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Pedals - baulking the trend?

by Super Domestique
Mon, Dec 12, 2011 10:12
14

Within days of buying my first road bike I had purchased some clipless pedals (Shimano R540 SL) and shoes (DHB). This was about 18 months or so ago.

I love the way they feel when I ride, HOWEVER, at times I find that they also 'put me off' going for a quick spin.

I can only put this down to the fact that I used to always use toe clips and straps when commuting and BITD when mtbing. I then left cycling for a while and on my return was just mtbing and moved to flat pedals.

Currently my ss is in need of some serious tlc but it is wearing some Wellgo v8 style flatties as the old clip 'n' strap jobs need re-building/replacing.

My Kona mtb has Kona wah wah flatties on it too.

I spilt my time on my bikes which usually works out as when with family/friends its the mtb and when on my own its the road bike so it isn't that one is used that much more.

I have only had 1 incident when I first got them and I had an 'off' - but that wasn't me forgetting to unclip but rather turning into a narrow road to find my path blocked by a careless motorist and not having time to unclip! I admit it did end up with a nasty twisting injury to a liagment but I have used them plenty of times since.

I just keep having this nagging thought that I would happier if I ran clips and straps though, partly because the action feels stiff and awkward to unclip despite the soft/easy setting and partly because it feels more of a faff when jumping on the bike and just going for a spin for some reason.

Has anyone else gone back to clips?

Other than just persisting has anyone got an tips that got them more at ease with clipless pedals?

I don't feel uncomfortable in a 'need practice' way but do seem to lack confidence with them.

If you're new please join in and if you have questions pop them below and the forum regulars will answer as best we can.

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14 comments

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Simon E | 12 years ago
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Although the link Fringe provided has a caveat at the beginning, I wondered why, if they're not addressing 'serious' or race-oriented riders, why spend so much time on the subject? If people aren't that fussed then they surely won't care.

For those determined and keen enough here's an extract from Graeme Obree's book about pedalling:

http://dailycycle.co.uk/post/2011/12/01/How-to-pedal-e28093-by-Graeme-Ob...

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Fish_n_Chips | 12 years ago
0 likes

I can't cycle without being clipped in!

Took me ages to adjust though and I was petrified
about falling over which I did a lot lol

I used mtb spds on my winter and commuter bike.

Didn't get on with shimano but Look release easily.

Try different pedals? Look Keo 2's release really
well compared to shimano if you have big
feet/flexi shoes.

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Super Domestique | 12 years ago
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It looks as if part of my problem was trying to the full on roadie thing to quickly tbh!

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mattsccm | 12 years ago
0 likes

Dunno about the pedals but I suspect some one above has made a good suggestion. Cheap Shimano mtb spds's. Shoes can be walked in and very easy release. Much easier than clips. And it will become second nature.

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Super Domestique | 12 years ago
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Thanks for the feedback. I wasn't sure it would make a lot of sense, my random waffle, but that is why I like this site, I didn't get flamed but got genuine answers.

Fringe - very interesting reading. Thanks.

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Fringe | 12 years ago
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have you read this before..

http://www.rivbike.com/kb_results.asp?ID=45

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paulfg42 replied to Fringe | 12 years ago
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Fringe wrote:

have you read this before..

http://www.rivbike.com/kb_results.asp?ID=45

Interesting read, that. Is this view backed up elsewhere?

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Simon E | 12 years ago
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Shimano M520s + allen key = sorted.

Easier to engage too. I've fitted PD-M22 reflectors to mine so now they're legal, and always at the ideal angle. SPD cleats are usually recessed so the shoes are much easier to walk in.

Despite using toe clips & straps regularly since I was about 12 I'd not go back now.

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Gkam84 | 12 years ago
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Yeah I'm talking about my SPD's, you can adjust them with a small allen key

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Super Domestique replied to Gkam84 | 12 years ago
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Gkam84 wrote:

Yeah I'm talking about my SPD's, you can adjust them with a small allen key

Ok cool. Yes I have them on the easiest setting according to the guide they came with.

I use the yellow cleats ie. The ones with float.

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Super Domestique | 12 years ago
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Walking not a major issue. Perhaps it is due to my fall and a lack of confidence now I have re-read my own post.

I had seen these which got me thinking btw
http://www.edinburghbicycle.com/ebwPNLqrymode.a4p?f_ProductID=7071&f_Ful...

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notfastenough | 12 years ago
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You can buy double-sided pedals can't you, with SPD on one side and clips/straps on the other? They seem to be on the spinning bikes at my gym anyway...

Are you put off slightly due to the faff of putting on the right shoes? Not being able to walk in the shoes?

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Super Domestique | 12 years ago
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Are you talking about toe clips and straps though?

I am meaning spd sl clipless.

Thanks the reply btw.

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Gkam84 | 12 years ago
0 likes

Why not loosen the clips on the pedal to be quite loose and almost so they hardly work, that way, just pulling your foot up with unclip them

Thats how i started out with clips, now mine are super tight and very hard to unclip, but only on one side, my left side is looser so i can pull it out to stop at junctions, infact sometimes when coming to a stop at my house i just unfasten my right shoe and leave it clipped

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