rav3nrac3r

Hello,

I am a messenger in Portland Or. I started on and have been using a track bike everyday for work; for about 9 months.
I use cheap pedals with cheap clips. They work fine, I guess. I am very interested in converting to clipless. But I'm not sure what is good. People say "oh just use what makes you comfortable". But, I don't have very much experiance with clipless except when friends let me try out there bike that is clipless.
I'm leaning towards Time Atac pedals only because I've seen it on a few track bikes. I've never used them, but they look like they would be fairly durable. I sort of like the CrankBro's eggbeaters, but they seem a bit touchy and I imagine it could be harsh on my knees after a while. But, neverless, I do like the eggbeaters; they are my second choice.
Would anyone agree that it is probably best to go with a clipless pedal that is designed for mountain biking on a track bike that is used for messenging everday?
Thank you for any input.

-Brady

stevo

"I use cheap pedals with cheap clips. They work fine"

nothing more to explore, IMO.

gilby

To echo stevo, if what you have works then there's really no need to change.

On one bike, I use some double-sided SPDs that were on it when I got it. I definitely prefer them to clips (totally my preference, it just feels more secure, and my knees like having less side to side play with the clips), but my winter ride has clips so I can wear boots.

iamjberube

i go back and forth between time atacs and campys with clips. i like them both, feel a little more secure and strapped in with the clipless, but much more convenient with clips. i've never been a messenger, so i can't really say what's better on that front.

chimivee

Yes, because it's awkward to walk around in road shoes/cleats.

But as far as which pedals, unfortunately, it does come down to personal preference. ATACs, Eggbeaters, SPDs, Frogs... All good, but each a little different and you probably won't know until you try. SPDs are a popular all-rounder. ATACs are workhorses with good float, but a bit heavier. Eggbeaters have some die-hard MTB supports for their mudshedding ability and 4-sided entry. Frogs have gobs of tensionless float, which some love, some hate.

Fugazi Dave

I'm using eggbeaters and love 'em. I don't know why you think they are "touchy" - they are by far the most thought-unnecessary pedals I've ever used. Very, very easy to get in and out of, and secure when you're clipped in. I don't see why they would necessarily be any harder on your knees than any other pedals, either.

DanO220

I've gotta give props to eggbeaters, and Crank Bros, as well. I've been riding a set for over two years. Not only are they the lightest, most intuitive clippless pedals I've used, they also have great customer service.

Case in point: One evening I jump out of the saddle to mash up a hill and something goes weird. I dismount to find the pedal isn't rotating with it's signature smoothness. I get home and disassemble the pedal to find the spindle has cracked and bent. I call Crank Bros the next day and they tell me that for 25 bucks a new, updated set is on the way. Remember, I've been hammering on these pedals for over two years. They never mention a reciept or date of purchase anyway. They didn't even want to see the broken pedal first... Told me to send them back in the packaging my new ones were shipping in. I mentioned my cleats were getting worn and the sent along a pair gratis.

Simply outstanding. DanO

PhattTyre

I've ridden with ATACs on my mtn bikes for years and more recently on my fixie. I also ride Look road pedals on my road bike. They have a much better feel on the road than a mtn pedal, but the cleats are really hard to walk in. As for the Eggbeaters.... I'm waiting for my ATACs to wear out (it takes a long time), when they do I'm getting eggbeaters. They're great, easy to get in an out and you can't really clog them, only negative is with such a small platform riding them without the shoes and cleats is near impossible. I've ridden SPDs too, won't go back to them.

rav3nrac3r

Hmmm, well i'm just going to have put on some serious miles on both to figure it out. I really like the egg beaters, but I'm seeing the atac pedals as being more comfortable for riding all day.
On a similar note, SHOES, what shoes would one recommend. Its got to be comfortable and its got to be durable. (Running up and down stairs, etc.)
Thanks for any input

-Brady

gilby

Typically MTB shoes with recessed cleats work best for getting around on & off the bike. Road shoes are not so good for walking in. I'd suggest doing a search. Some answers also in this recent thread: https://www.bikeforums.net/singlespeed-fixed-gear/75342-shoes-clips-clipless-again-i-know-sorry.html

chimivee

No question you want MTB shoes. But if you do a lot of walking/running you could also look into the "recreational/urban" type MTB shoes. They typically look more like street shoes, have a less agressive tread w/ softer compound, and a more flexible sole (though probably still stiffer than sneakers/clips). Check Shimano, Specialized, etc. "Real" MTB shoes are very walkable, but are fairly stiff soled. Plus the tread is usually a harder compound since they're made to dig into dirt vs. grip smooth ground. But many use them w/ out complaints.

jfmckenna

fwiw I will never put clipless on my fixie. I have them on all my other bikes but not on the fixt. I feel very save and secure strapped into a nice big platform pedal that is my power and my brake. Just today out in the woods on my mtb I came out of the pedals 3 or for times. I cannot afford to take that chance when approaching a light in traffic. mtb or cyclocross shoes will be the best bet imo.

bostontrevor

Even "street" bike shoes are stiff. They have a stiff midsole and a rubberized outer sole. My Vans, for example, are the stiffest heavest low tops I've ever seen. But even without clipless pedals, they're great for efficient power transfer to teh pedal.