Switching from SPD-SL to Flat pedals for commuting?

Seaneh

Well lads.

Basically I currently have 105 SPD-SL pedals on my bike and they are grand but I'm moving to Dublin in a few weeks to go back to college (hurrah) and it's looking like I'll be commuting from the city centre to the Dun Laoghaire area.

I was thinking, seeing as I don't want to have to lug about a spare pair of shoes to change into when I get to college, of changing the pedals on my bike to a pair of normal flat pedals.

Is this just a daft idea seeing as I'd be losing a lot of power transfer efficiency for the sake of a little less to carry or would it be worth the hassle of one less think to pack into a pannier to switch from clipless to flats?

hueylewis

Why not meet in the middle and get some clips? I can't imagine worrying too much about power efficiency around commuting hours.

mp31

What about SPD pedals... shoes look like normal runners and the cleats are recessed so you can walk about without the slip sliding of SPD-SL shoes.

Darkglasses

I would never advise getting clips, worst of both worlds rather than best in my opinion. I'd get a comfy, casual pair of SPDs instead. The pedals and cleats are easily found secondhand, but shop carefully on the shoes.

68 lost souls

Thinking about moving from stock pedals with straps to spd for triathlon. One thing holding me back is similar to you that I don't want to carry around extra shoes on some journeys. Not sure but these might be worth looking at.

http://www.wiggle.co.uk/bbb-bpd-90-feetrest-spd-pedal-adaptors/

Any one got any ideas what they are like?

Squidgy Black

Nice set of mountain bike pedals and SPDs would do the job, won't look too out of place and will still be better than flats/clips.

gerrowadat

Maybe pick up something like these? : http://www.wiggle.co.uk/shimano-m324-combination-pedals/

Seaneh

mp31 wrote: »

What about SPD pedals... shoes look like normal runners and the cleats are recessed so you can walk about without the slip sliding of SPD-SL shoes.

SPD shoes aren't really all day shoes though, the are grand for poping in and out of a shop/cafe but you couldn't walk very far comfortably on them.

Limestone1

I have commuted with these bear traps for many years - iron grip, any sort of runners or soft sole shoes never slip

http://www.chainreactioncycles.com/ie/en/wellgo-bear-trap-platform-953-flat-pedals/rp-prod5207

Seaneh

gerrowadat wrote: »

Maybe pick up something like these? : http://www.wiggle.co.uk/shimano-m324-combination-pedals/

Could be an option as it would give me the option of using the "flat" with normal trainers for everyday/commuting and the SPD for when I want to do longer spins.

SomeFool

Seaneh wrote: »

SPD shoes aren't really all day shoes though, the are grand for poping in and out of a shop/cafe but you couldn't walk very far comfortably on them.

SPD shoes have come a long way lately, have a pair of these, really comfy!

zing

gerrowadat wrote: »

Maybe pick up something like these? : http://www.wiggle.co.uk/shimano-m324-combination-pedals/

Or these - http://www.wiggle.co.uk/shimano-a530-spd-single-sided-touring-pedals/ ? I've been using a set of these for commuting and like the flexibility they give.

petethedrummer

Seaneh wrote: »

Is this just a daft idea seeing as I'd be losing a lot of power transfer efficiency for the sake of a little less to carry or would it be worth the hassle of one less think to pack into a pannier to switch from clipless to flats?

If your current it takes 20mins37secs on clipless pedals would you be prepared to spend 20mins 42secs commuting on flat pedals. I dunno. A loss of multiples of whole seconds on a work commute is utter madness in my eyes.

You could buy an aero helmet and gain back the losses of going flat. Throw on a skinsuit if you have a meeting and need to be early.

Seaneh

petethedrummer wrote: »

If your current it takes 20mins37secs on clipless pedals would you be prepared to spend 20mins 42secs commuting on flat pedals. I dunno. A loss of multiples of whole seconds on a work commute is utter madness in my eyes.

You could buy an aero helmet and gain back the losses of going flat. Throw on a skinsuit if you have a meeting and need to be early.

Ah boards, where someone is always going to be a smartarse.


I was talking about the loss in the event of using the bike for weekend or evening spins as the idea of switching pedals between uses is a bit more effort than I'd like.

petethedrummer

Seaneh wrote: »

I was talking about the loss in the event of using the bike for weekend or evening spins as the idea of switching pedals between uses is a bit more effort than I'd like.

It's a balance of annoyances.

If you are going to cycle in normal shoes then it may rain and you'll need a spare set anyway. So I think whatever you do you're gonna need to have dry shoes for work/college. Either carry them with you or leave them at your destination.

See if you can get a locker. Most colleges should have them.