Help with clipless decision

landotter'? said:

Johnny Sunset aka Tom Sherman said:

landotter who? said:

...
Spd is good, it's cheap, and if you hate it--not too much money lost.
I like the Nashbar standard atb pedal, which is $30 right now, and
sold under various names such as the original, Wellgo, and also
Ritchey. It's fully compatible with Shimano cleats. It's cheap enough
so you can put it on all your bikes. Or get Shimano if that's what
your shop has--the basic spd pedal is time proven. BTW, don't get the
cheaper of the Nashbar branded pedals, it's incompatible with
everything else....

I have some bad experiences test riding bicycles with supposedly SPD
compatible pedals and my own Shimano SH-55 cleats, where it was a real
struggle to unclip. Stick to pedals and cleats from a single
manufacturer or test (where possible) before purchase for compatibility.

Cleats come with pedals--duh. These are fully spd compatible.

I have purchased several sets of SPD pedals that did not come with
cleats, and have also purchased bicycles with SPD pedals that did not
come with cleats. Is my experience unique in the known universe?

--
Tom Sherman - Holstein-Friesland Bovinia
The weather is here, wish you were beautiful

--
Posted via a free Usenet account from http://www.teranews.com

Johnny Sunset aka Tom Sherman said:

landotter'? said:

Johnny Sunset aka Tom Sherman said:

landotter who? wrote:
> ...
> Spd is good, it's cheap, and if you hate it--not too much money lost.
> I like the Nashbar standard atb pedal, which is $30 right now, and
> sold under various names such as the original, Wellgo, and also
> Ritchey. It's fully compatible with Shimano cleats. It's cheap enough
> so you can put it on all your bikes. Or get Shimano if that's what
> your shop has--the basic spd pedal is time proven. BTW, don't get the
> cheaper of the Nashbar branded pedals, it's incompatible with
> everything else....

Quoted message said:

Quoted message said:

I have some bad experiences test riding bicycles with supposedly SPD
compatible pedals and my own Shimano SH-55 cleats, where it was a real
struggle to unclip. Stick to pedals and cleats from a single
manufacturer or test (where possible) before purchase for compatibility.

Quoted message said:

Cleats come with pedals--duh. These are fully spd compatible.

I have purchased several sets of SPD pedals that did not come with
cleats, and have also purchased bicycles with SPD pedals that did not
come with cleats. Is my experience unique in the known universe?

As far as the pedals go--you're indeed rather special. I suggest you
put down your nets and get some disciples. As for as the bikes, I
believe my LBS gives you cleats when you buy a bike with clipless
pedals, but I'm actually not sure.

landotter'? said:

Johnny Sunset aka Tom Sherman said:

landotter'? said:

On Jul 7, 11:17 am, Johnny Sunset aka Tom Sherman
<[email hidden]> wrote:
> landotter who? wrote:
>> ...
>> Spd is good, it's cheap, and if you hate it--not too much money lost.
>> I like the Nashbar standard atb pedal, which is $30 right now, and
>> sold under various names such as the original, Wellgo, and also
>> Ritchey. It's fully compatible with Shimano cleats. It's cheap enough
>> so you can put it on all your bikes. Or get Shimano if that's what
>> your shop has--the basic spd pedal is time proven. BTW, don't get the
>> cheaper of the Nashbar branded pedals, it's incompatible with
>> everything else....
> I have some bad experiences test riding bicycles with supposedly SPD
> compatible pedals and my own Shimano SH-55 cleats, where it was a real
> struggle to unclip. Stick to pedals and cleats from a single
> manufacturer or test (where possible) before purchase for compatibility.
Cleats come with pedals--duh. These are fully spd compatible.

I have purchased several sets of SPD pedals that did not come with
cleats, and have also purchased bicycles with SPD pedals that did not
come with cleats. Is my experience unique in the known universe?

As far as the pedals go--you're indeed rather special. I suggest you
put down your nets and get some disciples. As for as the bikes, I
believe my LBS gives you cleats when you buy a bike with clipless
pedals, but I'm actually not sure.

Two of the sets of pedals were Shimano PD-M323s [1] that were dealer
installed upgrades at the time of purchase over the stock Wellgo
platform pedals. Neither set came with cleats. My trike and other two
bikes were purchased used. The only pedals I have ever bought that came
with cleats were the Shimano PD-M515s (NLA?) that I got for my Trek
6000, which came with SH-51 cleats.

