I'm at present modifying an old (cheap and basic) mtb to use as a commuter (primarily switch to hub gear, single chainwheel and road tyres), and now need to consider pedals.
My options are:
Use the existing plastic mtb pedals
Use the rat trap pedals and nylon toe clips and straps from my current hybrid bike (or buy another similar set)
Bite the bullet and convert to clipless pedals.
I've already pretty much talked myself out of using the existing mtb pedals, mainly because I'm used to lifting the pedals on the "up" stroke. Also, I am used to lifting my right foot at any stop in readiness for the setting off push. It's a bit inconvenient to hook my foot under the mtb pedal to do this.
Of the other two options I'm still not finally decided. I quite like using clips. I always stop and restart with my left foot down to the ground. I have the right toe clip strap at the sort of tension where I can just get my foot in without adjusting the strap. The left strap is a bit looser so that I can easily flip the pedal over and pick up the clip without looking down, and also so that I can get out quickly in an emergency (although the slow fall to the side, after stopping, is still not unknown - twice in about 50 yds a couple of weeks ago while riding on a rutted track covered in wet leaves). I don't use cleats, and never attempt to loosen/tighten the straps when riding - I use them more like mini toe clips.
I recently bought a set of cheap Lidl mtb cycle shoes in readiness for the move to clipless. I'm using these with toe clips on my hybrid bike, and find them OK.
Right, if I switch to clipless pedals, which ones would other forummers recommend for a first timer? I would like to use the Lidl shoes - as I've alrady committed £9.99 to the changeover (last of the big spenders, eh). I want recessed clips so that I can walk without hobbling. I am not some sort of road warrior. I cycle at a fairly leisurely pace and have no problem with getting off and walking a bit - so I need to be able to walk without crippling myself. My commute includes a little off road track - nothing serious, just more hard core than blacktop.
All thing being equal, I don't want to spend a fortune (in case I cannot get along with them).
I gather (from other threads) that some Shimano pedals require a special tool to service them - would I be better with a pedal (Shimano or otherwise) that can be serviced with "normal" tools. If so, which pedals require a special tool and which do not? Unless people consider other advantages as being more important, I'd prefer pedals I can readily service myself.
I have no real preference re single sided (with a plain platform on the other side - I'm sure I'll be OK flipping them as I do with the current toe clipped pedals), or double sided. I suppose single sided would allow more flexibility - allowing use with normal shoes and allowing others without special shoes to use the bike - eg my wife. (But if that is the case, I could easily re-fit the old pedals)
Finally, most people on here think clipless pedals are better than clipped systems, and "once you go clipless you'll never want to go back". Does everyone think this, or do some of you still prefer toeclips? Why do you prefer one over the other?
Thanks in anticipation.
Ron.
My options are:
Use the existing plastic mtb pedals
Use the rat trap pedals and nylon toe clips and straps from my current hybrid bike (or buy another similar set)
Bite the bullet and convert to clipless pedals.
I've already pretty much talked myself out of using the existing mtb pedals, mainly because I'm used to lifting the pedals on the "up" stroke. Also, I am used to lifting my right foot at any stop in readiness for the setting off push. It's a bit inconvenient to hook my foot under the mtb pedal to do this.
Of the other two options I'm still not finally decided. I quite like using clips. I always stop and restart with my left foot down to the ground. I have the right toe clip strap at the sort of tension where I can just get my foot in without adjusting the strap. The left strap is a bit looser so that I can easily flip the pedal over and pick up the clip without looking down, and also so that I can get out quickly in an emergency (although the slow fall to the side, after stopping, is still not unknown - twice in about 50 yds a couple of weeks ago while riding on a rutted track covered in wet leaves). I don't use cleats, and never attempt to loosen/tighten the straps when riding - I use them more like mini toe clips.
I recently bought a set of cheap Lidl mtb cycle shoes in readiness for the move to clipless. I'm using these with toe clips on my hybrid bike, and find them OK.
Right, if I switch to clipless pedals, which ones would other forummers recommend for a first timer? I would like to use the Lidl shoes - as I've alrady committed £9.99 to the changeover (last of the big spenders, eh). I want recessed clips so that I can walk without hobbling. I am not some sort of road warrior. I cycle at a fairly leisurely pace and have no problem with getting off and walking a bit - so I need to be able to walk without crippling myself. My commute includes a little off road track - nothing serious, just more hard core than blacktop.
All thing being equal, I don't want to spend a fortune (in case I cannot get along with them).
I gather (from other threads) that some Shimano pedals require a special tool to service them - would I be better with a pedal (Shimano or otherwise) that can be serviced with "normal" tools. If so, which pedals require a special tool and which do not? Unless people consider other advantages as being more important, I'd prefer pedals I can readily service myself.
I have no real preference re single sided (with a plain platform on the other side - I'm sure I'll be OK flipping them as I do with the current toe clipped pedals), or double sided. I suppose single sided would allow more flexibility - allowing use with normal shoes and allowing others without special shoes to use the bike - eg my wife. (But if that is the case, I could easily re-fit the old pedals)
Finally, most people on here think clipless pedals are better than clipped systems, and "once you go clipless you'll never want to go back". Does everyone think this, or do some of you still prefer toeclips? Why do you prefer one over the other?
Thanks in anticipation.
Ron.