FAQ on choosing a "clipless" pedal system - Page 3 - Cycling Mob: Road Cycling, Mountain Biking and More

05-17-2004, 08:49 AM

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

05-17-2004, 09:21 AM

Christopher Brian Colohan <colohan+@cs.cmu.edu> wrote in
news:[Only registered and activated users can see links. ].cmu.edu:
> 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.

05-17-2004, 09:21 AM

Christopher Brian Colohan <colohan+@cs.cmu.edu> wrote in
news:[Only registered and activated users can see links. ].cmu.edu:
> 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.

05-17-2004, 09:21 AM

Christopher Brian Colohan <colohan+@cs.cmu.edu> wrote in
news:[Only registered and activated users can see links. ].cmu.edu:
> 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.

05-17-2004, 09:21 AM

Christopher Brian Colohan <colohan+@cs.cmu.edu> wrote in
news:[Only registered and activated users can see links. ].cmu.edu:
> 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.

05-17-2004, 09:21 AM

Christopher Brian Colohan <colohan+@cs.cmu.edu> wrote in
news:[Only registered and activated users can see links. ].cmu.edu:
> 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.

05-17-2004, 09:25 AM

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

Curt

"Steve Freides" <[Only registered and activated users can see links. ]> wrote in message
news:[Only registered and activated users can see links. ]...
> 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-
> [Only registered and activated users can see links. ]
>
>
>

05-17-2004, 09:25 AM

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

Curt

"Steve Freides" <[Only registered and activated users can see links. ]> wrote in message
news:[Only registered and activated users can see links. ]...
> 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-
> [Only registered and activated users can see links. ]
>
>
>

05-17-2004, 09:25 AM

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

Curt

"Steve Freides" <[Only registered and activated users can see links. ]> wrote in message
news:[Only registered and activated users can see links. ]...
> 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-
> [Only registered and activated users can see links. ]
>
>
>

05-17-2004, 09:25 AM

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

Curt

"Steve Freides" <[Only registered and activated users can see links. ]> wrote in message
news:[Only registered and activated users can see links. ]...
> 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-
> [Only registered and activated users can see links. ]
>
>
>