[1] Now replaced by the PD-M324:
<http://bike.shimano.com/catalog/cycle/products/component.jsp?PRODUCT%3C%3Eprd_id=845524441763012&FOLDER%3C%3Efolder_id=2534374302050757&ASSORTMENT%3C%3East_id=1408474395181674&bmUID=1183831909463>.

--
Tom Sherman - Holstein-Friesland Bovinia
The weather is here, wish you were beautiful

--
Posted via a free Usenet account from http://www.teranews.com

I encourage you do do exactly what your intuitiion tells you. I'm in
almost exactly the same boat (age, "seriousness", etc.) and use and
love MTB-style clipless pedals on my road bike.

In addition to SPD pedals, you should look at the Crank Brothers
pedals. Similar recessed cleat. The "Candy" and Eggbeater pedals are
two sided and have excellent reputation.

I have one sided SPD pedals on my road bike and two sided on my MTB.
I don't have any problem with the one sided pedals and think they look
better. Other than looks, there's no reason not to go two sided
though.

Johnny Sunset aka Tom Sherman said:

landotter'? said:

Johnny Sunset aka Tom Sherman said:

"landotter"? wrote:
> On Jul 7, 11:17 am, Johnny Sunset aka Tom Sherman
> <[email hidden]> wrote:
>> landotter who? wrote:
>>> ...
>>> Spd is good, it's cheap, and if you hate it--not too much money lost.
>>> I like the Nashbar standard atb pedal, which is $30 right now, and
>>> sold under various names such as the original, Wellgo, and also
>>> Ritchey. It's fully compatible with Shimano cleats. It's cheap enough
>>> so you can put it on all your bikes. Or get Shimano if that's what
>>> your shop has--the basic spd pedal is time proven. BTW, don't get the
>>> cheaper of the Nashbar branded pedals, it's incompatible with
>>> everything else....
>> I have some bad experiences test riding bicycles with supposedly SPD
>> compatible pedals and my own Shimano SH-55 cleats, where it was a real
>> struggle to unclip. Stick to pedals and cleats from a single
>> manufacturer or test (where possible) before purchase for compatibility.
> Cleats come with pedals--duh. These are fully spd compatible.
I have purchased several sets of SPD pedals that did not come with
cleats, and have also purchased bicycles with SPD pedals that did not
come with cleats. Is my experience unique in the known universe?

Quoted message said:

As far as the pedals go--you're indeed rather special. I suggest you
put down your nets and get some disciples. As for as the bikes, I
believe my LBS gives you cleats when you buy a bike with clipless
pedals, but I'm actually not sure.

Two of the sets of pedals were Shimano PD-M323s

Those are platform pedals that happen to have spd mechanisms. Can't
think of any regular clipless that don't come with cleats. It's
something for the OP to keep in mind. I wonder if the Wellgo clones
and the rebranded spawn are also so petty as to deny cleats?

landotter said:

On Jul 7, 1:17 pm, Johnny Sunset aka Tom Sherman

Quoted message said:

landotter'? said:

On Jul 7, 12:39 pm, Johnny Sunset aka Tom Sherman
<[email hidden]> wrote:
> "landotter"? wrote:
>> On Jul 7, 11:17 am, Johnny Sunset aka Tom Sherman
>> <[email hidden]> wrote:
>>> landotter who? wrote:
>>>> ...
>>>> Spd is good, it's cheap, and if you hate it--not too much money lost.
>>>> I like the Nashbar standard atb pedal, which is $30 right now, and
>>>> sold under various names such as the original, Wellgo, and also
>>>> Ritchey. It's fully compatible with Shimano cleats. It's cheap enough
>>>> so you can put it on all your bikes. Or get Shimano if that's what
>>>> your shop has--the basic spd pedal is time proven. BTW, don't get the
>>>> cheaper of the Nashbar branded pedals, it's incompatible with
>>>> everything else....
>>> I have some bad experiences test riding bicycles with supposedly SPD
>>> compatible pedals and my own Shimano SH-55 cleats, where it was a real
>>> struggle to unclip. Stick to pedals and cleats from a single
>>> manufacturer or test (where possible) before purchase for compatibility.
>> Cleats come with pedals--duh. These are fully spd compatible.
> I have purchased several sets of SPD pedals that did not come with
> cleats, and have also purchased bicycles with SPD pedals that did not
> come with cleats. Is my experience unique in the known universe?

