Years ago, I road-cycled with pre-clipless cleats on cycling shoes, and a strapped toe cage. I got T-boned by an elderly driver who actually hit me twice, because, after I got knocked down, I could not get unstrapped quickly. So, I was shy about moving to clipless.
On my Retrospec Amok, I've been riding old "bear trap" style MTB pedals with a plastic half-toe-cage, and after about 5,000 miles they began clicking so, as they are sealed-bearing, it was time to replace and I decided to go to these Shimano SPD pedals, with a pair of Tommasan walkable (recessed clip) shoes, that look like running shoes, with the SH56 multi-directional-release clips.
I elected for walkable shoes because almost all of my training rides include a stop for coffee, or to pick up milk at the grocery store, or to meet friends for breakfast ... and to spare my home's shiny terrazzo floors from contact with the metal cleat.
I ran both sides of both pedals down to the lowest resistance setting and then added three clicks of resistance to start.
Online advice is to practice getting into and out of both of these multiple times first. That is probably good advice, but I just put my left foot in and then released it to see how much effort was required. Then, I clipped back in and began riding.
I find that it is quicker and easier get into and out of these pedals than it was to do the same thing with my previous MTB pedals with the half toe cage. No flipping the pedal to find the right side, and no wiggling to orient the toe. All you have to do is slide the front of the cleat into the pedal and then step down with your heel until the pedal clicks, indicating that it has engaged the cleat.
I did have one unintentional release on my dominant side while pedaling hard into a corner, so added another click of resistance to all four adjusters after the ride. That was my only "con" in that first 20-mile ride. The "pros" included faster crank RPMs, higher speeds, a consistent one-gear step-up and the feeling that I am engaging a new muscle group (which is why I stopped at 20 miles -- I may be sore in the morning!). Getting off is a quick kickoff with the heels, one after the other, while coasting, Easy.
I wish that I had gone to these years ago.
| Brand | SHIMANO |
|---|---|
| Bike Type | Mountain Bike |
| Color | Black |
| Age Range (Description) | Adult |
| Material | Chromoly |
| Product Dimensions | 4.65"L x 4.09"W |
| Item Weight | 3.52 ounces |
| Style | Classic,riding |
| Thread Size | 4 |
| Item Package Dimensions L x W x H | 6.18 x 4.37 x 2.17 inches |
| Package Weight | 0.56 Kilograms |
| Item Dimensions LxWxH | 4.65 x 4.09 x 3.86 inches |
| Brand Name | SHIMANO |
| Model Name | FBA_PDM520L |
| Suggested Users | womens |
| Number of Items | 1 |
| Manufacturer | Shimano |
| Part Number | FBA_PDM520L |
| Model Year | 2018 |
| Included Components | Pedals |
| Size | 9/16" |
| Grip Material | Chromoly |
