Single leg exercises, lazzy bands and woowoo...

[dharma66]

So, thinking the weather and darkness won't be much fun, I got myself a turbo.

I'm really enjoying using it (I'm a bit weird like that - the more mind numbing the exercise, the better), but I noticed something the other day.

It obviously makes a noise, and the noise it makes is WOOOoooWOOOoooWOOOOoooWOOOooo.

Now, i kind of think that if I had good pedalling technique, it would probably make a noise more like WOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO.

So I've been focussing on pushing forward with the high leg at the top of the stroke, and pulling back with the low leg at the bottom, and it seems to be getting better.

I also just setup a Training Peaks account, and got it to make me a yearly training plan. Tonight was the second day of my plan, and was single leg training, with the emphasis on form. So I got on my turbo, did the British Cycling 20 minute warm up, span easy for a couple of minutes, then lifted my left foot from the pedal.

I've only had a bike a few weeks, and I'm on flats. It seems that the right pedal wasn't aware that it was supposed to stick to the bottom of my shoe so I could practice single leg drills.

So I guess I have a choice: elastic bands or clipless pedals.

Ok, the choice is actually SPD or SPD SL. I have a hybrid, and it was quite cheap (bottom end Trek), because I wasn't sure the cycling bug would bite. However, whilst I'll be keeping the hybrid through to next spring, my goal is to loose enough weight and gain enough fitness to feel comfortable on a half decent road bike by next summer.

My question, finally, is, what is the difference - apart from recessed cleats? Is the only reason One is considered road, and the other off-road due to the recessed cleats, and maybe style of shoes available? Or is there some arcane reason I'm unaware of?

The reason I ask is that I'm thinking that if I'm going to go for clipless pedals soon, and will be moving to a road bike in a few months, should I get decent road pedals now, even if they cost a fair chunk of what my bike cost, so I can be used to them, and move them to the road bike when it comes along?

Or would I be better getting something cheaper for now, and maybe SPD rather than SL?

Finally, is it a good idea to get used to using clipless over the winter on the turbo (I'll still get out when I can, mind you)?

All my cycling is on the road.

Thanks for sticking with this ramble!

 

[wealthysoup]

I can't answer all your questions. Spd sl will be more comfortable on longer rides due to the larger surface area the cleat covers, although you can't walk as well in them.

You can get a pair of clipless Spd sl pedals (pedals come with cleats) for around 30 quid. Shoes are more expensive (around 50 quid plus in general), when I bought mine I was aiming to spend under 80 but ended up around 110 to get comfortable shoes (for me atleast)

I havnt got a turbo trainer, I don't see why it wouldn't be a good idea though

 

[byegad]

SPD cleats are recessed into the shoe so walking is easy, you tend to get a slight metallic tap from the ball of each foot on a hard pavement. Race shoes use a different cleat that sticks below the shoe, making walking more difficult. I'd suggest that while race cleats are slightly more efficient they are really only suitable for those that ride long and hard and would never dream of going for a bit of shopping or sight seeing during a ride.

 

[Kestevan]

There's nothing to stop you putting SPD pedals on a road bike. Use whatever suits you and your riding style.