Cleats for Shimano M520 pedals

[slowmotion]

I take delivery of my very first road bike, a Specialised Secteur as of tomorrow evening . I hope to ride it on ten mile round-trip daily commutes in Central London. I have done this for the last 18 months on a hybrid, and I am quite confident in heavy traffic. At weekends, I hope to extend the 20-30 milers to something a bit more.
I have done 60 milers, but not often.
Anyway, everybody tells me that I need to get clipless pedals, and I am sure they are right, but I will get used to riding a road bike, especially on the commute, before putting them on.
Here is the question....

As an introduction to clipless rather than flat pedals, I thought I might get some Shimano M520s. They don't cost too much. Do you have any suggestions for the easiest cleats to release from this pedal? I really do not want to fall over in slowmotion in London traffic!

Thank-you.

 

[potsy]

The cleats come with the pedals and can be set to release very easily by a few turns of a screw, they really are easy to clip in and out of once you've got the hang of them, I literally spent 2 minutes in the house practicing then went for a spin and found them very easy

Good choice of bike btw

 

[slowmotion]

Thanks potsy, and also for your advice on my Secteur newbie thread. This could be wrong, but I got the impression that some of the cleats available for the M520 released more easily, and in more directions than others.

All advice welcome.

Thanks.

 

[potsy]

I can only comment on the M520's as I haven't used any others. I know there are many different makes and models out there, but you must make sure the shoes and pedals are compatible.
You may be meaning the multi release cleats but I would give the standard ones that come with the pedals a go first, you might find them easier than you think.
Have you got the shoes already? SPD's?

 

[slowmotion]

I have nothing yet, apart from a terrible fear! I will get some M520 pedals because they are cheap. I think you can get a £8 plastic moulding to convert the pedals to flat ones.

Recent prowls indicate that you can get these cleats ...

http://www.chainreactioncycles.com/Models.aspx?ModelID=10969

They might just rip me from the bike in time to avoid a nasty, but I know nothing.

Thanks.

 

[rb58]

Clipping in and out of SPDs is easy enough on all the ones I've had on my various bikes. And as has been said, thery're adjustable anyway.

The bigger issue for you will be remembering to unclip when you come to a stop. I remember when I bought my first pair the guy in the LBS warned me I'd fall off once - he guaranteed it. And he was right. It's the quickest way to learn though. So, when you do take the plunge you might to make your first rides somewhere other than a busy commute into London.

It's change you won't regret I suspect.

Good luck!!

 

[John the Monkey]

Slowmotion - you might be thinking of the silver "multi-release" cleat - these will release in any direction, as opposed to the standard cleat, which releases when you turn your heel outwards from the centre line of the bike.

Some people like the multi-release, some don't. The ordinary cleats aren't that hard to get used to, and for the sake of avoiding extra expense, and not getting into bad habits, I'd suggest going with those.

My own experiences of getting used to using M520s are here;
https://www.cyclechat.net/

 

[martint235]

Slowmotion you'll be fine with the cleats that come with the pedals. There's really no need to have fear. You need to get used to remembering to unclip but it quickly becomes second nature. In dire emergency you'll find that you can just pull your foot straight up, particularly on the looser setting. It's amazing what you can do when you really, really have to.

There will be at least one occasion when you fall sideways though, it is guaranteed. Anyone who uses clipless pedals and tells you they haven't had a clipless moment has just forgotten to add the word "yet". It happens to us all but you will have to go some way to beat the comedy value of Becs' first clipless moment. (sorry Becs )

 

[Barbelier]

- Adjust the pedals so they are on the lightest setting and they unclip easily
- Practice in a doorway in the house until you're used to clipping in and out
- Go for a run on quieter roads and deliberately stop at every junction
- After a mile or so you'll be unclipping without even realising you're doing it

I haven't had a clipless moment (although there have been a few panics)..........yet!

but you will have to go some way to beat the comedy value of Becs' first clipless moment. (sorry Becs )

Tell us more? Is there a video?

 

[martint235]

Tell us more? Is there a video?

I don't think there is a video. I'm sure Becs will be along at some point to fill in the details. I'd hate to take her fun away....

 

[slowmotion]

Thank-you all for your advice. I'll practice in Battersea Park, under cover of darkness....

 

[screenman]

Potsy, please tell me that cat is photo shopped.