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

[CAS]

Also, I'm sure we all have a preferred side to clip out of first - why is it harder to do the opposite side first?

Yep - know about that- cleat came loose on the shoe on the side I usually get out from first and stuck in the pedal. I found my brain simply wouldn't let me do the other side and I fell off in the road.

How stupid is that? Note to self must practise unclipping other side first!

 

[JohnH]

And if all else fails there are some pedals that have SPD on one side and flat on the other.

I found out about these on Monday. I'd bought some hiking shoes especially for trail-riding from Millets on Saturday 'cos they were on special offer, but when I got them home I could tell that they were too wide to fit into my toeclips. So on Monday, I took them back.

I'd explained all of this to the nice man behind the counter when another customer took an interest in my situation: "What you need is pedals with cleats on. Then you can clip yourself to the pedals. No more toeclips. In fact, Shimano make pedals that are flat on one side and SPD on the other -- Shimano M324s. So you can wear normal shoes if you're just nipping around the corner, and cycling shoes when you're out for a ride."

I was rather grateful for the advice, so I've been looking at the prices of SPD shoes and M324s ever since.

 

[Crell]

As well as buying a pedal that's flat on one side and SPD on the other, when I bought some XTR SPDs recently they came with a cheap but functional plastic flats that you could clip in to the SPD. Not sure if that's cmmon an all SPDs now

Not tightening the cleat enough in the shoe is a classic for not being able to disengage. I've done that before

 

[dyna-ti]

Be aware of the shoe cleats
you can easily overtighten the bolts,the bolt retainer[inside shoe/under insole]is quite thin and can split if you over do it

 

[minor_LEGEND]

I find toe clips dangerous tbh, ever since making the switch when I was about 13 (christmas 92 iirc). Just give yourself chance to develop the natural reflex to 'twist out'. Shimples.

 

[gibbleking]

i once read about some pedals that would attach to the shoe by some one else screwing the pedal to the shoe for the rider...old age time trialers did this ....i think .either that or it was a horrible dream.

 

[FairfaxPat]

i once read about some pedals that would attach to the shoe by some one else screwing the pedal to the shoe for the rider...old age time trialers did this ....i think .either that or it was a horrible dream.

There was an Australian track rider-I think-in the 80's or early 90's who had his shoes bolted to the pedals-he had someone hold the bike up while he strapped into the shoes and when he was done riding to come out of them. There are other options in clipless pedals on the market, such as Speedplay Frogs or Crank Brothers Candy pedals, which use different designs to achieve the same result.

 

[jas41]

One of my friends tried to go back to toe clips after using spds for a while, was most amusing when he tried to twist out of them before falling over!

 

[KeepItSteel]

ive used various SPDs but for the last 5 years or so have been using Crank Bros stainless Eggbeaters, and doubt I will ever use anything else again. I love the way they look, they are fit and forget quality and so simple to clip in and out - and whenever I take a fall on the trail I have never once been stuck to the pedal.
Thats the thing with SPD's, people are terrified of being stuck to the bike in a fall but in my experience it just doesnt happen, you dont even think about flicking out.

Only prob with them is I cant be arsed to put my cycling shoes on when I want to nip to the shops or pub, or even walk around the high street, as they are crap for walking in.
Gives you a great excuse to need another bike with flat pedals though

 

[GoldenEraMTB]

ive used various SPDs but for the last 5 years or so have been using Crank Bros stainless Eggbeaters, and doubt I will ever use anything else again. I love the way they look, they are fit and forget quality and so simple to clip in and out - and whenever I take a fall on the trail I have never once been stuck to the pedal.
Thats the thing with SPD's, people are terrified of being stuck to the bike in a fall but in my experience it just doesnt happen, you dont even think about flicking out.

Only prob with them is I cant be arsed to put my cycling shoes on when I want to nip to the shops or pub, or even walk around the high street, as they are crap for walking in.
Gives you a great excuse to need another bike with flat pedals though

Love my crank bros clipless pedals, and agree with your post 100%

btw, great name...keepitsteel