Clipless pedals - brilliant

[Globalti]

I started using SPDs years ago when they were invented. On holiday I hired an MTB with combined platform/SPD pedals and against my expectations I liked them even more, they were very comfortable.

Keos for the road bike though; harder to clip in and only one sided but a nice comfortable platform especially when out of the saddle.

 

[HLaB]

Why? Because you don't topple over? Seriously, how does it feel different other than having to unclip before stopping? I wouldn't know, I've never ridden them.

I'm off to get some SPD pedals and shoes as soon as I can because I've been on flats for far too long and I understand virtually everyone loves clipless. It'll be interesting to see how different it is because I never really notice any slipping on the pedals. I'm sure it's probably something that happens and I dont realise. I generally feel quite comfortable on flats. I can definitely appreciate the advantage of being able to pull up on the medals though.

No, because I can't pull my foot up to the exact position I want so I can instantly pull off in traffic and there's also not that same connection with flats, especially in the wet again it gives me less confidence of an instant response from the pedal.

Good luck with you spd's, like most folk after you've tried them you'll fee similar

 

[HLaB]

Ah, I see! I assumed you unclipped both feet before coming to a stop, but I guess it's only necessary to unclip one.

Yip unless coming to an absolute stop for a long period of time, its far better just to remove one foot, less faff clipping in and you are better placed for a more immediate response from the bike

 

[Sonofpear]

I've just jumped on the band wagon and joined the clipless brigade this weekend. Haven't had much of a chance to test them out yet. Set out for a ride yesterday and got soaked after a few miles so turned back. Initial thoughts are I like them. Think I need to jiggle the cleats around and find the right position

 

[madhatter93]

Folks a question for you all - how easy/difficult is it to install these clipless pedals - I'd like to get them this weekend online - but I'm afraid that I buy the wrong size and will not be able to attach them correctly ?

Thanks
MadHatter

 

[Sonofpear]

It's simple. Unscrew your current pedals. Screw in the new ones. Bolt the cleats to your shoes and your good to go. Just make sure you have a little practice clipping in and out before you head out onto the roads.

 

[HLaB]

As SoP says its simple, you just need a pedal spanner to remove the old (flat pedals) and to install the new spd pedals. Every pedal I've had has been the same size of thread and I am unaware of any that are different. The only thing you have to remember the left thread unscrew the opposite direction from normal, somebody once said 'in to the frame to loosen' this is how I remember :-)

 

[madguern]

Another word of advice for newbies, check the bolts on the shoes on a regular basis ! I lost a bolt today and almost had a clipless moment. I have been a convert for a few years and love the SPD's on the mountain bike and my i-clics on the road bike.

 

[pip ryder]

I think I'll get some this weekend. Do you guys think I'd be better off gong to my local bike shop and having them fitted, or buying them online and fitting them myself? I've heard there can be problems getting the positioning right to avoid strain/pain on the leg/knees. Would I get a better setup if I went to a bike shop?

 

[PaulSB]

I think I'll get some this weekend. Do you guys think I'd be better off gong to my local bike shop and having them fitted, or buying them online and fitting them myself? I've heard there can be problems getting the positioning right to avoid strain/pain on the leg/knees. Would I get a better setup if I went to a bike shop?

It's true you may need some very slight adjustment initially but the LBS won't be able to help with this. Once the pedals are fitted and the cleats in the shoe you will be ready to go. You may find some slight discomfort / strain or even numbness to begin with. If thus happens very slight adjustment of the shoe cleat position will help.

I suggest taking an Allen key on your rides to begin with and marker pen. If either foot is uncomfortable, stop, mark the original cleat position and the adjust forward or backward as appropriate. If the first adjustment doesn't work you go back to the marked original position and then adjust the other way. The movement may be very slight, I have my left foot slightly further forward than my right. Works for me!!

 

[Atyl1972]

what pedals did you get?

I took my bike into Evans to get its free safety check and when it was in i asked them to stick some SPD pedals on the bike. I bought a pair of Shimano shoes, paid a bit more than what i was planning to but what the hell.
http://www.wiggle.co...m161-mtb-shoes/

I also got them to fit some race blades to my bike as the weather here has been nothing but rain for as long as i can remember. I have been wanting to go clipless for ages.

Done my first commute since i got the bike back this morning and what a differnece. I feel so much more secure ont he pedals now and pedalling is so much smoother. I loosened the tension off on the padals just to get me started and i think this was a smart move. I am able to clip in and out no problem. Just need to remind myself to do this. Now my bike is much more fun to ride, no more slipping and sliding on the pedals.....

 

[Atyl1972]

I'm a newbie to road cycling and have never used clipless, but have ordered shimano A530 pedals which has both flat and spd and a pair of mtb shoes, and i cant wait to try clipless however, I'm sooo afraid I'm gonna scratch my new machine when i get it, does tumbling really mark the bike up bad??

 

[slowmotion]

I'm a newbie to road cycling and have never used clipless, but have ordered shimano A530 pedals which has both flat and spd and a pair of mtb shoes, and i cant wait to try clipless however, I'm sooo afraid I'm gonna scratch my new machine when i get it, does tumbling really mark the bike up bad??

Practice the clip-in and clip-out stuff leaning against a wall, somewhere alone. The heel movement that you need to unclip from the pedals is not a heel action that you use in normal life. It's a bit like trying to get rid of dog shoot from your shoe while sitting on a very tall bar stool. Take your first ride somewhere away from cars. I lasted three minutes before falling. Never mind clipping in, it's the clipping out that matters.

Don't worry about the bike. Worry about the slowmotion sequence of (1) your knee, (2) your hip, and (3) your elbow hitting the deck as you whisper "Oh bugger!"

Don't worry, they say it is worth it


Edit: to answer your question...both times I've been over, my body protected the paintwork. Fell on the drive side in both instances. Amazing.

 

[rossjevans]

I'm a newbie to road cycling and have never used clipless, but have ordered shimano A530 pedals which has both flat and spd and a pair of mtb shoes, and i cant wait to try clipless however, I'm sooo afraid I'm gonna scratch my new machine when i get it, does tumbling really mark the bike up bad??

I went out for the first time with SPD's today and A530 pedals. If it offers any reassurance it was much easier than I was expecting, especially when it comes to unclipping. I'm finding clipping in more difficult at the moment but I'm sure it will come with practice + having the flat side means that if you don't clip in straight away you can still pedal away from junctions etc and clip in afterwards.

I started with the tension at the loosest setting but just tightened it half a turn to get a more positive clip in.