First step into looking for pedals/shoes

stoveman

Back into cycing after many years and had my first ride today on my 20 yr old Bianchi.
Currently got old skool platform pedals but am looking to get my first pedals and shoes.
Money isn't abundant at the moment and would appreciate any tips on where to start as it seems like a minefield!
Any links much appreciated.

danlikesbikes

Shoes are shoes really, lots of styles, types and prices. Only thing to consider is that not all are compatible with all pedal systems.

Pedals again a few options but the main systems are; time, look, shimano and speed play.

HebdenBiker

DHB Road Shoes. I use them and they're great.

Look Keo pedal. Give 'em a try. Personally I use Speedplay but they're more expensive.

donnyadz

A new starter myself I recently opted for the dhb shoes which are nice and wide, the shimano road pedals and yellow cleats which have the most float, after a few rides and no accidents as yet I'm sold

northpole

I am assuming that you prefer road shoes and not mountain bike shoes/ pedals? That's the key first decision to make and can be driven by two key considerations:

1. Do you intend to walk about much during the course of a ride?

2. Do you have concerns about adapting to clipping the shoe cleats into the pedals?

If the answer to 1. and 2. is yes, then I'd suggest the best budget starting point would be a pair of cheap-ish Shimano spd pedals and a pair of shoes which fit you well. I'd not even bother to suggest a shoe make as we've all got different shaped feet and in my opinion the most sensible thing to do is go along to a decent bike shop and try some on - you don't have to buy if you can't find the right fit. Buying over the internet is too much hassle.

If you'd prefer road shoes, then again for starting out I'd suggest something like Shimano 105 or Ultegra spd-sl pedals with the yellow cleats. The main thing with most road pedals is that you can only clip in on one side. There are alternatives such as Speedplay however, more money is involved with these and may be something to think about at a later time? For road shoes, same deal as mountain bike shoes - visit decent bike shops and try them on, ignoring brand names if you can!

Peter

northpole

I am assuming that you prefer road shoes and not mountain bike shoes/ pedals? That's the key first decision to make and can be driven by two key considerations:

1. Do you intend to walk about much during the course of a ride?

2. Do you have concerns about adapting to clipping the shoe cleats into the pedals?

If the answer to 1. and 2. is yes, then I'd suggest the best budget starting point would be a pair of cheap-ish Shimano spd pedals and a pair of shoes which fit you well. I'd not even bother to suggest a shoe make as we've all got different shaped feet and in my opinion the most sensible thing to do is go along to a decent bike shop and try some on - you don't have to buy if you can't find the right fit. Buying over the internet is too much hassle unless you know exactly what you want and the correct sizing.

If you'd prefer road shoes, then again for starting out I'd suggest something like Shimano 105 or Ultegra spd-sl pedals with the yellow cleats. The main thing with most road pedals is that you can only clip in on one side. There are alternatives such as Speedplay however, more money is involved with these and may be something to think about at a later time? For road shoes, same deal as mountain bike shoes - visit decent bike shops and try them on, ignoring brand names if you can!

Peter

HebdenBiker

northpole wrote:

1. Do you intend to walk about much during the course of a ride?

2. Do you have concerns about adapting to clipping the shoe cleats into the pedals?

If the answer to 1. and 2. is yes, then I'd suggest the best budget starting point would be a pair of cheap-ish Shimano spd pedals

Nonsense. Mountain bike pedals are not an intermediate "gateway" to road pedals.

and a pair of shoes which fit you well.

Phew. Thank god you posted this, or else the OP might have gone out and bought some clown shoes.

Buying over the internet is too much hassle

Y'know, I assume the OP is an adult, and can make his own decisions about the benefits/drawbacks of shopping online. But he did say he's on a tight budget, which is why two of us have pointed him to the best value cycling shoes on the market, which are available from Wiggle. So it's a good job Wiggle offer 365 day, free, no-quibble exchanges and returns.

visit decent bike shops and try them on, ignoring brand names if you can!

"Yes sir. Can I help you?"

"I'm looking for some road shoes please."

"Well, sir, we have these from Shimano, these from Bontrager and these from Sidi."

"Oh no. None of them are any good."

"Oh dear. Why not?"

"Because the man on the internet said I had to ignore brand names."

"Well, if you're looking for a good budget shoe, there's the DHB ones, but they're only available from Wiggle."

"Oh no. I can't have them either."

"And why not?"

"Because the man on the internet said I shouldn't buy online."

"Well, sir, if you'd like, I can get my mechanic to just screw some cleats onto the bottoms of your bare feet..."

"That'll be perfect. Thanks."

northpole

That was very helpful of you. And demonstrated a unique level of intelligence. Amoeba like. Well done.

Peter

HebdenBiker

Au contraire. Pointing out the inconsistencies in your "advice" was quite helpful and intelligent. Anyway, bedtime. Which pyjamas should I go for, Peter? I have a pair that are too big, a pair that are too small, and a pair that... fit me well.

Aaaah I'm just joshing with you mate, because you wrote some silly things. Peace.

stoveman

Thanks for all the advice folks.Will try ordering from Wiggle and see how we go.
Really appreciate the advice from everyone and love the humour too!

Phil.