flats, clips or both??

andy83

getting first road bike in few weeks and want to use spds for obviuos advantages but scared i will fall off and just forget to take my feet out

i have seen that you can get pedals that have both options is it worth getting these or shall i go straight for spds

tempted to go to bike shop and get them to add some decent pedals onto my c2w scheme or shall i just get used to the bike first with the stock pedals it comes with??

bike is trek 1.2 if that makes any difference

also looking to get some second hand shoes, is it wise to get a size more than i normally wear for trainers etc

thanks in advance

Harry B

Depends? Are you used to a road bike already? If so I'd go straight for the spds. I used to use clips and straps arguing that I most most of the advantages of clipless without the risk of falling, but them I fell :?

I commute through London (when I can get out of bed to communite) and find myself having to clip in and out all the time. You soon get used to it. Since i went clipless I've only had 2 falls; one when a numpty walked in front of me on Ditchlin Beacon (on the L2B) and another time when I was on my SS going for a short ride with my son. I was chatting to him as we pulled up and I completely forgot to upcip. Queue a graceful sideway fall onto a grass bank.

The advantages of clipless are that you can pull up with them as well which makes a big difference when accelerating hard or going up a steep hill.

Enjoy

blu3cat

The advantages of clipless are that you can pull up with them as well which makes a big difference when accelerating hard or going up a steep hill.

+1

You will more than likely go over off a couple of times when you forget to unclip or try to pull your foot ftraight off the pedal.

Did it a few times when I first got my SPDs, difinitely not the graceful fall into a grass bank - straight over onto a road at stopped lights - only thing I really hurt (apart from some light bruising) was my pride. At least the bus full of people stopped behind me got a good laugh at my expense :oops:

You could set the release to be very weak to start with so you can pull your feet off easily until you are used to having SPDs, and then tighten them up to get the full benefit.

Worth a couple of minor "incidents" for the improved pedal stroke and power increase.

andy83

thanks for replies

no not used to road bikes at all

to be hoenst my commute is not massive but when i increase it will mainly be down country lanes, think im swaying to the dual option but not entirely sure yet

did find just from a 5 minute ride the feel of a road bike is totally different so maybe its best i get used to the bike

BenS999

Go clipless - you wont regret it.
It will take a few rides to get used to it and you will almost certainly fall once or twice but its more falling over (embarresing) when you forget to unclip than a hard fall if you know what i mean.
Try Wiggle or Chain reaction for shoes - they have some decent shoes at good prices (look for last years stock) so you may not have to get a pair second hand. Usually i buy shoes my own shoe size (no bigger or smaller) but it varies according to manufacturer just llike normal shoes.

will3

If you're worried about not getting a foot out, get SPDs with multirelease cleats. Then wind the tension to the minimum. Like that it's difficult not to be able to get your foot out.

biondino

I'd go for the dual option if there is a good reason why you won't always be able to wear cycling shoes when you ride - this way, you can ride fine whatever you're wearing. However, if you want to give clipless a go, I'd buy some double-sided SPDs or, my personal choice, Crank Bros Eggbeaters (which have 4 entry points so you never have to faff about with finding the right side/place on the pedal). If you don't get on with them, you can sell the pedals for a minimal loss.

bodisgod

I fitted a pair of Shimano A530 touring pedals to my Boardman Team Carbon bought on C2W. I've used SPD's before on MTB's, Look clipless on road bikes. Dodgy knees etc I thought the A530's give me both options, I can go out on the road bike wearing trainers if I want. They grip well enough, not actually tried the clipside yet, so can't comment, but I'm pretty sure they will be fine. A530's were around £35, A520's slightly cheaper, same idea, worth a look.

kieronymous

Firstly - straps are more dangerous than SPDs in a fall. For the same reason that the old leather strap ski bindings are more dangerous than modern bindings: they don't release.

Right - assuming you're not going to be a serious roady (and if you are, you'll be upgrading more than pedals and shoes anyway!):

If you get MTB style double sided SPDs, you can get a plastic platform to put on one side of the pedal, which you can then use as a flat pedal while you build confidence. Take it off when you're ready. Only problem is it's not very grippy but then you're not going offroad eh.

Don't listen to the hardcore roadie set who will tell you to only buy single sided road pedals for their lower weight and alleged performance advantage (if you're a pro, maybe). Plenty roadies prefer MTB pedals, especially the minimalist ones, for their 'stamp and go' convenience, which incidentally makes them safer at the lights.

Ditto roady shoes with no grip. Impossible to walk in, and no good for that plastic flat platform I mentioned. I'd go for an MTB shoe with a recessed cleat. But that's just me.

Regarding SPDs, there are other options. Personally I rate Time 'Atac' and Crank Bros 'Eggbeater' style pedal cleats. IMHO the action is smoother and more confidence inspiring, and they're easier to release when you stop, especially when new. The jury's out on how they perform in a crash, but then I've crashed on all three types and all three have always released.

Wooliferkins

I hung on to straps for ages but on changing to Speedplay Frog pedals I love them. They are so easy to clip in an out of you dont have to worry about faffing around with all Shimanos moving parts and tensions. Your feet just slot on and twist off. I find it really difficult to ride on flats now as you can only apply force on the down stroke. The cleats on th Frogs are a low profile so most touring/mtb/leisure shoes will stop you doing the road shoe waddle.

FyPunK

+1 with bodisgod, I have put the A530's on mine and have now been clipless for two weeks, so far so good and no moments yet. I coupled them with some Spesh Taho after the advice from people on here, I still cant get over the difference they have made when clipped in.

downwardslide

I got some M324's which I'm very happy with, very usefull having the flats if you just want to nip down the shops, or if your cycling around the park with your four year old daughter and have to keep stopping to let her catch up
They come with the multi release cleats and as has been mentioned, you can adjust the tension which is great when your first getting used to them.
No off yet, but I have to say I've been very concious of the fact that I'm clipped in so always release in good time. Having said that,, no doubt I'll have an "incident" on the way home and end up sprawled in a ditch