I've used:

speedplay zero

speedplay frog

shimano spd

look

I currently run speedplay zero on my road bike. Zero's are very light, double sided and have the most free float of any pedals on the market. Your knee/legs can track in their natural direction. SPD's have spring tension which recenter your cleat, even though they have some "float."

Zero's are not as easy to clip out of as other pedal systems. Especially when the pedals are new. They gradually break in but are still a bit more challenging to clip in and out of.

The cleat is large so not ideal for walking, but I put rubber covers on the cleats, and actually have little problem walking around on the cleats for short distances.

Also they are not cheap. They start at around $130, but they are great for their light weight and knee protection.

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I've used and like the look pedal system a lot as well. You can get cleats that come with free float but not as much as the speedplay's. Also they are one sided, not two sided. Not quite as light as speedplay's either.

This is a terrific pedal system: you can buy "look style" pedals from nashbar and performance at a rock bottom price.

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I don't have many positive things to say about spd systems. They are very popular and inexpensive. I don't like spring centered "float," so if you want free float, stay away from spd's. Make CERTAIN your knee alignment is spot on. I injured myself with improper alignment and it took me a long time to recover fully.

They are relatively light, relatively inexpensive and double sided. But the lack of free float means I will not be a customer.

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As far as shoes, I have relatively wide feet, so the only brand that works for me is shimano. I bought a fantastic pair of shimano's with three straps at a rock bottom price (half off) which are wide enough for my feet!

I bought my speedplay zero's on clearance for I think $40 or $50 instead of $140. So my shoe/pedal system only cost me about $110 total. Retail around $260!

If you have wide feet, try shimano's. If you have narrow feet, a wider (no pun intended) range of cycling shoe brands is available to you.

I've run almost all the major pedal systems for quite a while. Shimano, Look, Time, and Speedplay. My favorite is one that few people have heard of - Keywin pedals. They have several features that no other pedal have. Plus they've been around longer than just about any of the other clipless systems.

where do you source yours?

I know you already chose your pedals, but I really, really love these and prefer them to the SPD's with the platform around them: http://www.amazon.com/Shimano-PD-M52.../dp/B000WYAENC

They weigh less too, which is good. :)

I throw plently of work at my lbs.I just dont buy stuff thats way marked up. And if i tried some on and they wrent to much more than online it wouldnt bother me to buy them.but i have seen tires and other stuff x2 online price or other bike shops price. Lots of times on stuff they are a good price just not allways. And his lbs is gonna hate him for trying on a pair of shoes and deciding not to buy them? If i remeber shoping around isn't a bad thing. so to say they wont like someone for deciding not to buy something at your store once is pretty harsh?

Shoes over $200 is not necessary if you're a casual rider like myself. I bought mine for $80 while on sale and works well. The higher end ones are lighter in weight and possibly more comfortable (subjective from one person to another)

I just order them from HERE. I just ordered some new cleats a couple weeks ago. They came from a distributor here in the US - somewhere in Colorado I think. I also talked to them on the phone and they were very helpful.

It tends to be customers that come in and tire kick but never buy anything, that gets you noticed. It's a good practice to not be that guy. Remember that bike shops make most of their money on accessories and clothing, not bikes or service (although they do make something on labor), and going the online route really eats into their ability to keep the doors open. It's good form to leave the lbs out of your online transaction, because even if you don't do it often, a lot of people do, and you can't think they don't notice.

http://bikeforums.net/attachment.php...hmentid=469596

Sweet Bike NLB, ready for miles and miles. Congrats on your new purchase.

http://bikeforums.net/attachment.php...hmentid=469606

I like it. Congrats.

That looks SWEET! Ride it like you stole it. ;)

Thanks everyone. Feels like I went from a Corolla to a Cadillac :thumb:

Great now to get rid of those pedals, put clipless, throw a saddle bag on for all your spares and go ride.

Added a bag, bottle cage, phone mount and front light. Pedals, shoes and clips are on order :-)

Can't wait until the rest of your stuff arrives, I love to see people get into this sport.

I don't know if you will be doing any organized rides or charity events in the near future, but your bike would be a big hit at the breast cancer awareness ride. I usually do pink bar tape and pink over shoes for that event.

ABSOLUTELY! We have an awesome LBS here - super active within the community. Weekly rides, organized races, etc. It's a real gem. They're so enthusiastic about people getting involved and are a blast to ride with.

I think we're going to have another addict here lol!

Yes!

How do you like the shoes and pedals? Or did they not arrive yet?

I am currently using Shimano RT82 shoes with Shimano A600 pedals. The RT82 is a touring shoe that uses a recessed SPD cleat (walkable). They lock in solidly to the A600 which is a road pedal. The interface is as good as any look style cleat I have used. This setup gives me the best of both worlds - the RT82 sole is as stiff as any road shoe I have used, but allows me to walk easily. Pedal entry is as easy as any look compatible pedal I have used. The A600 is also reasonably lightweight at 286g.

Finally got my shoes and pedals - put them on, set to easiest release point and had no problems getting the knack of it!

http://bikeforums.net/attachment.php...hmentid=471033

NLB32, spd's are pretty easy to clip in and out of.

I recommend going back to your bike shop and have them install and align the cleats for you. They'll probably do a basic fitting for you at a nominal price. I don't recommend beginners try to install and align their cleats.

Your fit on the bike is very crucial and the help of a shop can save you many an ache and pain, and even prevent serious injury down the road. Quite literally. Best wishes, and welcome to the sport. :)

Good Lord! I went out horseback riding (which I've been doing my entire life) and ended up breaking my ankle. So I've been casted and unable to ride. Pedals are on, though!

You should use clipless stirrups. Then your feet don't get stuck when thrown.