Should an old rookie go clipless?
08-08-18, 09:17 PM
#1
Senior Member
Thread Starter
Join Date: Jun 2018
Location: NW Ohio
Posts: 1,142
Bikes: 1983 Univega Super Strada, 1986 Panasonic DX5000, 1984 Fuji Team 85 Univega Gran Turismo, 1984 Lotus Unique, 1987 Centurion Expert, 1987 Centurion Ironman Master,
Mentioned: 14 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 677 Post(s)
Liked 459 Times
in
182 Posts
Should an old rookie go clipless?
I've been riding my vintage bikes with either half clips or with clips with loose fitting straps. I just can't get used to the idea of having my feet strapped in where I can't get out of them quickly.
I'm curious about clipless pedals. So other than the pedals what type of shoes would I need and what pedals would be good to start out with? Thanks Bob
I'm curious about clipless pedals. So other than the pedals what type of shoes would I need and what pedals would be good to start out with? Thanks Bob
08-08-18, 09:26 PM
#2
Non omnino gravis
Shimano MTB pedals. In particular, PD-M520s. Cheap, adjustable, tough. And MTB shoes you can walk around in, just like a normal person.
For shoes, the ones that fit you. You don't have to spend a ton. I tried resisting clippy pedals for awhile, and now I can't ride without them.
If you can handle half clips or straps, clipless is waaaayyyy easier.
For shoes, the ones that fit you. You don't have to spend a ton. I tried resisting clippy pedals for awhile, and now I can't ride without them.
If you can handle half clips or straps, clipless is waaaayyyy easier.
__________________
08-08-18, 09:40 PM
#3
Senior Member
Join Date: Oct 2012
Location: Berkeley CA
Posts: 2,536
Bikes: 1981 Ron Cooper, 1974 Cinelli Speciale Corsa, 2000 Gary Fisher Sugar 1, 1986 Miyata 710, 1982 Raleigh "International"
Mentioned: 97 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 930 Post(s)
Liked 1,291 Times
in
487 Posts
I agree with DrIsotope mostly. However, I have two bikes set up with clips/loose straps and two bikes with clipless. They are all equal in comfort and ease of use in my opinion. I do agree that clipless is much more comfortable and easier to deal with than clips/tight straps combined with cleats, but I haven't used a setup like that since I raced many years ago.
08-08-18, 10:40 PM
#4
Senior Member
Join Date: Sep 2005
Location: In the foothills of Los Angeles County
Posts: 25,281
Mentioned: 8 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 8275 Post(s)
Liked 9,033 Times
in
4,471 Posts
Like he said, Shimano mtb pedals with the release set loose ( at least at first ). You can find shoes on sale at Nashbar or Performance.
I hate toe straps and have been using clipless on everything for 30ish years.
I hate toe straps and have been using clipless on everything for 30ish years.
08-09-18, 04:39 AM
#5
Senior Member
Thread Starter
Join Date: Jun 2018
Location: NW Ohio
Posts: 1,142
Bikes: 1983 Univega Super Strada, 1986 Panasonic DX5000, 1984 Fuji Team 85 Univega Gran Turismo, 1984 Lotus Unique, 1987 Centurion Expert, 1987 Centurion Ironman Master,
Mentioned: 14 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 677 Post(s)
Liked 459 Times
in
182 Posts
Would these be just as good? I like the fact that you can turn them over and not use cleats https ebay.com/itm/Shimano-M324-SPD-Pedals/323387139616?_mwBanner=1&_rdt=1
08-09-18, 05:39 AM
#6
Senior Member
Join Date: Jun 2018
Location: Michigan
Posts: 166
Bikes: Volkscycle, Trek Fx3, Specialized Hard Rock
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 33 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 3 Times
in
3 Posts
To answer your original question, yes an old rookie should go clipless. This old rookie did this year with sbd pedals in case I don’t want to be clipped in. If I’m riding in areas with quite a few stops, I don’t clip in. If I’m riding quite a distance with very few stops, I’m clipped. I like being clipped as it seems more efficient when pedaling since your feet don’t move on the pedals. I really didn’t think I’d like them as much as I do, but took the plunge and glad I did.
