I bought a new road bike ('03 Cannondale R400 Sport) at the end of the C-SIG last year. It has the standard pedals with a canvas cage/straps, and while I have pretty much decided to invest in clip pedals, i'm getting dizzy from all the options. Styles vary, materials vary (carbon, resin, etc.) and I also understand that not all pedals will be compatible with all shoes.
Can anyone suggest a few tips? Maybe a starting point? There's got to be a good primer online somewhere, but frankly i found lots online, and it is hard to discern good advice and knowledgeable sources from the volume of stuff out there.
I also figure it'd make sense to find a reputable pro at a LBS here in NYC, so any reco's there are also appreciated.
I'm a very casual rider. I did the entry-level C-SIG last year, but haven't been riding much. Plan to join C-SIG again, and hope to step up my riding in 2006.
Grateful for any help. Thanks.
Carol
Any tips on where/how to buy shoes and pedals
I would recommend the Shimano Ultegra pedals. They are just like the Dura Ace pedals but only about 35 grams heavier. Very nice wide platform for easy entry with about 6 degrees of float. I believe Lance himself helped design them (the Dura Ace version anyway but which these are modeled after). Another nice thing about them is you can get them on eBay new for under $100.00. A very nice value. As for shoes, I'm not sure how much you want to spend but the Sidi Genius 4 or 5 models are very comfortable but a bit costly, probably around $200. You may be able to get a new pair cheap on eBay for around $125-150 though. Good luck.
Let us recall Lance pulled out of these in the TdF prologue, or was it the first TT?, last year.
Let us also recall that Lance has won 7 Tours with them, lol.
Let us also recall that Lance has won 7 Tours with them, lol.
fyi:
He did not win 7 Tours with that model.
Lance used his own pair of Shimano Durace PD-7401 during the 1999 & 2000 TDF.
The Durace 7800 SPD-SL Road Pedal was introduced in the spring of 2001 when he was training in Girona & working w/ Trek, Shimano, and HED engineers in reducing weight on his new climbing bike.
A Note to Hector:
Lance would have still won the TDF 7x if he was using Look, Speedplay, Time, Campagnolo, etc.. pedals.
Throw in pair of Wooden Dutch Clog shoes.... he would still be in GC Contention 7x.
Ok, I stand corrected. My point was that he used them, maybe not for 7 Tour wins but he did help design them and did win the Tour on them. Please chill, lol.
Hey, take a chill pill my friend. This is a friendly board and the post was meant to help Carol pick out a set of pedals and a pair of shoes. But I did appreciate your input that Lance would have won the Tour on Looks, Speedplays, etc. I was sure it was the Shimano pedals that put him over the top.
Ultegra is very good and Sidi too.
When I first got clip pedals, the store recommended LOOK because it has a big platform and they are relatively inexpensive. After 60,000 miles of riding, I still replace the LOOK pedals with either model mentioned below even though I ride a light carbon frame bike. The LOOK pedals aren't as light as Ultegra, but if I want to lose a pound, I won't eat the chocolate cake. Smile.
Nashbar.com is having a sale on the 357 and 337 LOOK pedals for $80 and $50, respectively. That is a good deal since new pedals will come with cleats. Regarding the shoes, go into the store and try them on. They should be wide enough (very important) and long enough to fit in comfortably. And, they should accept a LOOK cleat...most shoes do. If the shoes don't fit, they will be uncomfortable on a ride over 30 minutes. Sidi makes an extra wide size called Mega - that I use. There are less expensive shoes and I recommend that you try them on and consider them. My first pair of shoes was New Balance that I purchased for $69 - now that dates me.
Good luck,
Bob
"Since you are a casual rider (and even if you were not so casual), I would avoid the Look style 3-bolt cleats. These are not at all comfortable for walking, and the plastic cleats are slippery and wear out fast.
I would recommend Shimano SPD Pedals, something like the PD-M520. Dual sided for easy entry, and adjustable release tension. The metal cleats come with the pedals.
http://www.bikeworld.com/components/catalog/product.html?pid=545&cat=73
As for shoes, look at the Shimano T092. These look like regular road shoes, but have recesses for the SPD cleats so you can walk comfortably. And they have good stiff soles to prevent hot spots.
http://shop.store.yahoo.com/penncyclebuy/05shshsh15.html
Hints for riding clipless:
Set the pedal release tension to minimum to assure easy exit. To exit the pedal, twist your heel outward and downward. Practice getting in and out on a stationary trainer, or one foot at a time while straddling the bike. On the road, unclip one foot BEFORE you come to a complete stop.
