Going clipless?

[deanbmx]

I'm a newbie to road bikes and I use my bike for cycling to work but I want to start using it more at weekends. im looking into clipless rather than flats but I don't know where to start. I don't want to spend a huge amount.
Any ideas?
Thanks in advance

 

[HLaB]

If you have a look round the forum you'll find plenty of stuff on it, basically though you have two types. a) mtb type (like spd, egg beaters, etc) and they have a smaller cleat slightly less efficient for pedalling (may also be less comfortable for distance) but easier to engage and its recessed so you can walk better or b) road type like (spd-sl, look keos, etc) they are slightly more efficient for pedalling but are harder to clip in and are terrible for walking in (in fact you can't really). I tend to run something in between a stiffer soled mtb shoe with spd's (still walkable) and touring (A520) pedals which have a cage and more comfortable/ efficient.

 

[Cletus Van Damme]

I have just started with clipless pedals. I went with SPD's and Shimano pedals as they were cheap. I use Shimano M520 on my road bike, they are double sided and very cheap. On the hybrid I use Shimano M324 as one side is a regular flat pedal and the other is for the SPD cleats. I wanted this as I often take my daughter on a child seat and did not want to be clipped in as the bike is nowhere near as stable. For shoes I got Specialized BG Sport shoes, I love these shoes but if you get them online go a size up than normal. Well thats what worked for me anyway. I also use Shimano multi release SM-SH56 cleats. These are easier to clip out of, you can get out of them by even lifting your foot straight up instead of the usual twist to the side. I find them great as even if you forget that you are clipped in, you do not end up falling over.

 

[PoweredByVeg]

Hi Deanbmx

Unlike the previous posts I went the SPD-SL route.

They are really good, you do feel like a knob walking in them, but I only walk in them to get to the bike out of the garage

If you are going to use the bike for work too, is there much stop/start traffic, not much fun if you have to keep clipping in/out

If I cycle to work I'll use my MTB with ordinary pedals, there's no way I'm walking the length of the factory mincing along in cleats

Oh yeah, and practice on some grass clipping in/out

 

[Marbler]

I've been cycling clipless for about 2.5 years and have only fallen 2 or 3 times. As a precaution I always unclip well in advance of stopping just keep my foot on the pedal. Doing that means you're prepared to put your foot down. There is nothing worse than trying to unlcip and you can't knowing you're going to fall and and hurt yourself.

 

[Brighton Ed]

Went clip less a year ago and would never go back. As above, the main choice is spd style or spd sl style (other brands available but this is the easiest language to use). Main difference is how easy the shoes are to walk in when you are off the bike. My spd shoes are easy as the cleat is recessed into the shoe so I am essentially wearing trainers - these are on my hybrid with pedal flat on one side and spd on other. The Spd sl (or look keo is what I chose on my road bike) is nicer when riding but impossible to walk any distance in due to the cleat fixing under the shoe and not recessed. If you will be walking at all spd is the only way to go but if you are cycling then changing into work shoes as soon as you get there then go for Look Keo or SPD SL.

 

[Brighton Ed]

Ps cost will be roughly £80 for both at entry level online. Online is normally substantially cheaper than lbs but you can't try the shoes on for size.