Clipless clip-in type thingy thingos

[gratts]

Have really enjoyed my cycling the past month even when the weather has been a load of crap. I've been wondering about clipless pedals and have a few, probably common questions.
1) Why such a difference in price? I looked on Rip-off-ville Wiggle and pedals range from £30 something to over £200 and everywhere inbetween. What does paying extra get me? Just better build quality or are there different features?
2) I quite like the idea of a set of pedals that has clipless on one side and non-clipless on the other, I think I saw some a while back? Any downsides to this?
3) Shooooes. Again, anything special I'm looking for? Would something like the ones I saw in Aldi a month or so back be upto the job?

Any non-extortionate suggestions of pedals or shoes welcome

Oh yeah, thats summat else. I'll be back home in Nottingham in a couple of weeks. Is Decathlon decent for these kind of things?

Thanks!

 

[marinyork]

1) No idea, I have cheap ones. I can understand some of the price looking at some of the characteristics and mechanics of other pedal systems.
2) Yes. I have some M324s. One side clipless, one side not. The downside is after a month you will realise you've made the wrong decision. The other downside is they cost more than the 524s or whatever it is just about everybody else on SPDs has.
3) Go to the shop. I found out that shimano shoes are very small and look like shoes little green men from mars would wear. I also discovered many I preferred. Sidi shoes are gorgeous but expensive.

Perphaps go for some cheap recessed ones you can walk around in? Decathlon did seem to have some very cheap SPD shoes that I tried on. I just preferred the ones I got. They would have been my 3rd choice shoe.

 

[jay clock]

The answer is that the one side cleated/other side flat are perfect for town cycling with ordinary shoes, then use cleats the next day. The only downside is weight but that is not a massive problem. I have several pairs of the M324 from Shimano and using them becomes second nature. They flip to the same side each time, and my brain (and feet) cope admirably

YES Decathlon is the dogs bollox for all such things

Aldi/Lidl etc shoes - I got some, very very similar to Specialized Taho shoes and fine for a budget

 

[marinyork]

There you are, two users of M324s and one vote for and one against .

 

[gratts]

Thanks both
If I went for the 524s then is it bearable walking short distances with the shoes? Stuff like locking my bike up and walking a couple of minutes to a lecture or to the shops? I think that's my main concern really and the reason I was curious about the 324s!

 

[longers]

If I went for the 524s then is it bearable walking short distances with the shoes?

Depends a lot on the shoes you get. Some are more comfy than others for walking based activities. Some you'd be happy to walk around in all day.

Most if not all will be suitable for short distances no problem, best to try on some different ones from different manufacturers if you can.

If you went for double sided clipless pedals then Merlin Cycles of Leyland had a very good price for M520's last month, they might still have .

 

[Fab Foodie]

What they said ^^^^

Plus, don't gey your shoes too tight especially around the toes as your feet seem to expand on the bike after a while, especially in the summer.

 

[gratts]

Oh nice, 520s are only £15 ish on parker, seems to be the cheapest

Maybe I will get some nice quality shoes for christmas

Thanks for the help

 

[jimboalee]

The 'Little green men from Mars' have short WIDE feet and wear Specialized Body Geometry shoes.

I've had both M520 and A520. Get a hacksaw and file at the A520, and you've got a damned light and VALUE pedal for £27.

 

[punkypossum]

I've got the m520's, £13 incl postage of ebay (brand new), do the job fine. I went for double-sided in the end, as I thought being new to clipless it might be one thing less to worry about if I didn't have to think about getting the ride side up. My Nike shoes are walkable and comfy off the bike, although I do look a bit funny as the soles really stiff, so I'm waddling a bit. Then again, I have looked at a lot of other spd shoes with far flexier soles, so that shouldn't necessarily be a problem....

 

[jimboalee]

After a quick operation on the A520 - chopping the front part ( which to my mind, served no purpose ) off - the rear part of the pedal frame acts as a pendulum weight and the pedal dangles in just the correct position for the cleat to click home at first attempt.

 

[gratts]

I think I'm leaning towards the 520s.
Me + DIY = disaster

Been looking at shoes, don't want them to cost any more than £50.
What would people opt for?
DHB R1 or Specialized
Or something else?

I realise I should probably try them on for size/fit before buying, which may rule out the DHB!

 

[longers]

Have a look at Adidas Minrett if you can, very comfy off the bike in my opinion as well as on it. About 40 notes, maybe less if you shop around.

 

[gratts]

Will add them to the list and see if any are stocked at Decathlon!

 

[Dave5N]

Decathlon is not competitive for other than 'own' brands.

Get some time atac pedals. No maintenance needed.