Clipless Pedals FAQ

[jim55]

it depends on the fitting holes spd-sl are 3 bolt fitting ,spd are only two

 

[defy-one]

Fitted my M324 dual pedals the other day, used the shoes with cleats for the first time today. Didn't change the saddle height. A few slow start stops to make sure the clipping in/out was okay, and then away.
The hybrid feels good now, i just couldn't get used to my feet sliding about, as the best bike has spd-sl pedals fitted.

 

[Boon 51]

Being new to clipless but this is where I am..

I have a road bike and by Wednesday I should have my new mtb.

Now I have been using Shimano 087s with 540 pedals on my road bike and all has been good, even in heavy traffic and people walking about I can unplip my feet and pedal with my feet out of the cleats just ready for a quick stop and when I'm clear I just clip in again and off I go (but I needed to adjust the seat hight from using flat pedals)
Now I've just taken the above two off my road bike and replaced with SPD SL 6700 and some Sidi Pro 5s and this is what I've found.

First
I can't stand on the pedal's to measure my seat hight as my foot slips off but I'm getting round that so that will OK.
Second.
When unclipped I can't pedal like I could with the other set up which will make it very hard to move/ride in traffic.. but it all works well on the open road.
I dont think I will ride any faster with the second set up so when these wear out I will use the first set up on both bike's.

This infomation might help someone or not but I thought it was worth a post.

 

[RWright]

I said I have the same shoes as you. I am pretty sure I made a mistake. I have Shimano RD 087 SPD SL road shoes.
Shimano also makes an M 087 SPD Mountain bike shoe, which is what I think you may have. My mistake.
It is a little confusing with the similiar names for the pedals and shoes.

I have never tried SPD pedals but think I might would like them too. One of my bikes came with the Ultegra 6700 SPD-SL pedals so I ordered another pair of SPD-SL pedals for my other bike. I am used to riding with the SPD-SL's now but one day I would like to try some SPD pedals because from what I read they are easier to walk in.

 

[defy-one]

Yes they are much easier to walk in. My shoes are currently cheap muddyfox mtb shoes from JD SPORTS @ £22, and they have lots of hard rubber on the bottom.
Tried some mavics in my lbs and they felt like stiff trainers. When the time comes i will upgrade to Mavic or Northwaves

 

[Boon 51]

I said I have the same shoes as you. I am pretty sure I made a mistake. I have Shimano RD 087 SPD SL road shoes.
Shimano also makes an M 087 SPD Mountain bike shoe, which is what I think you may have. My mistake.
It is a little confusing with the similiar names for the pedals and shoes.

I have never tried SPD pedals but think I might would like them too. One of my bikes came with the Ultegra 6700 SPD-SL pedals so I ordered another pair of SPD-SL pedals for my other bike. I am used to riding with the SPD-SL's now but one day I would like to try some SPD pedals because from what I read they are easier to walk in.

Your right I forgot to add its harder walking in SPD SL's, but the reason I tried The M 087 SPD in the first place was just using a shoe that was better for warmth in the winter.
Like most things I got the Sidi shoes and the Ultegra 6700's first, but had I known how good the first set up was I might not have bothered with the second set up.

Not sure now what to do... I should sell the Sidi's and the Ultegra's 6700's or just use on the road bike. Then if I'm doing town riding just take my new mtb out.

 

[ScottyB]

I am a bit confused still, but off shopping tomorrow so have no doubt the guys will be able to help...

Do I need to buy:
1) Pedals
2) Cleats
3) Shoes

And ensure they all fit together? Or do the cleats come with the shoes etc?

I think the varying cost is confusing me but I am just after something to get me started for now!

 

[defy-one]

Pedals usually come with the correct cleats .... BUT DO CHECK
Shoes will have holes for SPD (2 hole) or SPD-SL (3 hole)


What sort of riding are you doing. Spd is geneally used on hybrids and mountain bikes. Spd-sl is generally for road bikes. Some peeps prefer spd's on all of there bikes as it's much easier to walk,if your are touring for example

 

[ScottyB]

I ride on the road but also commute - ideally I would like to have the option to ride in normal shoes if that was available. I have seen a few options so will see how I get on!

 

[defy-one]

Look for dual use pedals. I have recently put some Shimano M324's on my hybrid. Gives me spd on one side and normal shoes on the other.
I needed normal shoes for commuting. Works well

 

[Boon 51]

Pedals usually come with the correct cleats .... BUT DO CHECK
Shoes will have holes for SPD (2 hole) or SPD-SL (3 hole)


What sort of riding are you doing. Spd is geneally used on hybrids and mountain bikes. Spd-sl is generally for road bikes. Some peeps prefer spd's on all of there bikes as it's much easier to walk,if your are touring for example

I will be a SPD only in the future I think..

 

[London Female]

I was given a pair of SPD-SL for Christmas, I don't even own a road bike. I contacted the online shop they purchased them from and they are going to swap them for SPD shoes. I await their arrival with trepidation as I am completely new to the idea of the clipless pedals.

 

[defy-one]

LF .. You will be fine. Try clipping in and out whilst leaning against a wall, and then try small start stops outside. Again try and stop somewhere you can lean against something,should you not get your foot out or forget to do so.
It eventually becomes second nature. I started 6 months ago and now both bikes are clipless. Normal flat pedals are horrible IMO

 

[Boon 51]

Good news on my front...

Just had an email from wiggle and they do an adapter plate (SM 85) and some SDP cleats all for about £20 to fit my Sidi pro 5 road shoe's, so I will buy them and sell my Ultegra 6700's..pedals.
Simples...

 

[ScottyB]

Good news for me too - got them all sorted and slowly getting used to them! And the slow-motion tumble to the ground!

Just a question about the 'penguin walk' - is it necessary to preserve the cleat or is it just easier to walk like this? I have a gravel path that I have to walk down and don't want to ruin my shoes!