If you buy at an LBS, they will set up the cleats on the shoes. It's not difficult. The ball of your foot should be directly over the pedal spindle or _slightly_ in front of the spindle, never behind. The angle of the cleat should be set so your foot feels natural, which may be pointing straight ahead or slightly in or out.
Important: Check the cleat mounting bolts after the first couple of rides. They may need to be tightened. If they're loose, you won't be able to unclip. They may loosen after initial installation, due to material compression. After you re-tighten them, they will stay tight.
""Chainwheel"""
Chainwheel has an excellent point. I use the combination he recommends-shimano SPD pedals - on my mountain bike.
The SPD pedals and shoes work great especially if you plan to walk around a lot in your cycling shoes. Be careful to match the shoe to the pedal in this case.
My wife uses this combination on her road bike. We both find the SPD's a little more difficult to clip into than the LOOK option. Maybe it's something that one gets used to after a while.
Bob
>>> I would recommend Shimano SPD Pedals, something like the PD-M520
I use these pedals as well, but with multi-release cleats - Shimano SH-56. These cleats are a fairly new product, and replace the older model, SH-55, which won't work with M520 pedals.
The multi-release cleats give you a few more ways to unclip - by rolling your foot, or even twisting upwards.
Some folks don't like the cleats, saying their feet unclip unexpectedly, but I've never had that problem. I prefer these cleats because I can get out of the pedals quickly in unexpected - read panic - situations.
The SH-56 cleats are not included with any Shimano pedals as far as I know, but it's easy enough to find them online, or perhaps your bike shop can order them.
which have the same multi-release function (plus can be set up to favor in or out rotation primary release motion) and work with all their pedals.
"""Chainwheel"" beat me to it...if you're a casual rider, don't get a road shoe/pedal combo. Use a mountain pedal/cleat. The Shimano shoes look interesting (I'd never seen them before) but you can also use a mountain shoe and be comfortable walking. Either the Shimano SPD system or the Crank Brothers Eggbeaters are a good choice. The Eggbeaters have four-sided entry, so you really can't miss and they're easy in and out. You can get an Eggbeater pedal with a wide platform.
You'll adjust best if, when you first get the new system, you can spend a little time with your bike on a trainer practicing clipping in and out. Most good bike shops will do that for you in the shop. Then when you're on the road, you just have to practice clipping out one foot every time you apply the brakes so it becomes a subconscious habit. Then you're not likely to have too many slow-motion tipovers."
"""The Shimano shoes look interesting (I'd never seen them before)...""
Yes, I don't know why Shimano doesn't promote these more. I switched from Sidi Genius shoes and Look pedals a year ago. I've been very impressed with the T092 shoes. They have a sort of cult following on rec.bicycles.tech since these are the shoes Jobst Brandt wears on his annual 4-week 2000 mile tours in the Alps.
""Chainwheel"""
"...picked up a pair of genius 5 mesh shoes a few weeks ago. easy to walk in, adjust on the fly, etc. expensive though. for pedals i've been a speedplay fan for over 10 years (when i tried herb's originals)...i'm riding the new speedplay zeros now (the tyler hamilton model - some of the cash goes to the tyler hamilton foundation [multiple sclerosis])
links:
1. tyler hamilton foundation - speedplay zero special edition
2. sidi genius 5 mesh shoe"
"For 2006, it appears the Shimano T092 has been replaced by the nearly-identical SH-RT50.
http://store.yahoo.com/penncyclebuy/06shshsh16.html
""Chainwheel"""
Then I still say go with a road pedal like the Ultegra. My wife, who is a casual rider got used to them very easily, they are not difficult to learn how to get in and out of with very little practice on a trainer or open space. My wife's girlfriend bought the eggbeaters and hated them, soon switched over to speedplays and she was also a C to B rider. The one thing you don't want to do is get eggbeaters or some other mtb pedal and then outgrow them because you stepped up your riding and want to get more of a performance pedal, ie, lighter and/or one that allows more power into your stroke. You will just end up spending more money if that happens. Not trying to step on anyone's toes, the others make good points too! Just throwing in my opinion. I hope this helps and good luck.
