Cleats
Replies to This Discussion
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Permalink Reply by Alexander Langman Hender on -
I would recommend cleats.
My pal has only riding for 3 months, she does 30 to 40 kay rides just like you, around 4 to 5 times a well.
She's just switch (on Monday) and can now ride comfortably around.
If you're going to fit in 6 rides before the MCCT, then you'd probably be okay. However, if it's going to make you nervous you should leave it. Sometimes all the physically efficiency is worthless if you're stressing out mentally!
She's switched to SPD cleats (which are the recessed, walkable type) and she really appreciates the extra control, efficiency and the ability to 'pull up' on the pedals in various circumstances.
If you want some detailed technical advice about cleats, I can help you a bit but basically you need to decide if you prefer recessed or more traditional road cleats and whether you have any leg length descrepancy that might require shimming out the cleat on one side!
But yes, definite tick of approval from me.
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Permalink Reply by Rob W on -
Tick from me too. I started out with spd pedals when I changed from standard flat pedals. They work really well and I find them good for commuting as they are easier (for me anyway) to snap into very quickly, i'm still getting used to the look keo pedals.
You can buy cleat covers for the look keo type pedals if you want to walk and not glide along (off the look cleat cover pack) and the recessed ones are not 100% recessed but a big improvement on ease of walking without putting bits on your shoes after you get off the bike.
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Permalink Reply by craig sinclair on -
Hey!
Cleats are a good thing, if a little scary at first. My wife has a set of pedals that have a cleat on one side and are flat on the other, sort of reversible. When she first started to ride with them, she used the left on on the flat side and clipped in on the right, as she has gotten more comfortable, she has clipped in on both. Just had a quick look at the bike and frustratingly they are (unusually for cycling gear) not logoed up, but I reckon they are Shimano. Have a chat to Chris and the dudes at Life Cycles, just up from the Britannia Roundabout and they will hook you up.
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Permalink Reply by Rob W on
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They sound like the shimano one that have the spd cleat on one side. Look to be a good pedal for just hopping on the bike to go up to the shop
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Permalink Reply by David B.o.R. on -
I have those pedals on my commuter bike. I did the Coast to coast last year with them and they were fine.
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Permalink Reply by Kathryn H on -
Thanks Craig .. That name has been tossed at me once or twice .. Will check it out
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Permalink Reply by craig sinclair on
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Hey Kathryn!
No worries. I checked with my wife, they are definitely shimanos, she pairs them with adidas shoes that use a recessed cleat, look like a pair of sneakers to all intents. Lot easier to walk in than my scott's with the big ole shimano clip/cleat hanging off the bottom.
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Permalink Reply by Kathryn H on
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Thanks Criag
Have a pair of Shimanos
Bicycle Express were the best follow by Bikes Because for customer service and the colour matches my bike!! Very import for some girlies.
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Permalink Reply by Slammin on -
GO the cleats - but practice some emergency dismounts on steep hills to simulate Checkers. Are you doing the 135Km option? 30-40Km training rides don't seem like alot for the full TDU challenge?!
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Permalink Reply by Kathryn H on
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Hey Slammin Thanks for your input WE are only doing the 35 ..I have a 13 year old who is doing it for the second time and she struggled with the winds last year from Milang. I dont want to discourage her . Fingers crossed we will up it for next year. Thanks
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Permalink Reply by Gillian on
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I'm new to cycling so I don't have a lot to add except - if in doubt unclip early. ie if it looks like there's trouble ahead or when coming up to a crossraod. Experienced cyclists seem to recognise someone struggling to recleat and give you space. Unfortunately you don't always get reasonable warning of incidents requiring a quick foot down.
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