New to cycling

[gtfpv]

very game with cleats 1st up my friend . A mate of mine done this and was very embarrassed when he fell over at a set of traffic lights in front of a car , and was on the ground sideways in his riding position !!! couldn't get up for a while . hahaha

[ratter]

Don't worry, everybody has a clip stack

[gossy]

Originally Posted by Sam_Boss260

Well I got the bike the other day, got some Look pedals and cleats for my new Shimano shoes and I had my first test ride today.

Really enjoying this so far.

Unfortunately I now have a shopping list for Ribble, wiggle, cell bikes and chain reaction !!!

Cycling has got you, hook, line and sinker

[blueoval]

Agree with gtfpv. clips are great if your a regular rider and coordinated. Clip pedals provide additional range of power on the up stroke as well as down stroke. its a more efficient way odd riding but i have panic and fell off if i need to brake in a hurry. looks bad if people see you fall. lucky for me no one saw me. i would get used to clipping in and out of the pedals a few times to get familiar with its idiosyncracies of now they work.

[mr smith]

Have a look into flat pedals as well.
I ride flats on the Road, Cyclocross and XC MTB.

My experiences are the same as in the link. (I will also add part of my resoning is I had a real bad accident that I put down to being clipped in, that combined with a better riding experiance means flats for me)
http://www.bikejames.com/cardio-trai...s-pedal-myths/

Im looking into getting a set of these.

http://www.pinkbike.com/news/Tioga-M...Tire-2011.html

[HLC]

wait til you have a 'clip stack' on your track bike brakeless! HA HA

nothing like smashing down a hill and hoping to pull up and you rip your foot out of your pedal from the huge force of trying to skid/stop.. (i run shimano spd's on training rides where i wont be going to the shops/pub unless ive got a bag)...

or trackstanding at lights and keeling over ha ha

that leaves a nice brown stain in the underwear

[DBourne]

Originally Posted by ratter

Don't worry, everybody has a clip stack

Yup, non-negotiable.. Usually at the moment where you've just gotten comfortable with them cos you get a bit complacent..

[blueoval]

haha, love the experiences with clip stacking.

Hey guys, how often do you oil your chains, and what brand type of oil or fluid/spray do you use to do this? Is there any specific type I need to look out for?

[blueoval]

Some TDU news for SA riders

Eddy Merckx to ride the BUPA challenge in 2012 for the TDU
http://www.adelaidenow.com.au/sport/...-1226147663087

[kocho]

I just purchased some pedals off ebay. I dont have the shoes yet, they're still coming. My first set of pedals and shoes for my road bike (usually ride around in runners). From what I've read up above... a little nervous now! Hahaha. I've got a windtrainer, so I'll jump on that first and get used to it.

Anyway the pedals I got are Shimano SPD SL Pedals PD-R540 (it has written on them). Also has 'floating' cleats. Are these any good? I didn't want to spend too much because I just want to see how I go.

With the shoes, they're Shimano too. Will I able to drive to where I want to ride with them on or will I have to change shoes?

[blueoval]

Originally Posted by kocho

I just purchased some pedals off ebay. I dont have the shoes yet, they're still coming. My first set of pedals and shoes for my road bike (usually ride around in runners). From what I've read up above... a little nervous now! Hahaha. I've got a windtrainer, so I'll jump on that first and get used to it.

Anyway the pedals I got are Shimano SPD SL Pedals PD-R540 (it has written on them). Also has 'floating' cleats. Are these any good? I didn't want to spend too much because I just want to see how I go.

With the shoes, they're Shimano too. Will I able to drive to where I want to ride with them on or will I have to change shoes?

Sounds like you have the proper road cleats and pedals. They are a decent sized cleat and work well for road use.

The ones I have are different as they are designed for mountain bike shoes. These are smaller cleats and are recessed into the shoes sole so you can actually walk normally in them if need be.

My pedals are something like this


and my cleats are like this


My shoes are these


With cleats fitted, see how the cleats are recessed into the sole of the shoe?


Notice the chunkier sole. The cleats are recessed into the sole of these shoes which protect the cleats from road damage when you walk on them and they are designed for ease of walking.

The shoes, cleats and pedals you have by the sounds of it are proper road shoes. The cleats are different and so are the associated pedals. Both types of shoes, cleats and pedals do the same thing. Transfer weight through your leg, foot and to the stiffened sole to the pedals for more efficient down stroke but also good up stroke efficiency. The mountain bike shoes I have are heavier than road shoes. So you save a few grams on weight alone having the road shoes.

Im guessing your cleats look something like this as an example?


