Converted? Not quite yet...

[Easytigers]

I've said on many occasions (standing atop my soap box) that the best thing I've ever done is gone clipless. For me it made a real difference (I know that's not the same for everyone, but each to their own). I also waxed lyrical that my Shimano 520 mtb pedals have been faultless and would never change them...no need for road shoes as they already do a bloody good job!
Then...the guy at work gave me a pair of road shoes that were surplus to requirements and fitted pretty well...
I put my 520 cleats onto them and had a go...
Was like walking ice-skates and nearly did myself a damage on the laminate floor (I wasn't built to do the splits!). But actually liked the feeling of the full carbon sole when on the bike so happy days. M520s rule!
Today I got a pair of R540 pedals through the post (total surprise but then the wife let me know that they're an early father's day present! Bonus!)
Spent an age fitting the cleats...just put them where I thought the centre of the triangle was (not very scientific I know!!!).
First ride gave me the following:
1. It felt like I was pedaling on my tip toes so probably too far forward
2. Didn't have to change seat height (probably wrong then!)
3. The route I do very regularly and average between 13-15mph I did at 16.2mph
4. Not sure what it is but legs feel a bit weird and have the feeling that I might wake up tomorrow and hobble around
5. Still walking round like an idiot, even with the wider platform!
6. Was sooo nervous all the way round that I'd have a problem and have to walk home in my socks!!!
Sorry for the very long post but was the biggest change I've made in ages and still not sure whether it's worth it!
Russ

 

[paul04]

It took me a couple of days to get use to clipless pedals and to get the adjustment right, but now I think it would feel odd riding the bike without them.

 

[Nosaj]

I started on Spuds M520's and have used them for about 2-3 years. I recently switched to SPD SL with carbon soled shoes and promptly knackered my right knee in a matter of a couple of weeks.

It should be noted though that my knee got knackered because my cleats were aligned following a bike set up and were aligned correctly (I think) however becuase I had used spuds for such a long time my body got used to the set up and the change was a bit too much for my knee (my Physio supports this conclusion also).

My MTB shoes are very stiff soled and IMHO I did not notice a huge difference between the Road pedal/cleat/shoe set up and the MTB pedal/cleat/shoe set up aside from the road shoes were slightly lighter but harder to walk in.

You can get MTB Shoes with Carbon soles and I think that is the key the stiffness of the sole of the shoe

Maybe if I started on SPD SL and moved to Spuds the reverse may have been true.

 

[Easytigers]

Thanks Nosaj! Will watch the knees!!

 

[inkd]

I read these "SPD - SPD sl" threads with interest as I have not gone clipless yet as im torn between which would suit better.

 

[Easytigers]

I read these "SPD - SPD sl" threads with interest as I have not gone clipless yet as im torn between which would suit better.

If you're not sure, I'd definitely go for the cheaper and more simplistic option of SPD first. It's only that I've tried them (SPD sl) for a day but loved my M520s before and wouldn't even consider not going clipless anymore

 

[biggs682]

still using cages and straps here

 

[TonyEnjoyD]

Started on SPD on my roadie and then the hybrid then the MTB... Then went SL on my roadie.
I switch between easily, but find the SLs better for speed and power down.
in the snow and ice, I feel safer with the SPDs as able to get in and out a helluva lot easier and can walk the sheet ice bits better in MTB shoes.

SPDs will be ok on either, but I think SLs may be v unsuitable for off-roading