I got a new bike with clipless pedals (never used clipless before) and frankly, haven't been on a bike in a few years. Anyways, having a hard time with the pedals and just want to ride the bike and get to know it. I have the Shimano M-540 pedals. I guess my question is, is there anyway to ride these with steet shoes (like trail running shoes) or should I just invest in another pair of pedals, get used to the bike, and switch back to clipless when I'm more familiar with the bike?
I bougtht the bike so that I could ride with some friends at work. They started about 4 months ago and have adjusted to their pedals and bikes.
You can always keep the clipless pedals aside and put basic platform pedals on (should be available cheaply at your local bike store) for a couple of weeks as you get used to the bike. Then you've always got the clipless pedals about for when you want to make the switch over.
There's also an option of a little plastic platform that snaps into the cleat area, however there were a few posts just recently here about people's experience with those, and how they felt quite unsafe.
Or else you can dive in at the deep end and go clipless straight away. Whichever way you go about it, once you clipless you won't want to go back 🙂
(Nice pedals by the way. I picked up some 540s to replace the 515s on my mountain bike, and they are a day and night difference..)
I paid more for my 15mm spanner than my platform pedals.
After a few days in the PD-M505s, I tried the platforms on my older bike and nearly broke my foot.
One thing I found with the Shimano shoes, I needed a ortho wedge in the heel so I could uncleat easier and walk OK when I dismounted. My heels were too deep in the shoe.
Thanks for the responses. I really apprecaite them. I put the platform pedals on and am just going to concentrate on getting to know my new bike for a couple of weeks. Switching the pedals out was very easy and I will (at some point) switch back to clipless! 😄