With road shoes, you will not be able to drive a car with them on since the cleat on the bottom of these shoes stick out past the sole of the shoe about half and inch thick and are cumbersome to walk on let alone establish good pedal feel in a car. I would not recommend it. I have driven a car in my mountain bike shoes and it is easier, but I would not recommend that either. Bring a spare pair of sneakers to change into if you are traveling.

[Whitey-AMG]

I just fitted these to my Giant Road Bike
They allow for riding with SPD cleated shoes or just your old skanky runners....LOL You just flip the platform accordingly - they work a treat as I don't always find myself in the mood for a full on 30k ride - just want to go for a quick 10K thrash on the bike path and wear my runners.

http://www.shimano.com.au/publish/co...0.-type-..html

[kocho]

Ok, awesome, thanks for all the info. To be honest, I'd probably like your setup as weight doesn't bother me too much. I rather be comfortable. Can I get shoes like yours that'll fit on my cleats?

With that being said, every ride I have, around 20 minutes in, I'll get numb hands and it effects the rest of my ride and my enjoyment. I've read up about it and I'm still altering my bike (move seat forward a bit, down a bit, tilt, etc etc) to try and get it to be comfortable. I don't have gloves, they're next on the shopping list and hopefully are a bit of a fix or at least reduce the numbness in my hands. Also read about trying to get more upper body strength so I don't lean to hard on my hands.

Originally Posted by ESP

I just fitted these to my Giant Road Bike
They allow for riding with SPD cleated shoes or just your old skanky runners....LOL You just flip the platform accordingly - they work a treat as I don't always find myself in the mood for a full on 30k ride - just want to go for a quick 10K thrash on the bike path and wear my runners.

http://www.shimano.com.au/publish/co...0.-type-..html

Ohhhh... these sound good too! I probably should have done more research before I went eBaying. How much did these set you back ESP?

[blueoval]

Originally Posted by ESP

I just fitted these to my Giant Road Bike
They allow for riding with SPD cleated shoes or just your old skanky runners....LOL You just flip the platform accordingly - they work a treat as I don't always find myself in the mood for a full on 30k ride - just want to go for a quick 10K thrash on the bike path and wear my runners.

http://www.shimano.com.au/publish/co...0.-type-..html

These pedals are great if you share your bike with someone else who isnt a keen cleat wearer too. One thing about those pedals though is that for me with cleats, I'd want to make sure the pedal was the right way around after stopping at a set of lights or what ever. I can imagine myself trying to flick the pedal the other way round while still trying to maintain balance and setting off trying to keep up with traffic.

For me, I don't ride without clip shoes. Im used to it now and I make earnest mental notes of where I am when approaching areas where I need to stop and un-clip from the pedal.

[Whitey-AMG]

Originally Posted by blueoval

These pedals are great if you share your bike with someone else who isnt a keen cleat wearer too. One thing about those pedals though is that for me with cleats, I'd want to make sure the pedal was the right way around after stopping at a set of lights or what ever. I can imagine myself trying to flick the pedal the other way round while still trying to maintain balance and setting off trying to keep up with traffic.

For me, I don't ride without clip shoes. Im used to it now and I make earnest mental notes of where I am when approaching areas where I need to stop and un-clip from the pedal.

Having had them on my bike now for about a month - i can tell you that the pedals have a weighted tendency to "fall" platform side down. That means that the cleated side invariable ends up on top - making it very easy to clip back in...... Its actually harder to find the platform side when you are unclipped and riding with your runners !!!!!!

I've had a couple of incidents when I first started riding 4 years ago with being clipped in.....I ended up on the ground a couple of times after starting off from the lights uphill - incorrect gear - not enough inertia - both feet clipped in - down she goes..........

Not verry happy at the time....but looking back on it now - very funny.


These pedals basically allow you to ride with almost any SPD shoe / runners - clipped in or unclipped.

[blueoval]

Originally Posted by kocho

Ok, awesome, thanks for all the info. To be honest, I'd probably like your setup as weight doesn't bother me too much. I rather be comfortable. Can I get shoes like yours that'll fit on my cleats?

With that being said, every ride I have, around 20 minutes in, I'll get numb hands and it effects the rest of my ride and my enjoyment. I've read up about it and I'm still altering my bike (move seat forward a bit, down a bit, tilt, etc etc) to try and get it to be comfortable. I don't have gloves, they're next on the shopping list and hopefully are a bit of a fix or at least reduce the numbness in my hands. Also read about trying to get more upper body strength so I don't lean to hard on my hands.

Im not sure you can get MTB shoes with recessed soles that fit road cleats to be honest. Perhaps someone here can confirm. Since the cleats on road shoes are larger, the sole of the shoes do not cater for it as neatly as the MTB style shoe.

