Right place for basic question?

Proudfoot said:

I'd like to switch pedals (currently have toe clips/straps), but have no clue what that involves.

What would you like to switch your pedals for? Once you've decided that, then all you need do is go to your LBS (Local Bike Shop) and buy some. They'll do the rest. If you buy clipless, you'll need to buy shoes as well.

I use SPD clipless pedals with Shimano touring shoes. Clipless pedals provide noticeably more pedalling power and the shoes themselves are ultra comfy; though I did stack it several times over the first few days because getting in and out of the pedals felt totally foreign!

framism said:

What would you like to switch your pedals for? Once you've decided that, then all you need do is go to your LBS (Local Bike Shop) and buy some. They'll do the rest. If you buy clipless, you'll need to buy shoes as well.

I use SPD clipless pedals with Shimano touring shoes. Clipless pedals provide noticeably more pedalling power and the shoes themselves are ultra comfy; though I did stack it several times over the first few days because getting in and out of the pedals felt totally foreign!

Thanks for the help. My main goal is more power/comfort over the existing toe clips (of which one is broken; so, I'll be either replacing it or upgrading the pedals). I stopped by a LBS today and was pretty much overwhelmed by jargon, options, and price range. And, my pleas for ignorance didn't seem to help much. So, I thought to arm myself with knowledge before heading back.

Eventually, I will upgrade bikes, but not for the next year or so. Pedals look to be a smart upgrade?

If you are going from toe clips and straps, things have changed quite a bit. There are many different makes and models of clipless pedals now available and it's very difficult to figure out which style you want without riding them (at least on a trainer). There are models that are lock your foot into a fixed position relative to the pedal axis and there are models that allow your cleat to "float" (twist laterally) during the pedal stroke. Some models are easier to clip in and out of. And, there are all sorts of adjustments on some models that allow you to tweak the fit. And, of course, there is the issue of weight, with some models well under 200g/pair. You might want to find a LBS where you can try several different makes and models and figure out which you prefer. I ride one of the Look CX carbon series, but you'll find devotees of every other make/model.

I have some miles on a Diamond back!

First, are the pedals on the bike 1/2 threads or the newer 9/16. If 9/16 you should have no problem installing yourself.

Are you going out for 20 miles and back, or planing stops for a soda or lunch? I have also used MOUNTIAN shoes and SPD cleats for local riding. The Mountain shoes most times will cover the cleat, allowing you to walk normal.

If you don’t plan on dismounting while out, the options expand. Personally I like LOOK pedals. There are easy to get into, and covers are available to protect the LOOK cleat when walking in the shoes. Just know that the SHOE has to be compatible with the cleat, which means you need LOOK compatible shoes for LOOK pedals and cleats.

Also, 50+ Forum is a group of oldies but goodies still riding!

Proudfoot said:

I'm brand new to the forum; have a very basic equipment question; but don't want to post in the wrong place.

I'm getting back into road riding after a 10 yr. hiatus (I know, I know . . . no excuse for that) and need to upgrade my bike. It's a Diamondback Interval, which was a moderate bike, even new.

I'd like to switch pedals (currently have toe clips/straps), but have no clue what that involves.

If this is the wrong place for this question, my apologies!

I also use spd's, and would highly recomend them if its an mtb stlye clipless your after. i've never useed road cleats because I've always supposed them more difficult to clip out of. Couriering and city cycling, where you clip and unclip alot this quite beneficial, also as someone else mentioned you can walk around in them, if its your main form of transport this might be important. As far as Mtb pedals go apart from the spd's (I've had a few pairs, which have all been great), I've always fancied a pair of the crank bros. 'eggbeaters,' so you might want to check them out (four sided entry).
yrs, F.G.

starship said:

I have some miles on a Diamond back!

First, are the pedals on the bike 1/2 threads or the newer 9/16. If 9/16 you should have no problem installing yourself.

Are you going out for 20 miles and back, or planing stops for a soda or lunch? I have also used MOUNTIAN shoes and SPD cleats for local riding. The Mountain shoes most times will cover the cleat, allowing you to walk normal.

If you don’t plan on dismounting while out, the options expand. Personally I like LOOK pedals. There are easy to get into, and covers are available to protect the LOOK cleat when walking in the shoes. Just know that the SHOE has to be compatible with the cleat, which means you need LOOK compatible shoes for LOOK pedals and cleats.

Also, 50+ Forum is a group of oldies but goodies still riding!

Thanks - that helps a lot. And I can't qualify for the 50+ yet, but am getting close!

F.G. said:

I've always fancied a pair of the crank bros. 'eggbeaters,' so you might want to check them out (four sided entry)..

I have experience only with SPD. There's a variety of pedals available. I'm not sure exactly which kind of pedals I have, but they only allow one sided entry; a pain in the bum, quite frankly, for an urban cyclist like myself.

The eggbeaters look a little odd, but with four sided entry, one will never have a problem clipping (?) in! I intend to get myself a pair, as soon as pain-in-the-bum tips over to absolutely-fed-up.

There's more SPD shoes available than there are pedals. If you're going to be doing any walking at all, then recessed cleats is a must. I wear touring shoes as they are still good and stiff, but I can walk around in them for a while without any discomfort.

Check Shimano's range here . My suggestion simplify the process is to choose from whatever your LBS has to offer, at most browse two stores.

F.G. said:

I also use spd's, and would highly recomend them if its an mtb stlye clipless your after. i've never useed road cleats because I've always supposed them more difficult to clip out of. Couriering and city cycling, where you clip and unclip alot this quite beneficial, also as someone else mentioned you can walk around in them, if its your main form of transport this might be important. As far as Mtb pedals go apart from the spd's (I've had a few pairs, which have all been great), I've always fancied a pair of the crank bros. 'eggbeaters,' so you might want to check them out (four sided entry).
yrs, F.G.

F.G.: thanks for the post. I'm looking at Eggbeaters, as they get really good reviews. One thing though: they look uncomfortable as all get out. Probably wouldn't get the great reviews if so, but man they look weird!

Yeah, I recently came from leeds to london and worked couriering there for a few weeks (now I'm back in leeds) on a bike with single sided spd's, i'd find i'd set off from a set of lights and end up almost at the next set of lights, looking down at my pedals, trying to flip it over and clip in! My leeds bike has dual sided spd's, much easier. I too don't know what brand, let alone what model my single sided pedals are (they aren't shimano).

The problem with getting new pedals is that you have to get new shoes as well £££ (assuming one's current pair are too worn to be refitted with new cleats).
yrs, F.G.

I have a pair of Shimano PD-A520 single sided SPD pedals, they are weighted to allow easy entry:

"I'm looking at Eggbeaters, as they get really good reviews. One thing though: they look uncomfortable as all get out. Probably wouldn't get the great reviews if so, but man they look weird!"

I've been riding on eggbeaters for a month and have been completely satisfied (albeit they are my first clipless pedals). Easy quiet clip-in and release, nice float, sturdy feel. Just make sure your cycling shoes have nice stiff soles and they're a really comfortable ride. Also, cleaning them is a breeze, and you can make omlettes while you ride.