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Cycling for Noobs

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Dvorak Apr 2020 2:04pm, 29 Apr 2020 19,619 posts	Quote Pin Dvorak My opinion: if you are cycling casually, stick to flat pedals (or rat-traps). The simplicity, and security of being able to put your foot on/off whenever, and wear any shoes far outweighs any efficiency gains. Disclaimer: I've never actually tried clipless, though had an unsuccessful foray into toe-clips. After which I decided that what I liked were the pedals which had done me on my MTB for 20+ years and bought the closest I could find and stuck them on my road bike, and have been happy since. Like this (though another brand) wiggle.co.uk (Real cyclists will be recoiling in horror ) Jeans: sometimes yes, but I've also experienced some chafing incidents where you really don't want to. Baggy shorts are fine for casual stuff, not so good on the road (and a baggy short/ downhill/ strong breeze combination can prove particularly unwelcome :-o). Going Noughties with some 3/4 length troos can be a good compromise. Pair with knee-length compression socks for that comfortable superannuated skate-twat look (I certainly do).
MsG Apr 2020 2:18pm, 29 Apr 2020 1,513 posts	Quote Pin MsG There are two-sided pedals available, platform (flat) on one side and clips on the other - usually SPD MTB. This is what I have on all my bikes, as it's easy to use with trainers or for riding unclipped through busy areas, dab your foot down etc. E.g. this wiggle.co.uk or this wiggle.co.uk MTB SPDs as others said have the big advantage of the shoes being easy to walk in, you can also get converse-type trainers which can fix cleats to. SPDs (the cleat part that you attach to the shoe) come in different types- the most useful IMO is the multiway, which means you can pull your shoe out to unclip in any direction, instead of being stuck in going in a particular direction. Another thing to bear in mind when setting up SPD pedals is that you can adjust the tension of the gripping part. Set it on the loose end of the scale to begin with so it's easier to pull your shoe out. Practice clipping and unclipping, e.g. a wheelie bin is helpful! When coming up to junctions/possible stopping places, I have a fixed distance that is the "unclipping trigger zone" so that I wasn't panicking trying stop and unclip at a junction/traffic lights etc.
mushroom Apr 2020 2:18pm, 29 Apr 2020 1,118 posts	Quote Pin mushroom Thanks hp - I'll check out the videos. I keep forgetting all the tips you ever need are on there..!
MudMeanderer Apr 2020 2:24pm, 29 Apr 2020 1,881 posts	Quote Pin MudMeanderer You don't need clipless pedals for most cycling, but if you get used to them it can make pedalling feel a lot smoother (I pretty much can't ride flats any more). For 99% of cases (it's the bike industry, someone will decide to go against standard), any pedals will fit any cranks, but be aware because one side is reverse threaded, pedals need to be put on the right side of the bike.
MudMeanderer Apr 2020 2:29pm, 29 Apr 2020 1,882 posts	Quote Pin MudMeanderer MsG: never got multi release cleats unless you have a specific physical limitation. They just increase the chance of you unwittingly pulling your foot out when you don't want to. They're sort of the stabilisers of the pedal world - superficially an appealing idea, but more likely to just teach non-ideal practice.
Corrah Apr 2020 2:47pm, 29 Apr 2020 5,475 posts	Quote Pin Corrah I have SPD multi release at the lowest tension so easy to unclip as I have form in this area that involved me and a spikey bush. Have done a couple of duathlons and not yet managed to accidentally unclip so sticking with them.
um Apr 2020 4:19pm, 29 Apr 2020 2,250 posts	Quote Pin um I have the SPD-one-side, normal pedal the other. When I was cycling every day, I used the clips. But now (half a dozen times per year) I don't bother - and feel safer not clipped. Falling off sometimes doesn't hurt, sometimes does. My 'panics' come when (eg) turning right, or in traffic, and not so worried about the falling over, but the damage a car or bus will do. As an 'occasional' cyclist, typically up to 20 - 30 miles per trip, using it for exercise, not racing or time, I don't really mind the loss in efficiency. Not so much the 'upstroke', but the fixed, rigid position, so all the 'power' goes onto the pedal, rather than shoe bending, wrong point etc etc. Cycling gear? When at home, I will use padded shorts & shirt with rear pockets for ease and comfort. When on holiday, shorts & t-shirt do me. Brakes - amazed at the improvement discs make. Although more likely to go over the handlebars, because they do stop the bike! But std brakes adjusting - unless there's a special tool, I find easier if someone else holds the brakes closed while I can adjust & tighten the cable with no tension. I've always found someone quicker than playing with g-clamps etc.
um Apr 2020 4:32pm, 29 Apr 2020 2,251 posts	Quote Pin um I think I got these (or similar) - cheaper than MsG's above. When I got them (I think from Parkers) my local bike shope (who I'd bought my wife's bike and then mine) fitted as part of their first service (free after a few weeks riding) and moaned that I was buying them cheaper than they could get them through their distribution. Not in a nasty way, just moaning at the state of the market/industry. amazon.co.uk What bike to use? I bought a Dawes Road touring bike in 1977 - still use it occasionally and it is very efficient and fast,e xcept for whent he chain comes off. the a Giant mountain bike in mid 1990's (second hand after a years rental work at Moors Valley), then my latest - Giant Roam giant-bicycles.com in 2016 when I was off running (achilles). Bought at the end of the 'season' with about 35% off list. Use this all the time and find it fine for trails, roads etc. Very pleased with it.
MsG Apr 2020 5:55pm, 29 Apr 2020 1,514 posts	Quote Pin MsG Same here Corah, I haven't accidentally unclipped either, but over time I have 'settled' on a standard way of unclipping but after three fallings over when I was getting used to clips (started with one-way release) this was much safer for me. Falling over was unfortunately mostly painful apart from the time (early on) that I got gear changing wrong going uphill after a downhill and gracefully toppled onto a verge. As usual, it's finding the solution that suits you that's the key! Um, it's interesting the variation in pedal prices, and the iterations of dual sided platform pedals. Some of the longer distance audaxers use touring pedals which are an odd shape but think they give more support to the foot.
Mandymoo Apr 2020 5:56pm, 29 Apr 2020 9,627 posts	Quote Pin Mandymoo Mine depends on my bike and what I am doing. Both my road bikes have cleat pedals and I find they are so much easier to cycle with.. I do wear the kit when on these bikes. My hybrid is for more gentle rides - if I go out with OH, grandkids or when on holiday and I use flat pedals on this and generally more normal clothes (but padded shorts)