Any point in getting a road bike without spd's ?

Wheely GR8

Hi ,I'm currently using a hybrid for 40k+ cycles few times a week. But I dont have any cycling clothing apart from an altura jacket.
Is it pointless getting a proper road bike without all the other gear?

Jawgap

I'd say go for it - you can transfer your existing pedals, they don't have to be SPDs.

If you are getting by with the kit you have at the moment, changing the bike shouldn't be an issue - if it's ok on the hybrid it'll be ok on any road bike.

smacl

For longer spins I'd be thinking padded shorts way before SPDs. Note you can pick up SPDs pretty cheap these days, e.g. <20 for M520s, and Aldi have had suitable shoes for these at a knock down price recently as well.

el Bastardo

No, but it's more enjoyable with better gear, particularly padded shorts and better saddles. In saying that, I don't bother with SPDs - My knees don't like them.

jinghong

I would reverse that purchase. Keep the hybrid, and get spds. You will get an instant 5-10% boost

Very hard to go back to regular pedals after using them. also it's hard to get a proper cadence discipline without them. You tend to grind at a lower cadence

Canis Lupus

Deffo go clipless. No going back after making the change.

How are you managing 40k spins without padded shorts? Your arse must be a mess afterwards :oD Cycling shorts whilst do look a bit silly make cycling much much more enjoyable, specially in hot weather.

Canis Lupus

Deffo go clipless. No going back after making the change.

How are you managing 40k spins without padded shorts? Your arse must be a mess afterwards :oD Cycling shorts whilst do look a bit silly make cycling much much more enjoyable, specially in hot weather.

Wheely GR8

I'm using the suspension saddle from my new bike for the moment. I don't even have a hemlet
Can't imagine what I'd look like in cycling shorts ,might end up looking like the only gay in the village :O

Jawgap

Wheely GR8 wrote: »

I'm using the suspension saddle from my new bike for the moment. I don't even have a hemlet
Can't imagine what I'd look like in cycling shorts ,might end up looking like the only gay in the village :O

Wheely GR8

Thanks for the replies ,I was on my phone in work earlier. Is there any half way cycle trouser thats not lycra ? I'm reluctant to get all dressed up like that as I'm 16 stone and 5'8''. I've lost 3 stone in the last couple of months ,but I still have some way to go.

Jawgap

Well done on the weight loss.

You could try these -

http://www.chainreactioncycles.com/Models.aspx?ModelID=9363

I have a pair and they're grand for knocking about in - plus you can clip a pair of padded lycra shorts into them allowing you to hide your gayness:)

Wheely GR8

Much obliged Jawgap :D

Will have to locate them in a shop in dublin as I'm not sure of my size anymore. Have to get a helmet aswell ,maybe even try spd's to see how I get on.

jinghong

fair play on getting the stones off btw.

Jawgap

I'd echo what everyone has said as regards clipless pedals - definitely the way to go.

You can also get touring pedals which have one side flat and a cleat on the other side.

Wheely GR8

I'll aim to try spd's on my hyrbrid first so ,it might help me decide a better road bike when the times come.

Thanks a million