I know nothing about clip pedals and shoes, help!

[littledan77]

I'm looking to get some pedals which can allow cycle shoes to clip in. I think I'm talking about cleats here. I've heard of SPD, LONG and various other 'types' of clips/shoe.
What are they, which is better and what do I need to look for?

I'm planning on these being part of my kit for a very long ride over a number of days. Is this even the thing I'm needing to look for?

Thanks for any help

 

[arallsopp]

Pedals go on the bike.
Shoes go on the feet.
Cleats attach one to the other.

You need special shoes, and special pedals for cleats. Specific cleats are matched to specific pedals (normally by manufacturer) but most cycle specific shoes are broadly compatible with all systems.
There are many flavours (road, mtb, spd, atac, etc) and everyone will have an idea as to which is the best, lightest, most durable, most comfortable, etc.

All these opinions are waiting in the Touring, or Kit and Accessories forums. This is probably not the place.

I'm going to get in early and say Time Atac Aliums, by the way

 

[littledan77]

Pedals go on the bike.
Shoes go on the feet.
Cleats attach one to the other.

.....

Thanks for your very specific descriptions

I'll post this in the other forum you suggested and see what other help I can get too.