First Clipless Purchase?
#1
Thread Starter
Newbie
Joined: Apr 2012
Posts: 2
Likes: 0
First Clipless Purchase?
Evening all,
After roughly 3500 ish miles I have destroyed my base 05 Allezs pedals. Now that Ive gotten somewhat serious about riding it I am told clipless is the way to go. Bikes not being my forte thought I would come here.
So, what would you buy/where at? I live in BFE so Ill have to order it, going to the bike shop and looking at different stuff really isnt an option. Doesnt have to be fancy just has to work, my fitness level/pursuit of the sport doesnt require rolls royce level gear.
Any help is appreciated,
Thanks
After roughly 3500 ish miles I have destroyed my base 05 Allezs pedals. Now that Ive gotten somewhat serious about riding it I am told clipless is the way to go. Bikes not being my forte thought I would come here.
So, what would you buy/where at? I live in BFE so Ill have to order it, going to the bike shop and looking at different stuff really isnt an option. Doesnt have to be fancy just has to work, my fitness level/pursuit of the sport doesnt require rolls royce level gear.
Any help is appreciated,
Thanks
#5
OASAASLLS
Joined: Jan 2011
Posts: 673
Likes: 0
From: Orlando FL
Bikes: Pake, Surly Pacer, Kilo TT, Giant XTC, SE Stout, 853 Ritchey MTB
You might want to make the drive out of BFE to try on some shoes and see what fits your foot and what doesn't. I know that I can't wear Shimano shoes unless they're the wide version. You spend money in gas but it's a lot less than trying to sell a pair of shoes that are uncomfortable. As for pedals, I have Speedplay Zero's and personally thing they're the best things ever invented. I rode with SPD-SL's but my knees didn't like them.
#7
i recommend speedplay zeros as well.
pros:
-15 degrees independently adjustable float
-dual sided
-virtually impossible to accidentally release
-easy maintenance
-most aftermarket fit options available
-best cornering clearance
-low stack height
-more contact area than shimano and look
-light weight
$130 new w/cleats
pros:
-15 degrees independently adjustable float
-dual sided
-virtually impossible to accidentally release
-easy maintenance
-most aftermarket fit options available
-best cornering clearance
-low stack height
-more contact area than shimano and look
-light weight
$130 new w/cleats
#9
Thread Starter
Newbie
Joined: Apr 2012
Posts: 2
Likes: 0
Thanks for the replies guys. Dont really have any budget constraints, just need something that will work. I am going to assume anything is going to kick the crap out of what I have been using, maybe not I am not sure.
I am going to try and hit a shop, more of a time thing than a distance or gas issue. Any favorites for an online retailer?
BFE = Bum f*** egypt. Middle of nowhere, end of the earth then ten miles more kinda thing.
I am going to assume all shoes have the same size stud/whatever you call it on the bottom, or do I have to match up sizes?
I am going to try and hit a shop, more of a time thing than a distance or gas issue. Any favorites for an online retailer?
BFE = Bum f*** egypt. Middle of nowhere, end of the earth then ten miles more kinda thing.
I am going to assume all shoes have the same size stud/whatever you call it on the bottom, or do I have to match up sizes?
Last edited by CbadRider; 05-01-12 at 09:29 PM. Reason: corrected spelling
#10
OASAASLLS
Joined: Jan 2011
Posts: 673
Likes: 0
From: Orlando FL
Bikes: Pake, Surly Pacer, Kilo TT, Giant XTC, SE Stout, 853 Ritchey MTB
Thanks for the replies guys. Dont really have any budget constraints, just need something that will work. I am going to assume anything is going to kick the crap out of what I have been using, maybe not I am not sure.
I am going to try and hit a shop, more of a time thing than a distance or gas issue. Any favorites for an online retailer?
BFE = Bum f*** egypt. Middle of nowhere, end of the earth then ten miles more kinda thing.
I am going to assume all shoes have the same size stud/whatever you call it on the bottom, or do I have to match up sizes?
I am going to try and hit a shop, more of a time thing than a distance or gas issue. Any favorites for an online retailer?
BFE = Bum f*** egypt. Middle of nowhere, end of the earth then ten miles more kinda thing.
I am going to assume all shoes have the same size stud/whatever you call it on the bottom, or do I have to match up sizes?
Last edited by CbadRider; 05-01-12 at 09:30 PM. Reason: Edited quoted post.
#11
Senior Member


