The clipless debate - again!

markshaw77
markshaw77 Posts: 437
edited August 2008 in Commuting chat
Been lurking here for a while, but wanted to get a view on some clipless specifics...

Have always ridden with 'open' to-clips (ie plastic cage but no tie) - some attachment benefits, but so easy to slide in and out of - but have now been convinced to go clipless on my new bike (Specialized Sirrus Comp 2008).

But I am wondering which specific components are going to be best for a clipless-noob!

Cleats - pretty set on SPDs (lots of choice, etc), so was looking at starting with the Shimano multirelease cleats (SH55) for fewer worries about getting out in a hurry

Shoes - was looking at Specialized MTB Taho/Sport/Comp or Pearl Izumi X-Alp Low/Enduro as I need something that I can walk in as part of my mixed-mode commute

Pedals - not sure on this one - double clip (Shimano M520/M540) or cage and clip (Shimano M424/M545) - was thinking of M545 as the cage is removable so seems to give the best of both worlds for a few quid more

Thoughts anyone?

Comments

  • cjcp
    cjcp Posts: 13,345
    Christ alive! I've been using clipless for four years, on the commute for two, and I've not seen that much details! Well done, sir!

    I have Shimano Ultegra pedals, the relevant cleats, Specialized BG shoes and that seems to do the trick.
    FCN 2-4.

    "What happens when the hammer goes down, kids?"
    "It stays down, Daddy."
    "Exactly."
  • karl j
    karl j Posts: 517
    crikey when i first read that i just thought i've no idea what mine are. Anyhow, just looked and they are M181B shoes, and M520 basic double-sided SPD pedals. Which all work pretty much as they should do.
    Morning route (when i don't get the train)

    Evening route ,
  • lost_in_thought
    lost_in_thought Posts: 10,563
    I have the taho shoes, very comfy, very good and clippy, and I also have a pair of shimano clippy sandals for the summer.

    I wouldn't go for the ones with the cages, I don't really see how they add anything seeing as you're pretty well attached. Definitely go multi-release, definitely double-sided.

    Only thing which might be worthwhile is to get the ones which are a normal size pedal with the SPD clip inthe middle - makes it easier to ride the bike without the SPDs if you fancy it every once in a while.
    FCN 7/1
    Viner Maxima, Tifosi CK7, Giant Bowery, Old commuter.
  • ride_whenever
    ride_whenever Posts: 13,279
    Forgo any sort of cage or platform, they just make things more difficult.

    M540 for pedals (they don't have spanner flats so don't chew cranks and have better bearings IIRC) and then off to the lbs for shoe trying in your commuting socks. I personally like the specialised BG sport shoes, plus you can walk in them without sliding all over the place!

    I've never tried multi-release cleats, but I'm sure they're a good idea!

    Bear in mind that the pedals will come with cleats, so you don't need to buy a spare set upon purchase, a lot of people get on fine with the standard ones.
    Neeermad
    Carbon 456
    456 lefty
    Pompino
    White Inbred
  • Littigator
    Littigator Posts: 1,262
    Man up!!!

    Mount 6 inch nails facing up on your pedals and stamp on them every time you push off.

    Aaahhhh God I love the smell of napalm in the morning!

    hmmmm...what?
    Roadie FCN: 3

    Fixed FCN: 6
  • lost_in_thought
    lost_in_thought Posts: 10,563
    Smells like victory?
    FCN 7/1
    Viner Maxima, Tifosi CK7, Giant Bowery, Old commuter.
  • ride_whenever
    ride_whenever Posts: 13,279
    Nails, they're for girls (current insane company excluded)

    everyone knows you should replace your pedals wtih beartraps. No uncliping at lights, but ULTIMATE power transfer...
    Neeermad
    Carbon 456
    456 lefty
    Pompino
    White Inbred
  • Clever Pun
    Clever Pun Posts: 6,778
    I use time atac pedals and sidi dominator mtb shoes, easy for walking in and they allow your feet a certain amount of play meaning you don't get knee pains that some suffer from.

    on my new bike I went for the time ATAC carbon XS and they're really light and are very nice indeed if a little pricey
    Purveyor of sonic doom

    Very Hairy Roadie - FCN 4
    Fixed Pista- FCN 5
    Beared Bromptonite - FCN 14
  • il_principe
    il_principe Posts: 9,155
    I'm sorry but there is no debate - cages/straps are for beardie tourers and hipsters. Proper cyclists go clipless.
  • DonDaddyD
    DonDaddyD Posts: 12,689
    Am I the only person that uses SPD-SL's for my commute and all other road bike purposes?
    Food Chain number = 4

    A true scalp is not only overtaking someone but leaving them stopped at a set of lights. As you, who have clearly beaten the lights, pummels nothing but the open air ahead. ~ 'DondaddyD'. Player of the Unspoken Game
  • gtvlusso
    gtvlusso Posts: 5,112
    No Dondaddyd, you are not alone, I use SPD-SL all the time - commuting and Leisure on the road. My commute can be up to 72 miles per day, so it is well worth it and I rarely have to stop - unless I am shagged out.

    Ultegra SL pedals on my Race bike and PDR540 SPD-SL on my flat bar roadie - mated to Sidi shoes.

    I use Ritchey SPD clipless pedals and Diadora shoes for my MTB - I am rubbish on a mountain bike, so keep the release quite loose.

    Just need some clipless pedals for the car and motorbike and I am complete.....
  • biondino
    biondino Posts: 5,990
    Commuting through London I am probably stopping more than a dozen times in half an hour so I need to be able to stand up. Also, taking spare shoes around with me is a real pain in the arse, so I leave a couple of pairs at work and let me lovely Spesh BG mtb shoes deal with all other walking duties.
    My Focus / My Bob Jackson
    Blog (incl. bikes)
  • victor ludorum
    victor ludorum Posts: 310
    DonDaddyD wrote:
    Am I the only person that uses SPD-SL's for my commute and all other road bike purposes?

    No, but I am possibly the only person in the world who uses Crank Brothers Quattros...
    Nothing compares to the simple pleasure of a bike ride.
    (John F Kennedy)

    Hairy Roadie (new scoring) FCN 1/2
  • markshaw77
    markshaw77 Posts: 437
    Thanks guys

    I ended up going with the M540 pedals, SH56 multirelease cleats (apparently the older SH55's are not compatible with the M520/M540 pedals?!?) and some Specialized Taho shoes

    Will let you know how I get on when they all come in.

    Cheers
    Mark
  • sc999cs
    sc999cs Posts: 596
    Just remember you'll be twisting your foot out of the cleats, not pulling back as you would with toe clips. Took me a while to adapt when I made the change. Practice on your old bike...

    Steve C
    Steve C

Categories