dabbed down a foot and gone down. That could have been very nasty as this was on the access road to fire camp 7 (I think might be 9) and if I did not get out on my own no one would have found me until the fire raging at the time was out and the fire firefighters returned.
The last was descending Sepulveda into the Valley. A poorly done road patch that I only found out was not flush when I crossed it at an angle. I'm all but sure I would have touched a foot and gone down. I'm 90% sure that even clipped in I would have gone down if the next patch was not flush.
On this one I know the potential cost. A lady in a ride of the L.A. Wheelmen that came through about a half hour later went down and suffered a broken collarbone and ruptured spleen.
If one is never riding faster than 15 MPH and never does a hill worth the name clipless may not be worth it. But I like being able to go where I want, even into the mountains and I go far too many places on the road where platforms and tennis shoes would mean very sore feet and excessive risk on every downhill.
06-11-14, 01:25 PM
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I'm going to admit a slight bias because of my history.
I've always been an active guy. That meant for a few years I did some snow skiing. That part of my past was pretty much over when I took up cycling, but the experience remained and my body remembered.
At the time the way to get out of SPD pedals was to twist the heal outwards, the exact same motion used with my snow skis. I had not been out of skiing all that long. The action was natural to me. I never had the forgot how to release falls some had.
That and I can walk and chew gum at the same time.
I've always been an active guy. That meant for a few years I did some snow skiing. That part of my past was pretty much over when I took up cycling, but the experience remained and my body remembered.
At the time the way to get out of SPD pedals was to twist the heal outwards, the exact same motion used with my snow skis. I had not been out of skiing all that long. The action was natural to me. I never had the forgot how to release falls some had.
That and I can walk and chew gum at the same time.
06-11-14, 03:49 PM
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Stuart Black
Plan Epsilon Around Lake Michigan in the era of Covid
Old School…When It Wasn’t Ancient bikepacking
Gold Fever Three days of dirt in Colorado
Pokin' around the Poconos A cold ride around Lake Erie
Dinosaurs in Colorado A mountain bike guide to the Purgatory Canyon dinosaur trackway
Solo Without Pie. The search for pie in the Midwest.
Picking the Scablands. Washington and Oregon, 2005. Pie and spiders on the Columbia River!
Stuart Black
Plan Epsilon Around Lake Michigan in the era of Covid
Old School…When It Wasn’t Ancient bikepacking
Gold Fever Three days of dirt in Colorado
Pokin' around the Poconos A cold ride around Lake Erie
Dinosaurs in Colorado A mountain bike guide to the Purgatory Canyon dinosaur trackway
Solo Without Pie. The search for pie in the Midwest.
Picking the Scablands. Washington and Oregon, 2005. Pie and spiders on the Columbia River!