Clipless for beginners

[Spoons47]

Hello all.
I know there is a FAQ thread about the above, but early onset Alzheimers prevents me from processing all the info. I know I only have a hybrid but id like to get semi serious with pedalling. I have budget of approx £100 for shoes and pedals, id like shoes that I can walk in and reversible pedals. If anybody has the time could they please send me some links. I just can't get my head round it and trust ya all
Cheers

Simon

 

[Ticktockmy]

Hi Simon, this link might be handy for you as it explains about clipless pedals. https://guides.wiggle.co.uk/cycling-pedals-and-cleats-buying-guide-0 I used to use clipless but found that as I ride both on road and off road, I was having trouble uncliping quick enough sometimes when the cycle was getting bounced around and sometimes I needed to do a quick dab of the foot to regain balance. Now I use DMR V8 MTB pedals which are flat pedal with little spikes to grip the shoes I use. a lot of people dont like them as they hurt the shins if your foot slips. Some pedals ar multi-use so they are flats on one side and SPD on the other so you can use them with SPD shoes or normal trainers Shimano M324 are of that type. You could ride out the Evans cycle warehouse shop in James watt way and have a look at what the different pedals look like and shoes they have.. I hope that helps.

 

[Spoons47]

Thank you for that ill have a read. Im nearly all road so I think some sort of lipless will work, I just don't wan to be clippity clopping in the pub lol

 

[DCLane]

If you want to avoid the 'clip clop' then go for SPD-type pedals. They also work best with MTB/hybrids.

Shimano do a good range - the SPD-M520 is a basic model but the SPD-M540 are nice. The SPD-M324 or SPD-M530 / SPD-A530 allow both flat and clipless.

You will then need shoes with 2-bolt fixing for SPD rather then 3-bolt for road.

 

[vickster]

If you want to avoid the 'clip clop' then go for SPD-type pedals. They also work best with MTB/hybrids.

Shimano do a good range - the SPD-M520 is a basic model but the SPD-M540 are nice. The SPD-M324 or SPD-M530 / SPD-A530 allow both flat and clipless.

You will then need shoes with 2-bolt fixing for SPD rather then 3-bolt for road.

This

Shoes wise, given your location, go to the big Evans and try some 2 bolt shoes

I personally hate the single sided pedals, the clip in bit is always hanging down so you have to flip the pedal and the pedals aren’t comfortable with normal shoes either. M520 variant are so much simpler, long lasting, small and light and cost around £20 with cleats

Some beginners find the multi release sh56 cleats easier, sold separately

 

[Leaway2]

These are petty good shoes that allow a reasonable amount of walking. Only limited sizes on the link, but they are available at other shops. This is what I use

Shoes

Cleats

Pedals

 

[ianbarton]

I
Shimano do a good range - the SPD-M520 is a basic model but the SPD-M540 are nice. The SPD-M324 or SPD-M530 / SPD-A530 allow both flat and clipless.

You will then need shoes with 2-bolt fixing for SPD rather then 3-bolt for road.

I use Shimano M065 SPD Mountain Bike Shoes which suit me. Currently cost £40 from Wiggle.

 

[midlife]

If you decide to buy shimano shoes they seemed to be quite small for the stated size, may be best to buy from a shop where you can try them for fit.

 

[Spoons47]

I use Shimano M065 SPD Mountain Bike Shoes which suit me. Currently cost £40 from Wiggle.

Loving those shoes, they have my size in Halfords £35

 

[Spoons47]

can I use these? bit old but look like they will clean up alright

 

[PhilDawson8270]

Unless you're doing plenty of out the seat climbing or sprinting, in wet conditions. You won't get anything but inconvenience out of clipless compared to decent flats.

 

[vickster]

If you decide to buy shimano shoes they seemed to be quite small for the stated size, may be best to buy from a shop where you can try them for fit.

Narrow too but they do a wider fitting (still not v wide)

 

[vickster]

can I use these? bit old but look like they will clean up alright
View attachment 426476

Yep but only clip on one side? This a pita!

 

[si_c]

Unless you're doing plenty of out the seat climbing or sprinting, in wet conditions. You won't get anything but inconvenience out of clipless compared to decent flats.

I'd disagree, I far prefer clipless in all conditions, as I find I have a greater connection to the bike, and can move around with greater freedom - not just sprinting or climbing.

@Spoons47 those pedals look fine for SPD type shoes, but it's worth making sure that the tension is set very low at the start, otherwise you may have trouble getting your feet out.

As for shoes, those Shimano ones are a steal, but also worth looking at are lace up, more trainer-like shoes, such as the Specialised Cadet - I have a pair of these, and they're really comfortable for walking around in, plus they just look like black trainers.

 

[Spoons47]

I'd disagree, I far prefer clipless in all conditions, as I find I have a greater connection to the bike, and can move around with greater freedom - not just sprinting or climbing.

@Spoons47 those pedals look fine for SPD type shoes, but it's worth making sure that the tension is set very low at the start, otherwise you may have trouble getting your feet out.

As for shoes, those Shimano ones are a steal, but also worth looking at are lace up, more trainer-like shoes, such as the Specialised Cadet - I have a pair of these, and they're really comfortable for walking around in, plus they just look like black trainers.

I agree, I think they will suit my riding, for not a great outlay. Im confused by this Yep but only clip on one side? This a pita!) they look double sided to me!