Quoted message said:

Quoted message said:

As far as the pedals go--you're indeed rather special. I suggest you
put down your nets and get some disciples. As for as the bikes, I
believe my LBS gives you cleats when you buy a bike with clipless
pedals, but I'm actually not sure.

Quoted message said:

Two of the sets of pedals were Shimano PD-M323s

Those are platform pedals that happen to have spd mechanisms. Can't
think of any regular clipless that don't come with cleats. It's
something for the OP to keep in mind. I wonder if the Wellgo clones
and the rebranded spawn are also so petty as to deny cleats?-

The Wellgo "clones" (e.g., Nashbar Rodeo Pedals), do come with cleats.

In article <[email hidden]>,
[email hidden] says...

Quoted message said:

Thanks for all the constructive feedback. It confirmed my intuition.

One last question on the learning curve. Realistically, how much
practice in a parking lot should it take?

(Assume I get the Shimano single-directional dual-sided pedals and
shoes with recessed cleats.)

I know that's a hard question to answer. We all learning at different
rates. I'm just trying to determine if it is realistic to ride to the
shop for installation and expect to ride home after "some practice",
or if I should transport the bike using my car and practice over some
time (days?). What did __you__ do?

Before I installed my first set of clipless I rode for about a month and
got into a routine of always "unclipping" from my platforms. This became
second nature and when the clipless were installed the transition was
seamless.

Ozark Bicycle said:

landotter said:

On Jul 7, 1:17 pm, Johnny Sunset aka Tom Sherman

Quoted message said:

Quoted message said:

"landotter"? wrote:
> On Jul 7, 12:39 pm, Johnny Sunset aka Tom Sherman
> <[email hidden]> wrote:
>> "landotter"? wrote:
>>> On Jul 7, 11:17 am, Johnny Sunset aka Tom Sherman
>>> <[email hidden]> wrote:
>>>> landotter who? wrote:
>>>>> ...
>>>>> Spd is good, it's cheap, and if you hate it--not too much money lost.
>>>>> I like the Nashbar standard atb pedal, which is $30 right now, and
>>>>> sold under various names such as the original, Wellgo, and also
>>>>> Ritchey. It's fully compatible with Shimano cleats. It's cheap enough
>>>>> so you can put it on all your bikes. Or get Shimano if that's what
>>>>> your shop has--the basic spd pedal is time proven. BTW, don't get the
>>>>> cheaper of the Nashbar branded pedals, it's incompatible with
>>>>> everything else....
>>>> I have some bad experiences test riding bicycles with supposedly SPD
>>>> compatible pedals and my own Shimano SH-55 cleats, where it was a real
>>>> struggle to unclip. Stick to pedals and cleats from a single
>>>> manufacturer or test (where possible) before purchase for compatibility.
>>> Cleats come with pedals--duh. These are fully spd compatible.
>> I have purchased several sets of SPD pedals that did not come with
>> cleats, and have also purchased bicycles with SPD pedals that did not
>> come with cleats. Is my experience unique in the known universe?

Quoted message said:

Quoted message said:

> As far as the pedals go--you're indeed rather special. I suggest you
> put down your nets and get some disciples. As for as the bikes, I
> believe my LBS gives you cleats when you buy a bike with clipless
> pedals, but I'm actually not sure.

Quoted message said:

Quoted message said:

Two of the sets of pedals were Shimano PD-M323s

Quoted message said:

Those are platform pedals that happen to have spd mechanisms. Can't
think of any regular clipless that don't come with cleats. It's
something for the OP to keep in mind. I wonder if the Wellgo clones
and the rebranded spawn are also so petty as to deny cleats?-

The Wellgo "clones" (e.g., Nashbar Rodeo Pedals), do come with cleats.

