Hi,
I was told to get clipless pedals for my road bike, but I cannot figure out what is advantage, except that I have to buy a special shoes too.

Is there cheap pedals? how important are they? How much would you spend on them to put on $300 bike?

I am new to biking and just started practice for my first century.

thanks!

Clipless pedals will run you 60-70 bucks. Should can you run you the same, but it just depends on what you buy.

Clipless pedals give you better pedaling effeciency and consistancy. It's usually one of the most reccomended upgrades. Just make sure you don't have them adjusted too tight or it my be a challenge to come out of them.

I think clipless pedals are worth it.

I've put about 1500-2000 miles on my Nashbar Ventoux 2 pedals. They only cost me $35. I haven't ever had any problems with the pedal, and haven't had to rebuild them.

My shoes were also only $27. I bought some cheap pair of Northwave shoes from Bonktown.com when they were probably at 80% off. They've about 3000 miles on them and are still good (just smelly).

road pedals like shimano SPD-R or look KEO are better for long distances, but if you don't want to use clipless, that's fine too.

the cheapest form of foot retention will be these: https://powergrips.mrpbike.com/

but be aware that cycling shoes have a rigid sole to better support your foot, which gives more efficiency while pedalling.

just do a search on clipless pedals in this forum for the benefits of using them.

Thanks for catching my spelling error.

Yes worth it.

You can get a set of decent, entry level shoes AND pedals for under $100.

That being said, it's not mandatory...case in point:

There is a very strong rider in my club who smokes 90% of the riders, and he rides in tennis shoes. He's dutch, maybe that helps?

You can get Shimano SPD-SL's for $45 and free shipping if you buy them with shoes, from the right place, with the right discounts. I did.

You can keep the pedals for any other bikes you buy in the future. Get what works.

I started with some speedplay zeros and on my foot with my shoes gave me terrible hotspots. I switched to speedplay frogs and they were great for commuting and my needs until I wore the cleat out and kept coming unclipped at the worst times. I ended up giving the Forté Carbon Road Pedal from Performance a try (sold out right now, but I think I paid $70 or so for them) and they have been great for a few hundred miles and up to 70 miles at a time for me this season. Same set up I had with the zeros and no hotspots at all.

these are you talking about?
https://www.nashbar.com/bikes/Product...2_10000_200435

That's a good idea.

Wow! I cannot say I am very much into it to tell the difference, I am sure, as i progress, I will see and feel what is better for my feet, but now, I just want to stay in budget, because if the cost of upgrades will come too high, I probably have to give up on this bike and buy a new entry level for about $500.

These are the best budget clipless pedals...

...https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B000P9TOHQ

Yes those are what I'm talking about.

Also I've seen this guy in our A ride that's just as fast as everyone else and rides in tennis shoes... He's also probably over 50, and his bike is usually loaded down with a large saddle bag and many lights. I don't know how he's so damn fast.

experience?

One more thing I forgot to ask: shoe size.
is it a standard size or something else?

If I wear normal shoes size 8, is the bicycle shoe the same?

They usually go by european size. Since you are new at this, I strongly suggest you get your shoes in person so you can ensure proper fit.

Also, realize that shoes come pre-drilled for 2-bolt "mtb-type" and 3-bolt "road type" cleats. So you should finalize what pedals you choose before you pick your shoes. You can ride MTB shoes/pedals on a road bike if you so desire.

Athletic ability? Conditioning?

Don't tell me, his name is FRED.

Craigslist can be your friend for pedals. I found a pair of Shimano RD76 shoes and Shimano M520 pedals almost new for $50. This was a great investment, it made me realize how much clipless helps, I hate riding without foot retention now, and I even notice a huge difference on my fixed gear that has cages and straps that offer a pretty decent retention.

Now I just bought a new old bike that came with Shimano Ultegra pedals but I don't have cleats for them yet so I haven't been able to use them. That may be my next bike related purchase.

Originally Posted by jayvo86
Should can you run you the same, but it just depends on what you guy.
Shoes, buy?

I've got about 7,000 miles on mine. No problems.

I partially agree, but here's my disagreement -- I think a rider should choose shoes first, and base their choice on what they intend to do on their rides. If they're going to stay on the bike the whole time, slick-soled road shoes are fine; if they're going to get dinner, spend time at a friend's house, or other off-bike stuff, they should look for MTB or casual cleat-compatible shoes.

Once they've figured that part out, they can decide on a pedal system. There's always something you'd find in a regular shop that will fit whatever shoes get chosen.

The nice thing about road shoes...you can take them off. So you can still eat your dinner and hang out with friends...in your socks.

I admit that the rate at which my SPD-SL cleats are wearing down is somewhat alarming though.