Should shoes / clipless system be my next investment?

jafoca said:

I am a brand spankin newbie to road bikes and have just got a Cannondale CAAD8.

After purchasing this expensive bike I did not quite have enough money to purchase a shoe / pedal system, so I got set up with some basket type pedals.

I feel like the next pice of cycling gear I buy should be a proper clipless setup. Does this sound right?

Also, the basket setup I got set up with has the capability of hitting my front tire when turning. Is this normal or something I should be concerned about?

Thanks!

First off, Congratulations on your new purchase, Cannondale make nice bikes!
Don't worry about your toe hitting the front tire - this is normal for many people, it's only a problem at very very low speeds - like walking speed, usually. When you are riding normally (ie, more than 15 or 20 kph), your wheel won't turn that far when you corner....make sense?
As for clipless pedals...yes, they are generally safer than clips and straps, since you can disengage from the pedal faster, also they will come out from the force if (when? 😄 ) you crash, unlike clips and straps, where your feet would still be attached to the pedals. However, there are still people who use clips and straps, if you get used to them, it's not a big deal, especially if you don't plan on racing (Are you?).
I do feel, however, that clipless pedals are worth the investment, as are a good quality pair of cycling shoes.

As a fellow neophyte, I just recently went to clipless after starting with platform pedals. I waited about 4 months to get them, and from the day I got them, I was wishing I had done it to begin with. Personally its not should you get clipless, the question is what kind? Hopefully you bought that nice bike from a quality shop with good service. Talk to them about the kind of riding you do, what you want to do and go from there. There are some clipless models that still have a bit of a platform to help you if you start out and don't click in on the first turn, I tried SPD's with a platform and Look's, and really like the Look pedals...but I think this is a choice more on riding type and what your comfortable with.

Good luck, and have fun!

[quote="BikingBrian"]However, there are still people who use clips and straps, if you get used to them, it's not a big deal, especially if you don't plan on racing (Are you?).
QUOTE]

I am one of the people who still use clips and straps, but I don't race and I like to ride to a destination, dismount and walk around, and then ride back. Nearly all of the shoes that I have encountered are not made for walking around, especially if they have cleats on the bottom.

If you are racing, clipless is the only way to go. Otherwise, as Brian says, use what you are comfortable with. I started biking in the 70's when clips and straps, or nothing:eek: , were the only options, so I am used to them. I do ride with the straps a little loose so that I can slip out quite easily if need be.

BTW, Cannondale is an excellent choice for a first, second, or any bike.:p

kdelong said:

I am one of the people who still use clips and straps, but I don't race and I like to ride to a destination, dismount and walk around, and then ride back. Nearly all of the shoes that I have encountered are not made for walking around, especially if they have cleats on the bottom.

Hi kdelong,

There are plenty of different types of clipless shoes (and sandals) catering for those interested in racing to the casual cyclist, commuter, tourer etc. These can resemble sneakers/runners or even hiking boots and allow the wearer to walk around quite comfortably. I often use MTB shoes when I go to the shops or even at work when we have a casual day.
However, that's not to say it's for everyone. I personally like using them though.

I'd say that after cycling-specific shorts, clipless pedals/shoes are #2 on the must-have list.

Definitely improves the pedalling experience (if there is such a thing...)

Thanks for the advice everybody.

I really like my caad8 - I am very luckey to have found it.

My ambition to race, but I don't know how realistic that is. I will probably be getting clipless asap because the baskets have started annoying me quite a bit.

Thanks for addressing my concerns about the cage hitting my wheel - your explination makes sense.

I'm in the same boat as you Jafoca. But what with the initial purchase of the bike itself (Specialized Langster in dogpoo brown!! well ok - Rust ) plus lights, lock etc I have to think carefully about any more "extras". I'll let the summer go by and then consider clipless pedals although I am drawn to the Crank Brothers Quattro Eggbeaters.

Yes, get the shoes/pedals.

If you ride then walk often (commuting for example), then get mountain shoes/pedals. Road-specific shoes rarely have any tread on the bottom and are very difficult to walk in.
Shimano SPD M520's are pretty cheap and work very well.

amazon.comB000650VIUOpen ↗

benkoostra said:

Yes, get the shoes/pedals.

If you ride then walk often (commuting for example), then get mountain shoes/pedals. Road-specific shoes rarely have any tread on the bottom and are very difficult to walk in.
Shimano SPD M520's are pretty cheap and work very well.

amazon.comB000650VIUOpen ↗

Interesting - those are relatively inexpensive! Speedplays were suggested to me by my LBS as I had mentioned that I have had knee problems in the past, and I guess the float of speedplays helps that...

I finally made a choice on a bike, but now theres more choices to be made!! ahh!

1id10t said:

Hi kdelong,

There are plenty of different types of clipless shoes (and sandals) catering for those interested in racing to the casual cyclist, commuter, tourer etc. These can resemble sneakers/runners or even hiking boots and allow the wearer to walk around quite comfortably. I often use MTB shoes when I go to the shops or even at work when we have a casual day.
However, that's not to say it's for everyone. I personally like using them though.