I wonder if Shimanos come with them as well, and Johnny's LBS is
pulling a "Gillette" on him. "See here, pedals, only $49.99--but cha
gotta have the cleats, $40 per shoe..." ;-)

landotter? said:

Ozark Bicycle said:

landotter said:

On Jul 7, 1:17 pm, Johnny Sunset aka Tom Sherman
<[email hidden]> wrote:
> "landotter"? wrote:
>> On Jul 7, 12:39 pm, Johnny Sunset aka Tom Sherman
>> <[email hidden]> wrote:
>>> "landotter"? wrote:
>>>> On Jul 7, 11:17 am, Johnny Sunset aka Tom Sherman
>>>> <[email hidden]> wrote:
>>>>> landotter who? wrote:
>>>>>> ...
>>>>>> Spd is good, it's cheap, and if you hate it--not too much money lost.
>>>>>> I like the Nashbar standard atb pedal, which is $30 right now, and
>>>>>> sold under various names such as the original, Wellgo, and also
>>>>>> Ritchey. It's fully compatible with Shimano cleats. It's cheap enough
>>>>>> so you can put it on all your bikes. Or get Shimano if that's what
>>>>>> your shop has--the basic spd pedal is time proven. BTW, don't get the
>>>>>> cheaper of the Nashbar branded pedals, it's incompatible with
>>>>>> everything else....
>>>>> I have some bad experiences test riding bicycles with supposedly SPD
>>>>> compatible pedals and my own Shimano SH-55 cleats, where it was a real
>>>>> struggle to unclip. Stick to pedals and cleats from a single
>>>>> manufacturer or test (where possible) before purchase for compatibility.
>>>> Cleats come with pedals--duh. These are fully spd compatible.
>>> I have purchased several sets of SPD pedals that did not come with
>>> cleats, and have also purchased bicycles with SPD pedals that did not
>>> come with cleats. Is my experience unique in the known universe?
>> As far as the pedals go--you're indeed rather special. I suggest you
>> put down your nets and get some disciples. As for as the bikes, I
>> believe my LBS gives you cleats when you buy a bike with clipless
>> pedals, but I'm actually not sure.
> Two of the sets of pedals were Shimano PD-M323s
Those are platform pedals that happen to have spd mechanisms. Can't
think of any regular clipless that don't come with cleats. It's
something for the OP to keep in mind. I wonder if the Wellgo clones
and the rebranded spawn are also so petty as to deny cleats?-

The Wellgo "clones" (e.g., Nashbar Rodeo Pedals), do come with cleats.

I wonder if Shimanos come with them as well, and Johnny's LBS is
pulling a "Gillette" on him. "See here, pedals, only $49.99--but cha
gotta have the cleats, $40 per shoe..." ;-)

They gave me a $15 credit each time for the Wellgo platform pedals to
apply towards the PD-M323's, so I am not complaining.

I thought you were supposed to get a no additional charge set of cleats
when buying expensive cycling shoes (I have with ever with every Sidi
purchase).

--
Tom Sherman - Holstein-Friesland Bovinia
The weather is here, wish you were beautiful

--
Posted via a free Usenet account from http://www.teranews.com

On Jul 6, 11:57 pm, "[email hidden]" <[email hidden]>

Quoted message said:

I have been cycling with toe clips since before some of you were
born ;-). I am not what __you__ would consider to be a "serious"
cyclist. But I do enjoy it when I can.

Snipped

Quoted message said:

BTW, I am interested in recessed cleats -- the so-called MTB style --
even though I do very little biking on trails -- almost none. Also, I
have no concern about the weight of the cleat-pedal system. I am not
good enough for it to make a difference.

Snipped

Quoted message said:

2. Single-sided v. dual-sided pedals. On the one hand, the rationale
behind DS pedals makes good sense to me: easier to engage if you do
not have to worry about which side of the pedal you're on. On the
other hand, I am used to SS insofar as pedals with toe clips are
"single-sided"; I am used to it, and I never need to look down. On
the "third" hand, I am concerned about the time it takes to engage the
cleat already; DS might give me added confidence. On the "fourth"
hand, I cannot image riding a narrow trail or similar situations
without having the option of not "locking" in. It has happened to me
on rare occassion.

I think DS are better as you have to sides to clip into. This helps
when clipping in with out having to look at the pedal.

Bear in mind t htat the technique of clipping into MTB style pedals is
different than flipping the toe tab on a clip and strap pedal and
slipping your foot into the pedal as it rotates upward. With the MTB
style clipless pedal entry is more like stepping down onto the pedal.
You may find you need a fair bit of practise before stepping down onto
the pedal becomes second nature.

Snipped

Quoted message said:

4. How to learn? Does everyone fall in the beginning? Originally, I
thought I would cycle to the shop to get the clipless pedals
installed, do some practice {en/dis}gaging for a little at the shop,
then "practice" on my ride home. Now I wonder if that's a bad idea.
I will be riding in traffic, with some stops on uphills. FYI, I am a
slow learner, to some extent. I fumble a lot in the beginning; then I
seem to have an epiphany and "voila!", you'd think I'm an expert.

