Taking the clipless plunge

[nappadang]

I've just ordered a pair of clipless SPD pedals from Evans sale, £55 for Shimano M785 XT SPD Trail Pedals
I've read a few reviews and believe they're a decent first pair at a reasonable price.
I obviously need shoes to go with them and was going to go into Start Cycles, Newcastle to try on before shelling out. Any advice would be greatly appreciated on shoes to match said pedals. Will any pair of SPD shoes clip straight in or do I need to buy cleats? Anything else I should be aware of?
I really am clueless so could use some help.

Mick

 

[T.M.H.N.E.T]

Pedals come with cleats - most shoes inc road are 2bolt cleat compatible anyway

 

[sabian92]

Pedals should come with cleats.

Have a look at the DHB M1.0s on Wiggle. Good shoe and really well made for the price. I've got them and nothing but good things to say about them.

 

[Saluki]

Good luck. After I went clipless, I never wanted to go back to the flat pedals. In fact I put them in the bin about a month or so ago.

Pedals come with cleats and the bike shop should be able to advise you and maybe even help you put the cleats on.

 

[sabian92]

Good luck. After I went clipless, I never wanted to go back to the flat pedals. In fact I put them in the bin about a month or so ago.

Pedals come with cleats and the bike shop should be able to advise you and maybe even help you put the cleats on.

I threw mine out before I even got on but they were terrible

If you aren't confident definitely get somebody in the know to adjust them as you will damage your knees and do yourself a lot of damage in the long haul if you just hope it'll get more comfortable, it won't.

 

[Nigelnaturist]

Pedals come with cleats - most shoes inc road are 2bolt cleat compatible anyway

I didn't know that, so you can fit SPD cleats to SPD SL shoes.

I threw mine out before I even got on but they were terrible

If you aren't confident definitely get somebody in the know to adjust them as you will damage your knees and do yourself a lot of damage in the long haul if you just hope it'll get more comfortable, it won't.

I just put mine on, and I have got stronger/fitter, there enough float for not to be a problem, just make sure the ball of the foot is above the pedal axle, give or take.
I think there is trying to be to much precision, and unless there is a medical problem you body will adapted to certain things, with in certain tolerances.

 

[sabian92]

I didn't know that, so you can fit SPD cleats to SPD SL shoes.

I just put mine on, and I have got stronger/fitter, there enough float for not to be a problem, just make sure the ball of the foot is above the pedal axle, give or take.
I think there is trying to be to much precision, and unless there is a medical problem you body will adapted to certain things, with in certain tolerances.

Of course, I mean sometimes people whack them on and hope they'll adjust to it, a bit like a bad saddle or reaching too far.

 

[slowmotion]

If anybody is tempted to buy pedals on ebay, be warned that some sellers don't include cleats. As for shoes, I'm a big fan of NorthWave because I have quite wide feet. I find them really comfortable. One tip I picked up somewhere was for setting up the cleat position on your shoes. Sit on a kitchen worktop and dangle your feet in the air. Note the angle to which each foot points. That should be the angle that your feet should point when you are clipped in. Adjust the cleat position accordingly.
BTW, nearly everybody falls over a couple of times when they come to a stop and forget their new arrangements. Don't worry about it. You bounce.

 

[Nigelnaturist]

Of course, I mean sometimes people whack them on and hope they'll adjust to it, a bit like a bad saddle or reaching too far.

Thats what I did, just whack them on, but I knew the ball of the foot is to be over the axle of the pedal (its what I was taught even before most people had clips), seems we need to get back to some basics.

 

[guitarpete247]

I agree with all the advice that's been given. I must have been lucky as I've not had a clipless moment (unless you count losing 1 bolt from 2 bolt cleats). I put it down to riding for years with toe clips and straps. Getting out of them took more forward thinking.

 

[Nigelnaturist]

I agree with all the advice that's been given. I must have been lucky as I've not had a clipless moment (unless you count losing 1 bolt from 2 bolt cleats). I put it down to riding for years with toe clips and straps. Getting out of them took more forward thinking.

I agree, I had one moment and a very close one in the drive where the gate post saved me, but I wouldn't go back to clips, I tried getting into clips on a dark road in winter and it was almost impossible, the number of times I flipped the pedal well I could have been home for half the effort. My pedals present the clip when you rotate the crank and if you don't get it you can still push the pedal then try next rotation

 

[guitarpete247]

Aldi have some 2 bolt cleat shoes at the moment for £20. My Lidl shoes are still going strong 3 years on.

 

[Nigelnaturist]

Aldi have some 2 bolt cleat shoes at the moment for £20. My Lidl shoes are still going strong 3 years on.

Not big enough for me (now what does that say), I did get some from Lidl in 2008 or so and were to tight at a size 10. Though the Jacket I got at the same time still functions.

 

[guitarpete247]

Mine are size 8 (Lidl's). What does that say about me?

 

[Cycling Dan]

People keep talking about this day when you will forget and fall. This day nearly 1 year on has not happened to me. I have forgot but never fell. A good tip is to unclip early.