sambb

OK, I just bought a nice cannondale road bike, It is being built and they asked me to think about pedals.
I have NEVER ridden with clipless pedals.
Is it stupid to ask for a platform/SPD combo pedal, and if not, which one would you recommend? I am trying to buy used, so I need a model if possible.
I am totally clueless here, and would love to hear other options if needed

the_don

If you are commuting, get spd mountain bike shoes and pedals.

If you are just riding for fitness, get spdsl road shoes and pedals.

For the pedals, Anything shimano 105 or above will be nice. For the shoes, you want something light, with nice ventilation, stiff and comfortable. Most spdsl road shoes will be light and ventilated and stiff so focus on the comfort. Also, don't buy used shoes, go to a big store and try on lots of shoes
Until you find a pair that fit your feet perfectly. Sizes often differ per manufacturer as well, so you need to try before you buy, same as with a helmet.

rushbikes

If you're going to be riding more than just commuting, which I assume you are, then clipless pedals are just part of the sport. There are a million and 1 posts about pedals archived in this forum so I'm not going to go into details about the various pedals out there, but a safe decision (and the 3 most common choices) are Shimano SPD-SL, Look and Speedplay. Most ride SPD-SL or Look - they're both very similar - and many people choose Speedplay to allow additional float if they have knee issues. And some people just prefer them for a host of other reasons. Your LBS should know quite a bit about the detailed differences as well.

the_don

Sorry, to address your platform/spd combo pedal question, it is never stupid to ask for what you want. But if you plan on doing longer rides, I would recommend getting spdsl shoes and pedals.

You can always tell them to just put on platforms, and buy pedals and shoes later, to give you time to get used to riding this bike, before getting the clipless setup.

ahsposo 

Pedals are one of the most easily changeable parts on your bike.

Be comfortable to start and you can change later. Get the combo.

You'll always be able to use it on another bike (N+1?)

A nice inexpensive quill type pedal with a toe clip may be the way to start.

Remember if you last at this sport you will always be wearing out/up-grading components. Some things, like pedals, are relatively standard (so far) and the interchangeability between bikes is almost universal.

Pay more attention to frame size, handlebar width, and crank length than pedals for now.

Good Luck!

bikerjp

I put these on my mtb when I went from toe clips to clipless. I wanted clipless but felt there might be times when I wanted the platform such as short trip or when in a situation I didn't feel confident being clipped in. On my road bike I went with regular spd (so I can use the same shoes). I didn't think I'd do short rides on it as I have the mtb for that. Decide on how you plan to ride and buy a pedal that meets the need.

Brimstone_

For what it's worth, I have Shimano 105 pedals on my bike and I still ride it from time to time with regular running shoes on if I am just screwing around with the kids or heading to someone's house. It works fine. I will wear my SPD-SL shoes when I am on regular rides. Just get some 105s and work your way into the SPD-SL shoes. You will still be able to ride it until you feel comfortable with cleats.

Shimano 105 - eBay

banerjek

Just remember, there are no stupid questions. Only the ones you ask.

Seriously, get what you want and don't worry about what people think. FWIW, I rode without clipless for over 20 years but would never choose to ride more than a few miles without them now.

sambb

is there a downside to going wiht the combo pedal? (Shimano a530)?

guadzilla

No such thing as stupid questions, just stupid peop-- I kid, I kid. Feel free to ask - that's what the forum is for.

Those platform/clipless combos are somewhat comforting at first blush, as it gives you the option of being able to ride without clipping in, if you so prefer.

The downside is that they are a little bit more finicky and you have to pay a bit of attention to get the right side of the pedal for your needs. OTOH, so do most clipless road pedals, where you clip in on one side only (Speedplay being one of the few exceptions).

Getting used to riding clipless isnt that hard. Start with a pair of cheap MTB two-sided pedals (Shimano, Crank Brothers), set them to their loosest tension and get your 1-2 falls out of the way. Practice in a parking lot or on a trainer, if you can. The first 10-15 clip in/releases are a lot harder, then the springs loosen a bit and it gets easier.

Enjoy.

guadzilla

I did that as well - and I found that the times I was on really hairy terrain and didnt want to be clipped in were the times when those platform/clipless pedals were the hardest to use when stopping/re-starting. Chucked them and went with Speedplay Frogs and now, not only can I handle gnarlier terrain in confidence but I am able to re-start a lot more easily as well. Clipping out isnt a problem either - have mentioned this before, but I went OTB on my Niner on a downhill and managed to unclip, get my feet over the bars and land on my feet (oh how I wish I had an audience for that!).

rushbikes

Yes.

1) They are SPD, not SPD-SL. SL's give you a much more stable platform and secure connection.
2) They're heavy. And that's not just sprung weight. It's weight that you're changing the direction of several thousand times on a ride.
3) They look pretty goofy on a road bike. But mostly 1 & 2.

Of course, there are also upsides to a combo pedal.