Clipless Pedals

[JeepGirl]

I was looking for some advice on Clipless Pedals. I have never used them before and would like to buy a pair this year...but not sure what to look for, which brands are better for a beginner etc. Any advice?
8)

[CouchingTiger]

Shimano SPD tend to have the most reliable and predictable release. They also tend to work well and last longer than some other brands. I've had the best luck with the Shimano 535 pedals. They just work. I have not yet tried the new pedal/cleat design that Shimano released however.

If you want something cheaper, many of the Wellgo pedals can be found super low priced. Additionally, Wellgo makes pedals for a whole bunch of other companies like Nashbar and Ritchey, which are sold under those company's names. The Nashbar pedals can be had for under $30.

I personally stay away from the boutique brands like Speedplay, Beebop, Time and the like. I tried Speedplay once and just couldn't get into the pedal.

-Couch

[gungywump]

The Times are my favorites. Easy to step into and they are much less prone to clogging with mud than the SPDs. The Crank Brothers is also quite gifted at shedding mud and they are 4-sided so they are real easy to get into.

got a set of brand new nashbar spd pelals. good to start with. brand new, and blue but if you don't mind the color... they are yours for a ten spot. also have 2 pairs of shimano 434's, same as the 535's (platform spds) but with a plastic cage (see add in parts for sale) used for $15 ea. Would like to sell or swap for other parts i need for a beater hardtail(see add in parts for sale) Bob

[C.P.]

So many brands, and types of clips to choose from. I'm sure that someone on this forum has a pair of shimano SPD type pedals you could get for next to nothing, and learn on, then change em out to something you find that suits your riding style.

For sure, the first thing is you must have cycling shoes, to mount a cleat/cleat system to.

Most bikes are equipped with the shimano pedaling dynamics otherwise known as SPD type clipless pedal systems these days. Most Shimano SPD type clipless pedals have the advantage of being adjustable in the amount of release tension. This is good for beginners, because you can adjust it low. Many pedal makers have followed this standard that shimano created, and you may want to consider these as a starting point in case you decide to make any other bikes you ride "clipless" as the cost of the SPD type pedals are good as compared to non SPD type.

There are many other types of clipless pedals available on the market, but most of these don't have adjustable cleat tension. They include a favorite known as the Time "ATAC" (family of pedals) Speedplay "frogs" and the newest popular pedals from Crankbrothers the "Eggbeaters" pedals.

All of these are not a SPD compatible clipless pedals, but nonetheless are great pedals and very popular amongst most riders.

Some terms and tips to know:
-Float is the amount of side to side movement the pedals allow before releasing the cleats. This is such a rider preferance thing, some like more, some like less.
-When first learning, it is best to set the pedal to the lowest release tension - if possible. This way, beginners can clip in/out easier.
-Practice on a grass field so that when you fall, you are not going to get hurt. Ride around on the grass and try to engage and disengage each foot. Leave the non-practicing foot unclipped in case you fall.
-Do not ride on the streets/trails until you have mastered these skills.
-Turn up the tension as your skills increase - (if feature is avail)
-Try lubing all the contact points between the pedal and the cleat and also all moving parts to improve the smoothness of engagement and disengagement.

Good luck. & the Times are my favorites too...

C.P.

[JeepGirl]

Thanks for the advice!
:D

[agkidrive2]

I was a firm believer in adjustable tension from SPD type pedals, and when I tried TIME's I hated them. They were hard to get into and out of. However, after I had to abandon a muddy race due a crash (cause by slipping of SPD's i couldnt get into) I tried TIME ATAC's that had come stock on one of my bikes. After a day in the yard I was still a little shakey, but after my first race with them, I was hooked. Once you get used to them, you'll never switch.

[GP-TJ]

I use Time ATAC's and I am very happy with them. My bike came with Bontrager RE-1's which are like spd's. I had lots of trouble with mud and broke them 2x's hitting them on stuff. I have been using my times for over 2years now and will replace them with Times when I need new ones. Check the other thread called "Z Time" for a look at the new Times that people are using. The egg beaters are supposed to be really nice too.

GP-TJ
(Jeep TJ) - what kind of Jeep does JeepGirl have?

[johnbryanpeters]

The Shimano 434/535/636 are nice because the cage lets you ride in steet shoes if you want. Of the three, I prefer the 535s because they're quite rugged.

For starters, the 434s offered by oldman, if in good shape, sound like a good deal.

I rode Wellgos at first and don't think they're very durable.

J

[noah411]

hey jeep girl just a word of advice stay away from the 545's you can find them cheep and for some reason bike shops seem to always stock them and like c.p. said practice,practice,practice........................ .???its wierd lots of jeeps in this forum i own two my self a 86 cj7 and a 95 xj must be a mtnbike thing.

Don't go the cheap route. Spend the money and get the best shimano's you can afford. I found a pair of 747's on e-bay a while back for half price. Shop around and compare prices, but nothing beats shimano in my opinion. Set em up loose while you're learning then snug them down once you are confident of your release. Once you go clipless you'll never go back... Good Luck.

Serenity now

Mike

[JeepGirl]

Thanks Everyone :D...I am going to look into buying a pair of shimano...They seem highly recommended for staritng out!

As for my jeep....I have a 2000 TJ.

[GP-TJ]

I have a 97 TJ (first year of the TJ's). 4.0 with AX-15 tranny. I put 31" tires on it but never did the gears so it is a little sluggish on the highway, don't use 5th gear. It has 92000 on it now. It isn't the best vehicle for carrying stuff around. We have our first child due in July so it will be interesting getting him in the back seat. My top will probably go on a little early this year. My wife says no soft top with the baby.

Good luck with the clipless and the 2000 TJ. Is it Solar Yellow? I fell in love with them when they came out in 2000.

GP-TJ

[AZ Chick]

I'm a little late in the posting, since you seem to have made a decision already, but I thought I would let you know my insight...

SPD's SUCK in the mud. I walked a race after I got mud in my cleats. No fun at all.

I love my Time pedals. They are great in the mud, and once they are worn in (it does take a while), they are easy to get in and out of. Be careful though, because there are two ways to set up the cleats to make the release easy or difficult.

I have heard from many people that Egg Beaters are great in the mud, but if you are looking for a quick entrance (i.e. for racing) they aren't that great. Your foot will spin right off them.

Hope that helps.

[MMcG]

I love my Time pedals. They are great in the mud, and once they are worn in (it does take a while), they are easy to get in and out of. Be careful though, because there are two ways to set up the cleats to make the release easy or difficult.




So true on the cleat set up AZ Chick. Learned that the hard way!

But I do like the Times..........and I'm often tempted by the new Time Zs, but I'll stick with the Atacs for the time being.

Cheers,

Mark