Clipless Pedals: I have never used them_Advice please!

[Diarmuid]

I am going to buy some clipless pedals. I am not sure whether to go for egg-beaters or SPD's but what is really bugging me is this:

Should I get them fitted in a shop or can I do it myself? I am quite capable of changing the pedals but am worried that the cleat/pedal set up may be uncomfortable, dangerous or not fit in with my pedaling style. Also it might hinder getting in and out of the pedal if I do it myself. That is why I thought maybe a shop would check the bike was set up correctly for me if they fitted the pedals themselves.

Any shoe/pedal recommendations welcomed also SPD versus egg-beaters to re-open a debate.

Thankyou,

Diarmuid.

[piedwagtail91]

i'm using diadora chilli shoes with shimano spds.( from merlin cycles in leyland,lancashire) there should be no problems setting them up yourself.if you've got access to rollers,turbo or excercise bike set them up using a bike on them or on the excercise bike before going on the road, practice clipping in and out and get the cleats alignment right.
you're knees shouldn't feeel uncomfortable or strained in any way,(you'll know after a few pedal revs if adjustment is needed), if they do adjust the cleats.
if you have to go on the road to set up take your allen keys with you and find somewhere quiet and flat ,make any adjustments until you're comfortable.make sure the pedal tension is at it's weakest setting.there's quite a lot of float on the pedals i use so alignment isn't too critical as i can make use of the float.
after a few minutes practice you'l wonder what all the fuss was about.

[Greg]

Yes. By "float", we mean that your foot can still actually twist a bit without unclipping from the pedal. Put your pedals on, set the tension to its lowest point using the screws you find on the pedal*, and put your cleats in the middle of where they can go on your shoes. Practice clipping and unclipping while leaning against a wall, then go for a ride and take your allen keys with you. If you find that your pedals are forcing your knees or ankles into an uncomfortable position, move the cleats on your shoes until you achieve comfortable pedalling! Couldn't be simpler.


*At least, you can adjust the clip-in tension with SPDs. I'm not sure about egg beaters.

[simon l6 and a bit]

I ride on egg-beaters (SPD-Rs) and normal SPDs. Normal SPDs are very much easier to begin with, particularly in traffic. The resistance to unclipping is slight - eggbeaters can sometimes hold you prisoner, and this is an embarrassment at T-junctions and red lights.

The virtue of my eggbeaters is that there is no float - but that's not a virtue to somebody feeling their way into clipless in town.

[Robby]

Why do you want clipless pedals ?

[simon l6 and a bit]

Why do you want clipless pedals ?

if I may...clipless pedals give me a connection with the bike that is a revelation. SPDs are decent enough, I sort of forget about your feet, and I get less tense and less tired in my legs. But SPD-Rs! It's like floating (but without the float). A whole different thing.

[andrew_s]

I ride on egg-beaters (SPD-Rs) and normal SPDs.

Which is it you use then, SPD-Rs or Eggbeaters?


Eggbeaters are less durable than normal SPDs, but are easier to clip in and out of.

[Pagan]

I was quite anxious about the transfer to clipless, but I'd echo comments here about the 'connection' with the bike...

I use ordinary SPDs with multi release cleats. Dead easy to use and get your feet on and off. Spinning is massively easier in my experience.

And I am enjoying cycling MUCH more as a result.

[Mike Sutton]

In the past two years I have used Frogs. Found them easier to slip on and off than the SPD.
You must have good flat based shoe; once a bit of a bend develops in the sole of the shoe then cleat retention does suffer.
Mike Sutton

[andwags]

The two cheapest and most effective ways to get performance out of a bike are clipless pedals and good quality tyres. The ability to pull in three directions - like scraping mud off your shoe - gets rid of the dead spot in the pedal stroke and makes your application of power much more even making you more efficient. If you crash, unlike clips and straps, the pedals will release under the force like a ski binding and help reduce the risk to your ankles, legs, etc.

Andwags

[geocycle]

I got some SPDs two weeks ago. I was very sceptical being a dyed in the wool toeclip sort of guy, but I can honestly confirm the hype. They do make a difference over toe clips, are easy to use, and suprisingly are better to get out of in traffic. The only dodgy moment so far was when a cleat came loose and wouldn't disengage. I got single sided pedals with a platform on one side as I use the bike occasionally in ordinary shoes, but on a dedicated road bike the two you are considering look great. I wish I'd made the move years ago!

[meic]

I just renewed my pedals and fell over twice in a month. The new ones are so much harder to get out off than the nicely worn ones. If you can borrow an old worn pair to start with, they just slide in and out like magic.
The new ones are single sided which is a bit of a pain but they weigh 150g less!

[PW]

To set the cleats up sit on the edge of a table & let your feet dangle. Most of us have feet which point outwards, some more so than others, and there are some who are pigeon toed rather than duck footed. Get someone else to mark the shoe so the cleat can be installed facing forwards with the shoe at your natural angle - and don't expect both feet to be the same.
Mountain bike types are best 'cos you can walk in them, SPDs are fine for starters, Time ATACs are better for long distance - I know CJ amongst others will disagree - but they have a bigger platform for the foot & a lot more float so they're a lot more comfortable.

[ricardolamos]

I have been clipless since the 80's when look hit the scene.

I have found Time best for racing but the cleats make walking a problem.

For touring/off-road use I have used various Shimano SPD pedals,some work well and some are awful with unclipping being a real problem with some models.

I would heartily recommend Ritchey Logic pedals if you can get them as they are dead easy to use and to adjust.

[PW]

Time ATAC are a mountain pedal, the cleats (with suitable shoes) are walkable.