[Dubgurl]

So I think I've settled on my first upgrade for my bike. Since I've only ever ridden with flat pedals, no toe straps, nothing, everyone says that some sort of attachment to the pedals is a huge boos in efficiency. So I kinda wanna try it! Only one problem, I have absolutely no idea what I'm doing! Could anyone give a recommendation?

[BeginnerCycling]

What kind of bike and what kind of riding do you do?

[Dubgurl]

Oh sorry, it's a Gravity Avenue road bike (yeah I know cheap ass thing but I'm poor

p.s. I know I said it was a Specialized in my intro post, but I think the guy who sold it to me said it was from the same factory as Specialized and I only heard what I wanted to hear. Explains why I couldn't find a Specialized Gravity anywhere on their website lol

[rola643]

Originally Posted by Dubgurl

So I think I've settled on my first upgrade for my bike. Since I've only ever ridden with flat pedals, no toe straps, nothing, everyone says that some sort of attachment to the pedals is a huge boos in efficiency. So I kinda wanna try it! Only one problem, I have absolutely no idea what I'm doing! Could anyone give a recommendation?

The style and type you choose are up to you. There are several good options to choose from.

Bike 101-Clipless Pedals

Something to start with. I happen to use Spd-Sl and use the yellow cleats as they 6* of float vs Red with NO float-dangerous if you ask me

[Industry_Hack]

A perfect time to throw this one out there again.

[SG-1]

I had my doubts about these cleats about 10 years ago, so I bought some low-end Shimano MTB pedals with SPD cleats, got some low-end shoes, and tried them out. It was scary at first, but after practicing un-latching before every stop, I liked them, and now can't live without them. I still have the originals, haven't had any issues yet.

They all work, just a personal preference of what's good. For road bikes, my only recommendation is to find a road-bike compatible pedal that has 2 sides, since 1 side is a pain in the ass for quick starts. MTB pedals have clips on both sides.

Just practice unlatching to create muscle memory of unlatching before stopping, since falling on pavement hurts a lot more than falling on dirt.

[photosbymark]

I think the issue with clipless pedals is preparation. You are probably going to go over once or twice in learning. Yet you get used to when and how much ahead of a stop you need to unclip. Just make sure your first efforts are in areas with little to no traffic. A rail to trail would be pretty much ideal. If you are lucky, you will go over in front of a 25 year old smoking hot blond that could be a supermodel. After she starts laughing, you ask for her number. You just don't want to go down in heavy traffic. After a few miles, you will have it down pat and it won't be a problem.

[Dubgurl]

Well Mark, I'll definitely keep your suggestion about falling in front of a hot blonde, but two things have to happen first. #1 my boyfriend and I have to have a HUGE fight and break up, and #2 she has to be a lesbian. But thanks for the advice :P

[hophead]

Originally Posted by Dubgurl

Well Mark, I'll definitely keep your suggestion about falling in front of a hot blonde, but two things have to happen first. #1 my boyfriend and I have to have a HUGE fight and break up, and #2 she has to be a lesbian. But thanks for the advice :P

LMFAO

My suggestion is to go with clipless mtb pedals. They are easier to use than road pedals and you can walk in the shoes. I started off with Shimano SPD's. Shimano style pedals and cleats are among the least expensive of the various interfaces available and are relatively easy to use.

[rola643]

Originally Posted by hophead

LMFAO

They are easier to use than road pedals and you can walk in the shoes.

hop, 9 post until we got to this? You should have used the duck parable, for shame