Where to start with SPD pedals?
Discussion
oyster said:
I need the pedals and I need the shoes. But what are cleats? And are they for the shoe or the pedal?
They are the part that attaches to the bottom of your shoe and allows you to clip-in to the pedals. oyster said:
And if I buy pedals that come with cleats is that ok?
Yep. Most (if not all) will. oyster said:
And do all shoes fit all pedals/cleats?
Nope. So make sure you have a compatible combination. As I say, if you buy a set of pedals, they will more than likely come with the cleats, though what shoes the cleats will fit to will depend on certain brands, whether you are looking at Road or MTB shoes/pedals, etc.
And before you ask... yes! You will fall off while still attached to your bike at least once - everyone does!
Cleats bolt onto the shoe, to enable the shoe to clip into the pedal.
They do wear out, and you can replace cleats quite easily.
There are different types, most specifically between road and mountain bike types, but also brands.
Just stick with the same terminology (i.e. SPD-SL) on all three components and you should be fine.
They do wear out, and you can replace cleats quite easily.
There are different types, most specifically between road and mountain bike types, but also brands.
Just stick with the same terminology (i.e. SPD-SL) on all three components and you should be fine.
If you are a first time user, then I'd recommend you go down the SPD (MTB) route. Easier to get in and out of and double sided (IE, you can clip in both sides of the pedal)
Shimano SPD-520 pedals are about £15 from the online retailers and go to a shop to try shoes on. I wasted a lot of time buying cycling shoes online
Sports Direct do some cheap cycling shoes, which will be fine when you are starting out
Shimano SPD-520 pedals are about £15 from the online retailers and go to a shop to try shoes on. I wasted a lot of time buying cycling shoes online
Sports Direct do some cheap cycling shoes, which will be fine when you are starting out
I'd recommend learning to ride spd on soft ground away from traffic , as mentioned earlier you WILL fall off!
Also take heed of the warning to set up the cleat position correctly, you could be surprised just how much your feet face out or in from straight ahead
Once your set up and used to getting in and out of spd's you'll notice a real increase in your pedalling efficiency so well worth it.
Also take heed of the warning to set up the cleat position correctly, you could be surprised just how much your feet face out or in from straight ahead
Once your set up and used to getting in and out of spd's you'll notice a real increase in your pedalling efficiency so well worth it.
Real noddy info, but if you've not been told you won't know:
The interface between the cleat and pedal is "bespoke" as in there are lots of types of design and therefore the cleat and pedal need to be a pair. This is the reason that when you buy pedals they will (generally) come with a set of matching cleats.
The interface between the cleat and the shoe is just bolts and there are only a couple of different bolt patterns, so there are many types of shoe/cleat combination which will work fine. However, do make sure that the shoes you buy have a bolt pattern compatible with the cleat/pedal combination you want to get.
The interface between the cleat and pedal is "bespoke" as in there are lots of types of design and therefore the cleat and pedal need to be a pair. This is the reason that when you buy pedals they will (generally) come with a set of matching cleats.
The interface between the cleat and the shoe is just bolts and there are only a couple of different bolt patterns, so there are many types of shoe/cleat combination which will work fine. However, do make sure that the shoes you buy have a bolt pattern compatible with the cleat/pedal combination you want to get.
I made the jump to clipless pedals today. I bought Shimano M540 SPDs with a pair of dhb M1.0 mountain bike shoes from Wiggle.
At first it was quite a unsettling experience but soon it started to feel natural. I'm not sure why but I immediately noticed that my saddle seemed too low, when before it felt fine, so I stopped and put it up by an inch. I then spent 25 minutes cycling up and down a short section of gravelled cycle path lined with grass verges practising clipping and unclipping. Touch wood I've not fallen off yet, but fully expect to at some point and just hope I don't fall into traffic.
All in all I'm glad that I made the change as immediately the pedalling stroke feels more efficient.
At first it was quite a unsettling experience but soon it started to feel natural. I'm not sure why but I immediately noticed that my saddle seemed too low, when before it felt fine, so I stopped and put it up by an inch. I then spent 25 minutes cycling up and down a short section of gravelled cycle path lined with grass verges practising clipping and unclipping. Touch wood I've not fallen off yet, but fully expect to at some point and just hope I don't fall into traffic.
All in all I'm glad that I made the change as immediately the pedalling stroke feels more efficient.
Re un-clipping, pick a foot and get into the habbit of always un clipping that one. For me, that's my left foot, I also ride motorbikes, so when I stop on those it's always left foot on the floor, right on the brake.
Get into the mindset of, "I'm coming to a stop, left foot - twist and down" until it becomes second nature.
As above, I would also suggest mountain bike cleats. You get more tread on the shoe, so you don't have to walk like a penguin, and you get a bit more grip if you put your foot down at lights. The first thing I would do is loosen the spring on the pedals as loose at it will go (on both sides of it). It makes it easier to get your foot in and out, and means your feet can swivel on the pedals while you're riding - which means less chance of knee / hip issues if they are not properly aligned, again, also mentioned above.
Good luck, and try not to fall over
Get into the mindset of, "I'm coming to a stop, left foot - twist and down" until it becomes second nature.
As above, I would also suggest mountain bike cleats. You get more tread on the shoe, so you don't have to walk like a penguin, and you get a bit more grip if you put your foot down at lights. The first thing I would do is loosen the spring on the pedals as loose at it will go (on both sides of it). It makes it easier to get your foot in and out, and means your feet can swivel on the pedals while you're riding - which means less chance of knee / hip issues if they are not properly aligned, again, also mentioned above.
Good luck, and try not to fall over
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