Thread: Cycling Q - about to change from clips to cleats

If your going to use Shimano , go for the YELLOW CLEATS as they provide float , red cleats are a lock and leave type and play havoc on your knees .
I would recommend a spd type shoe to start with and go practice on a lawned area of clipping in and out . Once your used to them they are worth their weight in gold
Remember when talking knee pain , it can be a ill fitted bike more times than not , pain in the front of the knee is from pushing too hard , remember cadence is your friend !!

Originally Posted by Sith

pain in the front of the knee is from pushing too hard , remember cadence is your friend !!

I know that now. I used to sit in the highest gear & wore the teeth out until the chain started slipping .
Not a single 'sports specialist' mentioned cadence at the time.

I suggest you go to a reputable shop and have the bike properly fitted to you.
You may have a wrong size frame etc.

Once you get shoes and proper pedals, riding takes on a whole new meaning.
Pushing down on the pedals should be a thing of the past and pulling up on each stroke is how you will get efficiency, strength and speed.

Good shoes, pedals and cleats with say 9% of play plus a fitting could cost from $300 to easy over $1000.

Is your bike worth it.
There are some great specials on so why not get a new bike for xmas and they often through in shoes and riding gear plus a fitting is always included.

Just some food for thought, the kays you are doing it may be worth it.

Have a look on bike New, Used & Cheap Bikes for Sale, Buy & Sell Bikes Online - BikeExchange they have some bargains but you have to be sure that you are getting right frame size etc, set up is so so important.
Happy riding

Originally Posted by Scouse

Thanks Inc, but why do I have "special" powers .

cause you have to be careful what you wish for :P

Originally Posted by Scouse

Is there much of a difference between the actual cleat operation (ie, is one better than the other) of Moutain Bike & Road?
If they're going to last 10-15 years then I might need to plan a bit further ahead. If get back into touring, then MB shoes might be a better long term prospect. But if MB shoes are a compromise, then I'll stick with road shoes for the time being.


My bike is an old Peugeot & was set up as a tourer. Steel frame, 27" tyres, very old school but I've had it for 30 years now. I've stripped it down a bit (no mudguards or front rack) but she's still heavy compared to the modern bikes. No point making it easy for myself .

Not really - they both work the same way. Just different shapes. MTB cleats and pedals are often designed to allow mud and crud to clean out easier - ie the eggbeater style pedals made by crank brothers.

In your case, I'd go the MTB shoes, cleats and pedals - you can put them on any bike (as you can with a road shoe/cleat/pedal) but they offer the walking benefit.

Originally Posted by big guy

I suggest you go to a reputable shop and have the bike properly fitted to you.
You may have a wrong size frame etc.

Quite possible. Bike fitting wasn't as well known back in the '70s when I started riding.

Originally Posted by big guy

Once you get shoes and proper pedals, riding takes on a whole new meaning.
Pushing down on the pedals should be a thing of the past and pulling up on each stroke is how you will get efficiency, strength and speed.

That's one of the reasons why I would like to go to cleats.

Originally Posted by big guy

Good shoes, pedals and cleats with say 9% of play plus a fitting could cost from $300 to easy over $1000.
.........
Is your bike worth it.
There are some great specials on so why not get a new bike for xmas and they often through in shoes and riding gear plus a fitting is always includedHave a look on bike New, Used & Cheap Bikes for Sale, Buy & Sell Bikes Online - BikeExchange they have some bargains but you have to be sure that you are getting right frame size etc, set up is so so important.
Happy riding

The bike is not worth it (not that it makes too much difference) but I'm not prepared to spend $$ on a new one. I am browsing eBay & other sites just for interest sake. I have a collection of cars - I don't want to start collecting bikes too .

At this stage, I can't see cycling being a serious hobby like it was for me years ago so I can't justify spending big $$.

Originally Posted by x-box

well, you'll get a heap of replies i think, but i'll give my opinion anyway.
i also used to do a lot of road riding in my younger and lighter days, and changing from cleats to clips is a huge leap in comfort and efficiency, and nowadays with decent shoes it's even better.

So, your view is against the tide of opinion and that clips are better than cleats?

Sorry to burst a lot of balloons but i don,t use either one. I go long distance touring and find that cheap old joggers or even sandals do the job. Love the sandals, as they stop you from getting all sorts of problems from exessive perspiration, in summer, and keep my feet way cooler.