Best clipless pedals for brakeless track bike?
 

Hi

I have a couple bikes that I ride here in New York. One is a track bike. I've been riding it for about eight years, first with clips and straps and for the last six years I've been using the BMX platform and holdfast Velcro straps. I have never ridden clipless on any bike but for the past few months I've really been itching to try them. I have two sets of clipless pedals that I've acquired over time but no shoes. One is a set of Shimano M505 SPDs and the other is an older set of Speedplay pedals, not sure which model. Are either of these suitable for street fixed gear riding with no brake? I imagine that back pedaling and having to stop hard could make you unclip unintentionally which I definitely don't want. If the two types I have are no good, then what is the best clipless option? I've seen plenty of people doing it but just wondering what I need to consider before trying myself.

As much as I hate bikes without brakes on them...

Many pedals won't clip out until you rotate your foot out or in. Pushing back and forth shouldn't make you clip out.

Either of those pedals should work. You don't see speedplays on fixed-gear a whole lot but there isn't really a reason not to use them. Most people who ride one the street would prefer the SPDs because then you could get mountain bike shoes which are actually okay for walking around in as opposed to road shoes which are basically useless for walking in.

If you plan on doing any walking, Speedplay is pretty much out. Personally, I've always liked Time ATACs. Your SPD's should be fine, just make sure you don't use multidirectional release cleats if you're riding brakeless.

I recently switched over to clipless on my FG. However I have a front brake, don't often use it but I like knowing its there. My set up is Shimano M520 pedals, which appear to be their entry level pedal and a Fi Zi K m5boa shoe. The shoes are fantastic, the pedals do what they're supposed to but I'm sure they're not the lightest pedal around. If you y'no, care about weight.

When/ if you go clip less I would recommend staying away from any single sided, because it so unbelievably nice to be able to just step down to clip in, as apposed to having to kick the pedal over to get to the clip in side and clip in. Cook bros. egg beaters should be on your radar. 4 sided.

Meh

Once you get a hang of single sided road pedals it takes no effort to clip in.

I always suggest this to anyone looking to go clipless, regardless of the bike.

Shimano PD-M520 Clipless Pedal > Components > Pedals > Mountain Pedals | Jenson USA

Agreed.

+1 for time atac. but i'd try out those SPD's first since you already have them. if you end up wanting something else you'd just need new cleats&pedals

NYC on the street .. If Not on the velodrome , None.

Once you get the drill down, flipping over 2 double sided toe clip pedals at once ..

Is how Cyclocross was raced before SPuD pedals were invented..



( maybe a set of Mavic's Magnetic shoe-pedal combination.) IDK if they're still made/sold.

Time has, and Crank bros Mallet, are like big platform pedals with the mech in the center

so If situation is sketchy you can ride not clipped in Too , and not have to snap in every time.

You can ride in your spongy sole trainers too ..

NYC on the street? Absolutely clipped in. I have ridden the Chicago streets as well and there is no way I wouldn't be clipped in even on a geared bike.

I've been on speedplay on all my bikes except mtn. bikes for more than ten years. No reason not to use them if you have them already. They're not the easiest to walk in but are manageable for short walks. If I was a messenger again with a lot of walking I would use spd's and a touring or mtn. shoe.

Is there any reason to chose one over the other as a first time clipless user?

As a first time user, you don't know the difference. Go with the cheapest, and if you would like to practice you can get the multi release SPD cleats. I don't recommend these because you will unclip if you pull up hard enough and if you are riding fixed, that can happen and you don't want to accidentally unclip. If you decide that you like riding clipless, then you can invest in a good set of pedals or change to Time or Speedplay or whatever.