Noob advice needed.
 

I am planning on getting into roadcycling primarily for fitness reasons. I have been out of cycling for about 11 years.

Don't worry, I'm not specifically asking what bike to buy. One of my primary reasons for cycling is to build leg strength in my right leg. Well, whats left of it anyway. I am a BK amputee, and in the few times I have road my old mountain bike (which had its clips removed by my dad for some unfathomable reason) I had difficulty keeping my fake foot planted on the pedal. To that end, I would like to get clipless pedals on my new bike. My biggest question is, is it better (in your opinion) to get one of the more expensive entry level bikes that come with clipless pedals, or buy the lower priced ones, and add the pedals separately?

The bikes I was looking at are the Trek 1200, Giant OCR 2, and Felt F80. With the cheaper ones I could upgrade to clipless pedals being Trek 1000, Giant OCR 3, and Felt F90. They all have the benefit of not only coming with the pedals, but also coming with some better components (although I am sure at my skill level, the difference between sora, and tiagra wouldn't be noticeable). Leaning towards the Felt and the Trek because the LBS that carries them is maybe 1.5 miles from my house, and I like to support local business. Anyway thanks for your time.

The Felt and Trek are both going to do the job. I think silmilarly priced the Felts usually have better bits. But the proof is in the riding. As for pedals, don't let them guide your decision. The OEM pedals are usually not worth their weight in blown inner tubes.

All I am looking for is something to keep my foot in contact with the pedal. I don't like clips, which is why I am looking for clipless. Is the oem stuff really bad enough that I will be buying new ones shortly after I get the bike anyway?

i've got about 800 miles on an 05 1200 that came with wellgo clipless pedals and have no complaints or issues....

and second tourist's tip that a test ride will make the decision for you, all other things being rougly equal...

good luck!

I am also a BK amputee. The one thing i can tell you is whatever pedal you use make sure it has plenty of float. This float helps keep your prostetic leg from getting in a bind. I use the Look KEO pedals.

Thanks Guys.

Rick- the biggest problem I have right now is my foot coming of the pedal at random points in my upstroke. I'm not sure exactly what "float" is, but if I have issues with the pedals I will certainly keep the Look KEO's in mind.

I bought an '05 Trek 1200 and was not happy at all with the stock Wellgo pedals. I replaced them with Shimano 520's (about $50) and am extremely pleased with those. The Shimano's are stock on the Trek 1500, I believe. The pedals have decent float and are very easy to get in and out of.

Changing the pedals is very simple, but be careful, because the old ones are on there TIGHT!

Float is the amount of play it has "left to right" before it unclips. I believe you can get upto 16 degrees of float with Speedplays... For me that is just way too much...

Opinions vary. I have Wellgo pedals on two of my bikes and have no complaints. Also, don't go up $100 or $200 in bike price just to get clipless pedals as standard equipment. Don't forget you'll be shelling out extra money for bike shoes if you go with clipless pedals (assuming you don't have 11 year old bike shoes). On the other hand folks that really get into bikes often wish they'd bought something better than entry level once the cycling bug gets them.

Nope, no 11 year old shoes sitting around, so that is an expense. It isn't however, one I mind all that much. My bottom line question is would it be better to get a bike with clipless pedals (that has the advantage of also having a better group) or to buy the entry level and change the pedals? The scenario I am looking at using Trek as an example would be the 1200 or 1000. 250 price difference. If I figure 60 bucks for pedals and no charge to intall them the difference is down to 190. So, is it worth 190 for the better components?