I got my first road bike in April. Its a Cannondale Synapse and I love it.
I had them put on the Shimano A-530 pedals which are half platform and half clipless.
I have done a number of events using the platform side, always kinda fearful of going clipless. I struggled through some of the hills in a gran fondo, and I thought I wuold finaly take the plunge.
I purchased the Bontrager Solstace multi sport shoe. It fits terrific. Amazingly comfortable, and the three velcro straps really keep the shoe secure.
The solstace has a rubbery bottom like a regular sneaker and recessed cleats. Not as stiff as the hard plastic road shoes, but easier to walk around in- and since most of my trips involve a trip to a book store or market.. I appreciate not slipping on tile, tarmac or damaging the bottom of the shoe.
I opted for a more central location for the cleats, in the lower position - closer to the middle of the foot than the tip.
As for the clipless ride- WOW!!!!! What a difference. All my fears were for nothing. As long as you think ahead when you approach an intersection, really I had no worries. Clipping in and out was remarkably simpler than I thought.
The feeling of connectedness to the bike- it makes pedalling so much easier and smooth. I can't wait for my next clipped in ride.
If it works out well, for Christmas I will upgrade to a sportier set of pedals.
Anyone else have any advice or war stories from their first clipless ride?
I had them put on the Shimano A-530 pedals which are half platform and half clipless.
I have done a number of events using the platform side, always kinda fearful of going clipless. I struggled through some of the hills in a gran fondo, and I thought I wuold finaly take the plunge.
I purchased the Bontrager Solstace multi sport shoe. It fits terrific. Amazingly comfortable, and the three velcro straps really keep the shoe secure.
The solstace has a rubbery bottom like a regular sneaker and recessed cleats. Not as stiff as the hard plastic road shoes, but easier to walk around in- and since most of my trips involve a trip to a book store or market.. I appreciate not slipping on tile, tarmac or damaging the bottom of the shoe.
I opted for a more central location for the cleats, in the lower position - closer to the middle of the foot than the tip.
As for the clipless ride- WOW!!!!! What a difference. All my fears were for nothing. As long as you think ahead when you approach an intersection, really I had no worries. Clipping in and out was remarkably simpler than I thought.
The feeling of connectedness to the bike- it makes pedalling so much easier and smooth. I can't wait for my next clipped in ride.
If it works out well, for Christmas I will upgrade to a sportier set of pedals.
Anyone else have any advice or war stories from their first clipless ride?