Clipless Pedals This Simple

[The Jogger]

Cheers Colin

 

[youngoldbloke]

They look just like Wellgo RC713 pedals, but at least £5-£6 cheaper. Good looking too - suit a road bike.

 

[Headgardener]

Do I need to buy a special spanner to fit the pedals?

Some better quality pedals have an insert on the crank end of the spindle for an 8mm (I think, will look on bike tomorrow) allen key rather than use a large flat spanner.

 

[B-B-BikeyStrike!]

I'm getting some SPD shoes for my road bike - what am i looking for in a shoe?

Will these cheapies be OK: http://www.decathlon.co.uk/EN/sport-5-3901833/

or am i better off spending a bit more on something like these: http://www.decathlon.co.uk/EN/mt-31-17603251/

 

[youngoldbloke]

Might depend how much walking you think you'll do - the cheaper ones have the advice 'Restricted use not suitable for walking', and appear to have a fairly smooth sole.

 

[Slim]

BTW - it's not a bad idea to use "multi-release" cleats - SH-56 I think. These release in any direction rather than just kicking your heel out. I've avoided more than a few clipless moments by just yanking my foot upwards.


HTH

 

[yashicamat]

BTW - it's not a bad idea to use "multi-release" cleats - SH-56 I think. These release in any direction rather than just kicking your heel out. I've avoided more than a few clipless moments by just yanking my foot upwards.


HTH

I'd be slightly wary of that though - when I get out of the saddle I pull up with the opposing foot and I'd hate to think my foot could pop out in that situation.

I use standard SPDs and M520 pedals and find them fine for both touring and general cycling - fairly cheap too (chainreaction has the pedals for about £19 and I got some fairly decent Spesh shoes for £70).

 

[Slim]

I'd be slightly wary of that though - when I get out of the saddle I pull up with the opposing foot and I'd hate to think my foot could pop out in that situation.

So far (touches wood) they've only released when the pull upwards has been in an emergency. The normal upwards pull when you're just pedalling, even climbing, is nowhere near enough to release the cleats. Mind you, it took a while to get the release tension right. I started with the tension quite loose until my confidence developed.

 

[Banjo]

After a few clipless moments I have been riding my road bike on flat pedals and trainers.On my regular 12.75 mile loop that I use as sort of personal time trial on a regular basis I havent noticed any drop in speed.



My feet do wander on the pedal a bit but better pedals would cure that.My feet stay firmly in place on the flat cage pedals on my commuter bike.

I think a pair of size 8 dhb roadshoes and Shimano A530 pedals may be going on ebay. Havent fully decided on that yet.

 

[GrasB]

I'd be slightly wary of that though - when I get out of the saddle I pull up with the opposing foot and I'd hate to think my foot could pop out in that situation.

I'd agree here, having pulled out while climbing with some serious weight on the back of the bike or when sprinting, you're suddenly so completely off balance it's luck if you manage to stay on the bike. Multi-release is something I'd recommend avoiding unless you know you'll never use your upstroke (in which case why are you using clipless pedals in the first place?). Oh I should mention, I have the tension ramped up to maximum.

 

[johnr]

Like with lots of other things you gets what you pay for. I started out with Lidl shoes and thought they were the bees knees; then I bought crank brother pedals for a new bike and some Specialized mountain bike shoes - they were both appreciably better; the crank brother pedals eventually snapped off so I got some cheap Shimano pedals - wow were they better; just started wearing the Shimano winter shoes I bought cheap in the summer ... and love them!

I think the more expensive shoes have composite/carbon fibre soles, so you get the benefit of the extra stiffness. I have really mangled arthritic feet and found the better fit of the Specialized shoes a real bonus. My guess would be with pedals that you get better components with more expensive brands. I must say though, that the Shimanos are the ones for me. I had no complaints with crank bros until they snapped, but noticed the improvement immediately with the Shimanos.

I'd reiterate the 'walking' advice. The Shimano winter shoes keep my feet dry and easier to keep warm, but they've got no rubber sole to speak of and are the very divil to walk in. I wouldn't want to go trekking in the mtb shoes but they were good enough for strolling round town for an hour or two.

Happy new year

 

[jimheaney57]

I had my first clipless moment this morning.

After a very long descent of about 4 miles with an extremely steep uphill just after, my chain came off as I was shifting gears for the climb. The problem was worsened by a stupid women walking out in front of me Both my hands and feet were freezing and I had no chance to release the pedal before I was in a heap on the road. The bi*** didn't even look round to see if I was okay. Thankfully neither I or the bike was hurt

I suppose I can now call myself a real cyclist

Great ride though. 33 miles with lots of long climbs. A nice sunny day with lovely views to snow capped hills. My feet were bloody freezing though from about 10 miles despite wearing winter shoes and 2 pairs of thick Merino socks.

 

[The Jogger]

Try putting cling flim on between the socks, it will be a lot less cold on the tootsies!

 

[The Jogger]

Went out clipless today for the first time, it was only a 5 miler but enjoyed it. Once properly over the lurgy will do a lot more.

 

[jimheaney57]

Did you take your own advice and use cling film?

Does that really work? Do your feet not get really sweaty? If so and it is as cold as it was when I was out yesterday the sweat would freeze.