To SPD or not SPD, that is the question....

[thepieman]

Okay here goes, I`m a newcomer to this site(been looking for weeks & finally decided to post), I ride a 2000 Klein Attitude ( mostly to work at the mo).
Anyway I have pedals & toeclips on my bike at the moment, which I am very comfortable using, but I also have a pair of shimano m535 spds that I am considering putting on instead( they do look better I think),with a pair of shimano M055 shoes from about 97 I think. The only problem is I`m really nervous about using spds because last time I did I ended up in a massive clump of nettles still attached to the bike :shock: .
So the question is should I bite the bullet & try the spds again?Or, are toeclips ok?


Just 1 more question , is it normal to think of bikes ,especially older ones ,all the time?

 

[drystonepaul]

Hello and welcome.
Toeclips are ok but SPD's are much better in so many ways in my opinion. Greater pedalling efficiency, more control on the rough stuff and so much easier to clip in and out of than toe-clips.

The M535's are easier to use than the earlier M525's and the original M737's. To begin, slacken the spring tension off with a 3mm allen key. Turn the bolts anti-clockwise to loosen, but be careful not to go too far though.
With the spring tension very loose you'll find it very easy to clip in and, more importantly, out of your spuds. It won't take long to get used to rotating your heel outwards to release rather than sliding your foot backwards with toeclips.
With the tension loose your feet will clip out when you come off. You could also try multi-release cleats which are even easier to clip out of. (Part No. SM-SH56)

When you get more confident you can tighten the springs up a bit to prevent accidental clip outs.
In the meantime avoid track-stands at traffic lights etc.

Good luck!


And yes, it's quite normal to think about old bikes all the time and it would be very wrong to think otherwise.

 

[orange71]

toeclips=devil's spawn

SPDs=best thing since sliced bread

 

[Iwasgoodonce]

Do it. Do what Paul said and make sure your first few rides are in a grassed park without nettles. People say you will fall off a few times but then, you may not.

Personally, I found clips, straps and the proper cleats made it far more likely for me to fall off. You know, that frantic last second scrabble to undo the strap on the left......and then whack! You fall to the right.

 

[tintin40]

toeclips=devil's spawn

SPDs=best thing since sliced bread

So true

Just 1 more question , is it normal to think of bikes ,especially older ones ,all the time?

Yes BUT even better with girls on

 

[Neil G]

SPDs all the way

I do remember so amusing moments when me and my mates started riding SPDs (early XTs) back in the early 90s but now using them is second nature.

TBH just a matter of using them regularly...once you start getting used to them it's very hard to back to using flats etc (unless like me you ride BMX where clips are no go lol)

 

[RockiMtn]

the first few times it's a little unnerving. but once you get the hang of it, it becomes second nature. you don't even really think about it anymore. however, saying that, getting over the first few times is the tricky part.

i recall when i first got SPDs bitd, i was ridding on the streets and came to a stop light. i proceeded to stop at the red light and i completely had a brain fart. i just stood there on top of my pedals frozen, like a deer caught in front of headlights, and basically toppled over to one side, still locked into my pedals. lucky for me there were no vehicles around, however there were people waiting at the corner for public transit!

without looking at those people. i quietly got up, picked up my bike, mounted and rode off. i think the people at the corner was in as much shock as i was, not one of them said a word.

 

[perry]

where are you going to keep your disco slippers when you get to work and have to wear normal shoes ?

 

[Crell]

See that broken ankle to the left? SPDs !

Devil's work!

 

[orange71]

yes but would the injury not have been as bad/worse with toeclips which the OP seems to be considering as the alternative?