Clipless Pedals

Abb94 · Aug 28, 2007

These freak me out. I have regular old pedals on my hybrid and have been seeing a lot of posts recommending clipless pedals. 
I have Shimano SPD shoes for spinning class, but I never have to unclip while riding. They are kind of hard to get in and out of, but maybe I am just not used to them yet (I have been using them all summer, but only about once per week). It scares me to think that my feet would be stuck to the pedals while riding on the road. 
I am primarily a runner, so I am really dumb about this whole biking thing - but I am really starting to get into it!!!!!! 
Can I go with SPD pedals, or are LOOK pedals better for the road? If I even decide to get new pedals, that is... 
Just looking for some info. <img alt="" class="inlineimg" src="http://www.kickrunners.com/forum/images/smilies/smile.gif" style="border:0px solid;" title="Smile"> Thanks in advance.

wyrillco · Aug 28, 2007

I could have written that exact post!!! 
I'm a total chicken. I have toe cages on my bike, and that's like a good in-between step.

toe jam on crusty feet · Aug 28, 2007

We are looking into buying bikes pretty soon and this is my biggest concern on the road!!!! Spin class with clipless pedals is a whole different beast than road and traffic!

Sisu · Aug 28, 2007

I use LOOK pedals and clips on my road bike and they work well. My father in law gave me the pedals for free so I didn't have to think about what to use! He's a big bike guy and said that they would be good for me. I haven't tried any other clipless pedals but these seem to work well. The only thing I really hate about them is that they clip on the shoe is huge and it's really awkward to walk in them if you have to for any reason. They are also very slick on pavement and I've slipped several times while putting my foot down on the ground. 
I keep hearing about people getting stuck in their pedals but I have to say that it hasn't happened to me (yet!) That was my biggest fear and so far I've had no problems. I practiced in my driveway and it was easy right from the start. For me the issue is never un-hooking - it's clipping back in while riding. I get a little anxious when I'm at a stoplight on a particular local hill and have to start from a stop - I always have an issue getting my unclipped foot back in while pedaling up the hill. Often, I'll just pedal w/o my foot clipped in until I get to a better spot. 
I can't imagine using toe cage thingys ever again knowing that it would be even harder to get my foot out if I had to quickly! I used to have to really crank those things tight to make them feel like they did anything for me! Don't be scared of clipless pedals - they work great and make riding easier!! Good luck! 
Susan 
Check out Bikenashbar.com for really good deals on pedals, shoes, etc. I got my shoes, bike computer and a couple of other things there for a great price!

Abb94 · Aug 28, 2007

Thanks for the info, and I'm glad I'm not the only one who feels this way. 
I did feel like my feet were slipping around yesterday while I was riding, especially since I am used to riding in spin class clipped in. I didn't think about having trouble getting them clipped back in! But I can see where that will be an issue, because I still have to work at it a little in spin class. 
I bought my new tires from Bikenashbar.com, so I will check them out for pedals! 
Thanks again everyone!!!

theia · Aug 28, 2007

I use SPD clips and my husband uses and recommends Look. He said Look are much easier to clip in/out of. The slippery shoe thing is a very real issue. I actually have mountain biking shoes because they have some tread on the bottom. 
I've fallen twice because I haven't been able to unclip in time. The first time was literally my first time riding outside while clipped in (3-4 years ago), and the second time was two weeks ago. No biggie. My bruises and scars make me feel tough. <img alt="" class="inlineimg" src="http://www.kickrunners.com/forum/images/smilies/smile.gif" style="border:0px solid;" title="Smile">

fox-runr · Aug 29, 2007

same as above, except I've fallen twice in the same year (this year), but once I was unclipped and leaned on my unclipped side (doh). I use SPD and DH and friends use Look. I've had my forever (well, 7 years anyway), seems like Look wears down more from walking on them. 
I think with SPD you have to make more of an effort to get out, and in a hurry, I could see that maybe clipping in you could miss the pedal easier than Look. Not real easy to pedal across an intersection unclipped in SPD if you miss the first time, it looks like you could pedal on top like Sisu mentions easier with Look, or I'm just very uncordinated...the jury's out.

Tithers · Aug 29, 2007

Ummm-y'all know you can adjust the pedals to make them easier to clip out of, right?

sistergoldenhair · Aug 29, 2007

I have Speedplay clipless pedals on my road bike and SPD for my spinning shoes. I found SPDs much harder than Speedplays to clip in to at first, but now it's almost automatic. 
This is basically what the Speedplays look like: <img alt="" src="http://www.thebikestand.com/xall.jpg" style="border:0px solid;"> 
Since practicing disengaging over and over and over after the last time I was "stuck in" and fell, I don't find clicking out too difficult as long as I can anticipate the stop. Starting is pretty nervewracking, though. I click in with one foot, start, push a little with the free foot, and click the free foot in as I start rolling, but there's always that "is this the time I'm totally going to topple over trying to get enough momentum to balance and click in?" 
I appreciate the difference in riding, but I do not like the clipless pedals, to be honest. I've fallen in them twice this year. No big deal, I know that happens, and I wasn't hurt other than scrapes. My fear is not being able to disengage at a moment's notice in a crash or other "emergency stop" situation and handle the bike if need be. I do not feel safe or able to relax while riding EVER, largely because of the pedal system. I'd say clipless pedals are the main obstacle I have with enjoying road cycling the way I'd like to. 
I wish there was some sort of happy medium for improving riding power and efficiency, but not being stuck to the bike.