As for palm pain, gloves with some ergonomic padding is a must. Plus gloves protect your palms from gravel rash should you take a tumble. When you fall, usually your hands are the first to feel pain on the road. So protection is needed otherwise you will find you may be out of action for a few weeks due to no skin on your palms. lol

I have some Sugoi gloves with gel in specific areas. Cost me about $40 but no I would not ride without them, and I dont get palm pain after a 2-3 hour ride.

I have ones similar to these. Fingerless so I can still use my smart phone.


One thing the owner of my LBS said to me was even if he is a 1km ride or 100km ride, he would never leave home without his gloves.

[blueoval]

Originally Posted by ESP

Having had them on my bike now for about a month - i can tell you that the pedals have a weighted tendency to "fall" platform side down. That means that the cleated side invariable ends up on top - making it very easy to clip back in...... Its actually harder to find the platform side when you are unclipped and riding with your runners !!!!!!

I've had a couple of incidents when I first started riding 4 years ago with being clipped in.....I ended up on the ground a couple of times after starting off from the lights uphill - incorrect gear - not enough inertia - both feet clipped in - down she goes..........

Not verry happy at the time....but looking back on it now - very funny.


These pedals basically allow you to ride with almost any SPD shoe / runners - clipped in or unclipped.

Aah thats good they are weighted in favor of the cleats. Very handy. personally for me I prefer to chuck my clip shoes on when I ride, its just as much work chucking on runners as it is with my clip shoes, and seeing as I use MTB shoes with concealed cleats, I can still walk in them ok. Plus it gives me plenty of practice getting in and out of the pedals etc. Now I cant imagine riding without them.

[gtfpv]

Originally Posted by kocho

Ok, awesome, thanks for all the info. To be honest, I'd probably like your setup as weight doesn't bother me too much. I rather be comfortable. Can I get shoes like yours that'll fit on my cleats?

With that being said, every ride I have, around 20 minutes in, I'll get numb hands and it effects the rest of my ride and my enjoyment. I've read up about it and I'm still altering my bike (move seat forward a bit, down a bit, tilt, etc etc) to try and get it to be comfortable. I don't have gloves, they're next on the shopping list and hopefully are a bit of a fix or at least reduce the numbness in my hands. Also read about trying to get more upper body strength so I don't lean to hard on my hands.




Ohhhh... these sound good too! I probably should have done more research before I went eBaying. How much did these set you back ESP?

fingerless gloves are a must , or full gloves in winter , they reduce the numbness in your fingers . FLATBAR road bikes are a known cause of hand numbness moreso than a racer , racer handlebars allow you to change your hand positions on the bars . flatbars are normally fixed hand positions . but the gloves help very well .

[blueoval]

I have a flat bar road/hybrid bike and upgraded my handle bars with these
http://www.ergon-bike.com/us/en/product/gc3


Designed to relieve pressure around the Hypothenar and Thenar areas of your palms. Works a dream on long rides. Zero palm issues to date. And the bar extensions are useful on hill climbs and semi-aero hand positions.

But yes a road bike offers more options on the drop bars.

[TZENU]

Originally Posted by gtfpv

fingerless gloves are a must , or full gloves in winter , they reduce the numbness in your fingers . FLATBAR road bikes are a known cause of hand numbness moreso than a racer , racer handlebars allow you to change your hand positions on the bars . flatbars are normally fixed hand positions . but the gloves help very well .

Agreed!.. Not only that, but it also saves some skin if (when) you come off.

[kocho]

I've got a road bike. Still got my flat bar though.

I had those bar extensions on my flat bar and they were a nice change up.

I just find on the road bike (which I've had for probably 6 months now) that I find to ride on the hoods only. Sometimes I'll mix it up and go on top but I never use the drops. I'll try some gloves as you guys have recommended. I really hope they are the fix because my hands get numb before my legs get tired. :(

[XR6_661]

Been training on a roadie at the moment for a Triathlon on the weekend…

I’m wearing my dirt jumping camo helmet, troy lee design XC full finger gloves and I’ve put my downhill flat pedals on the bike, complete with steel pins.

Been doing about 35-40km a day. Just cruising along, not laying into it…did 20km in one hit…took about 40 mins. Not sure how good that is? Or if it’s good at all haha.

Aero bars are a life saver though! Heart rate gets up a tad, lean down onto the aero bars and you can feel your BPM drop…Although they are a tad twitchy to steer with haha.

[blueoval]

Originally Posted by XR6_661

Been training on a roadie at the moment for a Triathlon on the weekend…

I’m wearing my dirt jumping camo helmet, troy lee design XC full finger gloves and I’ve put my downhill flat pedals on the bike, complete with steel pins.

Been doing about 35-40km a day. Just cruising along, not laying into it…did 20km in one hit…took about 40 mins. Not sure how good that is? Or if it’s good at all haha.

