Help with clipless pedal and shoe selection
 

Hey guys,

I'm looking for some clipless pedals and road bike shoes, my budgets $300 for everything. I've been looking at the shimano 105s and some specialized shoes, but would like to hear from experienced people what my best bang for buck would be.

Thanks in advance.

105s are very good pedals. Only slightly heavier than Ultegras that work exactly the same.

Specialized makes good shoes. So does Sidi. You'll have to try on a few pairs and decide for yourself. I like the fast lacing system some of Specialized's higher end models.

I spent just under $300 and got the Specialized Road Elite shoes, and Speedplay Zeros (Cromoly), a pair of socks and the Coffeeclip covers.

Float is adjustable on the cleat for Speedplay, double sided entry. For many of the other systems, you have to change shims to get different amounts of float. Float allows you to compensate if your knees aren't perfectly straight. I was advised by a cat-3 racer that had tried many systems and had knee problems until he went back to Speedplays.

For shoes, you really need to try them. Many shoes don't work well for wide feet and make sure you're wearing cycling socks when you try them on.

I've been extremely happy with the Speedplays and the shoes are very comfortable. I would have no qualms recommending either.

I don't know which shoes your LBS has but you will want to try the shoes on instead of ordering them. I use Shimano shoes and love them. If your LBS doesn't have the pedals on hand they can be had for cheap online at places like nasbar free shipping right now http://www.nashbar.com/bikes/Product...58_-1___202531 use code "57431" at checkout.

eBay also has them pretty cheap. Other options are Speedplay...probably light action if you are a noob
Other pedals to consider that are in your price range are Look Keo, Time Iclic..there are options.

I'd recommend get the best shoes you can first, then pick the pedal system (Shimano, Look Keo, Time, or Speedplay, or other) you want and purchase what you can with what's left over. Pedals can be upgraded later if you want. But the shoes will have a direct bearing on your comfort.

I agree with this...good shoes are worth it. I passed on the $69 shoes and went with a good shoe. IMHO you can go with the Shimano R540 pedal http://www.nashbar.com/bikes/Product...76_-1___202531 and be just fine. They don't have "105" on the side of them but they perform well and most users love them.

If you're looking for bang for your buck, I'd check out departmentofgoods.com ...their selection varies but I grabbed a $250 set of northwaves for $125...they have a 50% off msrp coupon all the time

I love my speedplays but came over from some ultegra spd-sls, so the 105 pedals would be good especially for the price

You can often find 105 pedals online for under $75. Last spring I got them for about $10 more than 540s. 540s aren't bad entry level pedals, but I'd look for discounted 105s

Get the best shoes within your budget. And try them on first. Almost everyone makes a good shoe for <$200.