Joined: Jun 2010
Posts: 1,055
Likes: 2
From: Riverside, CA
Bikes: Lynskey R230 DA DI2 ENVE 3.4 SES, 6KU Fixie, Cheap Aluminum Slapstick Trainer only bike
Speed play Zero for me was extremely hard to clip in for whatever reasons (175lbs rider). I literally had to pounce on the pedal to clip in. Giving it a shot with light action for this week. Seems to be much easier. We shall see if it's good enough for stop and go commuting for this week...
BTW, been using SPD before this for about a year. Just need something that feels more stable platform with a little more float preferably... (and potentially getting rid of hot foot syndrome when pedaling beyond few hours)
BTW, been using SPD before this for about a year. Just need something that feels more stable platform with a little more float preferably... (and potentially getting rid of hot foot syndrome when pedaling beyond few hours)
#12
Senior Member
Joined: Sep 2011
Posts: 780
Likes: 0
From: Quebec, Canada
Bikes: Argon18 Gallium 2016, Trek Emonda SL6 Pro 2018, Salsa Beargrease
Speed play Zero for me was extremely hard to clip in for whatever reasons (175lbs rider). I literally had to pounce on the pedal to clip in. Giving it a shot with light action for this week. Seems to be much easier. We shall see if it's good enough for stop and go commuting for this week...
BTW, been using SPD before this for about a year. Just need something that feels more stable platform with a little more float preferably... (and potentially getting rid of hot foot syndrome when pedaling beyond few hours)
BTW, been using SPD before this for about a year. Just need something that feels more stable platform with a little more float preferably... (and potentially getting rid of hot foot syndrome when pedaling beyond few hours)
#13
Senior Member
Joined: Jul 2007
Posts: 520
Likes: 0
From: Edmonton AB
Bikes: 2011 Colnago World Cup, 2012 Eddy Merckx AMX-2
Speedplay X or light action too. A bit less than zero's. Feel funny for the first mile but after that are great. If you get speedplays get cleat covers.
#14
Super Moderator

Joined: Jul 2004
Posts: 21,979
Likes: 1,154
From: Ffld Cnty Connecticut
Bikes: Old Steelies I made, Old Cannondales
If you have to mailorder shoes, consider return policies as well as price, because it might take a few tries to get the right brand & size.
__________________
Bikes: Old steel race bikes, old Cannondale race bikes, less old Cannondale race bike, crappy old mtn bike.
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Bikes: Old steel race bikes, old Cannondale race bikes, less old Cannondale race bike, crappy old mtn bike.
FYI: https://www.bikeforums.net/forum-sugg...ad-please.html
#15
Senior Member


Joined: Feb 2012
Posts: 371
Likes: 1
From: SoCal
Bikes: 1983 Trek 620, 2010 Roubaix
Well, it depends.
I had "Look" compatible pedals and shoes; the 3-hole style. They were great when I was clipped in, but I found them difficult to walk in away from the bike as they tended to slip on slick surfaces like my garage floor, and they put dents in my kitchen floor.
So I changed to Shimano "off-road" shoes/pedals; like these:
https://www.jensonusa.com/!JmZHpXEg5Q...medium=organic
https://www.jensonusa.com/Shimano-M077-MTB-Shoe
I love them. I can walk/drive easily and safely while wearing them, they are comfortable and easy to clip in/out of.
Some folks point out that they are a few grams heavier, but that seems like a nit to me.
We are lucky to have many choices; pay your money and take your choice!
I've never had much luck buying shoes online so I'd also suggest taking the long drive out of BFE to somewhere that you can be fitted properly.
-Tom in SoCal
I had "Look" compatible pedals and shoes; the 3-hole style. They were great when I was clipped in, but I found them difficult to walk in away from the bike as they tended to slip on slick surfaces like my garage floor, and they put dents in my kitchen floor.
So I changed to Shimano "off-road" shoes/pedals; like these:
https://www.jensonusa.com/!JmZHpXEg5Q...medium=organic
https://www.jensonusa.com/Shimano-M077-MTB-Shoe
I love them. I can walk/drive easily and safely while wearing them, they are comfortable and easy to clip in/out of.
Some folks point out that they are a few grams heavier, but that seems like a nit to me.
We are lucky to have many choices; pay your money and take your choice!
I've never had much luck buying shoes online so I'd also suggest taking the long drive out of BFE to somewhere that you can be fitted properly.
-Tom in SoCal
#16
Senior Member


Joined: Feb 2012
Posts: 371
Likes: 1
From: SoCal
Bikes: 1983 Trek 620, 2010 Roubaix
#17
Senior Member
Joined: Oct 2011
Posts: 855
Likes: 0
From: New Mexico
Bikes: Surly Disc Trucker, Ribble Nero Corsa, Surly Karate Monkey, Surly Ice Cream Truck, Cannondale MT800, Evil Insurgent
Speed play Zero for me was extremely hard to clip in for whatever reasons (175lbs rider). I literally had to pounce on the pedal to clip in. Giving it a shot with light action for this week. Seems to be much easier. We shall see if it's good enough for stop and go commuting for this week...
BTW, been using SPD before this for about a year. Just need something that feels more stable platform with a little more float preferably... (and potentially getting rid of hot foot syndrome when pedaling beyond few hours)
BTW, been using SPD before this for about a year. Just need something that feels more stable platform with a little more float preferably... (and potentially getting rid of hot foot syndrome when pedaling beyond few hours)
#18
Bike ≠ Car ≠ Ped.

Joined: Jul 2007
Posts: 13,863
Likes: 6
From: Washington, DC
Bikes: Some bikes. Hell, they're all the same, ain't they?
Pick a style of shoe first (basically, 3-bolt "road" or 2-bolt "MTB"), then we'll narrow it down a lot more for ya.
I'd already say to look at the ones that require zero to little maintenance. All clipless systems work one way or another to hold your feet in place. I just don't like to spend off-bike time futzing around with pedals and cleats when I could be either riding or playing video games.
I'd already say to look at the ones that require zero to little maintenance. All clipless systems work one way or another to hold your feet in place. I just don't like to spend off-bike time futzing around with pedals and cleats when I could be either riding or playing video games.