"Most are technically mtb pedals, but they also have a road design. They make several (e.g., the ""Candy"" line) with a small, light platform which provides plenty of power, and are still very easy to use. (The model many non-mtb riders don't like is the original open ""eggbeater"" design, without any platform, which is designed to shed mud in mtb riding.)
I've used several different models for years, with both mtb and road shoes, with no problems.
"
"Hi, here's a bit of a contrarian anecdote....
I've been working with my wife (new to riding a road bike) to get her comfortable with being ""locked in"" to the bike. We originally went with SPD and the Shimano shoes recommended above.
However, we did not have a lot of success with this set up, mainly because she didn't get clear feedback from the SPD system as to when she was clipped in and when she was not.
We switched her to Time Magnesium Impact pedals ($89.99 at CompetitiveCyclist.com) and sprung for 3 hole ""road"" shoes. While I know this is counterintuitive, she's had an easier time with this since she gets a clear ""click"" as the cleat goes in and out of the pedal...so as she prepares to come to a stop, she knows that her foot is ready to step on terra firma with.
Our 2c anyway...."
"Wow! How great. Thank you Hector, Richard, Jou, Robert, ""Chainwheel,"" Tony, af and Carol for taking the time to reply. I really appreciate it. Sounds like the SPD pedals are worth serious consideration. I'm also going to check out the Ultegras and Look setup. I also like the sound of the multi-release cleats. And thanks for tips on testing them at the LBS.
This is exactly what I was hoping for. I'm really glad to have access to several smart and generous people in the NYCC.
; )"
If you decide to go with a platofrm pedal like Looks or Shimano, go with Shimano. Many people, including myself, have had problems with look cleats and squeaking. I had the problem for a few yrs, then switched to shimano.....no more squeaking. Look proponents will tell you have to 'lube' them, it's a temporary solution at best. The ultegras pedals from shimano are a great deal, and won't leave with unwanted pedal noise. Good Luck
"The new bi-material Look cleats supposedly eliminate the squeak by using a teflon compound at strategic points. See:
http://www.biketiresdirect.com/productdetail.asp?p=LOBIM
There are still the problems of ""walking like a duck,"" slipping on wet surfaces, and rapid cleat wear (or carrying cleat covers).
Although SPD pedals don't fit the image some roadies are seeking, I think they make a lot of sense for most road riders. I used Look pedals/cleats for many years, and find no difference in performance since switching to SPDs with stiff-soled shoes.
""Chainwheel""
"
slippery on wet surfaces is enough to keep me away from the *look* clip pedals. the shimano spd's sound the best. but yes, i definitely will try on and consider the shoes very carefully. i usu. have a tough time with the right fit for regular shoes (wide toe, narrow heel), so i'll need to make sure to get the bike shoes right. i'm not afraid to invest in the right shoe for comfort and quality.
the ability to walk around without cleats clicking underfoot, or wearing out fast, would also be important whether i'm on a SIG or riding alone.
"...best to stick to mtb pedals/shoes. i personally like stiff shoes so i use real road shoes - but you'll need cleat covers if you're planning on walking around on road shoes.
http://www.excelsports.com/new.asp?page=8&description=Cleat+Covers&vendorCode=KOOLKOV&major=5&minor=6
don"
"I like the shimano ""lance"" pedal
and while I'm here I'll put in a plug for the Specialized carbon road shoes- I prefer it over Sidi, and cheaper too."
Much of the focus here seems to have been on pedals, and secondarily on shoes. I would approach the issue from ‘ride style’. C riders tend to like to ‘smell the flowers.’ It’s a nice way to ride; I should do more of that. I suspect that persons in that classification probably like to walk around at stops and mid-points (Piermont health food store, Piermont bike shop, Nyack antiques, etc. and their equivalents). I looked at the July and August 2005 ride postings. The distances tend to be 18 – 25 miles, augmented by an occasional ‘mega-ride’ of 55. I copied and pasted below one of the mega-rides:
C14 55+ miles 9:00 am Attack of the Ice Cream Ride
Leaders: Danny Lieberman, [email protected], 212-598-4827; Mark Trainor
From: Columbus Circle (Merchant’s Gate) entrance to Central Park
In this reincarnation of the lengendary 5BBC Ice Cream Ride we have researched
some of the finest frozen confections in the area. Of course this
includes the heavenly Lemon Ice King of Corona and the historic Hinsch’s
in Brooklyn as well as a few others. Yes, we will also have a real lunch stop
along the way. We’ll do our best to burn off those calories. Bring water,
sunscreen, and some money for food and ice cream. Co-listed with 5BBC.
