[dmckham]

If you really are just trying to "Zen" out, using cages/regular pedals is simply fine. I have found riding long distance in Texas with "clips" to be fine as well, esp. for speed. If I am just chillin", I don't use my clips at all. Because then I have to think more about foot placment /riding form and not letting my toes go numb! Better performance but less "zen". It is a trade off, I think!

[Nigal]

Originally Posted by eynlai

Ok, I'm a complete Newbie... So please don't hate me to much for asking the question in the Title.

I've been doing a bit of paved bike trail riding in Southern California area over the last 2 years on my Specialized Sirrus (hybrid). Anywhere from 25 miles to 75 miles per ride. I like the distance so I can "Zen" out, not really a need for speed. I been just riding in my sweats and tennis / running shoes.

Yesterday, I finally picked up a 2010 Specialized Tarmac Comp Double Rival (road bike) at a pretty good deal of $1700 new. I'm pretty sure I'll need some riding shorts or undergarment because the saddle on the Tarmac is virtually not there compared to my old trusty Sirrus... But do I really need the fancy pedal and shoes? Or should I? And why? And I'm looking at keeping it under $190 for shoes and pedal.

Advice?

thanks.

No, you absolutely do NOT have to use special shoes and peddles. If you are racing then yeah, ya might want something like that. If you ride your bike and your feet stay on the peddles then you are fine with whatever you use. the whole positioning, efficiency, spinning stuff is all simple justification. Get on your bike and ride and feel like a kid! 8)

[trx1]

find u a set of "beartraps" ur feet wont be going anywhere quick!

[salvage_bikes]

I like Clueless Pedals but I have been riding standard pedals for the last few years. I sold all my stuff when I moved, and haven't invested again in SPD yet.

Here, I am riding a generic bike in a red jersey, black shorts, black & red Chrome shoes, and PowerGrips pedals. I like them for distances of around 30miles. When I get back into shape enough to do 30+ mi road rides frequently, I'll reward myself by buying a $40 shoe set and $20-50 double-sided (or 4 sided if the new Egg Beater) pedals.

If you buy the double sided "mountain bike" pedals, they are a few grams heavier, but will be much more useful than the single-sided, weighted road pedals that you have to fight to get into when driving in traffic. If you buy "mountain" shoes, esp with a rubber sole and no soccer-looking climbing cleats, you can use them any day, but can buy fancy road shoes later for events.

Originally Posted by jeepster93

As far as going "Fred"...

We have a small amount of choice here.
One does not need to get a jersey that advertises a cell phone or yogurt company.
There is really nothing WRONG with a standard, say, blue or red riding jersey and black shorts. advertising nothing..
I see roadies go by me looking all the "tour De France".
In my eyes...GEEK(fred), not a good look.

Just saying...

[Bubblehead10MM]

I'm facing much the same decision as the original question, but I do have knee issues, ie arthritic knees and a completely missing acl. Is there advise one way or the other for those of us with unstable joints? I ride a 29er mostly on paved trail and streat/sidewalk with some dirt.

[Noel]

Originally Posted by Bubblehead10MM

I'm facing much the same decision as the original question, but I do have knee issues, ie arthritic knees and a completely missing acl. Is there advise one way or the other for those of us with unstable joints? I ride a 29er mostly on paved trail and streat/sidewalk with some dirt.

I would say that you need to find a good sports doctor to help you with this one. Cycling is often recommended for people with knee problems but only your doctor can tell you how to ride and what kind of system you should go with.

[salvage_bikes]

Yeah, check with your doctor, but also a bike shop that has spinning classes or that offers professional "fitment" to your bike, can help a lot. Some shops have a stationary bike that is adjustable in every possible fashion, designed for designating custom bikes as well as adjusting one you buy "off the shelf". You may have to pay for their time, but they can help you with bike fit, and probably know a lot about various pedal systems, as they will serve the pickiest (most specific) customers.

Mtn bike type SPD pedals are probably your best bet, unless you cannot turn your feet to escape the binders without hurting your knees. Look for ones that are marked "3 to 5 degrees of float", as they let your feet turn a few degrees while you pedal, and don't need to be very tight for retention. Fixed cleats are bad news for anyone with sensitive knees.

Try the power grips ($20 or $40 with pedals) and don't make your toes numb, work with athletic shoes, sneakers, soccer shoes, old dress shoes, etc, and require only a hex key to adjust 1 x for your favorite shoes.
http://www.mountainracingproducts.com/wp-content/uploads/PGDEMO3.gif

Mountain Racing Products home of MRP, White Brothers, Kreitler, Tamer, and Power Grips | Power Grips

[salvage_bikes]

I really advise against buying the plastic molded ones. They tear up easily! There are some commercial ones you can buy that use real shoe cleats, which can work if you tighten down the pedal screws to keep from releasing the pedals. You can make your own really easily from your old cleats and a couple pieces of plywood, if you have the time. Just do something for traction, such as putting rubber pads or bonding wet-dry sandpaper to them.

Half-SPD pedals are the only real long-term solution though. I tried 636s when I was a teen. They hurt the balls of my feet because the SPD portion didn't always rotate down into the platform, and they were HEAVY.

Originally Posted by Garilia

Sprocketgirl, what shoes are those black laceups?

Also, sdoes anyone have any suggestions on platform adapters for Shimano SPD type pedals?

Thanks

[Dookie44]

For a road bike, go clipless.
A hard-soled shoe and cleats set up equals the best power transfer. You can get cleats that allow a few degrees of lateral float if you have knee issues. But to get you up the hill, you need to be locked in to the pedals.

[photosbymark]

Well depending on climate you might try a knee brace, but there is one thing that will reduce the stress on your knees that cost nothing. Spinning faster does take a lot of the stress off of the joints. They move more, but there is less pressure on the knee. Yeah I tend to mash too, but I am getting better about it.