radial · Aug 30, 2007

Yes, good point. I have speedplays on one bike, SPDs on the other. All the same to me. Both sets are adjusted to allow me to clip out with minimal effort. That said, it's not so much the level of effort as just getting used to clipping out. After a while you can do it in your sleep. Riding on trails really helps with that because you have to learn to expect the unexpected.

mykemp1971 · Aug 30, 2007

I was a Look guy for about 7 years (from the time I first adopted clipless pedals in about '91 until about '98. I thought they were fairly easy to get into and out of. I rarely walk in my cycling shoes (except to stop at a country store and buy they occaisional GatorAde). So I never found slipping to be an issue. 
Because of some knee issues, and wanting the 'free float' I started using Speedplays. I had a little trouble getting in and out at first (they were a bit different than the Look's), however I adopted quickly, and if you start out in these you probably wouldn't know any difference. The Speedplay's are nice and light, they hae good float, dual sided entry, and the cleats last forever! 
I use SPD's on my mountain bike and cyclocross bike. I definately think that both the Look's and Speedplays are easier to get in and out of. However I've never used the road specific SPD's.

Abb94 · Aug 30, 2007

Thanks for all the great info. I'll probably ask for some for Christmas or something. Until then, my feet slide around a lot, and I am wondering if I could get toe clips just for the time being? 
Or is it not even worth it to do that? 
Thanks again, 
Abbie

fox-runr · Aug 31, 2007

really, you think the speedplays are easier to get out of? I thought they'd be harder than Look because speedplays already have a little give and movement. (I was recommended because of knee issues also). On my new bike the guy wrung up the titaniums and my hubby says "ah, she doesn't need those" <img alt="" class="inlineimg" src="http://www.kickrunners.com/forum/images/smilies/sad.gif" style="border:0px solid;" title="Sad">

hally · Sep 12, 2007

I just (a week ago) got a new road bike (Cannondale Six13 '08 WSD) and took it away the next day for a five day Cape Cod trip with my bike club. I had been riding a hybrid and didn't much enjoy biking with the club because it was so hard to keep up. Anyway, LBS lady said no clipless pedals until we have a chance to train you in them. I said I was comfortable in toe cages so she gave me them. I had a GREAT time, rode 4 days,113 miles total. Noticed I think 3 other long time members still using cages. The others are all clipless. 
Anyway, I love to ride but also like to get off and smell the roses, the local coffee shop, the occasional ice cream store. One person recommended SPD, the only one I actually asked because they are easier to walk in. I will see what LBS lady says and probably go with that. Will update when I get them. I want them NOW but LBS isn't local enough to ride to and I won't get there before Saturday.

ksrunr · Sep 13, 2007

Clipless pedals are very efficient for cycling compared to toe cages. Cycling is about spinning the crank and not pushing pedals down. I used to ride on "Looks" but they were really one of the few options years ago. I love my speedplays and have them on two bikes. (see avatar). Everyone falls at least once when they get knew clipless pedals. Where your gloves and helmet and just get it over with. <img alt="" class="inlineimg" src="http://www.kickrunners.com/forum/images/smilies/biggrin.gif" style="border:0px solid;" title="Very Happy"> It gets easier. I think the key to clipless pedals is make sure your professionally fit on your bike with the shoes and pedals. Key word is "professional". 
ksrunr 
drinking the wind 
Hi Hally

hally · Sep 13, 2007

Absolutely on the professional fitting stuff, on the bike and the pedals. 
Same with running shoes. You MAY save a few dollars online, but if that ends up getting you the wrong equipment what was the actual cost? 
Hi John <img alt="" class="inlineimg" src="http://www.kickrunners.com/forum/images/smilies/wink.gif" style="border:0px solid;" title="Wink">

Cappy · Sep 13, 2007

I have never used the LOOK style of pedals only the SPD's. I really like them 
One piece of advice, is that you practice getting in and out of the pedals a few times, preferably whilst leaning against something, that way if need be you learn how to get in and out in a hurry if need be, and make adjustments as needed to the pedals.

hally · Sep 14, 2007

LBS said they will put me on the trainer till I am used to using them.

QuixoticNotions · Sep 14, 2007

Clipless pedals are godsends. 
I use SPD. 
That is all.

crazyfrog · Sep 14, 2007

i was just about to say that!

Clipless Pedals

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