Pedals and Shoes

[SMD]

Returning after a 15 year lay off, i'm well out of touch on most things cycling.
Still got toe clips on my old MTB, can someone advise me on the best way to go clipless without spending too much?

 

[Randochap]

There are some good, reasonably-priced shoes around. Lake are a good bet (I believe they are available in UK).

Recommend going SPD, which allows easier walking. Shimano's PD-M520 is the classic doulbe-sided pedal (my preference) while the M324 has SPD on one side and ordinary cage on the other -- which means you have to make sure you step on the right side with cleats.

 

[guitarpete247]

My local Lidl still has some men's MTB shoes. If you can find them in your local store they are a good, cheap shoe.

 

[accountantpete]

There are 2 basic systems

1. - small cleat easy to walk in but not so good on the road and referred to as the spd system.

2. - large triangular cleat hard to walk in but good on the road and referred to as the Shimano spd -sl system (Time and Look do similar)

Shoes come in 3 designs - spd only/ spd and spd-sl/ spd-sl only.

 

[Jezston]

I've noticed Evans are doing SPD pedals for as little as £19.99 at the moment:

http://www.evanscycles.com/products/shimano/m520-spd-pedals-ec005948

And similar looking ones for £70. What disadvantages are there to the cheap ones? I'm thinking of going clipless myself but am skint!

 

[accountantpete]

I've noticed Evans are doing SPD pedals for as little as £19.99 at the moment:

http://www.evanscycl...pedals-ec005948

And similar looking ones for £70. What disadvantages are there to the cheap ones? I'm thinking of going clipless myself but am skint!

Basically the more expensive ones are a bit lighter, smoother and more hard wearing - I'd get the cheapies if you are starting off.

 

[Jezston]

Ta!

Now I just need to find somewhere selling cheap shoes. Sadly it appears I missed a damn good sale on shoes at Evans! They still have some heavily reduced shoes but only in silly sizes

 

[SMD]

Thanks for the info folks.
More equipment questions to follow I've no doubt !