Are all SPD pedals & Cleats the Same ?

[ajb2711]

I'm looking to buy SPD shoes, cleats and petals for my Mountain bike...
are cleats and pedals a universal fit for SPD shoes?
What are your suggestions for a first time user?

thanks

 

[chewa]

Hi there. I think that you can get different types of SPD cleats, ones which will only release with a rotational (twisting) force and ones which will release also if you pull really hard up the way.

The second type may be best for a beginner if you are worried about riding clipped in, but I first fell over by not getting unclipped 15 years after starting to clip in! I commuted for years with the first type and just made sure the tension was low enough for an easy release.

I'd just concentrate on getting nice comfy stiff shoes (I wear Specialized BG shoes - pic on left!)

 

[raleighnut]

I'd get pedals with a 'bearcage' flat on one side and a clip on the other, shoes need to be recessed cleats (MTB type) and set the clip release tension as low as poss. We'll welcome you to the 'Clipless Moment Club' in a short while.

 

[vickster]

For a beginner, the Shimano M520 pedals are really good, as you can clip in on either side. Unless you plan to use normal shoes as well, I'd avoid those suggested above as they are an utter pain (IME) as they are rarely the right way round when restarting from lights/a stop, so you have to flip them over which can slow you down / be distracting

 

[Gravity Aided]

Black Shimano cleats are the single action. Silver ones release with a twist in any direction. If you plan on riding hard or doing mountain bike style riding, the single action may work better.

 

[ianrauk]

I'm looking to buy SPD shoes, cleats and petals for my Mountain bike...
are cleats and pedals a universal fit for SPD shoes?
What are your suggestions for a first time user?

thanks

Check out THIS thread. Tells you all you need to know about clipless.

 

[123456789]

For a beginner, the Shimano M520 pedals are really good, as you can clip in on either side. Unless you plan to use normal shoes as well, I'd avoid those suggested above as they are an utter pain (IME) as they are rarely the right way round when restarting from lights/a stop, so you have to flip them over which can slow you down / be distracting

+1 and not just for absolute beginners M520 are still my default pedal choice, they are fairly cheap to buy, they work, they are very easy to get into and out of (more or less one stamp and you're in)

 

[ajb2711]

Thanks all.....i purchased SPD M520 pedals SH61 Cleats ( three ways of getting out of trouble ! lo ) and some Shimano shoes...
all fitted and ready to go