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NicolePRO
Nicole Sendmail

Clipless Pedals and Biking Shoes

posted almost 2 years ago | Report

Hi All,

Going to start taking up some biking.. shorter sprint tri's since I have running injuries right now. PT stated I should go for clipless pedals due to knee issues. Anyone have any good recommendations and how this works with shoes..or what kind of shoes I should get. I think I have found the first bike and we are working on the fitting issues..but all of this is daunting to the runner. What other gear do I need.

Thanks All

Nicole

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8 posts

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  • Rav D.
    Rav D. Sendmail

    Hi Nicole,

    Welcome to the world of triathlon! There are loads of solutions out there for clipless pedals. I've pretty much tried them all. I know that it can be quite daunting, but not to worry. I wouldn't spend too much time agonizing over which kind you should select, I can tell you from experience as to what works for me as well as my clients. If I were you I'd go for some simple triathlon shoes that fit well and single platform pedals such as Look Keos, Shimanos, or Time Pedals. My preference are the Keos as they have an easy float, inexpensive, and easy to get a hold of spares. Have a good chat with your LBS (local bike shop) and have them assist you with the fitting of the cleats. Otherwise, there are plenty of instructuve videos out there on the web.

    The next thing you have to consider is getting used to them on the road. Most people are apprehensive about using them for the first time and stopping! I would keep the tension and the float eased off to begin with so that you get used to clipping in and twisting out. It will become second nature in no time.

    I hope this at least gets you started.

    Rav

    posted almost 2 years ago

  • Darrel W.
    Darrel W. Sendmail

    I'm a Speedplay man (www.speedplay.com). Speedplays have double-sided entry and varying amounts of "float", depending on model. Mainly, though, I love the extremely simple design (I'm an engineer, afterall!).

    posted almost 2 years ago

  • Sharon S.PRO
    Sharon S. Sendmail

    I've been persuaded against speedplay pedals for triathlons due to the design of the cleat. They can be bit harder to walk on and but also get clogged more easily than Look pedals, which is an issue as there's usually a short run alongside the bike in the transition area (which can be on soft dirt/mud). Don't want to get to the mounting point then realize you can't clip in.

    I'd vote for Look Keo's per Rav's comment on ease of use and price.

    posted almost 2 years ago

  • NicolePRO
    Nicole Sendmail

    Thanks Guys..This whole biking thing scares me and learning how to ride and not fall off the bike. I will look at those brands..My PT today who is a Tri Guy said no to the speed play he had some reasons why I can't remember it all. There is a Bike Expo in town this weekend so I may go to that and talk to people there. As this biking thing goes on I might have more questions for all you pros :)

    posted almost 2 years ago

  • Mike D.
    Mike D. Sendmail

    I'm just a fun cyclist and ride 1-2x/week for cross training with no pedal clips. I ride only 40-45 minutes and use a firm (control) pair of running shoes. They work fine for me. Good luck with the healing, it is frustrating to be hurt but a normal part of running.

    posted almost 2 years ago

  • Stanley C.
    Stanley C. Sendmail

    I started using Speedplay pedals and so far, I like them. They are light and really simple to use.

    posted almost 2 years ago

  • Kris R.PRO
    Kris R. Sendmail

    I use SPD's with adjustable torque. You can make it so they're easy to clip in and out of, or hard. You can also buy the MTB or road cleats, which will clip in and out differently (I think the MTB ones keep you locked in more?). Long story short, you can adjust the range of torque quite a large amount, but still be able to clip in and out and pedal hard.

    Lots of people say Look or Speedplay, personally I think it comes down to personal preference and I've never liked the Speedplay pedals.

    posted almost 2 years ago

  • Greg S.
    Greg S. Sendmail

    I have found the best way to learn how to ride clipped in is to start with just one foot clipped in. Get used to being clipped in and unclipping at stops. As others have suggested, keep the float loose. Do this, and pretty soon it will be second nature to you.

    posted almost 2 years ago

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