Newbie help on clipless pedals
 

I've had my Trek 4300 for about 4 years, but only recently started going offroad with it. I want to get some clipless pedals (and shoes) but don't know where to start. I guess I am looking for something for a "beginner" that won't break the bank but aren't crap either. Any suggestions appreciated

I've been riding for a little over a year and I can highly recommend Crank Bros Eggbeaters for a beginner. I had Time Atacs and Shimano M505s before my Eggbeaters and in my rookie opinion, Eggbeaters are far superior to these for a beginner.

The Atacs aren't adjustable and were simply too stiff for my first run at clipless. I'm sure they are great pedals, but I wouldn't recommend for a clipless rookie. The Shimano pedals were adjustable and worked better for me, but the release was just too inconsistent. Stiff one time, loose another.

Recently, Pricepoint.com had sold chromoly Eggbeaters for 50 bucks a pair. They're pretty alien looking, but I absolutely love mine. Very smooth and consistent release, plus they don't get clogged up with mud as easily as other pedals. I can safely say my pedal search is over for a long time to come.

Hope that helps. Have fun entering the clipless world! :)

p.s. this is pretty close to the pedal I got:

http://www.pricepoint.com/detail/154...MXR-Pedals.htm

oh, and these shoes. Have worked out fine so far...

http://www.nashbar.com/profile.cfm?c...eid=&pagename=

I purchased Crank Brother Candy C pedals last year for my 4300. I bought some fairly inexpensive AXO shoes, mounted the cleats and started falling over.

By far, this was the best upgrade I could make in my cycling. I find clipless to be fantastic on sketchy single track - don't have to worry about a foot slipping and losing momentum.

I did fall about 3 times in the first week - forgot to clip out. All of the falls were at low or no speed and due to the fact they were not witnessed, I don't consider them to be falls. But I do have the ultimate Fred marks on my lower right leg where I stabbed myself with the chainring. Three perfect gear shaped scars!

You won't be dissatisfied with either the eggbeater, candyc or other crankbrother pedals. Clipping in is instinctive and they will add to your riding.

Good Luck!

Thanks for the tips guys! I think I might lean more towards the candy C since it has a platform but I'll go to the local LBS and check them out.

Crank Brothers Mallets. Best of both worlds.

Getting Smartys for my Nishiki.

As a first set I got cheapest shimano shoes and pedals. No complaints

I have a 4300 also and just recently picked up my first clipless setup. I was in the same boat wanting to try it out. I bought a pair of Diadora Geko's for around $40 from Nashbar and a pair of their house brand clipless ATB pedals for around $25. Thought I'd go cheap to see how I like it. They are both working fine for me so far. I have no complaints. They're both working as expected.

I only have one recommendation. When my shoes first came in, I was so excited to try them out so I threw them on with a pair of low cut cotton socks and ran out the door (yeah, I'm sure I looked pretty funny). The next day I broke out a pair of cycling socks I had picked up (I think they're DeFeet's). What a difference socks make. I would recommend picking up a pair for $5 or so when you get your new shoes and peds.

Good luck!

Hahah I JUST put new crank brothers eggbeaters on my bike and I'm still trying to get used to clanking in and out.

It takes practice, just something you'll have to work on, so far I love it. Haven't used them enough to really have an opinion yet but I'll admit they look sexy, and make non-bikers go WTF!? when they see them, "that's really a pedal??"

Thanks for the tip! I was wondering about the socks issue. I was checking out nashbar for shoes/pedals last night and almost ordered right then. I want to go to an LBS first and try some shoes on so I get the right size first.

when I went to that website they said that it came with standard cleats. Does that meen that i dont have to buy mtb cleats or are those sold seperately?

my bad. I am a soccer player so when I hear cleat I think of soccer shoes.