08-09-18, 05:56 AM
#8
Senior Member
I thought about it too, and for me, I just can't do it... I've seen the Shimano A530's (double sided pedals) in my LBS, and even sat down on a demo road bike with them. Clip into them, or flip them around and use the flat platform. But like I said, I just can't do it... Maybe it's me. Maybe I'm just weird. 
Honestly? Old C&V style road bikes, friction shifters, gumwall tires, etc... would look a little odd with clipless pedals. Sort of anachronistic -- I think that's the word.
Honestly? Old C&V style road bikes, friction shifters, gumwall tires, etc... would look a little odd with clipless pedals. Sort of anachronistic -- I think that's the word.
08-09-18, 06:28 AM
#9
- Soli Deo Gloria -
Join Date: Aug 2015
Location: Northwest Georgia
Posts: 14,779
Bikes: 2018 Rodriguez Custom Fixed Gear, 2017 Niner RLT 9 RDO, 2015 Bianchi Pista, 2002 Fuji Robaix
Mentioned: 235 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 6844 Post(s)
Liked 736 Times
in
469 Posts
There should be no fear of clipless.
M520's are probably the most popular clipless pedal on the planet and dirt cheap. Just practice on a grassy field the first time.
Remember that there are two kinds of cleats. SH-56 are going to be easier to get in and out of but less secure for aggressive riding and racing. SH-51 are going to be more secure if you ride hard but slightly more difficult to clip out if riding casually. That said, many people use the SH-51 cleats without a problem.
M520's are probably the most popular clipless pedal on the planet and dirt cheap. Just practice on a grassy field the first time.
Remember that there are two kinds of cleats. SH-56 are going to be easier to get in and out of but less secure for aggressive riding and racing. SH-51 are going to be more secure if you ride hard but slightly more difficult to clip out if riding casually. That said, many people use the SH-51 cleats without a problem.
08-09-18, 06:29 AM
#10
Senior Member
Yes.
Consider the SH-56 cleat rather than the SH-51 cleat, as they are easier to clip out in a panic stop. (The guy above just beat me to it.)
I am using the Shimano M647 pedals, which are pretty nice albeit a little pricey. I’ve never touched the tension settings on them, and I haven’t yet popped out of them when I didn’t want to.
Consider the SH-56 cleat rather than the SH-51 cleat, as they are easier to clip out in a panic stop. (The guy above just beat me to it.)
I am using the Shimano M647 pedals, which are pretty nice albeit a little pricey. I’ve never touched the tension settings on them, and I haven’t yet popped out of them when I didn’t want to.
__________________
Momento mori, amor fati.
Momento mori, amor fati.
08-09-18, 06:51 AM
#11
Senior Member
My wife and I went clipless for the first time about 10 years ago (I'm 70 now). We went with the A530 and SH-56 cleats - we are recreational riders, not aggressive. We ride a fair amount in stop and go city traffic with lights so the two sided pedals seemed preferable. Neither of us have fallen because of the clipless although we have both crashed for other reasons. We practiced getting in and out on the trainer for a while before putting the pedals on our street bikes. Been happy the whole time.
08-09-18, 07:03 AM
#12
Senior Member
Go clipless, you'll be glad you did.
Practice unclipping both feet, you'll use one foot most of the time, but it's good to have the muscle memory to unclip on both sides. And try unclipping by twisting your foot to the outside and to the inside. It will quickly become second nature to clip in and out with out thinking about it.
BTW, you will fall over, we have all done it. Just roll with it, it will be ok.
Practice unclipping both feet, you'll use one foot most of the time, but it's good to have the muscle memory to unclip on both sides. And try unclipping by twisting your foot to the outside and to the inside. It will quickly become second nature to clip in and out with out thinking about it.
BTW, you will fall over, we have all done it. Just roll with it, it will be ok.
08-09-18, 07:38 AM
#13
Senior Member
Join Date: Jul 2006
Location: Lebanon (Liberty Hill), CT
Posts: 8,473
Bikes: CAAD 12, MASI Gran Criterium S, Colnago World Cup CX & Guru steel
Mentioned: 6 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 1743 Post(s)
Liked 1,281 Times
in
740 Posts
I think Mtn. bike pedals and the walkable shoes they employ are best for a recreational rider. I use Speedplay Frogs on my CX bike.
