ultra-g

I'm interested in getting a new pair of pedals for my Specialized Langster, I don't like the toe clip pedals, they take too long to get my feet in and out when I'm riding on the street.

I don't have a whole lot of money either, so I was hoping to get a good pair or decent pair for under $75.

Any recommendations? I've never used clipless and I don't think I can afford cycling shoes anyway.

Thanks

Fugazi Dave

I've found that the $50 Shimano spuds 9=(these hold up pretty well. No pedal will last forever, but the pair I've got have seen heavy use and abuse for 2 years and are still going strong. You can also get the basic Crank Bros eggbeaters for about $75, I think.

As for shoes, check the clearance at all the usual suspects. You can usually find decent shoes for pretty cheap that way. I got my Diadoras for about $20. I'm sure you can find a similar deal.

pitboss

Time Atacs if you have MTB shoes

redfooj

get some Powerstraps if you dont want Clip Ins

if youre having trouble with the clipins... enlarge the cage.. also, try other shoes. if i wear my basketball shoes with a larger, rounder toe, i can get in the cage instantly. with my flatter tennis shoes and adidas shelltop and such, its more difficult

commander_taco

The new shimano m520's ($50 at jensonusa) are the best kept secret. They have sealed cartridge bearings and a design similar to their high end counterparts. I choose them over egg beaters and I am very happy so far.

SchreiberBike

They have no chi chi factor, but I've been very satisfied with $20.00 spds like these @ Nashbar

johann

The King of the Retro-Grouches at Rivendell is a big believer in platform pedals (i think they've given them the tongue-in-cheek technology name of "Step On" pedals). Sounds like the MKS RMX Pedals fit the bill, but Grant and crew offer other styles of "Step On" as well. See:

Rivendell's Pedal Collection

I love these guys, some of the most interesting bike sites and publications around, even if you don't buy anything from them.

oldskoolboarder

Something to also consider. SPDs don't have float, which means that it allows your foot to rotate on the pedal. Why is this important? For those of us w/ odd knee issues, like me w/ bow legs, it's a strain to keep your foot 90 degrees w/ the pedal spindle. Pedals w/ float alleviate this and help to save your knees. I didn't realize this until someone told me about it. I always wondered why my knees/ankles hurt even after short rides.

I use both speedplay and crank bros (candy SL). You can always find good deals on ebay as well, as long as the pedal bearings haven't been worn out.

LuisB

I've used Shimano M520s and they're great. It'll cost you between $40-$50.

interpol

go real cheap and just remove the straps from your current pedals, if the straps are what's bothering you. or keep practicing til it comes naturally. or you can spend up to and above your limit to go clipless for pedals and shoes and still have a hard time getting in and out of the pedals. another idea may be the shimano m324's with one flat side and one SPD side. $64, less if you're an rei member and haven't used your %20 off coupon yet. then you can get shoes later.

jzawodny

This guy is right on about the importance of float. But to say that SPDs don't allow it is incorrect. As I recall, float is a matter of the cleat. Older cleats did not provide it, but newer ones do, and in various angles to accomodate different needs. I have two sets of Shimano SPD pedals, and even with my knee issues have been very comfortable on either.

oldskoolboarder

That's true. I've been riding on older SPDs which did not have float on the cleats. The newer ones may have but I opted for a different pedal. No regrets.

skitbraviking

Search ebay for speedplays or crank bros or time. You'll find deals if the timing and your search is right. Clipped MKS are also great and afforable and you won't have to buy new shoes, provided you can deal with the clips. I went clipped after being clipless... Just made more sense because I take lots of short trips and can always throw on the clipless for longer rides.

captsven

I love my Speedplays and so do my knees. I recommend them because of the all the float they give.

When you are going 30+ mph down a hill and spinning 140+ rpms you need to feel comfortable.

peligro

Roger that...just changed from SPDs to Atacs and I'm very happy. Bigger contact area, less sole flexing, good retention so skid friendly.

My LBS is blowing out the 2003 basic model for $50 so shop around.

infestedguy1

i used to have a real hard time getting my feet in the mks sylvan pedals i used to have. a friend of mine suggested the mks gr-9. they have a really large flip up tab, much bigger than most pedals i've seen. i've been really happy with them and recommend them to folks. they look pretty good, especially with metal clips and are pretty cheap. i use them on both of my bikes. harris cyclery has them and you can get them off e-bay for right around 30 - 35 bucks.

Subtle Trouble

My vote is for whatever house-brand pedals Nashbar or Performance has on sale. You could probably get a set of pedals and shoes for $70. I've some that have lasted me for over 5 years. It's usually the cleats that go before the pedals do.