TIA for your thoughts.

For safety getting used to unfamiliar equipment I would strongly
recommend practicing clipping in and out on a grassy area like a
playing field. Any falls there are much less painful than falling onto
pavement. Practice unclipping with the pedal at various positions as
not all clipless pedals release easily in all positions of the clock.
For example a friend of mine has cliplrss pedals that are very hard to
get out of when the pedal is at 12 0'clock high. Finding your non-
release points is better on grass which cushions the impact if you
should fall over.

If you have a friend who will aid you have him/her unexpectadly throw
something like a rolled up towel in front of you as you ride on the
grass after familiarising yourself with clipping and uncliping. This
is to get you used to braking suddenly, like often happens in traffic,
and unclipping. Once again the grass is better to land on than
pavement. When I have seen people new to clipless pedals go down it is
usually because they had to stop unexpectedly and had not yet
developed a reflexive unclipping motion. Also, I have notice that some
people are decidedly one side preferable when unclipping. Be sure to
practice unclipping from both sides

Getting used to clipless pedals is not that hard. This is especially
true if you can practice with them in an area where you are not in
danger should you fall - an area like a grassy playing field is ideal.
This in itself will allow you to experiment with your new equipment
more than if you try to learn whilst riding on the pavement.

I hope these ideas and hints help you.

Cheers from Peter

Quoted message said:

Thanks for all the constructive feedback. It confirmed my intuition.

One last question on the learning curve. Realistically, how much
practice in a parking lot should it take?

(Assume I get the Shimano single-directional dual-sided pedals and
shoes with recessed cleats.)

I know that's a hard question to answer. We all learning at different
rates. I'm just trying to determine if it is realistic to ride to the
shop for installation and expect to ride home after "some practice",
or if I should transport the bike using my car and practice over some
time (days?). What did __you__ do?

I rode my bike the 10 miles home from the shop with my first clipless
pedals after practicing a bit on a trainer at the shop. It worked out
okay. FWIW here's my suggestions:

- Set the pedals to release with minimum force. If you find this
insecure you can tighten them later.

- For the first while, whenever you touch the brakes immediately unclip
one foot. Clip it back in if you don't actually stop. If you do
this conscienciously it'll keep you from forgetting to unclip until
it's too late (plus give you some extra practice getting in and out
of the pedals).

I eventually fell, like people say everyone does, but I went 6 weeks
before the fall and I only did it once.

Dennis Ferguson

Quoted message said:

Quoted message said:

I have been cycling with toe clips since before some of you were
born ;-). I am not what __you__ would consider to be a "serious"
cyclist. But I do enjoy it when I can.

Now I am considering going clipless. I have a lot of questions. I
hope I don't start any "wars". I am looking for practical answers
based on experience.

[snip]

Quoted message said:

Quoted message said:

TIA for your thoughts.

Just A User said:

My two cents. Recessed cleats are very popular. SPD pedals are popular.
I don't have any experience with them. But they seem like they would be
okay for you and your riding. Another option that you might look at is
Crank Brother pedals. I just switched from look style cleats to them for
the recessed design. Much to say about them. They are nice. And gaining
popularity too.

I agree on the Crank Bros. pedals. 4 sides > 2 sides.

\\paul

email hidden said:

I have been cycling with toe clips since before some of you were
born ;-). I am not what __you__ would consider to be a "serious"
cyclist. But I do enjoy it when I can.

Now I am considering going clipless. I have a lot of questions. I
hope I don't start any "wars". I am looking for practical answers
based on experience.

My 14 year hiatus ended in Aug. 2000. I rode, as always, with
toe-clips on my two old bikes and built up a utility bike with
Power-Grips. The "twist to release" motion became ingrained quickly
so that I injured myself while riding another bike with toe clips.

I went clipless in late 2002. Eggbeaters were the first, and are
still the only, clipless pedal design that looks like it was done
right.

I now have Eggbeaters on three bikes that don't have flat pedals. I
use the Power-Grips too because they release the same as clipless
pedals. For purely aesthetic reasons he two old road bikes will
continue to have the "period correct" toe clips and straps on their
classic pedals. They require more attention while riding them with
tightened straps.

My biggest problem switching to clipless was overcoming the habit of
reaching down to loosen the toe strap when approaching a stop signal.

