move to fixed with SPD pedals

stefano

Hi guys, I am riding single speed, about 23 miles a day in London’s heavy traffic.
I am thinking to go fixed but also to move to SPD pedals.
Should I do both together or start with one first, what is the best way?

GaryGkn

I was thinking of going over to SPD on fixed but I think I will have to get the SPD technique down before I transfer it to fixed. I would go for double sided pedals. Having never done it I have been put off as there is enough for me to concentrate on just riding fixed.

rdaviesb

Start with SPD, then move to fixed. Some can struggle with the idea of having their feet fixed to a pedal, so building confidence that you can get out of the binding is key. After that, the move to fixed is relatively simple. The bike will only throw you off once before you learn.......

gkerr4

as above - go SPD then add fixed once you are confident with the whole "i'm attached to the bike" concept.

I have to say though, that clipless pedals and fixed are made to go with each other - it makes for a great combo and you will wonder how you managed before. also - moving to clipless isn't such a big learning curve - they are pretty simple devices. Especially if you go for something like the double sided Shimano SPD pedals. I have them on my langster running fixed and with the specialised MTb shoes and they are excellent - in fact probably safer to be joined to the pedals ona fixed than not.

GaryGkn

I might give it ago. I can start out on a geared bike master the technique and then transfer the skills to my fixed. Wouldn't know where to start with shoes I wear Exustar touring shoes as you can walk on them and I use old fashioned rat traps. I could use them as they have a bit to cut away on the bottom but I would probably prefer something stiffer.

fraz167

I have been thinking about this as well. What pedal and shoe combinations can anyone reccommend?

I am after a pair of shoes that i can walk in as well?

Cheers

Fraser

Mark Alexander

Fraser,
I use PD-M324's
http://bike.shimano.com/publish/content ... ntain.html

great for just poping out to the shops without the spd's

with Northwave Lizard shoes (wide soles)
http://www.northwave.com/eu/shoes_det.p ... =2&area=2#

peejay78

i uses shimano mmoutnain bike SPDS on account fo the recessed cleat. i use a specialized mtb shoe that isn't too clumpy, this way i can walk when not on the bike.

however, for 'social functions', i have some sylvan track pedals and cages and wear my converse. this way i can avoid the incriminating glances at my footwear.

GaryGkn

Have done it.

First with a road bike for two weeks then on a fixed for two days.

I have managed to fall over 3 times on the road bike as I did not release my foot fast enough when stopping abruptly. I will adjust the tension tonight to make the release easier.

lost_in_thought

I would say that the way forward here is to get the SPD pedals first on your normal bike, I use girl shoes, shimano Taho shoes. I bought them a bit tight as if they grow the rubbing would be very painful! Mine have grown a bit and now fit really nicely.

Set the pedals to the loosest fitting at first, will make clicking in and out much easier, most of them come with a multi-directional release which is a good plan. As you get used to the idea that you have to move your foot in a funny way to get it off the pedal, tighten them up little by little. Personally I wouldn't recommend toe clips, but that's just me.

I have seen a few people gradually toppling over as they try to release their shoes - not a good idea to have the clips too tight!

But slightly amusing to watch... I caught one of them - good samaritan.

As for the fixed, I have just changed over myself. Do it, it's fantastic!

bracestower

A good (if obvious) tip with SPDs is to unclip as you're approaching a junction. You can leave it till later once you're more experienced.

And you don't want to ride fixed unless you're attached to the pedals really, either with SPDs or toeclips.

SamWise72

Definitely don't try both at once. You will fall over sideways when you are new to SPD (everyone does), and the first time you ride fixed, you'll probably try to coast as you approach your first corner, or brake for the first time, and feel like you're going to get thrown. I personally would not like to experience those two joys at the same time!

GaryGkn

Sam you are wise. I am going to try fixed and spd again tomorrow.

SamWise72

I never could get on terms with clipless (Look, rather than SPD). I fell over any number of times, and felt constant low level stress when riding them. I realised after a while that I was making excuses to ride any other bike than the one with the Look pedals on, so I took 'em off. I still have 3 pairs of look and one of Campy look compatible pedals (taken off bikes I parted out), and the shoes, so I might try again. I also now have some SPD compatible MTB shoes, so maybe I'll try that, but maybe not. Clips and straps have rocked my world since I was 13.......

GaryGkn

I also feel the low level stress I nearly came off today again when I had to stop abruptly. Luckily I had loosened the cleats the night before. Also I am much more inclined to release only my left and worry about having to release my right and not doing it in time. I have not had a trouble with cages but clipless may be a harder skill to master.

SamWise72

I have size 11 feet, and found that the only way I could reliably release my Looks was with the pedal at 12 o clock, and then rotate my heel into the frame. Couldn't turn far enough in an outward direction, and would get stuck, couldn't turn far enough inward in any other position. Nightmare, and just not worth it for the admittedly nice feel of being anchored. Also, the Look compatible shoes I got made me look like Michael Jackson in space.

GaryGkn

Dangerous. Also dangerous is moving your heel inward you could hit the spokes.

SamWise72

Well, I suppose so, but I was always careful to be rotating it into the frame. The problem came whenever I had to unclip unexpectedly, when it would invariably get hairy. I didn't like it. I'm still tempted to try the pedals with platforms AND spds - maybe the spds would be kinder too me than the Looks.

BUICK

My vote is also for the (cheap!) mountain bike spd's - I've been using them on my fixed gear bike for about a year and wouldn't go back. I won't say there wasn't a period of adjustment (and two minor falls) but it makes a lot of sense, especially on a fast downhill. I don't feel secure without them at all now. I tried using platform pedals again a couple of months ago just to remind myself how it felt - and it felt horrific comparatively!