Pedal advice please

cusimar9

Hi all,

I'm a (relative) newbie to the whole bike thing and I've bought all the kit I need but I'm having second thoughts about my pedals.

I bought some Specialized road shoes and some Look KEO pedals. The pedals were about 30 quid, and they're single sided 'clip' pedals.

They're great, except for when I need to clip into them. Its fine most of the time, but when you've stopped at some traffic lights, and you've got cars all around you, and you need to get on with it, the last thing you want is to have to fart about for 20 seconds trying to get your damn shoes to clip in!

For the sake of £30 I'm happy to just buy some more pedals. I've noticed that MTB pedals tend to have clips on both sides, I presume that would help me. What other options do I have? I'm quite sure my shoes are capable of having a few different types of cleats in.

supersonic

If your shoes can accept SPD type cleats then there are a lot of pedals to choose from.

This is a bit of a budget classic:

http://www.awcycles.co.uk/brands/Shiman ... index.aspx

cusimar9

So there's no hard and fast rule about pedals, I can just have whatever I want?

What about these?, says they have 4 entry points? :idea: Or maybe I need something with a bigger surface area so I can still pedal to get me going even if I'm not clipped in?

I think these are the shoes I've got, seems they accept a few different cleats.

supersonic

The shoes seem compatible with most common systems. The Crank bros have their own fans, as do Time: but usually at this price Shimano offers the best durabilty (esp bearings) and adjustabilty. There are a few with platforms as well if you feel that is best for you.

cusimar9

So maybe something like this?

http://www.chainreactioncycles.com/Models.aspx?ModelID=771

supersonic

Its an option, but not the lightest.

cusimar9

Not really arsed about weight, I'm doing LEJOG and I can take my sweet time

Aunty Rubbish

Crank Bro Smarties or Candies.
Smarties are serviceable (once you've sussed that there really is an end cap on them covering the bearings) but Candies would be better. I got them for the same reasons as you, ease of access at lights etc. They offer a big enough platform that you can ride on them unclipped without too much difficulty (so long as you're not on smooth soled road shoes). The Crank Bros Road Eggbeaters are pretty good too, again, nice big platform but you can't use them with leisure/mtb boots as the thick bearing section fouls the tread.

Edit - I just re-read your post. If you use road shoes then the Eggbeater road pedals would be your best bet. They also have a very useful plastic cleat surround which makes walking more secure and provides an excellent platform on the pedal body. Eggy Roads can be had for about £50 if you shop around.

cusimar9

I can't find the Egg Beater road pedals

Only these. That doesn't look like a very good surface to pedal on if you're not clipped in?

cusimar9

Actually I might just get the Shimano M520 pedals, they're cheap and they've had excellent reviews, don't think I could go wrong with a pair of them

fozy

cusimar9 wrote:

Actually I might just get the Shimano M520 pedals, they're cheap and they've had excellent reviews, don't think I could go wrong with a pair of them

I think that i am going to buy the same one's but don't pay RRP of £30 you can get them for £16 - £18 on ebay, merlin and JE James!!! And the 540's for £24.

cusimar9

Thanks for the tip