On Thu, 04 Nov 2004 08:24:57 -0500, Badger_South
wrote:

On Thu, 04 Nov 2004 13:05:39 GMT, "Peter Cole"
wrote:

"Badger_South" wrote

Think about it, though. You get an inexpensive pedal and an inexpensive
shoe and it might work for you, but for most newbies, I say get solid
middle-of-the-line shoes, be prepared to pay 50-80 bucks. You -do- get
what you pay for. You'll presumably be using these for 20-30 days per month
you want something that's durable, functional and comfortable. You go
cheap on the shoe and I'd wonder if you'd not regret that. You also want them
to look cool. Again, spending a lot of time in them.

On the pedals, don't get the very bottom of the line, go up one and get the
SPD M520. Solid performers and something that you're gonna be depending
to quite heavily.

Wellgo is a brand of Taiwanese pedals that is re-labeled by several brands
(Performance, Nashbar, Ritchey). Wellgo pedals are generally very good, and
half the price of Shimano equivalent. Wellgo "SPD-style" pedals come with a
variety of cleats. Some are interchangeable with Shimano, some not. I've
found that the pedals with the "98A" cleat usually are (both ways). I have
a few sets of "bottom-of-the-line" Shimano (515). I think I paid $32 last
year. They're fine, and considering they come with cleats (most pedals do),
which cost $20 separately, they were quite the deal. Perfectly good Wellgo
pedals are often sold as low as $20.

Road use is simple compared to off-road, anything that works well for MTB
is fine for the road, spending a little more for MTB pedals might be a good
idea, since the application is much more demanding.

Good to know, and if you're experienced at this, it's silly -not- to shop
for deals. (note I said 'for most newbies').

Just wanted the noobs to realize it's not that difficult to go to clipless,
find a shoe, and be happy, and that going 'inexpensive' had pitfalls. If
you're an experienced cyclist and you're taking your noob buddy in to get
shoes, and help with the selection, then sure, try some rebranded stuff.

I'm quite surprised, but shouldn't be, that I'm having absolutely zero
problems, no knee pain, nothing. Granted I've not taken this system on a
very long ride, and that may be when problems show up. I'm planning on
getting in a modest 30 miles or more this weekend on the flats to see how
things go, and then move up the distance.

But I'm loving them on the foothills! I'm getting so much power, I'm almost
skipping the back wheel when sprinting uphill and quickly accelerating.

-B

I'll go to the LBS, prepared with potential prices. I like the guys
and want to help keep them in business, so if it costs a bit more,
that's ok. They're there when I need them.