Looking for advice regarding clip-in pedals...

[Animo]

OP - just get the Shimano 520s (or 540s or XTs if you want to spend a bit more). The larger platform isn't really necessary and you can't tell the difference once clipped in.

SPDs really don't take long to get the hang of and then it becomes second nature.

 

[Mike Ayling]

Hi all,

As above, I'm after some help from the experts. I've never had clip in pedals before so don't know much bout them, looking on here and suppliers sites there's a mahoooosive amount of options to look at.

I've kind of settled on shimano pd-ed500's after reading some recommendations on here, double sided make sense so I'm not having to spin the pedal the right way up then try and lock in, and a larger base seems like a no brainer too...for a novice like me anyway. Now seeing these are "clipless", didn't know this was a thing so got to research this also

Trainer wise, I'll be looking for some that are relatively comfy for walking in, as I can be prone to experience a rapid unscheduled disassembly of the air chamber, and unless I have a spare tube or repair kit I'm on for a walk.

Just after any advice, things to think about or consider.

One of the main questions is, are they worth it? I'm a solo leisure cyclist, trying to improve my health and enjoy being out on the bike, I'll not be participating in TDF next year or anything

Thanks in advance.

Pete

Congratulations for not calling them clipless!

 

[Profpointy]

If you get the mountain bike style rather than so-called road versions, the cleat is recessed into the sole of the shoe and they are fine to walk around in. I forgot I'd taken my office shoes home and walked around quite happily all day in the trainer like SPD shoes and my later upgrade to (admittedly overpriced) black leather Dromartis looked quite smart as well-as being comfy

The basic Shimano double sided pedals are very cheap and work well. I initially tried the half-and-half style with SPD one side and flat the other but they were always the wrong way round somehow and I didn't like them. I now have crank brothers egg beaters which are effectively four sided but their a lot more money, and their blingy titanium ones are stupid money.

I'd never go back to toe clips despite not liking the need for special shoes just to ride a bike

 

[Profpointy]

My preferred clothing is usually a three piece suit. I find it somewhat incredulous that you would think this would be appropriate for a 60 to 100 mile cycle ride. I presume you are just riding your bike to the shop.😉

I used to commute 10 miles each way in a suit; admittedly not 60+ miles but a bit more than a pootle to the shop

 

[Dadam]

Most such "moments" are attributable to a rider with insufficiently developed skills and coordination. I have never fallen over while clipped in and I put my trousers on one leg at a time like everyone else.

How are mere mortals like ourselves to develop such skills and coordination?
Not being facetious btw (well only a bit)

 

[Seevio]

I haven't had a clipless moment since I got some proper spd shimano shoes (i.e. not Lidl) When I was still able to commute by bike I was always able to unclip even if sometimes it was fuelled by sheer unbridled panic.

 

[Drago]

How are mere mortals like ourselves to develop such skills and coordination?
Not being facetious btw (well only a bit)

I have the fine motor skills of a one legged cat burying a turd on a frozen pond! To be good at anything I have to practice relentlessly.

 

[katiewlx]

SPDs (as opposed to SPD-SLs) are the way to go, Ive got the Shimano XT one sided ones with the pedal reflector, on the basis well sometimes I might want to ride my bike in my trainers or normal shoes. You know what I can clip in or out nearly instantly with them with cycling shoes, with normal footwear its such a pita in comparison, because the pedal always rests clip side up.

just roll all the tension off the clip on the pedal as you can adjust it, because when you do panic and think you cant unclip, you yank your foot or leg in any direction and it will come out.

and touch wood because of that, Ive never embarrassed myself with an unclip moment.