There appears to be a minimum of 3 food stops, which would all involve a lot of walking around. It would make more sense to me to recommend a very casual and comfortable MTB shoe that would allow you to walk around a lot, not just a small amount of walking. Performance and Nashbar show good examples that can be used with a ‘male pedal’ to ‘female cleat,’ i.e., the opposite of Look and Ultegra/Dura Ace. I would not suggest any kind of reverse system that had a cleat protruding from the bottom of your shoe; it makes walking very awkward. SPD’s are good female cleats to male pedals.
Lastly, I would not buy a shoe from a catalog. Pedals yes, shoes no. Fit is everything.
Best of luck in your pedaling endeavors.
Ed
PS: “I have pretty much decided to invest in clip pedals”: Ironically, they are ‘clipless’ not ‘clip’ pedals – doesn’t sound logical, but it’s in relation to the precious generation of pedals.
"p.s.
Ed, thanks for the clarification on ""clip,""
vs. clipless.
: )
and Sloloist, thanks for the 2c. i'll definitely check it out.
"
"My two cents: I bought my first pair of clipless pedals from Bicycle Habitat and couldn't have been more pleased. Beforehand, I had researched various styles and brands extensively, but was still unsure of what style I wanted. Also I was VERY nervous about the whole concept of being bolted onto the pedal, and of being able to get out easily and safely when I needed to. Salesman spent a lot of time with me. After we picked a style to try (I already had a pair of mountain shoes, and I chose the low end Shimano SPDs), he attached the cleats to the shoes, attached the pedals to my bike, put the bike on a trainer and worked with me for several minutes to give me the hang of getting in and out, and also more precisely adjusting the position of the cleats. Then took me outside and had me ride up and down the block, stopping and starting over and over, until he was satisfied that I was comfortable and had it down. I came back a week later for a slight adjustment (I wanted them even looser), and was taken care of with no problem. Oh yes -- still got the club discount. Bottom line - I felt completely comfortable as soon as I left the shop and have never fallen due to a problem clipping out. So, if you're nervous, my strong advice is to buy from a LBS, so they can ""hand hold"" you through the process. Mountain style or road style, Shimano vs Crank vs Look vs Speedplay vs whatever is less important initially -- a good salesperson will help you make the right choice. Pick a store, like Bicycle Habitat, that's situated so that you can get that initial, confidence-building session right out in front of the shop. C&M on a quiet spot on East 17th Street, is also a good choice for this reason. Good luck!"
Thanks again for all the helpful comments. Here's what I ended up with, from Bicycle Habitat:
Specialized Women's Tahoe shoes with recessed cleats and SPD - M324 Pedals. Shoes are very comfortable, and pedals seem perfect, since they are the combo pedals where I can either clip in or not. Whole set up ran about $175 minus the NYCC discount.
I had a good experience at BH, but I did make the mistake of going there on a weekend afternoon -- which i try to never do but my schedule didn't permit otherwise. So it was naturally a little hectic and I did not get a chance to go out front and ride up and down the block to test them out.
And given the weather and work schedule, I still haven't gotten out to ride much with the new set up yet. Am hoping to do so this weekend.
"shoes: buy the one that fits the best. I have really liked the Specialized shoes both ""mountain"" (recessed cleat) and ""road"". They are also cheaper than Sidi.
pedals: I can recommend the Speedplay frogs if you go the mountain route or the Shimano ""lance"" pedal in dura-ace or ultegra version if you go road. Mountain shoes with recessed pedals are better for walking or stair climbing and easier to clip into. I now use the Shimano road pedals which feel better while biking and you can walk around pretty well in them without having to worry about cleat covers.
would not recommend the following road pedals
Time: hard to clip into
Look: need to carry around cleat covers
"
