Clipless Pedals - New to roadbike and biking in general
10-15-14, 04:06 PM
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Clipless Pedals - New to roadbike and biking in general
Hi guys,
I recently purchased an older Specialized Secteur Elite (Specialized Bicycle Components) and would like to go clipless. I currently have cheap flat pedals installed but am looking to upgrade. I live in SF Bay Area and use the bike to commute 4 miles RT on weekdays. I plan to start doing longer 20-40 mile rides over the weekend. My preference is to get platform (clipless on one side) and not switch back and forth if possible. Would welcome your recommendations but here's my short list based on ease of use. I recognize these have more float but might be ideal for a beginner.
a) Shimano PDT-420 - $80 PD-T420 - PEDALS - CYCLING FOOTWEAR AND PEDALS - LIFESTYLE GEAR - SHIMANO
b) Speedplay Light Action Chrome Molly - $115 SPEEDPLAY : HIGH PERFORMANCE PEDALS
For speedplay, I could also get these platform addons. cheap plastic ones but might be okay for my 4 miles. (SPEEDPLAY : HIGH PERFORMANCE PEDALS)
c) Any others?
your help/advice is greatly appreciated.
Amit
I recently purchased an older Specialized Secteur Elite (Specialized Bicycle Components) and would like to go clipless. I currently have cheap flat pedals installed but am looking to upgrade. I live in SF Bay Area and use the bike to commute 4 miles RT on weekdays. I plan to start doing longer 20-40 mile rides over the weekend. My preference is to get platform (clipless on one side) and not switch back and forth if possible. Would welcome your recommendations but here's my short list based on ease of use. I recognize these have more float but might be ideal for a beginner.
a) Shimano PDT-420 - $80 PD-T420 - PEDALS - CYCLING FOOTWEAR AND PEDALS - LIFESTYLE GEAR - SHIMANO
b) Speedplay Light Action Chrome Molly - $115 SPEEDPLAY : HIGH PERFORMANCE PEDALS
For speedplay, I could also get these platform addons. cheap plastic ones but might be okay for my 4 miles. (SPEEDPLAY : HIGH PERFORMANCE PEDALS)
c) Any others?
your help/advice is greatly appreciated.
Amit
10-15-14, 04:40 PM
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I've had the Shimano M234 for years and they served me well. Ideal for the N=1 situation.
I didn't have/wasn't aware of the Speedplay covers option at the time, and that looks like a great option. If it's within your budget, and you like the lollipop system, go with that.
I didn't have/wasn't aware of the Speedplay covers option at the time, and that looks like a great option. If it's within your budget, and you like the lollipop system, go with that.
10-15-14, 05:11 PM
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The Speedplay Platformers are pretty neat; I hadn't been aware of those, either.
That said, I would not necessarily recommend high float pedals (of any brand) to the first-timer, simply because of the extra vagueness and time that introduces before the release point. 0ş float pedals release at first twist of heel, and it's release that seems to cause the problems and fear we hear about from newbies, like falling over at stops.
It's not a terribly big deal in any case, as you'll learn just like most of us did, but I'm just saying that if there are low float options you ruled out merely on that basis, you may want to revisit them with this point in mind.
That said, I would not necessarily recommend high float pedals (of any brand) to the first-timer, simply because of the extra vagueness and time that introduces before the release point. 0ş float pedals release at first twist of heel, and it's release that seems to cause the problems and fear we hear about from newbies, like falling over at stops.
It's not a terribly big deal in any case, as you'll learn just like most of us did, but I'm just saying that if there are low float options you ruled out merely on that basis, you may want to revisit them with this point in mind.
10-15-14, 05:21 PM
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try these?
Wellgo Platform Clipless Dual Pedals w Shimano SPD Cleats | eBay
I put some of these on my 29er as I'm still a bit nervous being clipped to my mountain bike out on the single-track trails. Sometimes it's okay, but other times, I prefer to flip the pedals and be a little more free to put a foot down, etc.
Wellgo Platform Clipless Dual Pedals w Shimano SPD Cleats | eBay
I put some of these on my 29er as I'm still a bit nervous being clipped to my mountain bike out on the single-track trails. Sometimes it's okay, but other times, I prefer to flip the pedals and be a little more free to put a foot down, etc.
10-15-14, 05:26 PM
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10-15-14, 07:24 PM
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Go with the Shimano. Not only are they good to get started on, they are probably the best for commuting.
10-15-14, 08:35 PM
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I used Look Keo's for 5 years and then switched to Speedplay when I got a new bike earlier this year. I really like the Speedplay's and wished I had switched earlier.
10-15-14, 08:38 PM
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10-15-14, 08:52 PM
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The Speedplay Platformers are pretty neat; I hadn't been aware of those, either.
That said, I would not necessarily recommend high float pedals (of any brand) to the first-timer, simply because of the extra vagueness and time that introduces before the release point. 0ş float pedals release at first twist of heel, and it's release that seems to cause the problems and fear we hear about from newbies, like falling over at stops.
It's not a terribly big deal in any case, as you'll learn just like most of us did, but I'm just saying that if there are low float options you ruled out merely on that basis, you may want to revisit them with this point in mind.
That said, I would not necessarily recommend high float pedals (of any brand) to the first-timer, simply because of the extra vagueness and time that introduces before the release point. 0ş float pedals release at first twist of heel, and it's release that seems to cause the problems and fear we hear about from newbies, like falling over at stops.
It's not a terribly big deal in any case, as you'll learn just like most of us did, but I'm just saying that if there are low float options you ruled out merely on that basis, you may want to revisit them with this point in mind.
The good thing about speedplay zeros is that you can adjust the float to whatever you want, even zero... AND they don't look like platform pedals.
10-16-14, 07:35 AM
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Another nod for the Shimano......however......you don't even need the 420's. Just get the regular 400's. You can ride in them in regular shoes even. Or, you could even remove one side of the clips so you're essentially creating a 420....... But you'll find they're so easy to get out of just keep both sides clipless.
I have 2 bikes set up with them and they are THE best way to transition into clipless that I know of.
I now have some 540's on my road bike but thanks to Click'r pedals, I'm so used to it it's like 2nd nature now.
Click'r FTW!!!
I have 2 bikes set up with them and they are THE best way to transition into clipless that I know of.
I now have some 540's on my road bike but thanks to Click'r pedals, I'm so used to it it's like 2nd nature now.
Click'r FTW!!!
10-16-14, 10:43 AM
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I just bought these as my first biking/clipless shoe: SH-CT41 - TOUR - CYCLING FOOTWEAR AND PEDALS - LIFESTYLE GEAR - SHIMANO. They are one of the most comfortable pair of shoes I have ever purchased. You can walk on any surface without the cleats touching a thing. ~$80 on Amazon. I am using PD-A520 - PEDALS - CYCLING FOOTWEAR AND PEDALS - LIFESTYLE GEAR - SHIMANO on my road bike and Forté Campus Pedals on my Trek FX.
Last edited by Kingpcgeek; 10-16-14 at 10:46 AM.
10-16-14, 11:24 AM
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I love Speedplay pedals, but have never needed the cleat covers. Yes, they do making walking easier, but they don't really extend cleat life. I've found that without covers the cleats last about 10-12,000 miles before getting a lot of play/slop, but the outer part is still intact.
10-16-14, 12:30 PM
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I went to REI and did end up going with the Shimano PD-T420 pedals (flat on other side). Also, got the commuter shoes as well. Thanks everyone for your advice. I know there are many options out there but this is a good start. I will certainly be looking into speedplays in a year or so.