I too have fallen abruptly during a "clipless moment". The first time
was on a group ride about 8 weeks after installing them.
--
zk

Zoot Katz said:

email hidden said:

I have been cycling with toe clips since before some of you were
born ;-). I am not what __you__ would consider to be a "serious"
cyclist. But I do enjoy it when I can.

Now I am considering going clipless. I have a lot of questions. I
hope I don't start any "wars". I am looking for practical answers
based on experience.

My 14 year hiatus ended in Aug. 2000. I rode, as always, with
toe-clips on my two old bikes and built up a utility bike with
Power-Grips. The "twist to release" motion became ingrained quickly
so that I injured myself while riding another bike with toe clips.

Power Grips [1] are the best solution I have found for riding in
non-cycling shoes.

Even with the straps loosened, I have fallen when I have not been able
to get my foot out of a pedal with clips and straps on several occasions
(anything but shoes with smooth soles and uppers can catch on the pedal
or strap, trapping one's foot). This has never happened with SPD pedals,
other than the time I road a bike with Shimano cleats and supposedly SPD
compatible Wellgo pedals.

Quoted message said:

...
I now have Eggbeaters on three bikes that don't have flat pedals. I
use the Power-Grips too because they release the same as clipless
pedals. For purely aesthetic reasons he two old road bikes will
continue to have the "period correct" toe clips and straps on their
classic pedals. They require more attention while riding them with
tightened straps....

Toe clips and straps (pace Mr. Keats) should be considered historical
curiosities, and nothing more.

[1] See <http://www.ekosport.com/pg_benefits.shtml>.

--
Tom Sherman - Holstein-Friesland Bovinia
The weather is here, wish you were beautiful

--
Posted via a free Usenet account from http://www.teranews.com

Quoted message said:

I have been cycling with toe clips since before some of you were
born ;-). I am not what __you__ would consider to be a "serious"
cyclist. But I do enjoy it when I can.

Now I am considering going clipless. I have a lot of questions. I
hope I don't start any "wars". I am looking for practical answers
based on experience.

BTW, I am interested in recessed cleats -- the so-called MTB style --
even though I do very little biking on trails -- almost none. Also, I
have no concern about the weight of the cleat-pedal system. I am not
good enough for it to make a difference.

1. Shimano v. Speedplay. Speedplay makes a good case for "free
float". But is it really that critical? Generally, I am inclined to
go with the overwhelming market leader, when there is one, for a
variety of reasons. Can I really go wrong with Shimano?

Not really, good place to start -- entry level Shimano.

Quoted message said:

2. Single-sided v. dual-sided pedals. On the one hand, the rationale
behind DS pedals makes good sense to me: easier to engage if you do
not have to worry about which side of the pedal you're on. On the
other hand, I am used to SS insofar as pedals with toe clips are
"single-sided"; I am used to it, and I never need to look down. On
the "third" hand, I am concerned about the time it takes to engage the
cleat already; DS might give me added confidence. On the "fourth"
hand, I cannot image riding a narrow trail or similar situations
without having the option of not "locking" in. It has happened to me
on rare occassion.

Just go double sided, no reason not to.

Quoted message said:

3. Single-directional v. multi-directional. Initially, I thought MD
might be helpful in getting started with clipless. But I do try to
lift in my stroke, especially on hills and starts. I am worried about
disengaging too easily. I know that the release can be tightened; but
I worry that that will make it hard while I'm learning. I know I will
go to SD eventually. Should I just start that way? That is my
inclination.

Matter of taste. I like multi-release. I use the same pedals on & off
road, like the M-R for prevention of foot trapping, prefer consistency
among bikes. Not really a big deal.

I very strongly recommend against "pulling up" whatever your pedal style
is. Nothing to be gained, much to be lost -- leave it to the pros who
get paid to risk their necks.

Quoted message said:

4. How to learn? Does everyone fall in the beginning? Originally, I
thought I would cycle to the shop to get the clipless pedals
installed, do some practice {en/dis}gaging for a little at the shop,
then "practice" on my ride home. Now I wonder if that's a bad idea.
I will be riding in traffic, with some stops on uphills. FYI, I am a
slow learner, to some extent. I fumble a lot in the beginning; then I
seem to have an epiphany and "voila!", you'd think I'm an expert.

The danger of falling happens in the time window between when you stop
thinking about them all the time but still don't have fully trustworthy
reflexes -- these so-called "clipless moments" usually happen in the
first few days/weeks. Usually when you make a planned stop you
deliberately disengage early when learning, but sudden stops may take
you by surprise. Then there's the whole unclip right, topple left thing.