After a quick trip to the LBS for new spokes, I talked to them about shoes. Many did look like normal shoes that could be walked in comfortably. The price of them, compared to what I have now, was a little prohibitive though🙁 . I'll save my pennies and see what I can come up with in a couple of months. Everyone take note: I'll be asking for recomendations when I have an extra $200 or so available.

Well, if you have knee problems, you can't go wrong with Speedplay. They are excellent pedals. The cleats are about $40 US to replace, so bear that in mind. I use those now, after starting with SPD's, then Eggbeaters.
Of course, you could try the SPD's first. They might suit you fine.

jafoca said:

Thanks for addressing my concerns about the cage hitting my wheel - your explination makes sense.

Just one more word of advise, regardless of whether you are using clips or clipless, when you are running slowly, do not turn until your cranks are at 12:00 and 6:00, preferrably with the 12:00 being on the side you are turning to. I forgot to with my first road bike and it was quite "upsetting" :eek: when the wheel hit my toe.

kdelong said:

After a quick trip to the LBS for new spokes, I talked to them about shoes. Many did look like normal shoes that could be walked in comfortably. The price of them, compared to what I have now, was a little prohibitive though🙁 . I'll save my pennies and see what I can come up with in a couple of months. Everyone take note: I'll be asking for recomendations when I have an extra $200 or so available.

You can find good shoe deals online for as little as $50-60 on clearance models. Try Bike Nashbar.

I like to support the local shops, but sometimes the price differential makes going online the only viable option.

[font=Times New Roman]First, I just wanted to say congrats on the new bike! You’ll find lots of enjoyment from riding it.[/font]

[font=Times New Roman]I am somewhat of a newb myself (slowly started in 12/06) and finally moved from platform to clipless about a month ago. I finally experience what others have been talking about in terms of the efficiency. I am still into the habit of mashing the pedals, but when I remember, pedaling seems so much easier when I spin them. I can go longer and save my energy for the hills.[/font]

[font=Times New Roman]I actually have a hybrid and road bike. My hybrid has the shimano m520 and road the m540.[/font]

[font=Times New Roman]They both feel the same and got the m520 for cheap (about $32 with free shipping). It’s available here[/font][font=Times New Roman]. As far as the shoes, I also got it from probikekit.com [font=Times New Roman]probikekit.comdisplay.phpOpen ↗[/font][font=Times New Roman] for $50. Feels comfortable and I don’t get that loud clicking when I walk around. In addition to the free shipping from the UK, they also have a 5% off total by using code [/font][font=Verdana]PKBUS[/font]
[font=Times New Roman]I've almost fallen over, but it was because i was distracted when somebody was talking to me and had to stop. I have the pedals set on least restrictive so I can easily get on and off. After an afternoon of practicing, I have been able to ride around the block (and participate in the NY bike tour) without any problems.[/font]
[font=Times New Roman][/font]
[font=Times New Roman]Good luck![/font][/font]

jafoca said:

I am a brand spankin newbie to road bikes and have just got a Cannondale CAAD8.

After purchasing this expensive bike I did not quite have enough money to purchase a shoe / pedal system, so I got set up with some basket type pedals.

I feel like the next pice of cycling gear I buy should be a proper clipless setup. Does this sound right?

Also, the basket setup I got set up with has the capability of hitting my front tire when turning. Is this normal or something I should be concerned about?

Thanks!

SPD pedals do not provide any movement. Selection of Speedplay, Look, etc are all based on personal preference.

I recommend if you switch to a clipless pedal that you practice a lot. You should ride up and down the block and clip in and out at least 100 times. Sort of "wax on wax off." It is very repetitive but very necessary. Enjoy.

can't add much to what people have said, but that won't stop me🙂

If you want to walk around, go with the type of cleat that fits in a mountain bike shoe. There are a lot of mountain bike shoes that will suit the needs of very serious road riding. I use a Specialized Comp MTB shoe and have been very happy. I happen to have Shimano spd pedals, but there are other brands with similar cleats. You can get spd-type cleats with float. They might not have as much float as others, but I've found them to have plenty for my needs. Some people don't like float because the connetion seems a little less solid. Of course I don't know what kind of knee problems you have, but the knee sorness I've gotten from cycling have been far more related to seat height and position than cleat float. Actualy, the new cleats I installed a few weeks ago have no float (I don't know where I got them, they were in my box of "extra bike parts".). My knees have absolutely not noticed the difference. I'll have to say, I slightly prefer the more solid feel, and they're easier to get out of.

For the time being, try the Power Grips straps. I think you might find them better and more useful than cages/straps.

Also ditto on the cycling shorts. Very important.

Finally, to get started, you don't have to spend a fortune on the shorts, pedals and shoes. I believe my pedals and shoes cost about $40 and $75 each, on sale; I wouldn't be surprised if you could get into a MTB/pedal combo for $100 and the quality would be fine. Not elite grade, but very good. I absolutely do recommend shoes with velcro straps and no expose laces. When i first bought shoes, this was one of the main reasons I liked them - no laces to deal with. The support I only noticed after I tried ridng in regular shoes later. (and that is a huge deal).

As for shorts, same thing. You could find some for $30 easily. You won't know which kind you like until you try some, so just try some. I have used the cheapest shorts from Performacebike.com, and have been happy. They're not as nice as the more expensive shorts (3X the price) my wife bought me, but they're fine and CERTAINLY better than no shorts.