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Clipless pedals

by Nevetsyarg
Thu, Jul 21, 2011 10:19
8

After getting back into cycling after a long breske I need advice on clipless shoes/pedals. Having never used before I was wondering what was easier road or mtb type.

All help with this query will be most welcome,

Steve

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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8 comments

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Nevetsyarg | 13 years ago
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Thanks for all the help.

Now i just have to save up for some now. 4

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jonomc4 | 13 years ago
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Well this post reminded me that I have never completed my post on pedals in my blog and updated it to include the clipless pedals I bought.

So I have done that now and also included some tips etc on what to think about. I hope it helps - you can find it here:

http://ukmambo.blogspot.com/2011/07/pedals-again-world-of-clippless-peda...

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Simon E | 13 years ago
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MTB SPD.

Can't go wrong with Shimano M520 double-sided pedals. Some people prefer single-sided type e.g. A530, M424 but I find I can happily ride several miles on the 520s in trainers if the need arises.

Road pedals & shoes are marginally better for racing but not so good for everyday use like commuting. They're not fun for walking in either (and I mean in and out of the house or up and downs steps type walking, not a 5 mile hike). Most MTB-style shoes have ridges either side of the cleat so it is partially recessed in the sole.

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Tony Farrelly | 13 years ago
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Interestingly we've got a news piece coming up soon on some new Shimano shoes that are basically road shoes for spd pedals giving the benefits of both, that's the theory anyway.

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rbx replied to Tony Farrelly | 13 years ago
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tony_farrelly wrote:

Interestingly we've got a news piece coming up soon on some new Shimano shoes that are basically road shoes for spd pedals giving the benefits of both, that's the theory anyway.

Tony, could you share the name of Shimano shoes in reference? I've to buy some soon and would love to include something like this in my consideration set 1

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handlebarcam | 13 years ago
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This web site needs an FAQ section.

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jonomc4 | 13 years ago
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Fairly easy this one - if you want you shoes to walk any distance in, say to a from where you park your bike if you are a commuter then you really need MTB shoes - they come with SPD clips. These are what I use and unless you are going to actively road race there is no difference in using them to road shoes. Both shoe types do the same thing i.e. help you cycle properly.

I think the main thing to consider is your pedals - take a look for the peddles that are available for each clip type.

I would consider myself a "fast commuter" and SPD shoes are the best for me for this. Not only because I walk a bit in my shoes but also because I was able to get pedals that I could use with my bike shoes and also with normal shoes - a little heavier than pure race pedals but far more flexible, they also allow me to set off and pedal the bike before clipping in (handy if you are in traffic where you may need to put your foot down quickly).

I went for the Shimano M545 SPD Pedals - and I am very happy with the purchase (about £55).

If it is any help I wrote a blog piece about all my pedal purchases (lots of mistakes) before I ended up with these. You can read it here.

http://ukmambo.blogspot.com/2011/03/pedals-pedals-and-damned-pedals.html

Either way you go - take a long time to think about how you are going to use your bike and make sure you buy the bike and pedals together - that will stop you having later regrets

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dave atkinson | 13 years ago
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i'd say that mtb clipless pedals are easier, but mainly because of the shoes, not the pedals: they're easier to walk in.

performance-wise they're much of a muchness, unless you're right at the top of your game.

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