New to road bikes. A few kit questions

[Gravity Aided]

I find that road people here in the states use Look Pedals, and mountain bikers and tourers use SPDs. As to your pedals, all I see is wear to the paint, very common for the fact that pedals are subject to cleats as well as road grit and gravel. Your pedal springs look excellent from what I can see. Do they spin well? Eventually, you may have to take these pedals apart and regrease the insides, where the bearings and cups are . I do this in the fall, so I have time to order the bearings I inevitably lose.

 

[Gravity Aided]

P.S. You have a beautiful bike there.

 

[slowmotion]

Bike shoes bear absolutely no relation to conventional shoe sizing. A lot of them are really narrow for a given size. If you have faintly wide feet, try North Wave.
BTW, that's a good-looking bike...

 

[Louch]

I have keo looks, save the issue of walking by not getting off and keeping cycling.you can get covers for your cleats to protect them if you do plan on stopping, but I gave up on mine when cycling alone, only take them when cake stopping with others.

 

[youngoldbloke]

If you want to keep the Keos the Grip cleats are the ones to get. The ordfinary cleats are smooth plastic and treacherous on tile floors, or granite kerbs. The cleat covers are a PITA, and I bet you'll never use them if you get them. If its no big deal to you to keep them and you have to buy new shoes anyway I would change the pedals to SPDs - the Shimano A520s look good on a road bike, and if you pick the right shoes walking will be much easier.

 

[Stu9]

well said we should all support our Local Bike Shops more than we do

Yes we should...but we al like a few quid in our pockets too from saving online, it's a catch 22, and alot of high st's are dead now because of it as we all know

 

[ayceejay]

I was suggesting that the scratched paint was an indicator of general wear but not an issue in itself.
When buying shoes to wear with clipless pedals remember that the shoe is the platform not the pedal, what this means is the sole should be stiff and not flexible.
Incidentally Planet X have a sale on some Sidi shoes and Sidi's can't be beaten for quality.

 

[Louch]

Yes we should...but we al like a few quid in our pockets too from saving online, it's a catch 22, and alot of high st's are dead now because of it as we all know

Found so far that the few extra quid you may have to spend is paid back when you need a fix in an emergency when you are a familiar face to them.

 

[Smotyn]

highly recommended in market deeping, terry wright cycles
http://www.twcycles.com/

Have to agree here. Go and see either Darren or Paul and they can advise you on all your questions and have a large range of kit to try and choose from and they dont have what you want they will get it infor you. They have altura and endoro my personal choice and they also stock Keo. Happy hunting kit sorcing is half the fun but your bank balance wont love you regardless of how much you stick to your budget there will always be somethibg else you want. We have found t u is out the hard way lol

 

[AquaFresh]

Hi all,

Thanks again for all the great advice.

I thought I'd let you know I'm kitted out and have been for a couple of solo rides.

I feel a bit guilty in that I bought everything online from Wiggle but do intend to get a few bits from my LBS...

Shoes and bib shorts are DHB - fit perfectly and seem great quality for the money. Jersey and fingerless gloves are Altura - great value too. Helmet is Hardnutz.

I went with Keo Look grey (4.5 degrees) cleats and seem to have got the hang of clipping in-out without incident!

My first ride was 15 miles, averaged 17.2mph, then yesterday, 20 miles av. 18.5mph. Both rides felt great - what a fantastic way to keep fit and see the world.

I can see that my running trainers are going to go into temporary retirement!

Thanks again,
George

 

[AquaFresh]

Forgot to add - how cool is Strava!?

Yesterday's 20 mile ride.

http://app.strava.com/activities/65123295

 

[SpokeyDokey]

Forgot to add - how cool is Strava!?

Yesterday's 20 mile ride.

http://app.strava.com/activities/65123295

I feel slightly better about your speeds now I see you are in a Flat Place.

Seriously though, you are very quick for a beginner and what a great ride. Glad you are enjoying riding!

 

[Phoenix Lincs]

Blooming' heck. Fab speeds for a newbie.

I'm off to hide in a corner