prpandey

I have a few random questions:

• Pedals - the Trek 1.5 comes with the clip pedals. I was just thinking about removing the clips from the pedals and just get biking shoes. Will that work?
  
• For those Trek 1.5 owners, if there's one thing you could change about the stock configuration, what would it be? I've ridden the bike for a few days now and haven't had any issues at all. Just curious to see what other people are thinking.
  
• Does anyone know a good site/video that explains shifting? I think I have a fairly decent grasp on the concept, but I'd definitely like to learn more to make my ride a lot more easier.

Thanks!

Sprocket Man

If you want to get the benefit that toe clips would give you, you need to buy "clipless pedals" and dedicated road cycling shoes.

This is a pretty decent video about shifting:

prpandey

Since my cycle knowledge is limited, what's the term used for the pedals that came with my Trek 1.5? Would I be able to remove the toe clips from the stock pedals and get dedicated cycling shoes? Will that still work? Or will I need the clipless pedals you mentioned?

Do you recommend any shoes listed in the link below? I'm kind of on a budget for now.

https://revolutioncycles.com/product-...&rb_pr1=40-100

Sprocket Man

The correct terminology would be pedals with toe clips. One of the benefits of having clipless pedals with cycling shoes is that your feet snap into the pedal and are connected. This allows you to pull your foot back and upwards during the pedal stroke which maximizes efficiency. If you just rest cycling shoes (or any shoes, for that matter) on a regular pedal (like the stock pedal with the toe clips removed), you do not get the benefit of having your foot really connected to the pedal.

mzeffex 

You need clipless pedals. The "clips" it came with are on platform pedals - just regular pedals. The word clipless is counter intuitive as they actually have the clips.

prpandey

Great - that makes sense! Thanks Sprocket Man and mzeffex.

Psimet2001 

Welcome to a life long addiction!

The 1.5 looks like a decent all around rig. If you were to "upgrade" something off of the stock configuration I would recommend going with clipless pedals - as you are already expressing an interest.

You can get an inexpensive SPD style knock off from someone like Wellgo for not much $$. Decent shoes - go and try them on and then buy them there.

prpandey

Clipless pedals, it is!

Also, I lost you on your second sentence Can you elaborate? Do you recommend any pedals out there (something fairly inexpensive)?

Psimet2001 

SPD = Shimano Pedaling Dynamics or some such thingy but basically they are the generic name given to a style of clipless pedal most common in mtb applications. Google SPD and you'll get an idea of what I mean. You can usually find SPD style pedal systems for cheap. Buy a nice shoe that has both a 2 hole SPD mount as well as a standard 3 hole road cleat mount (Look and SPD compatible). That way the shoe will stick with you as you progress.

prpandey

Thanks! Are there any online websites that you usually go to for your biking gear? (For things that don't require you to try stuff on to see if it fits like shoes, shorts, etc)

collegeskier

www.performancebike.com, www.probikekit.com, www.nashbar.com, colorado cyclist, and competitive cyclist. People will also say to support your local bike store (LBS), if you can find a good one they can be a wealth of knowledge for you.

mvnsnd

Your third item, in addition to shifting, you should also be reading up on cadence. This is the rpm of your feet at the crank and pedals. The reason for multiple speeds as hinted to in the video is to be able to keep your cadence at a comfortable and efficient speed. You want to start out with about 80-95 rpm.

--
Jeff

NickDavid

I started with this bike and still use it. Actually, mine is the 06' model (1500). Get yourself some shimano 105 pedals or equivalent. The only thing I changed was the saddle. The stock one is not really suitable for heavy training. You won't learn much from shifting by watching a video. Go out there and learn on the road.

Psimet2001 

+1 - these. As for where I go....I am basically a bike shop. I go direct for my own and team needs.

prpandey

I was thinking about these pedals:

https://www.performancebike.com/bikes...5#ReviewHeader

thesmoothdome

Consider a 2 sided pedal like speedplay. It makes entry a lot easier as you don't have to worry about kicking the pedal around before you clip in. I learned how to ride clipless on a mountain bike where the 2 sided entry pedal is common. My first day on a road bike was a whole other experience with single sided pedals. Granted, I didn't give it long (like 1 day) before swapping them out for Speedplays, but they are a lot easier to manage.

csimons

In addition to those already posted, I use JensonUSA.com and BikeIsland.com. Local bike shops and REIs are worth checking out as well (you can try on some cycling shoes at both places). There is an REI in Baileys Crossroads.

thesmoothdome

If you don't mind waiting for stuff to arrive from across the pond, check out Pro Bike Kit. Free shipping and good discounts make them hard to beat for some items.