Toe Clips kiss of death!

[Nigelnaturist]

I suggest you look at Halfords for car stuff and go to a bike shop for bike stuff. Having someone who sells 'car stuff' for a living, advising you on new pedals is likely to lead you in the wrong direction.

I am pretty sure, that in the small town I lived in in the 70's, that there was a small branch before hyper stores, so it was alittle one on the high street, and just one man ran it, it was as much about bikes as it was cars. In fact I rebuilt my first racing bike with bits from there.

Edit
The Pontefract branch has always seen me right, never bought a bike, but might be getting one for the 11 year old this xmas. So we will see.

 

[Venod]

I am pretty sure, that in the small town I lived in in the 70's, that there was a small branch before hyper stores, so it was alittle one on the high street, and just one man ran it, it was as much about bikes as it was cars. In fact I rebuilt my first racing bike with bits from there.

Edit
The Pontefract branch has always seen me right, never bought a bike, but might be getting one for the 11 year old this xmas. So we will see.

Do you mean the one in Cornmarket Pontefract, I remember that one well, drooling over the bikes as a boy, as far as I remember Halfords was a lot more about bikes before it got into the motor vehicle business.

 

[Kevin McCaughey]

I'm now wondering whether to go for double sided or single sided. I think I can manage single - it was trying to get my foot in the "basket" of the toe clips that was killing me, and then the damn things would get stuck and tied up etc...

So, here is my choice of pedal (I think?): http://goo.gl/CkJAQQ

And these look like decent shoes, though I am wondering what I do if I have to walk in them?: http://www.amazon.co.uk/Road-Comp-race-shoe-Size/dp/B003ODFJTC/ref=reg_hu-rd_add_1_dp

So it's not far short of £100, but I don't mind spending that instead of riding the death train of toe clips!

All advice gratefully received - thanks!

 

[Venod]

I'm now wondering whether to go for double sided or single sided. I think I can manage single - it was trying to get my foot in the "basket" of the toe clips that was killing me, and then the damn things would get stuck and tied up etc...

So, here is my choice of pedal (I think?): http://goo.gl/CkJAQQ

And these look like decent shoes, though I am wondering what I do if I have to walk in them?: http://www.amazon.co.uk/Road-Comp-race-shoe-Size/dp/B003ODFJTC/ref=reg_hu-rd_add_1_dp

So it's not far short of £100, but I don't mind spending that instead of riding the death train of toe clips!

All advice gratefully received - thanks!

Look like nice Pedals & Shoes, but I will repeat my advice for double sided and shoes you can walk in, I have used both type and they perform equally as well.

 

[Kevin McCaughey]

Hmmm, now I'm wavering.... those double sided MTB pedals do look a bit small though?

 

[Venod]

You could always use these.

http://www.rosebikes.co.uk/article/...24/aid:37611?gclid=CKzsgt_Q2rkCFZQZtAodxBQApA

But the ones without the cage are fine.

 

[mynydd]

I bought a pair of those road comp shoes about two years ago, when I first went clipless.
Their still going strong and are v comfortable, I've been very happy with them.
I agree they're not great for walking in though

 

[Venod]

@Kevin McCaughey

Don't know what size you are but these are a bargain

http://www.cyclechat.net/threads/sh...d-m530-spd-pedals-£50-00.140083/#post-2664630

 

[Born2die]

Honestly go for spd IMHO I can walk home from little ones school that's a mile and a half in spd shoes easily I have shimano x780 xt pedals and louis garniau shoes perfect on the bike not so bad off it

 

[Saluki]

Thanks for the advice so far! From what I see you need special shoes as well as the pedals. This is going to be quite an investment then as cycling shoes are about £50+ and pedals around £35+.

Are road SPD's all one sided and the MTB ones also come as double sided? There is quite a confusing array of setups! I think I will have to go in to Halfords and look around before I buy. I usually just get stuff online, but this seems like a choice I will be stuck with.

Is it tricky to flip one sided pedals to clip in? At the moment trying to flip these monstrous toe clip pedals I have is really hard.

Our local Sports Direct has cycling shoes on offer at the moment for a smidge over £30. I am sure other branches will have them too. Also Aldi is having a cycling thing this coming Thursday and have cycling shoes clicky.
£19.99 is a good price but you'll need to get there as they crack the doors. Then some SPDs are not that expensive. I got some for £25 at my LBS.

 

[Nigelnaturist]

Do you mean the one in Cornmarket Pontefract, I remember that one well, drooling over the bikes as a boy, as far as I remember Halfords was a lot more about bikes before it got into the motor vehicle business.

No the one I was referring to was in New Mills Derbyshire, but its like anywhere you get good and bad places, we might not buy the bike from Halfords,

 

[Nigelnaturist]

I walk a mile or so in some spd's pushing two bike no problem could easily walked much further.

 

[Tyke]

Lidl keep getting cheap SPD shoes in. I broke a lace on mine after about 3000 miles but the shoes look like they are good for at least another 3000.

 

[theloafer]

hey kelvin.... nowt wrong with toe clips just need practice mate used them for 35 years and no probs .. got my g/f these as she don't like been fixed to her bike she loves them http://www.edinburghbicycle.com/products/zefal-mini-clips

 

[MikeW-71]

I use these:
http://www.evanscycles.com/products/shimano/m520-spd-pedals-ec005948

And these:
http://www.amazon.co.uk/Shimano-M07...8&qid=1379711711&sr=8-1&keywords=shimano+m077

On both my road bikes.

There's nothing wrong with toe clips though, just don't fasten them tight to help you get in and out of them easier.