08-09-18, 01:34 PM
#14
Senior Member
Join Date: Sep 2005
Location: In the foothills of Los Angeles County
Posts: 25,281
Mentioned: 8 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 8275 Post(s)
Liked 9,033 Times
in
4,471 Posts
I thought about it too, and for me, I just can't do it... I've seen the Shimano A530's (double sided pedals) in my LBS, and even sat down on a demo road bike with them. Clip into them, or flip them around and use the flat platform. But like I said, I just can't do it... Maybe it's me. Maybe I'm just weird.
Honestly? Old C&V style road bikes, friction shifters, gumwall tires, etc... would look a little odd with clipless pedals. Sort of anachronistic -- I think that's the word.
Honestly? Old C&V style road bikes, friction shifters, gumwall tires, etc... would look a little odd with clipless pedals. Sort of anachronistic -- I think that's the word.
08-09-18, 02:39 PM
#15
Senior Member
LOL... Probably!! 
I just prefer to get out there and ride "old school" style. 27" gumwall tires... Friction shifters... and yes, TOE CLIPS & STRAPS on MKS Sylvan platform pedals!
I just prefer to get out there and ride "old school" style. 27" gumwall tires... Friction shifters... and yes, TOE CLIPS & STRAPS on MKS Sylvan platform pedals!
08-09-18, 03:58 PM
#16
Senior Member
Join Date: May 2018
Posts: 1,680
Mentioned: 9 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 980 Post(s)
Liked 776 Times
in
402 Posts
No reason to go clipless if not competing.
Nothing to gain and much to lose.
It is not a hard transition to make but people of all ages and skill levels frequently fall for no other reason than clipless pedals.
Falls that usually result in minor bike damage, cuts, bruises and even broken wrists.
The best part is that you paid a lot of extra money for this to happen in the form of special pedals and shoes.
But hey, if it makes someone feel like a more legit or serious biker who is anyone to dispute that?
Rock on
Nothing to gain and much to lose.
It is not a hard transition to make but people of all ages and skill levels frequently fall for no other reason than clipless pedals.
Falls that usually result in minor bike damage, cuts, bruises and even broken wrists.
The best part is that you paid a lot of extra money for this to happen in the form of special pedals and shoes.
But hey, if it makes someone feel like a more legit or serious biker who is anyone to dispute that?
Rock on
08-09-18, 06:07 PM
#17
Full Member
I have the Shimano MX80 pedals. They are great. Feet never slip off of these.
https://www.amazon.com/Shimano-PD-MX...nt+flat+pedals
https://www.amazon.com/Shimano-PD-MX...nt+flat+pedals
08-09-18, 06:15 PM
#18
Senior Member
Thread Starter
Join Date: Jun 2018
Location: NW Ohio
Posts: 1,142
Bikes: 1983 Univega Super Strada, 1986 Panasonic DX5000, 1984 Fuji Team 85 Univega Gran Turismo, 1984 Lotus Unique, 1987 Centurion Expert, 1987 Centurion Ironman Master,
Mentioned: 14 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 677 Post(s)
Liked 459 Times
in
182 Posts
No reason to go clipless if not competing.
Nothing to gain and much to lose.
It is not a hard transition to make but people of all ages and skill levels frequently fall for no other reason than clipless pedals.
Falls that usually result in minor bike damage, cuts, bruises and even broken wrists.
The best part is that you paid a lot of extra money for this to happen in the form of special pedals and shoes.
But hey, if it makes someone feel like a more legit or serious biker who is anyone to dispute that?
Rock on
Nothing to gain and much to lose.
It is not a hard transition to make but people of all ages and skill levels frequently fall for no other reason than clipless pedals.
Falls that usually result in minor bike damage, cuts, bruises and even broken wrists.
The best part is that you paid a lot of extra money for this to happen in the form of special pedals and shoes.
But hey, if it makes someone feel like a more legit or serious biker who is anyone to dispute that?
Rock on
If I wanted to be completely safe I wouldn't ride a bike to begin with.
