1st Time clipless, any recomendations

Hurricane151
Hurricane151 Posts: 632
edited January 2009 in Workshop
I'm a newbie to road bikes and i am looking to get clipless pedals so I was wondering if anyone has any recomendations on the best shoe / pedals. I have been looking but a little confused with SPDs, Look, 2 bolt, 3 bolt..etc

just after a little guidence if anyone can help.

Cheers
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Specialized Tarmac SL3 (Sunday Best)

Comments

  • abkfc
    abkfc Posts: 42
    I started with spd's but found they gave me problems with knee pain,switched to look red cleats ,these give your feet and legs the chance to find their own natural pedal stroke through what they call " float " in the cleat and pedal set up. I would recommend you practice away from traffic eg industrial estate or very quit roads to get used to clipping in and out ,look for some where soft to fall to if you get stuck ,look for a line where you want to bring the bike to a halt and release your foot a few meters before hand , it does not take long to gain confidence. Good luck and happy cyling.
  • Wappygixer
    Wappygixer Posts: 1,396
    I'd probably recommend mtb SPD pedals.Very easy to get in and out of especially if you buy multi release cleats.And you get 2 sides to aim for.
    Once you have mastered these them move onto a road pedal if you want.If you only commute then spd's will still be the best as you can walk in them with out destroying the cleats
  • bluecow
    bluecow Posts: 306
    Wappygixer wrote:
    I'd probably recommend mtb SPD pedals.Very easy to get in and out of especially if you buy multi release cleats.And you get 2 sides to aim for.
    Once you have mastered these them move onto a road pedal if you want.If you only commute then spd's will still be the best as you can walk in them with out destroying the cleats

    This was my thinking when i went clipless, but now ive used SPDs i dont think id ever change to road shoes/pedals. For commuting and stopping/starting quickly at lights (unless RLJing is your thing) then double sided is invaluable.
  • gundersen
    gundersen Posts: 586
    one thing to ponder is you anatomy

    i can't use look (or copies like shimano) because i can't twist my ankles in their way (due to a broken ankle many years ago)

    so i use time as they are compatable with my ankle
  • redvee
    redvee Posts: 11,922
    Adult stabilizers :lol: that way you won't fall over when you forget to unclip.
    I've added a signature to prove it is still possible.
  • softlad
    softlad Posts: 3,513
    I've used SPD and Look previously, but I now use Time - and if I had known back then how good the Time set up was, I would probably never have used anything else.

    But it's a very individual choice - a bit like shoes - what suits one may not suit another...
  • marcthehammer
    marcthehammer Posts: 126
    Hi,Ive just gone clipless too.And i went for SPD double sided pedals went for these http://www.sjscycles.co.uk/product-Shim ... -10226.htm. And shoes i got these http://www.cyclesurgery.com/1027659/Spe ... -Shoe.html.
    Been very happy with both so far.I found clipping in harder than unclipping at first but now its a doddle.
    SOME PEOPLE ARE LIKE SLINKIES; NOT REALLY GOOD FOR ANYTHING BUT THEY BRING A SMILE TO YOUR FACE WHEN PUSHED DOWN THE STAIRS
  • duckson
    duckson Posts: 961
    Also a first time clipless user and i got some Speedplay Zero (double sided, easy in-out and up to 15degrees of float) plus a pair of DHB R1 shoes....these are cheap but good value for money!
    Cheers, Stu
  • wilwil
    wilwil Posts: 374
    Speedplay pedals. They are 2 sided and much easier to use than Look I had before. You don't have to worry about flicking the pedal the right way round.
    Drawbacks are price and cleat fitting is a bit more complicated.

    As used by the worlds top Pro road cycling team

    I have also used Shimano SPDs on a mountain bike and on a road bike which are user friendly especially if you want to walk around because the cleat is recessed into the sole.

    Ultimately if you want to take road cycling more seriously then road dedicated shoes and pedals are much better.
  • GavH
    GavH Posts: 933
    Whatever model you opt for, make sure you don't forget you have them at the end of your first ride like I did. Pulled into the front garden, came to a stop just as I realised I was still clipped to the pedals. Bike (and me) both toppled sideways with me still attached. Couldn't get unclipped quick enough for fear of the neighbours seeing!! :oops:
  • Stu07
    Stu07 Posts: 48
    + 1 for Dhb R1's. Excellent value for money.

    I went with Time RXS pedals. They're only one sided but after about 30 minutes of clipping in and out it became second nature. The other advantage is the float on them, and they are reasonably easy to walk in (as in 4 miles when my pump broke).
  • rapid_uphill
    rapid_uphill Posts: 841
    i use xpedo double sided spd titanium pedals, theyre lighter than speedplay zero and only half the price and being all titanium they will last forever.
  • ziggy.mcd
    ziggy.mcd Posts: 66
    I use SPD mountain bike pedals on my commuter hybrid with multi release cleats and have carried the system through onto my road bike for conveinience. They are not exacly the last word in optimimum power transfer but as long as you don't want to pull up too hard they work ok.

    My favourite trick is unclipping on one side and then trying to put the other foot down. :)
  • r3 guy
    r3 guy Posts: 229
    speedplays seem to be the best for beginners (light action)

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