On Jul 6, 11:57 pm, "[email hidden]" <[email hidden]>

Quoted message said:

1. Shimano v. Speedplay. Speedplay makes a good case for "free
float". But is it really that critical? Generally, I am inclined to
go with the overwhelming market leader, when there is one, for a
variety of reasons. Can I really go wrong with Shimano?

There is nothing wrong with SPD but they do have their detractors. The
cleats of the Speedplay Frogs are said to not be sufficiently recessed
for the best walkability. Others to consider are Eggbeater, Bebop, and
the various SPD clones.

Quoted message said:

2. Single-sided v. dual-sided pedals.

There are very few single-sided two-bolt pattern pedals available and
they are all marketed as low weight "road" pedals. This shouldn't be a
concern for someone transitioning from clips and straps. I would stick
with the convenience of dual-sided (or four-sided Eggbeaters).

Quoted message said:

4. How to learn? Does everyone fall in the beginning? Originally, I
thought I would cycle to the shop to get the clipless pedals
installed, do some practice {en/dis}gaging for a little at the shop,
then "practice" on my ride home. Now I wonder if that's a bad idea.
I will be riding in traffic, with some stops on uphills. FYI, I am a
slow learner, to some extent. I fumble a lot in the beginning; then I
seem to have an epiphany and "voila!", you'd think I'm an expert.

I think falling is just about inevitable. It won't likely happen on
your first few rides because you will be extra cautious but sooner or
later you will get complacent and you will come to a dead stop before
your mental "command" to release your foot arrives in time. This will
frequently result in you tipping over while still attached. Multi-
release SPDs will combat this to some extent. Most other pedal systems
don't let you pull out.

A lot of the learning to use clipless involves neurological changes to
reinforce the signaling from your brain to the foot. The body's
sensory and control connections are actually running with a 1 to 2-
second delay that is masked by the brain most of the time. You can
experience this for instance when you stub your toe and have to wait a
few seconds before feeling the pain. The same applies to motor
control. When I occasionally ride on platform pedals I always
involuntarily twist my foot off before stopping because the habit is
so ingrained and I don't clip out conciously anymore. A lot of new
clipless riders like to blame their pedals for not releasing them in
time to prevent a fall but usually it is just their inability to
command their foot to make the release in time even though they had a
concious impulse to release their foot.

amakyonin said:

There are very few single-sided two-bolt pattern pedals available and
they are all marketed as low weight "road" pedals.

Except for the Shimano ones I once had, which have a plain platform
on the other side for trundling to the shop or (I suppose) riding unclipped
on difficult trails.

Quoted message said:

A lot of new
clipless riders like to blame their pedals for not releasing them in
time to prevent a fall but usually it is just their inability to
command their foot to make the release in time even though they had a
concious impulse to release their foot.

I found when I started that I had a tendency to pull up while twisting,
which made the release action stiffer. You have a unlearn the habit
of lifting your foot as well as learning a new one.

Michael Warner said:

amakyonin said:

There are very few single-sided two-bolt pattern pedals available and
they are all marketed as low weight "road" pedals.

Except for the Shimano ones I once had, which have a plain platform
on the other side for trundling to the shop or (I suppose) riding unclipped
on difficult trails....

See
<http://bike.shimano.com/catalog/cycle/products/component.jsp?PRODUCT%3C%3Eprd_id=845524441763012&FOLDER%3C%3Efolder_id=2534374302050757&ASSORTMENT%3C%3East_id=1408474395181674&bmUID=1184025482385>.

--
Tom Sherman - Holstein-Friesland Bovinia
The weather is here, wish you were beautiful

--
Posted via a free Usenet account from http://www.teranews.com

oldhickory said:

Every one may not fall in the beginning but everyone falls sometime.

I've got well over 10,000km on my eggbeaters and I haven't once had
the failed to unclip fall.

I've got under 1000km on my road pedals and I've failed to unclip and
fallen three or four times already (nothing serious).

I once fell over at a traffic light with only one toe strap on.

-M

Quoted message said:

I once fell over at a traffic light with only one toe strap on.

Yeah, I did that too, while riding with my brother. He laughed so hard he
cried.

My ego was badly bruised.

--
Luigi de Guzman
http://ouij.livejournal.com