Clipless Pedals FAQ

[Peteaud]

My new bike has come with some cleats.

I need to buy shoes for them. How do I tell what type of shoes it needs?

Are the cleats for the pedals fitted?

 

[Harv]

I think I'm getting myself confused. Sorry but I thought the pedals were called cleats (newbie alert)

I have the pedals with the bike. I need to get some shoes to fit them. Looking online there seem to be different types of shoe. I want to make sure the ones I get fit.

I might take a pic of the pedals and load them here so you can see what type they are.

 

[Peteaud]

I think I'm getting myself confused. Sorry but I thought the pedals were called cleats (newbie alert)

I have the pedals with the bike. I need to get some shoes to fit them. Looking online there seem to be different types of shoe. I want to make sure the ones I get fit.

I might take a pic of the pedals and load them here so you can see what type they are.

Pedal = bit on bike foot goes on
Cleat = bit the screws to shoe.

(not being funny)

You really need to know what pedal, does it have a name on it, Shimano, Look, Time etc.
Then you need the cleat to suit, that will dictate what shoe to buy.

 

[Harv]

The pedal has Shimano written on the side.

 

[Peteaud]

The pedal has Shimano written on the side.

Choice of 2 then.

Does it look like this :-

 

[Peteaud]

Or this

 

[Harv]

Second pic. You beat me to it.

I took a pic myself.

 

[Peteaud]

SPD

So for shoes you will need 2 bolt.

Cleats are small metal (two bolt) either SH51 or SH56 (multi release)

Look for mountain bike shoe, or touring shoe.

Some flat bottom road shoes have 2 bolt but stay away from these.

 

[Peteaud]

http://www.wiggle.co.uk/shimano-spd-mtb-cleats/

Cleats.

 

[Peteaud]

http://www.wiggle.co.uk/shimano-m064-spd-mountain-bike-shoes/

Shoe

note the cleat sits in the recess of the sole to allow you to walk about.

 

[Harv]

Thanks.

What's the difference between SH51 or SH56 and which one is better?

 

[Peteaud]

Couple of points to watch out for.

Shoes, try them on if possible.

Shimano come up small, Northwave are a bit bigger and normally wider. But best to go to you LBS.

The pedals have an adjuster, loosen it off all the way before going out for the 1st time.



SH51 are the normal cleat that most use. to release just twist your heel

SH56 are multi angle release.

I use SH56 but thats because they suit me and i like to be able to just flick my heel and be out. some will tell you they are too loose. It really is personal preference.

If you find the SH56 to loose you can tighten the pedal mechanism.

 

[Harv]

Thanks for all the advice. I think I'll get the SH51.

One last question. If I put these pedals on can I ride on them using normal shoes or is that not recommended?

 

[Peteaud]

Thanks for all the advice. I think I'll get the SH51.

One last question. If I put these pedals on can I ride on them using normal shoes or is that not recommended?

you can but i wouldn,t.

You can get double sided pedals, one side is spd and one side is just a flat pedal.

To be fair, if you get shoes similar to the link you can walk around in them almost like normal shoes.

http://www.wiggle.co.uk/shimano-sd66-spd-sandals/

you have loads of choice.

 

[SpokeyDokey]

Thanks for all the advice. I think I'll get the SH51.

One last question. If I put these pedals on can I ride on them using normal shoes or is that not recommended?

I think the SH51's are a poor choice.

Had them on when I first went clipless and had a couple of scary moments with them.

Switched to SH56's and instant Nirvana.

Just about impossible to have a clipless moment with them. They are 100% secure and unless you have legs like the trunks of Oak trees no way can you pull out of them accidently whilst pedaling uphill. This being the 'normal' criticism of them.

To be honest imo they ought to be the default cleat supplied at the point of sale. I cannot see the point whatsoever of the 51's.