SPD Pedals: The Way To Go?

Let's talk about cycling. I've only been a 'blooded' cyclist for two years - my first tour was last summer, but its already evolving into bigger and bigger dreams. So big, in fact, that not two days ago, I bought my first pair of cycling shoes and pedals. Both were Shimano, and both were purchased from Bert's Bikes and Fitness in Tonawanda(outside of Buffalo), NY. The total cost was $140 or so, but I think the benefits - both already and in the future - will more than pay for themselves.

"Clipless" pedals are a pedal design which enable cyclists to attach their feet to the pedals in a hopefully non-lethal fashion. The pedals, which sort of snap onto the shoe, with an easy twisting motion out, are called "clipless" because they do not use toe-clips. Beginners into the ways of different pedals - including myself - are extremely confused by this terminology, since your feet clip into the pedals.

Putting that aside, there are two main types of clipless pedals. SPD and Look. SPD pedals are designed so that the shoes and their cleats(the attachment points) are a little more recessed, making walking in cycling shoes infinitely easier. SPD pedals were originally designed for mountain bikes, but now many road cyclists use them because of their ease, especially within touring and everyday function.

Look style cleats and pedals do not recess, and making walking harder(and tripping, easier). SPD are a newer style, and as far as I know, the more popular of the two. SPD pedals and cleats are the style that I now own. They are also popular with spinning classes.

So, following my mother's advice (never get the bottom priced item), I opted for a pair of $80(instead of $50) cycling shoes from Shimano. Just to make life difficult, most cycling shoes are offered in metric sizes (Damn you, rest of the world!). Shimano had a wonderful conversion system on the box which now proudly proclaims that my feet are size 7.8.

The pedals/cleats I purchased are the Shimano MD-520 (I believe!), cost me $55, and were relatively easily installed by my bicycle shop in under five minutes.

So why exactly do you want to attach your feet to the pedals? Easy: it increases effectiveness. And, serious injury aside, I suppose it does add some comedic value when you come to a complete stop while forgetting to unclip your feet, and then fall over, still attached to the bicycle. I've heard numbers of effectiveness increased between 30% and 80%. I'm not too sure which is the answer, but I do know that after the last few rides, I'm inclined to agree. Hills that made my legs burn before now do almost nothing.

Any foot attachment to pedals will increase effectiveness, because it prevents improper foot position, it increases fluid motion, it allows you to pull up as well as push down, and prevents foot slippage.

I'd highly, higly recommend the use of cycling shoes and SPD pedals/cleats as an addition to any cycling passion, as it makes the ride that much enjoyable.