Clipless Pedals FAQ

[gaz]

Interesting. The nuts come loose on my yellow cleats too. Luckily I noticed, and have retightened them twice - I just presumed this was normal. Wonder if fits a yellow thing... I think I'll give the reds a go once the cleats wear out, I have a spare yellow set anyway in case I don't get on.

You are either not doing them tight enough or the threads in your shoe are worn.

 

[MacB]

7 - compared with flat pedals they're far more efficient

interesting, have you got the link for the study that supports this assertion or was it just your own impression?

 

[tsddave]

Thanks alot for this ...I had my 1st experiences today with SPD.

I was feeling abit concerned about the whole thing so I did my research on this forum and watching the odd video on youtube.
This video
View: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZmwHqcFlOI4
I found to be very good and the lady in it has perfect legs!

Once I got my shoes and the cleats in place I practised for about 10mins clipping in and out with both feet.
I then set to the road and did an hours cycle to practise with them further. I didnt have any issues and feel that some of the warnings are abit strong in some (but not this one) articles ive seen online.
It didnt take long at all to the the hang of it and I had a couple of instances during the ride where I needed to stop fast and I managed to get my feet out fast each time.
I had the pedals on a low tension and I would agree this is perfect for those starting out.
I went up and down some pretty steep climbs (thats how it is where I live in Norway) and didnt feel the need for more tension either.

Now I have seen the extra power spd provides I will never go back! I was chuckling at the extra power I had on climbs and extra speed I had on the straights.

Anyone considering spd and is concerned I would urge you to just go for it - its really not so bad!

 

[Moss]

Really useful advice that thanks for posting. I am on the fence as what to purchase as it sounds like an improvement on trainers.

Just bought the (New on the Market 2012) Shimano XT Duo Pedals for my Road Bike! Clip in on one side; and plain Pedal the other side! Turned the adjustment to maximum Negativity and it becomes easier to release from the pedals. They retail at £74.99 (Ok £75,) but if you shop around it's possible to get them for a lot less.

Here's a link to the type of pedal : http://www.chainreactioncycles.com/Models.aspx?ModelID=67250

 

[david k]

http://www.halfords.com/webapp/wcs/...Product_List_Zone_1-_-Blank&iozone=PLPz1#dtab

ive bought the shoes from aldi, will they work with this pedal? do i need cleats as well?

 

[gaz]

http://www.halfords....zone=PLPz1#dtab

ive bought the shoes from aldi, will they work with this pedal? do i need cleats as well?

Do the shoes have 3 holes on the bottom in a triangle shape? If yes, then they will work with that pedal and the cleats come with the pedal.
If you only have 2 holes, then the pedals will not work with your shoe.

 

[david k]

http://www.aldi.co.uk/uk/html/offers/special_buys3_20813.htm

thanks gaz, im not sure will check later

 

[gaz]

http://www.aldi.co.u...buys3_20813.htm

thanks gaz, im not sure will check later

If those are the shoes, then no you can't use that pedal system. SPD-SL, Look Keo and some Time pedals (The 3 bolt triangle system) will not work with those shoes.

 

[david k]

so i need a 2 bolt system

 

[david k]

checked and my shoes have 2 holes, so which cleats and pedals do i need, anyone help please

 

[gavroche]

cleats seem to be all the fashion presently. Are they really superior to straps and if so, in what way?

 

[HovR]

Great article! Learning something new every day.

If I may suggest something, maybe some photos could be added displaying the differences between the pedal options?

Maybe some images likes these for the clipless section:

And this for the clipped section?

As they say, an image speaks 1000 words!

-HovR

 

[PpPete]

checked and my shoes have 2 holes, so which cleats and pedals do i need, anyone help please

Plain old SPD Like on the right hand shoe in the pic above.

 

[PpPete]

cleats seem to be all the fashion presently. Are they really superior to straps and if so, in what way?

At least as efficient as a really tight clip/strap but more comfortable and easier to get in and out of.

 

[david k]

i have 2 bolts, any chance of a link to cheap pedals to suit please