Conor Curran
New Member
- Location
- Downpatrick, Northern Ireland
Im new to the road cycling, and wanted to know should I use the pedals and the shoes? Will I fall off?
Should I use SPD-SL pedals?
- Thread starter Conor Curran
- Start date
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BrianEvesham
Mask is gone!
- Location
- South Littleton, Evesham.
Yes, they make a big difference.
You might fall off, but if you practice unclipping while someone holds the frame for you who knows.
You might fall off, but if you practice unclipping while someone holds the frame for you who knows.
Hacienda71
Mancunian in self imposed exile in leafy Cheshire
- Location
- Wilmslow, Cheshire
Yes, Look Keos are my preference.
Roadies are meant to use SPD-SL , but i find using SPD much better with a road bike. Nice to walk about when i have cycled somewhere new,many miles from home.
Sittingduck
Legendary Member
- Location
- Somewhere flat
Yep - definitely both required.
No shoes and the pedals will hurt your feet.
No pedals and that's just silly.
OP
OP
Conor Curran
New Member
- Location
- Downpatrick, Northern Ireland
Thanks guys.
Yes, practice unclipping first. Even then you'll probably fall off at least once, but you soon get the hang of it.
I use SPD on both my road bikes.
vickster
Legendary Member
Lean against a wall, inside on carpet if you can and practice
Have the tension set to the loosest while you practice. Get used to unclipping in plenty of time for lights and junctions. And do not get too close to the car in front as if they brake suddenly, loosening your feet will be the last thing you remember in my experience!
Have the tension set to the loosest while you practice. Get used to unclipping in plenty of time for lights and junctions. And do not get too close to the car in front as if they brake suddenly, loosening your feet will be the last thing you remember in my experience!
Accy cyclist
Legendary Member
- Location
- The hills of Accrington
I always unclip when approaching a potential stop situation well in advance. Don't leave it till the last moment,you can always peddle with your heel until it's safe to clip back in.
PhilDawson8270
Veteran
I can only advise based on my 1 week experience but it may be relevant, and it is logical.
Get them! Everybody said that I would fall, or forget to unclip etc. However, since I had only rode the bike once before I bought a set I hadn't developed any habits, or "muscle memory" on the road bike in comparison to somebody who rides months or years with normal shoes first.
My only experience of road bikes is with cleats, so I have only built up habits and muscle memory, using cleats. It seems to make sense, and I do not regret getting them. In fact, I still occasionally miss the front of the cleat trying to clip on, my experience is that I struggle more getting into, rather than getting out of the pedals.
Get them! Everybody said that I would fall, or forget to unclip etc. However, since I had only rode the bike once before I bought a set I hadn't developed any habits, or "muscle memory" on the road bike in comparison to somebody who rides months or years with normal shoes first.
My only experience of road bikes is with cleats, so I have only built up habits and muscle memory, using cleats. It seems to make sense, and I do not regret getting them. In fact, I still occasionally miss the front of the cleat trying to clip on, my experience is that I struggle more getting into, rather than getting out of the pedals.
