Quoted post said:Originally posted by xeu
I'm 16 and I plan on starting a new hobby of cycling with the purchase of a road bike. I've been reading around for just the past few days on bike basics and one thing I want cleared up is how clipless pedals work, and possibly what model you use?
Special shoes clip into special pedals in order to allow more power per stroke, I know that much. Is it easy to clip on, or must you fiddle around with the pedal to find the right side and connection? I assume it is easy to take off, or at least easier than the old-fashioned straps. One .pdf manual for a shimano pedal said you have to do some twisting action in a particular direction to slip them off, which probably would become second nature over time.
I plan on using the bike for practical purposes too, like riding to campus and back, and I'd rather not change shoes every time I get off the bike. That is what interested me in the Shimano SH-MO20 footwear. The pedals I am interested in are the PD-A515s or the more pricey PD-R535s.
Opinions? Comments?
xeu
PS. Just in case it matters, I plan on getting a Giant model (the cheapest composite available, which I believe is the TCR Composite 2). I want something that is conservative in appearance and price. If you know of a different model or brand that could better meet this goal, please mention that too.
Some advice based on my personal experience and what I've learned from other riders:
A good start is to check out whether there are any compatibility issues; the cleat has to fit into the mount located at the bottom of the shoe.
Don't rule out any options without a careful consideration. In addition to SPD, SPD-R and SPD-SL there are pedaling systems available from Time, Look, Speedplay, Crankbothers, Miche, Bebop etc.
The idea of clipless pedals is to attach your shoes to the pedals for better pedaling efficiency. Secondly, (or more importantly) your feet maintain the correct position even if you're fatigued or riding on rough road surface. To step in just press on your foot against the pedal (in slight angle). To release, twist your heel outwards. Multi-release cleats allow several methods of release.
The ease of use depends on the pedals, some are easy step into, some are easier to release. Some (cleats) offer float (free movement), some don't.
Many of the pedals allow you to adjust the spring tension, some even the amount of movement needed for the release. The more tension, the more you need to use force. SPD dual-function pedals (platform on one side, clipless on another) may cause some fiddling because the platform-side turns on top by default. No matter what pedals you use, it takes some time to get used to them. On your first ride (you really should practise first) with the pedals, make sure you have all the time and space you need for releasing. After few rides, you should already feel quite comfortable.
Pick shoes that fit your feet. Pay attention especially to the sole width. I'd recommend a pair of true road/mtb shoes if you're off the bike just occasionally. Recreational shoes introduce more flexible bottom (worse for cycling, easier for walking) and approach-style looks. For conservative appearance, take a look at models with darkish colours. Opt for quality. If you do cycling as a method of exercising rather than commuting, don't mind the appearance but the functionality.
