Aldi shoes

[vickster]

Get the SH56 multi directional cleats if concerned M520 pedals as above, easy as can clip in either side, less faffy These don't come with the plastic platform

http://www.evanscycles.com/products/shimano/oe-m520-spd-pedals-ec050919
http://www.evanscycles.com/products/shimano/sh56-spd-cleats-multi-release-oe--ec061667

I don't think age has anything to do with it. I am utterly inept and very clumsy and I manage ok with SPD

 

[raleighnut]

Pedals are available with the SPD clip on one side and a flat (bearcage) on the other I've got those on 3 of my bikes and find them the best compromise (mind you I've got single sided on another 3 bikes just for the aesthetic look of them) the 56 cleats are a good idea if you are worried about getting out easy as a good yank up frees them.

 

[fossyant]

Just bought a pair for my lad. Going for the caged SPD pedals so he can still ride his bike in trainers.

The next question is either the plastic or alloy cage. £20 vs £35.

The shoes are miles better than the stuff in sports direct. The sole if fairly stiff, but not as stiff as my Northwaves so wouldn't suit me, but they area great starter shoe.

 

[cyberknight]

They are ok to start with but don`t really stand up to continual use, i have had 2 pairs crack across the sole plate in less than 6 months each .

 

[raleighnut]

They are ok to start with but don`t really stand up to continual use, i have had 2 pairs crack across the sole plate in less than 6 months each .

Good way to try em though, cleats aren't for everyone.

 

[sight-pin]

Update...
Bought the Shimano PD-M520's in the end.
Got used to them on the turbo trainer (or so i thought)
Time to have a quick try in the garden with them before venturing out on the road, only to fail to un click, went down like brick, , Ended up with a cut knee which was wasn't bad, but then i noticed the sti was bent (not happy),Now straightened..
In the end i took them off until i get myself some "SH56 multi directional cleats" as vickster suggests, which i got today.
So i will try them tomorrow as been busy today.
Thanks for your input, will let you know what happens soon

 

[raleighnut]

Update...
Bought the Shimano PD-M520's in the end.
Got used to them on the turbo trainer (or so i thought)
Time to have a quick try in the garden with them before venturing out on the road, only to fail to un click, went down like brick, , Ended up with a cut knee which was wasn't bad, but then i noticed the sti was bent (not happy),Now straightened..
In the end i took them off until i get myself some "SH56 multi directional cleats" as vickster suggests, which i got today.
So i will try them tomorrow as been busy today.
Thanks for your input, will let you know what happens soon

Welcome to the clipless moments club.

 

[sight-pin]

Hehehe, It worried my missus more when she heard the thud hitting the decking out the garden. Cheers

 

[ColinJ]

You should not need to buy multi-directional cleats ... What you do need to do is to slacken the release tensions on your pedals to make sure that the standard cleats release easily! Make extra sure to do this on both sides of both pedals - I did 3/4 of mine once and got stuck on the 4th side, which almost had me falling off the bike on a steep climb when I tried to dismount!

Thus adjusted, releasing is very easy with a gentle twist of the foot. Practice unclipping and it soon becomes second nature.

 

[raleighnut]

You should not need to buy multi-directional cleats ... What you do need to do is to slacken the release tensions on your pedals to make sure that the standard cleats release easily! Make extra sure to do this on both sides of both pedals - I did 3/4 of mine once and got stuck on the 4th side, which almost had me falling off the bike on a steep climb when I tried to dismount!

Thus adjusted, releasing is very easy with a gentle twist of the foot. Practice unclipping and it soon becomes second nature.

As does un clipping early and waving one leg around. (just to stop clipping back in "accidentally" )

 

[sittingbull]

Update...
Bought the Shimano PD-M520's in the end.
.................................................. only to fail to un click, went down like brick,......................

Make sure you've set the release tension to the minimum, you can always increase it later if necessary (mine have remained on the minimum).

On the road get used to unclipping one foot when you start to brake at junctions etc. Also consider using roadside furniture, railings on the kerbside, traffic signs etc to support yourself if you can't unclip easily. I wouldn't suggest resting a hand on the roof of a stationary car but I'm sure the driver would prefer it to the alternative of you collapsing against the side. Unclipping will become second nature.

EDIT: ColinJ beat me to it regarding release tension

 

[sight-pin]

I did have the release tension set a minimum, but my left foot didn't seem to release when i twisted it out...it released okay after i hit the floor though.
The thing i seem to notice is, the first foot unclips easy, but then it leaves the pedals revolving free making it difficult to tension the other out of lock, if you get my meaning.
I think i need to maybe to practise releasing both at the same time, but if one pedal is up to high, i find it hard to twist my foot from that hight.

 

[azir]

You only need to release one foot though - release whichever foot you would normally rest on the floor while waiting at lights and leave the other clipped in, poised to propel you to cycling greatness. I only unclip my other foot when I'm getting off my bike.

 

[sittingbull]

I always release my left foot first, and only my left foot unless dismounting.

I unclip only at the bottom of the pedal stroke with my leg "locked" straight to protect my knee and ankle.

A slight movement of the heel inwards towards the frame before the outward "flick" helps too.

 

[Roadrider48]

Get the SH56 multi directional cleats if concerned M520 pedals as above, easy as can clip in either side, less faffy These don't come with the plastic platform

http://www.evanscycles.com/products/shimano/oe-m520-spd-pedals-ec050919
http://www.evanscycles.com/products/shimano/sh56-spd-cleats-multi-release-oe--ec061667

I don't think age has anything to do with it. I am utterly inept and very clumsy and I manage ok with SPD

The SH56 cleats are on eBay for just under £8.00 inc postage.