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clipless pedals

outexan's picture
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started by outexan on October 12, 2005

I am a poor college student so i am building my perfect bike in pieces. I saved up 800 and bought a Giant OCR3 with a nice computer on it and have been adding things as i can. My next purchase is clipless pedals and shoes and i was wondering which brand works best for this setup. i am still riding the shimano sora that came on the bike(looking to upgrade that to the ultegra this winter too)..Thanks for the advice!

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deepbluex's picture
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deepbluex posted 3 years ago.

http://www.beyondbikes.com/mmasc/Images/large/pd-m520-black.jpg
I use Shimano M52- clipless pedals. They're mountain bike pedals but I use them on my road bike. Unlike Look pedals, they're double-sided so you don't have to worry about whether the pedals is right side up. It's very inexpensive (about $40-45 a pair) but very reliable and easy to clip in and out, with easy tension adjustments. Small and not very heavy either.
I also use mountain bike shoes - they pretty much look like road shoes with a little bit of a sole to walk on (nice to have the ability to walk comfortably when you have to dismount and walk the bike into T2) and a recessed cleat. They're "Answer" brand shoes which are very inexpensive but pretty good quality with a good stiff sole. I'm happy with them. Around $45 a pair.
http://wheelworld.com/site/itemdetails.cfm?ID=1903

rjkowski's picture
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rjkowski posted 3 years ago.

I am riding Shimano Ultegra clipless pedals and love them. I picked them up off of e-Bay for $90. I was riding SPD style pedals before, but the larger contact area of a true road pedal is worth the extra money. If this is more than you wanted to spend, you can pick up the Shimano 105 version of the pedals for about $60 on e-Bay. I think the only difference is that they weigh a few extra grams.

As for shoes, go I would recommend going to the store and trying on several pairs. That's really the best way to get the best fit. Also be aware that sizes vary with the manfacturer of the shoe, so if you order the shoes from online, make sure you can exchange them for a different size or try them on at a store before you buy.

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Triguy98 posted 3 years ago.

The Ultrega pedala re nice, but so are the 105 pedals ;) $50 shipped on ebay. Pick up a pair of mtb pedals if youre gonna commute. I highly UNrecommend the shimano mtb pedals. Ride something else, like the Time ATAC or Crank Bros Candy and you'll see why. Shimanos SUCK for mtb, but are great on the road, just like the components.

Life is short. Play hard and get dirty doing it.

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PJT posted 3 years ago.

I'll throw in another vote for Shimano road pedals. I switched from mountain bike SPD style pedals to road Shimano Ultegra SPD-SL this year and noticed some real differences. My feet were more comfortable and secure in the pedal, and I felt like I was getting a much more efficient stroke. They work with most shoes that have the 3-bolt holes in a big triangle on the bottom.

Other free advice:

1. Bike shoe fit is very important for comfort, so try on whatever shoes you decide to buy before biking in them. Now is a great time of year to buy because lots of places should have shoes on clearance.

2. If you've never used clipless pedals before, set the pedals to their lowest release tension, but don't over-loosen them. Then practice, practice, practice geting in and out of them. Even so, you may find yourself tipping over at a stop sign. It's embarassing, but it happens to just about everyone at some point.

TBRAVO's picture
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TBRAVO posted 3 years ago.

I also use the Shimano Ultegra SPD-SL pedals and really like them (zero problems, great performance).
All the serious road bikers that I ride with have either Dura-ace (or Ultegra) SPD-SLs or Speedplays.
I would NOT buy a pair of cycling shoes over the Internet unless you know exactly what you are looking for and the correct size. Cycling shoes vary widely in sizes from brand to brand. You might be a 44 in one brand and 46 in another; you really need to try some on for size, fit comfort, etc. Then go Internet shopping to save some $
- T

outexan's picture
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outexan posted 3 years ago.

Thanks for the advice everyone

Help me raise money for the LAF by donating anything that you can. Thank you so much!
http://www.livestrong.org/grassroots2008/ironmanchris

evTRI's picture
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evTRI posted 3 years ago.

Great question outexan... I was going to post the same one, but you took care of this one for me. Thanks~!

"Perseverance is not a long race; it is many short races one after another."
Walter Elliott

BrianMc's picture
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BrianMc posted 3 years ago.

Yeah, I have Shimano Ultegra SPD-SL and love them, so much better than anything else I have tried. Easy to get into, which is nice and a large pedal base, so I don't find there are any pressure points.

Brian

BIGNEW's picture
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BIGNEW posted 3 years ago.

I'm a Speedplay fan, I've used them since they came out and love them. Like the SPD's they are also double-sided. What I like best this the amount of float they give me and how easy they are to engage.

chrisrunzs26's picture
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chrisrunzs26 posted 3 years ago.

I too love Speed play pedals. I love the fact that they are double sided. So easier for my clutzy self to get in and out of. I have some knee issues and the play in them does not make my knee act up. :) Some of the other pedals are not as flexable.
Chris in Ohio