Cycling UK Forum

I keep hearing how using SPD pedals and shoes greatly increase the efficiency of cycling.....so I'd like to try some out, but don't know where to start.....

Should I go for some cheap and cheerful SPD pedals (e.g. Shimano 520s) and matching shoes or what ??

Also, is there a difference between MTB SPDs and road SPDs....??

Hi Richard

If you are a general cyclist then get yourself some double sided SPD pedals and a pair of SPD shoes.

MTB shoes are best for general use as they have a recessed pedal cleat which makes walking much the same as normal.

The choice of shoe is yours, but "trainer" types are best for all round use. I like Specialized shoes as they are generally wider and have a raised instep which makes them very comfortable particularly on a long day.

Fit the cleats so that the ball of your foot is over the pedal axle and adjust them so that you feet are parallel to the bike. This may take a while but is essential for a comfortable pedal action. For some reason it always takes more time to adjust my left foot.

Until you get use to disengaging your shoes, slacken the pedal tension, there will be a "+" & "-" then go for a test ride.

You may fall of once or twice in the beginning but after a while you will NEVER go back to toe straps!

Regards

Tom

I use ATAC pedals and cleats. Loads of float so no knee trouble!

Hi
If you are into touring but also use your bike for nipping out to the shops / going to work etc. the best peddles I’ve found are Shimano M324. They use SPD on one side and have a proper platform on the other for normal shoes. I’ve tried other types but have gone back to these just for the shear convenience. the are however slightly heavier than spd only pedals.

MTB spd's generally are double sided for easy quick clipping in. whilst road specific are single sided for lightness.

Another advantage of the M324, when learning, is it comes with "multi-directional release" cleats. These differ from Shimano's regular cleats (supplied with most of their other SPD pedals) by releasing with an inward twist or even a hard upward pull, in addition to the usual outward twist. If you fit these cleats (also available separately: SM-SH55 for about £12) during the learning phase you are unlikely to have any trouble whatsoever in disengaging a foot or to suffer any falls.

I would not recommend Time to clipless beginners, since the spring pressure is not adjustable and the force required to engage the pedal is too much for a light rider.

I'm a new convert to spd's, bought a pair off ebay, £10 with the postage, then bought a pair of shimano trainers from local bike shop, i think they were about £35. only managed to fall of once, and that was when my chain snapped (hammering down some single track at the time on Cannock Chase), luckily the landing was quite soft even though i was still attached to my bike. i wouldn't go back to flatties or toe clips now either.

Robin.

Well, I bit the bullet and got myself some Shimano M520 pedals and some Spesh shoes. I did curse a bit on the first ride with them as despite slackening the clips, I still managed to fall off twice !! I've managed to do a few more rides since and have not afllen off again (famous last words !!).
I still need to do some adjustments to where the cleats sit on the sole, as well as some subtle saddle height changes too. But apart from all that - it's all much improved from where I was a few weeks ago and am enjoying going up hills better and feeling more in control of the bike too.
This could well be a road I won't be turning around on !!

A bit late with this advice, but nevermind...

Go to a bike shop and talk to them, they will give you good advice (bike shops with bad service don't get repeat customers and die off fast). I was hell-bent on buying the cheapest shoes/pedals I could, but after trying them out I ended up buying the second cheapest pedals (but got talked out of buying a more expensive shoe by the shop-clerk).

I heard a really good idea for fitting the clips, namely cycle without them on your pedals for a few miles, and your soles should end up with notches where your clips should go. Havn't tried this myself though.