London commuting question re:going clipless

Stevo_666

Hi All,

I am buying a bike for commuting from the Bromley area into the West End 2-3 days a week and need to decide on which way to go pedal-wise.

The clipless vs flats question has been gone over quite a few times before on several forums but not from this angle as far as I can see. Normally for road riding clipless is a good option but I am not sure whether the amount of stop-start type riding in London rush hour and potentially the amount of clipping in and out a bit of a pain?

Any thoughts & experiences from you London/suburban commuters would be much appreciated

Cheers,
Steve.

MonkeyMonster

spd's ftw

edit - the post below is a more extravagant but no less informative version of mine - more understandable however

MTB shoes and double sided spuds. Both have lasted me over 10 years.

Rich158

Go for mountainbike style cleats and shoes, some of the mid range Shimano ones are fantastic. I've been using the 520 pedals, and mid range shoes for nearly two years without a problem.

Clipping out very quickly becomes second nature, and the double sided nature of the pedals means it's dead easy to get back in again. MTB shoes also have a lot more grip which makes walking in them easier and stops the cleats wearing out as quickly as the road ones.

choirboy

Rich158 wrote:

Go for mountainbike style cleats and shoes, some of the mid range Shimano ones are fantastic. I've been using the 520 pedals, and mid range shoes for nearly two years without a problem.

Clipping out very quickly becomes second nature, and the double sided nature of the pedals means it's dead easy to get back in again. MTB shoes also have a lot more grip which makes walking in them easier and stops the cleats wearing out as quickly as the road ones.

+1

greg66_tri_v2.0

There will be a lot of clipping in/out on that route, make no mistake. But you'll get used to it very quickly. At the outset, the trickiest part is the cycling equivalent of walking and chewing gum: you're approaching a junction, the traffic movement is uncertain, there's a ped about to step out but not sure whether to, you slow, not sure whether you'll have to stop or not... by which time you've forgotten to unclip but are not moving. It's happened to us all (even the liars who say it hasn't - FACT!)

The time spent riding whilst clipped in more than makes up for getting up the learning curve.

kyoukoku

choirboy wrote:

Rich158 wrote:

Go for mountainbike style cleats and shoes, some of the mid range Shimano ones are fantastic. I've been using the 520 pedals, and mid range shoes for nearly two years without a problem.

Clipping out very quickly becomes second nature, and the double sided nature of the pedals means it's dead easy to get back in again. MTB shoes also have a lot more grip which makes walking in them easier and stops the cleats wearing out as quickly as the road ones.

+1

+2

I took my 8 yr old Shim M959's off my old MTB and paired them with the Specialized BG S-Works MTB Shoes.



So comfy although not cheap.

suzyb

I was also wondering about going clipless however I'm a bit wary of being attached to the pedal.

Does the "pulling up" really help that much.

MonkeyMonster

its like anything new - you get used to it. While still on normal - watch other clipped people as they near a junction or listen for the click as we/they come out just in case.

Its the last minute leg spazz as you realise you're stationary and the lights still haven't changed that means you ARE going to have to put a foot don that give you willies. Then of course the instant you put the foot down the lights change...

Headhuunter

Going clipless really does help and is probably an upgrade that makes the most difference to your cycling. It allows you to develop a good circular "spin" whilst pedalling. Being able to pull upwards also helps on hills and in getting away from lights. You quickly get used to clipping in and out.

MattC59

Go for mtb SPDs and either mtb shoes or some of Shimano's mid range 'all purpose' shoes. Mtb pedals are very intuative to use, especially with the multi release cleats. these allow the foot to release with a twisting motion or a slight upward/twisting motion. The single release cleats only allow the twist. If required, you can slacked off the release tension, which will make it easier to un-clip. They're also double sided making it really easy to 'click in' as you move away.

You will fall off, just practice away from the traffic ands don't worry about looking daft when you do

I've been using mtb SPDs since the originals (good old XT Grenades !!), which came out in about 1991, so I've had plenty of time to get used to them. I don't even notice I'm in them now, and un-clipping has become second nature, I just step off the pedal (or so it seems).

