FAQ on choosing a "clipless" pedal system

A friend is taking her bike in for an overhaul and, after seeing how
much my wife and I like our Speedplay Frogs, is also interested in
getting a "clipless" pedal system, which will be the first time for her.

Is there an comparison of the various types of pedal systems out there
suitable for the casual cyclotourist? My wife found SPD's hard to get
in and out of but loves Frogs. The type of riding is nothing more than
casual day trips, so being able to walk around is important. Money
isn't particularly an issue except that she doesn't ride a lot and,
while she owns a reasonably good enthusiast bike, it would be silly to
spend several hundred dollars on shoes and pedals for her.

Thanks in advance.

-S-
http://www.kbnj.com

I'm a member of a touring group here in Cork, Ireland, for about 15 years.
At that time when we started touring people used cleats or Look. Now all of
us use SPDs. I've used them since the came in. The VP ones are fine, and
cheaper.

"Gearóid Ó Laoi/Garry Lee" wrote in message
...
I'm a member of a touring group here in Cork, Ireland, for about 15
years.
At that time when we started touring people used cleats or Look. Now
all of
us use SPDs. I've used them since the came in. The VP ones are fine,
and
cheaper.

Thank you. Perhaps I need to clarify - my friend is going to get either
SPD's, Frogs, or similar - I'm looking for something in writing that
will explain the differences to her. She has definitely decided to go
with a modern clipless pedal system, one that supports a recessed cleat.
The question is only which one.

-S-
http://www.kbnj.com

"Steve Freides" writes:
Thank you. Perhaps I need to clarify - my friend is going to get either
SPD's, Frogs, or similar - I'm looking for something in writing that
will explain the differences to her. She has definitely decided to go
with a modern clipless pedal system, one that supports a recessed cleat.
The question is only which one.

For a casual cyclist: SPDs are the cheapest option, they work quite
well, and you can get them with a variety of cycling shoes which _you
can walk in_. The "I can walk in my shoes!" argument can trump
everything else if you are just using the bike to get around...

Chris
--
Chris Colohan Email: PGP: finger
Web: www.colohan.com Phone: (412)268-4751

Christopher Brian Colohan wrote in
:
For a casual cyclist: SPDs are the cheapest option, they work quite
well, and you can get them with a variety of cycling shoes which _you
can walk in_. The "I can walk in my shoes!" argument can trump
everything else if you are just using the bike to get around...

Any mountain bike clipless pedal system can be easily walked in. The biggest
advantage of Shimano SPD is that you get pretty good quality for a low price.
Some other systems offer better performance (especially in muddy conditions)
or lower weight, but always at a higher price.

Steve Freides wrote:


Thank you. Perhaps I need to clarify - my friend is going to get either
SPD's, Frogs, or similar - I'm looking for something in writing that
will explain the differences to her. She has definitely decided to go
with a modern clipless pedal system, one that supports a recessed cleat.
The question is only which one.


I recommend the Time mtb pedals. Get the cheapest model, it is just the same as
the expensive model except the pedal body is made of different material. These
pedals cost a little more, but they are the simplest, most rugged, longest
lasting, easiest to use, require no adjustment, work flawlessly in mud and ice,
generally trouble-free piece of equipment. Which can NOT be said of cheap SPD
pedals.

Then get a 40$ pair of shoes and off she goes.

Robert

(R15757) wrote in message ...
Steve Freides wrote:


Thank you. Perhaps I need to clarify - my friend is going to get either
SPD's, Frogs, or similar - I'm looking for something in writing that
will explain the differences to her. She has definitely decided to go
with a modern clipless pedal system, one that supports a recessed cleat.
The question is only which one.


I recommend the Time mtb pedals. Get the cheapest model, it is just the same as
the expensive model except the pedal body is made of different material. These
pedals cost a little more, but they are the simplest, most rugged, longest
lasting, easiest to use, require no adjustment, work flawlessly in mud and ice,
generally trouble-free piece of equipment. Which can NOT be said of cheap SPD
pedals.


I'd never recommend cheap pedals! I agree with your comments on Time
pedals. One further advantage of the Time ATAC system is that they, in
common with their road pedals, provide lateral float.

LGF

On 18 May 2004 00:43:50 -0700, (LGF) wrote:
I'd never recommend cheap pedals! I agree with your comments on Time
pedals. One further advantage of the Time ATAC system is that they, in
common with their road pedals, provide lateral float.

Cheap Time pedals may be sub-optimal, but cheap SPDs are great. The
$20 Nashbar Special SPDs I have work and feel every bit as good as
my Shimano SPDs and my Egg Beaters.

For somebody new to clipless, hybrid-clipless pedals may be
comforting, like these:
http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/tg...641744-8751208

For some reason, they're not showing on nashbar.com, but they
usually go for $29.
--
Rick Onanian

I have Crank Brothers Eggbeaters and am happy with them. I don't see them
on many bikes. Not sure why.

Curt

"Steve Freides" wrote in message
...
A friend is taking her bike in for an overhaul and, after seeing how
much my wife and I like our Speedplay Frogs, is also interested in
getting a "clipless" pedal system, which will be the first time for her.

Is there an comparison of the various types of pedal systems out there
suitable for the casual cyclotourist? My wife found SPD's hard to get
in and out of but loves Frogs. The type of riding is nothing more than
casual day trips, so being able to walk around is important. Money
isn't particularly an issue except that she doesn't ride a lot and,
while she owns a reasonably good enthusiast bike, it would be silly to
spend several hundred dollars on shoes and pedals for her.

Thanks in advance.

-S-
http://www.kbnj.com

"Steve Freides" wrote in message ...
A friend is taking her bike in for an overhaul and, after seeing how
much my wife and I like our Speedplay Frogs, is also interested in
getting a "clipless" pedal system, which will be the first time for her.

Is there an comparison of the various types of pedal systems out there
suitable for the casual cyclotourist? My wife found SPD's hard to get
in and out of but loves Frogs. The type of riding is nothing more than
casual day trips, so being able to walk around is important. Money
isn't particularly an issue except that she doesn't ride a lot and,
while she owns a reasonably good enthusiast bike, it would be silly to
spend several hundred dollars on shoes and pedals for her.

If she likes Frogs, get Frogs. If the thing she likes about Frogs is
that they are double-sided, she might try this Nashbar ATB pedal:

http://tinyurl.com/3dn7f

It is SPD but I find them extremely easy to get in and out of because
they are double sided. Then get some cheap ATB shoes and she's set for
walking and riding for well under $100 total.

There is an even cheaper Nashbar pedal. Don't get it, it's not SPD
compatible.

JP