Clipless Pedals FAQ

[fabregas485]

I swapped over to clipless pedals after overcoming my fear of falling over. So far so good.
Anyone looking to make the transition, ensure you set the pedals to their lowest setting, and do not worry about trying to locate on the pedal. I find my foot just locates straight onto the pedal.

 

[Leodis]

Just ordered some Look classics and some Shimano road shoes, might have to practice on my hybrid first.

 

[Cuchilo]

I bought R540's I Assume they are the road version of the M540's ? shimano RO78 shoes and im clipping in pretty much as soon as I hit the pedal . I do know at some point I am going to fall over though

 

[Surrey]

Hi, i am new to cycling and just have flat pedals on my road bike. Wear some old trainers when I ride. How much of an advantage would I gain if I changed to clip less peddles? I am a bit nervous of using them as I have to stop at list a lot and don't want to end up falling over while trying to in lip my shoes.

 

[Cuchilo]

The first time I clipped in and took off for a real ride I actually said "fkin ell " out loud . So far its the biggest change to the bike I have made .

 

[Born2die]

Just got some Shimano M780 xt pedals with some louis garneau Montana shoes in a sale been up and down the road a couple of times but it feels weird being locked to the bike but it feels like I have more power just can't wait to get out on the local park paths to try them out properly.

 

[fabregas485]

I loved my clipless pedals from day one. I brought my bike with clipped pedals, and for the life of me could not work out how to rise with them. (reflector at the bottom of the pedal so could not use it without breaking the reflectors) I removed the clips so it was a flat pedal, but the pedals were pretty small with no grip. Added clipless and I have not looked back since.

 

[Born2die]

Just ridden into town behind mini me for my 1st clipless run and despite a near miss when she fell off I managed to stay upright (just!!)

 

[MontyVeda]

Hi, i am new to cycling and just have flat pedals on my road bike. Wear some old trainers when I ride. How much of an advantage would I gain if I changed to clip less peddles? I am a bit nervous of using them as I have to stop at list a lot and don't want to end up falling over while trying to in lip my shoes.

it depends on the 'advantage' you seek.... More speed/power? None. More 'connected' to the bike? If this is advantageous to you, than it's an advantage.

 

[Surrey]

it depends on the 'advantage' you seek.... More speed/power? None. More 'connected' to the bike? If this is advantageous to you, than it's an advantage.

Hi Monty,

I was after more speed and power.

R,

 

[fabregas485]

Hi Monty,

I was after more speed and power.

R,

I feel that I get more speed and power as my foot can no longer slip on the pedal. You end up using the same power, but more is put to good use.

 

[GmanUK65]

Just thought I would put my bit in, but the only experience with clipless pedals is today. Got my first road bike today and used SPDs for the first time. The hardest thing I have found with them is clipping myself in; feeling around the pedals until I hear a click - it usually takes me around 10 seconds to click into both pedals (I feel a bit paranoid on public roads when this happens).

Unclipping from the pedals has been easier than I thought, I have had only one hairy moment when I came to a halt quicker than I thought and hadn't unclipped in which the ohhh nohhh feeling quickly followed as I seen the world tilting sideways but I just got the falling side foot unclipped in time before completely ending up on my side. From then on I have unclipped my best foot well before I stop. LOL.

Riding a road bike for the first time feels very strange after only experiencing hybrids and mountain bikes. The gear system is strange being part of the brake levers; using the brakes when using the top of handlebar having to reach down from the side, and the riding position feels a bit strange while holding the top of the bar and very very strange when holding the drop bars and feeling a bit unbalanced when getting back to holding the top of the handlebar ( I hope I dont fall off at speed).

 

[fabregas485]

Riding a road bike for the first time feels very strange after only experiencing hybrids and mountain bikes. The gear system is strange being part of the brake levers; using the brakes when using the top of handlebar having to reach down from the side, and the riding position feels a bit strange while holding the top of the bar and very very strange when holding the drop bars and feeling a bit unbalanced when getting back to holding the top of the handlebar ( I hope I dont fall off at speed).

Tell me about it, I got back onto my flat bar bike and I have no idea how I managed to ride it. The ride position is so awkward. And yes, one hairy moment and you pretty much learn the lesson :P

 

[Born2die]

Yup it happened out tightening the cleats in the front garden leaning up the wall mini me rushes out catches the bike I'm clipped into and splat 1st bit of to cutting to do on the new bike doh:

 

[RSChris1980]

I can definitely say I have a had a few clipless moments with my SH11 cleats, but after as quite rightly said, trial and error is needed, I am now happily settled with a set of SH12s and couldn't be happier.