Aero bars are a life saver though! Heart rate gets up a tad, lean down onto the aero bars and you can feel your BPM drop…Although they are a tad twitchy to steer with haha.

Cool. Your tri bike sounds killer.

20km in 40mins is some serious speed dude. That's some decent cadence no doubt. Were you on the flat or any hills?

I rode about 30km on a combination of hills and flats. Average speed of 20kph. I thought that was reasonable as it took me 1.5hrs to do that. But 20km in 40mins is exceptional.

[blueoval]

Originally Posted by kocho

I've got a road bike. Still got my flat bar though.

I had those bar extensions on my flat bar and they were a nice change up.

I just find on the road bike (which I've had for probably 6 months now) that I find to ride on the hoods only. Sometimes I'll mix it up and go on top but I never use the drops. I'll try some gloves as you guys have recommended. I really hope they are the fix because my hands get numb before my legs get tired. :(

Gloves are a must for any serious road rider. I haven't seen one road rider where I live that doesnt have ergonomic gloves. Comfort should be your number 1 priority when riding otherwise you will be more reluctant to go out again.

[XR6_661]

Originally Posted by blueoval

Cool. Your tri bike sounds killer.

20km in 40mins is some serious speed dude. That's some decent cadence no doubt. Were you on the flat or any hills?

I rode about 30km on a combination of hills and flats. Average speed of 20kph. I thought that was reasonable as it took me 1.5hrs to do that. But 20km in 40mins is exceptional.

No major hills...but the there is a progressive climb and head wind on one part of the loop I do...

I honestly thought it wasn't a good pace...had a bit left in the tank. My goal is 1 hour per 25km...the tri is 90km ride. See how I go.

I think with clip in I could go a bit faster with the same/less effort...but I'm just not comfortable with it.

[DBourne]

20km in 40min is 30kph isn't it?

Not a bad speed (what I aim to do most of the time) if there are decent hills involved then it is definitely a good speed!!!!

The whole cleat debate, if you want to use MTB shoes that bad, just get some MTB pedals?

Definitely agree gloves are a must.

On a side note, my boss found an ultegra front and rear derailer in his office, nice little upgrade for the bike Also bought an ultegra cassette since it was cheap.

Just leaves the leavers and brakes as Sora.

[blueoval]

Originally Posted by SgtBourne

20km in 40min is 30kph isn't it?

Not a bad speed (what I aim to do most of the time) if there are decent hills involved then it is definitely a good speed!!!!

The whole cleat debate, if you want to use MTB shoes that bad, just get some MTB pedals?

Definitely agree gloves are a must.

On a side note, my boss found an ultegra front and rear derailer in his office, nice little upgrade for the bike Also bought an ultegra cassette since it was cheap.

Just leaves the leavers and brakes as Sora.

That's not a bad option for kocho to consider. Can you get pedals that suit both style of clips at all do you know?

Ultegra F&R Derailleur for free? You serious? That's killer!

[bartsau]

With regards to the above question. Can I drive with bike shoes on?

Well this depends on the type of pedals. The ones in the photo above are a MTB spd pedal. When shoes like above are used you can walk around in them and drive in them. The soles will be a LOT stiffer than any normal pair of shoes though so will be a little un comfy.

You will not be able to drive is using a road type of cleat and road shoe though as the cleat it too big and the soles have no flex.

[kocho]

20k's in 40 minutes is really good!

Alright, I'll grab some gloves before my ride this week.

Thanks for all the info re: driving in the shoes. I don't have a huge drive to where I usually ride (5k's) but I think I'd much prefer the mountain bike shoes and pedals now. Like I said, aero isn't a huge deal for me (don't even ride in Lycra) but I thought some decent shoes would be nice and the runners tend to spill over the side of the pedals.

blueoval - as you posted, my shoes and cleats are just like you posted with the yellow on the cleats.

These were the shoes I purchased: http://www.ebay.com.au/itm/Shimano-R...item7b677cad42

Should I get something like this? http://www.ebay.com.au/itm/Nw-120-Sh...item588fe4d92f

or maybe this: http://www.ebay.com.au/itm/Shimano-M...item7b677cad6b

I'm not sure what pedals and cleats I match up to these though.

[sgt_doofey]

Originally Posted by kocho

don't even ride in Lycra

Do you have padded shorts though? They can help quite a bit so your rear end isn't as sore the next day. My wife got me a pair for my birthday earlier in the year, from A-Mart I think, and they look like normal shorts, but have a lycra-like inner and the necessary padding.

As for gloves, I bought some full finger ones over in NZ from Kathmandu last year and the couple of rides I've been on when it's been freezing cold has saved numb fingers.