However......... I've ben using road SPDs for about 2 months. Whilst I don't have any issues getting out, they're a b*tch to get into quickly, which, on a hill, can prove embarrasing !!

Go for something like the 520 and take it easy, you'll be fine.

will3

If you get the multirelease "M" type cleats, (which release in more directions than the standard) and set the tension to the minimum untill you're used to it, I don't thing you'll find SPDs difficult. Even in a hurry you should find it'll let go.

missmarple

I am buying a bike for commuting from the Bromley area into the West End

Sorry to hijack the thread Stevo but was just wondering how you get into London from Bromley, do you go through Penge, Anerley and through Crystal Palace or have you found another route?

Stevo_666

Thanks all,

I was thinking about MTB shoes and SPD's (honest ) as I am a MTB'er who is just crossing to the 'other side', but there seems to be a pretty good consensus here to back up my gut feel on this. Also, good idea about the multi-release cleats, ta. Time to go shopping.

I have a suitable isolated grassy area in my local woods where I can practice falling off until I am comfortable that I won't look like a complete twonk too often when the inevitable happens...

@ missmarple, I haven't actually started riding in yet as the bike is still on order, but I've had the map out on my living room floor and Penge/Anerley/Palace is probably one of the main routes I'd use. I've also thought about joining the A21 by Homebase before branching west near Lewisham, or else going or Sydenham/Forest Hill/Dulwich way. I'll have to try a few variants and see what works best. PS: I'm in Beckenham but figured more people would know where Bromley was

Cheers,
Steve.

MonkeyMonster

Given I used to do more than a bit of west end cycling - I'd suggest embankment as much as possible then swing north at last possible moment.

Might get a nice fancy pair of http://www.cyclesurgery.com/1027659/Spe ... -Shoe.html as current ones are over 10 years old... and behave like sponges in the rain with the drying out skills of the atlantic ocean.

davmaggs

If you are fairly new to commuting on two wheels it might be an idea to get a few weeks experience on the roads before going clipless. It'll give you the chance to get the hang of positioning, watching the road and signalling without worrying about clipping in and out.

When I made the change I quickly started spotting railing or lampposts near junctions that I could lean on to avoid clipping out. Also I tend to read the road a little better so I ideally arrive as lights change etc

+1 on the double-sided pedals.

Wallace1492

I have fitted touring pedals to Mary Doll, I like the idea of having a flat side.

On my commute, I generally keep left foot clipped in and when in heavier traffic, jinking through traffic, or in an area of stop/start, do not clip in right foot.

Null, you will find that clipping in really improves your cycling style, making power transfer much more efficient.

Ian.B

Rich158 wrote:

Clipping out very quickly becomes second nature, and the double sided nature of the pedals means it's dead easy to get back in again.

I use the shimano M324s which are flat on one side and clipless on the other. I'd been thinking of changing them to double sided clipless ones, but actually I'm coming round to the view that I quite like the option of being able to keep one foot unclipped when filtering in traffic and having to stop frequently or unexpectedly

MonkeyMonster

Ian.B wrote:

Rich158 wrote:

Clipping out very quickly becomes second nature, and the double sided nature of the pedals means it's dead easy to get back in again.

I use the shimano M324s which are flat on one side and clipless on the other. I'd been thinking of changing them to double sided clipless ones, but actually I'm coming round to the view that I quite like the option of being able to keep one foot unclipped when filtering in traffic and having to stop frequently or unexpectedly

I just move my left foot slightly forward for such things. Right foot almost always stays clipped. Using mtb shoes though so perhaps it fits into part of the grip on the bottom and it more sleek shoes might not work so well... Hmmmm

Clever Pun

Stevo 666 wrote:

Thanks all,

I was thinking about MTB shoes and SPD's (honest ) as I am a MTB'er who is just crossing to the 'other side', but there seems to be a pretty good consensus here to back up my gut feel on this. Also, good idea about the multi-release cleats, ta. Time to go shopping.