08-09-18, 07:01 PM
#19
Senior Member
Join Date: May 2018
Posts: 1,680
Mentioned: 9 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 980 Post(s)
Liked 776 Times
in
402 Posts
Was just simply and clearly pointing out the negatives.
Unusual rationale though. Bike riding isn’t completely safe so anything goes. Why wear a helmet or use lights? They both add weight and make you less aero.
Either way, keeping your feet in the proper position on the pedals is a skill that you have yet to master so it seems you have no choice but to go clipless.
Problem solved
08-09-18, 08:03 PM
#20
Senior Member
Thread Starter
Join Date: Jun 2018
Location: NW Ohio
Posts: 1,142
Bikes: 1983 Univega Super Strada, 1986 Panasonic DX5000, 1984 Fuji Team 85 Univega Gran Turismo, 1984 Lotus Unique, 1987 Centurion Expert, 1987 Centurion Ironman Master,
Mentioned: 14 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 677 Post(s)
Liked 459 Times
in
182 Posts
No reason to go clipless if not competing.
Nothing to gain and much to lose.
It is not a hard transition to make but people of all ages and skill levels frequently fall for no other reason than clipless pedals.
Falls that usually result in minor bike damage, cuts, bruises and even broken wrists.
The best part is that you paid a lot of extra money for this to happen in the form of special pedals and shoes.
But hey, if it makes someone feel like a more legit or serious biker who is anyone to dispute that?
Rock on
Nothing to gain and much to lose.
It is not a hard transition to make but people of all ages and skill levels frequently fall for no other reason than clipless pedals.
Falls that usually result in minor bike damage, cuts, bruises and even broken wrists.
The best part is that you paid a lot of extra money for this to happen in the form of special pedals and shoes.
But hey, if it makes someone feel like a more legit or serious biker who is anyone to dispute that?
Rock on
08-09-18, 08:09 PM
#21
Non omnino gravis
OP, try to ignore the troll. No one that clips in tells people riding flats that they're "doing it wrong." You'll either like being clipped in or you won't, and odds are you will. A buddy of mine had never clipped in to any pedal in his life, and was a convert the very first time he tried it. A lot of people, myself included, find it more comfortable.
__________________
08-09-18, 08:18 PM
#22
Senior Member
Join Date: May 2018
Posts: 1,680
Mentioned: 9 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 980 Post(s)
Liked 776 Times
in
402 Posts
Road cycling is a marketing and accessory driven sport.
Rec riders of any age with average speeds of 18 mph or less will routinely spend thousands of dollars on wheels alone.
They will spend additional hundreds and thousands upgrading their stock $3k bike to shave off 1.5 lbs.
If it makes them happy it’s all good though
08-09-18, 08:48 PM
#23
Veteran, Pacifist
Join Date: Dec 2004
Location: Seattle area
Posts: 13,328
Bikes: Bikes??? Thought this was social media?!?
Mentioned: 284 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 3898 Post(s)
Liked 4,831 Times
in
2,229 Posts
OP should pick what he wishes but go try on a few. I always say 1st pair from a decent bike shop that you wear for 30 min.
__________________
Vintage, modern, e-road. It is a big cycling universe.
Vintage, modern, e-road. It is a big cycling universe.
Last edited by Wildwood; 08-09-18 at 08:55 PM.
08-09-18, 10:23 PM
#24
Life Feeds On Life
Join Date: Jan 2018
Location: Hondo,Texas
Posts: 2,143
Bikes: Too many Motobecanes
Mentioned: 11 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 4416 Post(s)
Liked 4,525 Times
in
3,027 Posts
I've been riding my vintage bikes with either half clips or with clips with loose fitting straps. I just can't get used to the idea of having my feet strapped in where I can't get out of them quickly.
I'm curious about clipless pedals. So other than the pedals what type of shoes would I need and what pedals would be good to start out with? Thanks Bob
I'm curious about clipless pedals. So other than the pedals what type of shoes would I need and what pedals would be good to start out with? Thanks Bob
08-09-18, 10:32 PM
#25
Senior Member
Join Date: Sep 2005
Location: In the foothills of Los Angeles County
Posts: 25,281
Mentioned: 8 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 8275 Post(s)
Liked 9,033 Times
in
4,471 Posts