some very basic newb questions

yajeflow said:

after digging around in these forums the past few days, i have some questions.

1. pedals. to me, pedals are the flat things that you put your feet on. i have seen ones with these sandal-like straps on them. and i have seen very small ones that you have to have special shoes for. what is the term 'clipless'? i would iamagine that any of the ones with the shoes required would be 'needs clips'. i just don't get it.

2. i see the term '9-speed'. to me, a '10-speed' was 2 sprockets in the front, and five in back. 2 X 5 = 10. these '9-speed' bikes look like they have three up front and maybe 9 in the back. 3 x 9 = '27 speed', to me. what gives?

3. what are some of the better online parts places in the USA?

1 - clipless = ones that use cleats and special shoes, the ones with the "sandal-like straps on them" are toe-clips so the others are clip-less 😉

2 - most bikes now are 7-9 speed or 10 speed for some road bikes, thats the number of cogs on the rear, front is a different story because you can have 1-3 chainrings

3 - wouldnt have a clue, only one ive heard of a bit is cambriabike.com ?

moparchris said:

1 - clipless = ones that use cleats and special shoes, the ones with the "sandal-like straps on them" are toe-clips so the others are clip-less 😉

2 - most bikes now are 7-9 speed or 10 speed for some road bikes, thats the number of cogs on the rear, front is a different story because you can have 1-3 chainrings

3 - wouldnt have a clue, only one ive heard of a bit is cambriabike.com ?

jensonUSA.com and beyondbikes.com have almost every product for freeride, they have great prices and im sure they have alot of xc and road stuff too

Nashbar and pricepoint also have good prices.