Why should you consider upgrading your standard bike pedals to SPD pedals? This is the question I asked and answered myself quite recently!
I am a late comer to the joys of cycling and mountain biking! Being in my late 30's I was tempted at work with the launch of their cycle to work scheme.
Feeling like I should get a little more active, and that the 6 mile ride to work could be quite enjoyable (or at least an alternative to sitting in the same traffic queue day after day!), I visited my local Halfords store.
To cut a long story short, I purchased a GT Aggressor XC3, being mid price (£329) and had a good set of features (front suspension, hydraulic disc brakes etc).
This bike then ignited my new found passion and enthusiasm for getting on my bike and out of my car!
The more I rode the more I enjoyed it, the more it created a thirst for knowledge on how I can get more enjoyment and go further on my bike. So I researched online, at various bike related websites, forums and blogs.
Which then allowed me to decide to upgrade, selected components, to make my ride more enjoyable, or more efficient, or more effective, but most of all more enjoyable, but always on a cost-effective budget!
To date I have upgraded the following components...
• Pedals - to Shimano M424 SPD pedals
• Tyres - to Contential Travel Contact
• Seat - to Bodyfit Tourlite Gel
Additionally I have purchased....
• Cats Eye basic cycle computer for speed and distance
• Lights (front and rear)
• Saddle pack for basic essential storage (spare inner tube, multi-purpose tool and tyre levers)
The Shimano M424 pedal is a fantastic introduction to SPD pedals. Why did it appeal to me?
Well in short it was a versatile pedal, that gave me the option of riding 'clipped in' or not. This is due to the plastic resin 'cage' that surrounds the SPD cleat housing, that then allows it to become a standard 'platform' type pedal, as the SPD 'binding' is spring mounted so it allows it to be pushed flat into the resin 'cage' when you require.
Ideal for when you are wearing trainers, or if you (like me) are riding in a situation where you need the reassurance of not being 'clipped in' if and when you need to put your foot down.
I choose this model and make of pedal due to cost >£30, as well as the numerous positive on-line customer reviews, forum comments and personal recommendations from my local bike shop staff.
Very simple to fit, plus they look great on my bike, the black resin 'cage' matches and integrates neatly on my GT Aggressor X3.
Set up (adjusting the SPD binding) to your personal preference is again very straight forward. My pedals were fitted and being tested in under 15 minutes.
Now that I have committed to SPD pedals, I am an advocate. Clipping in and out of the bindings has become second nature and is almost an involuntary action, every time I come to halt I am already un-clipping myself by gently (but firmly) performing an outward movement of my foot away from the bike.
Additionally to clip in is just as straight forward, by just pressing your foot down on the pedal, the SPD cleat and binding meet and then engage with a little downward pressure
I am a late comer to the joys of cycling and mountain biking! Being in my late 30's I was tempted at work with the launch of their cycle to work scheme.
Feeling like I should get a little more active, and that the 6 mile ride to work could be quite enjoyable (or at least an alternative to sitting in the same traffic queue day after day!), I visited my local Halfords store.
To cut a long story short, I purchased a GT Aggressor XC3, being mid price (£329) and had a good set of features (front suspension, hydraulic disc brakes etc).
This bike then ignited my new found passion and enthusiasm for getting on my bike and out of my car!
The more I rode the more I enjoyed it, the more it created a thirst for knowledge on how I can get more enjoyment and go further on my bike. So I researched online, at various bike related websites, forums and blogs.
Which then allowed me to decide to upgrade, selected components, to make my ride more enjoyable, or more efficient, or more effective, but most of all more enjoyable, but always on a cost-effective budget!
To date I have upgraded the following components...
• Pedals - to Shimano M424 SPD pedals
• Tyres - to Contential Travel Contact
• Seat - to Bodyfit Tourlite Gel
Additionally I have purchased....
• Cats Eye basic cycle computer for speed and distance
• Lights (front and rear)
• Saddle pack for basic essential storage (spare inner tube, multi-purpose tool and tyre levers)
The Shimano M424 pedal is a fantastic introduction to SPD pedals. Why did it appeal to me?
Well in short it was a versatile pedal, that gave me the option of riding 'clipped in' or not. This is due to the plastic resin 'cage' that surrounds the SPD cleat housing, that then allows it to become a standard 'platform' type pedal, as the SPD 'binding' is spring mounted so it allows it to be pushed flat into the resin 'cage' when you require.
Ideal for when you are wearing trainers, or if you (like me) are riding in a situation where you need the reassurance of not being 'clipped in' if and when you need to put your foot down.
I choose this model and make of pedal due to cost >£30, as well as the numerous positive on-line customer reviews, forum comments and personal recommendations from my local bike shop staff.
Very simple to fit, plus they look great on my bike, the black resin 'cage' matches and integrates neatly on my GT Aggressor X3.
Set up (adjusting the SPD binding) to your personal preference is again very straight forward. My pedals were fitted and being tested in under 15 minutes.
Now that I have committed to SPD pedals, I am an advocate. Clipping in and out of the bindings has become second nature and is almost an involuntary action, every time I come to halt I am already un-clipping myself by gently (but firmly) performing an outward movement of my foot away from the bike.
Additionally to clip in is just as straight forward, by just pressing your foot down on the pedal, the SPD cleat and binding meet and then engage with a little downward pressure
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