To clip or not to clip ?

[CanucksTraveller]

The sort of roadie who ought to be committed to a lunatic asylum you mean.....Style above substance every time.

You don't really do humour do you Skippy?

 

[PaulSB]

When the LBS persuaded me to move to clipless, 15+ years ago, we opted for double-sided SPDs. I've used them ever since.

Initially I was only able to get MTB shoes which are very comfy but don't look great. When I was looking for new shoes recently I was surprised by the large range of road bike style shoes which were available.

I was able to get a beautiful pair of Fizik boots which are the most waterproof footwear I've had for the bike. I also got a nice pair of summer shoes from Specialized. I have wide feet and was pleased to find both brands have begun to cater for this.

Consider buying shoes one size up from your street shoes for extra comfort.

 

[DSK]

I returned to road cycling late last year.

The bike I bought had SPD double sided pedals so I got road shoes and spd cleats. This really drilled home the disadvantage of the normal pedals I used ride with some 20 years ago. Adjusted correctly, I had no issues pulling out when needed and the only time I came close to toppling off, is when I would oddly forget to put my feet down.

I now have SPD-SL and whilst these are single sided, in reality they are just as easy to clip into (and it only goes in 1 way lol). I prefer the SPD-SL for getting out of the saddle and putting the hammer down. Again, adjusted just so that I can un-clip without issue.

I was nervous at first to use these clipless style pedals, thinking, what if I set off and can't get clipped in, what if I pull out of a junction and can't get clipped in etc. A little bit of practise in the garden kinda of gave me a feel for clipping in but, as soon as I got out onto the road, it all just came together.

As others have said, there are a range of options open to you, not right or wrong, I would just say, do not be afraid of the clip-less system.

 

[youngoldbloke]

SPDs winter, Look Keos summer. I've used some sort of clip system for 60 years or so, and can only recall 2 or 3 clipped in/clipless moments. I really have trouble trying to pedal on flats

 

[Dogtrousers]

It's a perennial subject of discussion here, like "what chain lube".

Do whatever you fancy.

I ride with (2 bolt) SPDs on my audaxy bike which I ride for longish distances and flats on my Brompton, which I don't. That suits me fine but it might not suit someone else. Which is fine by me, other people's feet are none of my business.

Anyone who has strong opinions either for or against really needs to sort their priorities out.

Oh and it is NOT inevitable that you will have a "clipless moment". It happens to some people, but not everyone.

 

[Vapin' Joe]

Oh and it is NOT inevitable that you will have a "clipless moment". It happens to some people, but not everyone.

Good post, particularly this bit. I've never had one in 35 years of using clipless, though I wish we copied the French and called them "Automatic" instead, because the whole process of getting in and out is just that.

 

[Dogtrousers]

* These are definitely good looking on my 'racier' bikes,

View attachment 518461

I have these and I chose them for one reason: For some reason they remind me of Dan Dare's ship the Anastasia. What other possible reason could I need?

 

[SpokeyDokey]

Hi all, just ordered my new road bike and looking for some advice. After years on my hybrid I have changed to the road only thing is never used clips just flats, so I'm wondering is is it better to start with mountain bike spd ones as I'm told they're easier to get used to. Any thoughts.

Shimano M520, cheap as chips, tough as old boots and being double sided they are idiot proof.

As a beginner swap the supplied SH51 cleats to these:

https://www.tredz.co.uk/.Shimano-SH...MI8fbd8MWL6QIVD-ztCh3CDgSZEAQYASABEgJhD_D_BwE

The supplied cleats will release only with an outward twist of the heel of the foot whereas the SH56 will release in all directions - you will appreciate this the first time you start to topple off which, despite many anecdotes to the contrary, is not funny.

When you gain confidence/experience you can either stick with the SH56's or try the original cleats and see how you get on - this is what I did some years ago and it worked very well for me.

 

[Supersuperleeds]

It's a perennial subject of discussion here, like "what chain lube".

Do whatever you fancy.

I ride with (2 bolt) SPDs on my audaxy bike which I ride for longish distances and flats on my Brompton, which I don't. That suits me fine but it might not suit someone else. Which is fine by me, other people's feet are none of my business.

Anyone who has strong opinions either for or against really needs to sort their priorities out.

Oh and it is NOT inevitable that you will have a "clipless moment". It happens to some people, but not everyone.

Finish Line Cermamic

 

[raleighnut]

Shimano M520, cheap as chips, tough as old boots and being double sided they are idiot proof.

As a beginner swap the supplied SH51 cleats to these:

https://www.tredz.co.uk/.Shimano-SH...MI8fbd8MWL6QIVD-ztCh3CDgSZEAQYASABEgJhD_D_BwE

The supplied cleats will release only with an outward twist of the heel of the foot whereas the SH56 will release in all directions - you will appreciate this the first time you start to topple off which, despite many anecdotes to the contrary, is not funny.

When you gain confidence/experience you can either stick with the SH56's or try the original cleats and see how you get on - this is what I did some years ago and it worked very well for me.

I discovered the difference between the 51 and 56 cleats by accident when I bought some new pedals and shoes, I fitted the new pedals and bolted the cleats that came with em to my new shoes and all was fine until a few days later when I came to a hill where I normally stand up to 'honk' up it. My right foot shot out of the pedal and my knee smacked me in the chin, nearly came off the bike. I told the bloke in the bike shop and he nearly wet himself laughing before he told me that the 56s were 'multi-release'. I changed em over to some 51s I had at home, BTW I still have the pair of 56s if anyone wants them, they're somewhere at the back of the shed so if somebody wants to come and rootle around amongst the rammel back there then they're welcome to them

 

[Drago]

Oh and it is NOT inevitable that you will have a "clipless moment". It happens to some people, but not everyone.

Absolutely. those with sufficiently developed control and co-ordination don't have them. Those that don't, do.

 

[Ming the Merciless]

Until you go arse over tit on a slippery floor after looking like a constipated duck walking into the cafe

and then also realise the café is closed in lockdown.

 

[DCBassman]

Just because you are getting a road bike, it doesn't mean you can't use flats

This.

 

[overmind]

I got some Decathon SPD pedals and shoes and have been perfectly happy with them. They are better value than shimano (in my opinion).

I'll post a link but the website is down at the moment.

edit: https://www.decathlon.co.uk/spd-clipless-mtb-pedals-520-id_8486972.html

actually the shimano ones are very good value.

https://www.decathlon.co.uk/pd-m520-spd-clipless-mountain-bike-pedals-id_3169982.html

 

[SuperHans123]