Got the road bike, now for the bits...

Mageling

Hi everyone,

I've always been a keen cyclist, however I have always chosen to go for a hybrid or mountain bike. I've started doing longer and longer distances, up to 40 miles on my hybrid so I felt it was time for a change! I've never had a road bike and so I bought my first at the weekend - a Giant Defy 4 (2012). A great condition 2nd hand bike that has been looked after.

It's had Deda stem and handle bars added to it. Before I really start getting into it, I want to add a few things to it. The main thing I am looking for are pedals and shoes - I have no idea which to go for! I will be using it for commuting mostly with some long distance stuff at weekends.

I'm also looking for a good set of lights and a speedo.

All suggestions welcome as I'd like to get it right first time around :-) Thank you.

Mike

markhewitt1978

Two main choices of shoes.

SPD-SL. Considered 'road' pedals. Shoes with stiff soles so efficient. Don't walk on wet tiles as it has an exposed cleat so you will fall over and be horribly killed.

SPD. Considered mountain bike pedals. Less efficient and slightly heavier. Recessed cleat so no worries about falling over

Mageling

Thanks for the reply - 233 views and only 1 reply? This is a cycling forum isn't it? hehe :-D

TheCornishMong

I went for Shimano 105 SPD-SL's for the pedals; similar quality to ultegra pedals at a far more respectable prices. As for shoes i'm using Specialized Road Elites. they're like cycling slippers and stiff enough for anyone other than a pro. Hope this is of use.

verylonglegs

This is a genuine attempt at being helpful although it might read like I'm being a smart censored but try getting this moved into the commuting forum, they'll know their stuff when it comes to shoes and lights and will probably be able to point you in the direction of good prices too.

oxoman

Mike, what kind of area are you riding in at night as this dictates what front light you have. You can get a moon x300 or x500 for in town and the city that will do everything you want or chinese cree 1800 lumens lights as purchased from ebay/ amazon these will blind on full beam if directed at motorists they are that bright and the strobe function flashes better than a police cars blue lights so no good for in town but great for offroad or rural roads. rear light is easy just get a Smart Lunar R2 see link Currently on offer at JE James. http://www.jejamescycles.co.uk/smart-lu ... tAodznoArA.

As to footwear it depends if you have to walk once you lock your bike up, i use SPD touring pedals and casual MTB style shoes as they are easier to walk in and im not racing so don't need full on racing shoes. SPD -SL are ok if you just lock your bike and don't walk far before removing as the cleats soon wear out.

Mageling

Thank you very much for the information. I will ask for a more specific question regarding shoes in the commuting forum as indicated. Appreciate it :-)

Just watched a youtube video about those 1800 lumens and they are insanely bright! :-D