I have a suitable isolated grassy area in my local woods where I can practice falling off until I am comfortable that I won't look like a complete twonk too often when the inevitable happens...

@ missmarple, I haven't actually started riding in yet as the bike is still on order, but I've had the map out on my living room floor and Penge/Anerley/Palace is probably one of the main routes I'd use. I've also thought about joining the A21 by Homebase before branching west near Lewisham, or else going or Sydenham/Forest Hill/Dulwich way. I'll have to try a few variants and see what works best. PS: I'm in Beckenham but figured more people would know where Bromley was

Cheers,
Steve.

the A21 is a good route the bus lane is king there I go out of my way to use it and it's a quicker ride because of it.

suzyb

I was thinking on getting one of those Aldi pairs of shoes as a starer but surprise surprise they don't have my size :roll:

SECommuter

I made the switch to clipless pedals recently and wish I had done sooner. Its advisable to think keep reminding yourself, that when slowing down (to lights or junction, that you know you will have to stop at), unclip way before you stop. After a while, it will become 2nd nature (I am not there yet). As mentioned above, I look for street furniture to rest on at lights, to avoid having to unclip, but make sure its pretty sturdy, nearly had an embarrassing fall onto a road work sign yesterday (It did look pretty well secured). I bought Crank Brother Candy Sl’s, I have nothing else to compare with, but there are 2 or 4 entry points, depending on how you interpret it, so not to much fumbling around when you pull away. I bought Northwave Lizzards and they have a recessed cleat, so no clicking and a pretty stable platform to walk on.

DonDaddyD

SPD-sl pedals will make you 20mins faster.

No, but seriously they are awesome. I have flat feet narrow feet that when pressed down become wide and my ankles turn in (almost like I'm walking on them) and can become painful.

Where the SPD-sl's are positioned and the wide area on the foot they cover I find them comfortable.

(until someone tells me my experience is wrong).

I use SPD-sl and find the stop start traffic in London fine (I've got over 10 traffic lights easily).

I change cleats 4-6months though this is increasing as I spend less time walking on the cleats...

Neil Holland

Hi Steve,

Have been cycling in from Bromley for a month or so and went clipless pretty quickly. Have some £30 Shimano double siders from Evans and went for some Specialized Tahoe MTB shoes from same source. Am sure I'll keel over at some point but have got used to them pretty quickly...

What I wouldn't recommend is toe clips... Pulling away from lights I could never get the buggers the right way up and they'd drag along the road.

Ref routes I guess it depends where in London you're heading for but I'm near Liverpool Street and go A21 to Lewisham then over to Debtford / Surrey Quays and Jamaica Road...

Close to Decathlon a good source of the cheap Budgie Smugglers you know you're gonna need...

Cheers

N

pastryboy

Definitely go for it, I have done recenty and much prefer it. Lidl do some SPD shoes for £17 which are ok (but not as good as proper shoes with a solid sole).

When you know you're going to need to stop keep repeating in your head that you need to twist out. Eventually it will become second nature, I was almost falling today but managed to unclip without making a conscious effort to.

d.n.f

Greg66 wrote:

not sure whether you'll have to stop or not... by which time you've forgotten to unclip but are not moving. It's happened to us all (even the liars who say it hasn't - FACT!)

I'll be going clipless for the first time in a couple of weeks, and it's this that worries me. Does it really happen to everyone? :?

I know a few it has happened to but I, maybe stupidly, thought i'd be ok :P

rolf_f

d.n.f wrote:

I'll be going clipless for the first time in a couple of weeks, and it's this that worries me. Does it really happen to everyone? :?

I know a few it has happened to but I, maybe stupidly, thought i'd be ok :P

No, you won't be OK. It will happen to you. I've done it 4 times now though none under normal circumstances (one on hitting an unexpected 1 in 4, one trying to start moving on a loose surface, one being distracted at a water stop (which mashed both knees up) and one induced losing the will to live on seeing yet another hill loom infront of me though on that one I fell onto nice soft grass which doesn't really count). Still worth it though. Mind, I think I'll go back to my toe clips when I have my first shot at Rosedale Chimney Bank.......

