new pedals

[jimlad]

Having just acquired my first bike in almost 20 years I am a bit behind the times when it comes to equipment these days. back then I had toe straps, but I want to get my self some cycling shoes with cleats and pedals to suit but don't know where to start. The reason for my new steed is that after two decades out of the saddle I am planning to do LeJog next summer to raise money for charity. With regard to pedals and shoes and cleats I need to know the following:
1 Do I buy pedals and cleats together as I am guessing they are not a universal fit accross the market? - or
2. Do I buy cleats and shoes together? - or
3. Do all three have to be specifically suited to one another?
4. Where is the best place to go for the above (Halfords? Wiggle? E-Bay? Local bike shop?)
thanks for any assistance offered.

 

[derrick]

I recently bought some look pedals wich come with cleats, then found some shimano shoes, the shoes i bought from chain reaction, the pedals from my local bike shop.

 

[Bicycle]

Having just acquired my first bike in almost 20 years I am a bit behind the times when it comes to equipment these days. back then I had toe straps, but I want to get my self some cycling shoes with cleats and pedals to suit but don't know where to start. The reason for my new steed is that after two decades out of the saddle I am planning to do LeJog next summer to raise money for charity. With regard to pedals and shoes and cleats I need to know the following:
1 Do I buy pedals and cleats together as I am guessing they are not a universal fit accross the market? - or
2. Do I buy cleats and shoes together? - or
3. Do all three have to be specifically suited to one another?
4. Where is the best place to go for the above (Halfords? Wiggle? E-Bay? Local bike shop?)
thanks for any assistance offered.

1. Shoes are supplied without cleats. The cleats are supplied with the pedals.

2. Whatever you want.... I get shoes from LBS (to try on) and pedals online (for price).

3. Yes and No.... Essentially there are 2 types of clipless pedal. Dull to go into differences (but you can look online). I imagine you'd want an SPD type for a 9-day haul, so you can walk around more easily without looking like Charlie Chaplin on drugs. SPD type have a cleat that sits within the sole of a shoe designed to accept them.

I favour a type called Egg Beater by Crank Bros. 1 of my kids uses Crank Bros Candy and the other 2 use vanilla SPDs. It comes down to what you like, but if it's a new concept for you, why not start cheap with fairly boggo SPDs?

There is as much opinion about clipless systems as there are people riding with them. The main choice is SPD or 'Look'. After that, there are a few manufacturers of SPD-type pedals whose cleats and pedals are not uniform. Suck it and see.

4. If it's a new thing for you, LBS is a good place to start. They will probably cost more than Halfords/Wiggle et al, but they may help you to make the right choice.

Whichever way you go, climbing will be 427 times easier and you will fet much more out of a ride.

Enjoy making the choice!

 

[danger mouse]

I dont understand why they make such a difference? I have just started cycling with toe straps and find them really good. Will cleats make even more difference? I think cost is my main obstacle.

 

[smokeysmoo]

I dont understand why they make such a difference? I have just started cycling with toe straps and find them really good. Will cleats make even more difference? I think cost is my main obstacle.

In general the shoes you use with cleats have a very stiff sole that makes pedalling more efficient, it does work honestly

You can also pull the pedal up when climbing far more efficiently than any other pedal set up.

 

[derrick]

I dont understand why they make such a difference? I have just started cycling with toe straps and find them really good. Will cleats make even more difference? I think cost is my main obstacle.

I found them much better than toe straps, you feel more locked in.

 

[killiekosmos]

I dont understand why they make such a difference? I have just started cycling with toe straps and find them really good. Will cleats make even more difference? I think cost is my main obstacle.

I moved from flat pedals to toe-straps to clipless pedals. Each one made a difference. With clipless pedals my feet don't slip off and are always in the correct position. The stiffer sole on the shoe makes a difference too. I don't find I 'pull up' on the pedals but I think I get more 'effort' in each rotation.

My first shoes were £20 in Lidl and I still use them for commuting. Pedals around £30.

 

[the snail]

I found them much better than toe straps, you feel more locked in.

more importantly I find them easier to unclip. When I got spds I came to a halt at some lights, and realised I hadn't unclipped. I started to topple over, but I got my foot free in time - I don't think I'd have managed that with clips/straps. I'd be lying if I said I hadn't fallen over with spds though - all part of the fun

 

[Tyke]

+1 for the Lidl shoes but they only have them every few months and they go very quickly when they do.