Honestly though, it isn't so bad - after all, it never happens when you have any forward momentum

d.n.f

Rolf F wrote:

d.n.f wrote:

I'll be going clipless for the first time in a couple of weeks, and it's this that worries me. Does it really happen to everyone? :?

I know a few it has happened to but I, maybe stupidly, thought i'd be ok :P

No, you won't be OK. It will happen to you. I've done it 4 times now though none under normal circumstances (one on hitting an unexpected 1 in 4, one trying to start moving on a loose surface, one being distracted at a water stop (which mashed both knees up) and one induced losing the will to live on seeing yet another hill loom infront of me though on that one I fell onto nice soft grass which doesn't really count). Still worth it though. Mind, I think I'll go back to my toe clips when I have my first shot at Rosedale Chimney Bank.......

Honestly though, it isn't so bad - after all, it never happens when you have any forward momentum

Now I'm really worried! Bound to happen in front of a packed bus stop too....

Stevo_666

Maybe get some knee and elbow pads for those first few tentative outings

The idea of getting used to commuting on flats is a good one, will probably use get a set of Wellgos and transfer them onto my next MTB.

@ Neil, I'm based about 1/3 of a mile North of Oxford Circus so a fair bit further west than you. The only problem wiith the A21 option is it means I'm not headed in a straight line and probably need to cut west no later than Lewisham. But route finding will be part of the adventure

Looking forward to getting my Boardman now - hope Halfords can deliver next week like they said they would.....

Steve.

rolf_f

Lol - all mine have been in remote areas. The one on the muddy forest track was just after I asked a little old lady for directions (I was inadvertantly mapless). I slipped a bit trying to clip in and she said I should be careful. I then pratted about with the rack bag for a moment and tried again and came straight off! My first concern was that she was thankfully sufficiently deaf not to hear the clattering from the 30 feet or so she'd managed to travel!

My knee is a bit mashed from the last one - the road surface was very coarse. Otherwise, the damage consists of my shiney new pedals being scuffed, some minor marks to my less than perfect bar tape and a gel that got punctured in my rack bag making a bit of an energy rich mess in my bag :oops:

Certainly, any physical pain will pale into insignificance compared to the humiliation of falling infront of the bus stop so don't worry about it

Seriously, might be worth getting a few miles in in the country before tackling the commute. Only takes moments to swap the pedals over.

d.n.f

Rolf F wrote:

Lol - all mine have been in remote areas. The one on the muddy forest track was just after I asked a little old lady for directions (I was inadvertantly mapless). I slipped a bit trying to clip in and she said I should be careful. I then pratted about with the rack bag for a moment and tried again and came straight off! My first concern was that she was thankfully sufficiently deaf not to hear the clattering from the 30 feet or so she'd managed to travel!

I laugh, although I know I shouldn't!

And you are right, it's not the pain I worry about, it's the shame
Couple of nights clipping in and out indoors should do it. As long as i don't take out the TV!

roger_merriman

Greg66 wrote:

There will be a lot of clipping in/out on that route, make no mistake. But you'll get used to it very quickly. At the outset, the trickiest part is the cycling equivalent of walking and chewing gum: you're approaching a junction, the traffic movement is uncertain, there's a ped about to step out but not sure whether to, you slow, not sure whether you'll have to stop or not... by which time you've forgotten to unclip but are not moving. It's happened to us all (even the liars who say it hasn't - FACT!)

The time spent riding whilst clipped in more than makes up for getting up the learning curve.

yup and SPD's make life a lot easier, if he's used to MTB's maybe able to trackstand or at least be fine with low speed while clipped in, I don't trackstand but i have no problems inching though while clipped in and sorry no clipless yet though its rare for me to commute on the roadie