First set of clipless and disc wheelset

[Jordan M.]

I'm looking to get rid of my straps and get some clipless. I saw the wellgo wam m-3 and sette enduro shoes for $59.99 on pricepoint.com, But I was kinda skeptical because the pedals got bad reviews on mtbr.com

http://www.pricepoint.com/images/styleImages/D_285%20SETEN4%20KIT.jpg

I was also looking at getting the SHIMANO DEORE™ DISC SUN DS-2 WHEELSET from jensonusa.com for $89

Please comment!

[waitabit]

As far as the shoe's go I would buy those from a LBS, you have to try shoe's on 1st, if you have to send them back, that's time without your shoe's.

[syntaxjunkie]

For pedals, I've tried Shimano SPDs but settled on Times. I have them on all three of my bikes now (2 mountain, 1 road). They come in about three different styles now (various platform sizes), but they're all very stable, easy to get into and out of, and don't tend to get mudbogged.

As far as shoes go, I'd echo the recommendation that you try and buy from an LBS. Sizes are all over the place among brands, so there's so substitute for fitting your foot in person. I'd also say spend a little more for a shoe that'll last for years--it'll take a long time to wear a pair out, so pick something you'll be happy in.

[bigwheel]

I agree with buying your shoes from a brick-and-mortar store. However, in my case, I went to 3 different LBSs, but none of them carried wide shoes. So, I ended up going the internet route.

If you need them in a hurry, one trick is to buy the same shoe in a couple different sizes, then keep the one that fits and send back the others. You will have to pay extra in shipping, but you will have them sooner and know that you got the right size.

[Buck]

I've heard awesome things about egg beaters from...is it crank brothers??? I run flats myself but occasionally break out the clipless, if I were to buy a new set I would go with the egg beater, I think they are simply the best, and are super durable!

As for shoes, all of them have good points, I would definitely try before you but though! I have a pair from 99 that is still runnin strong!
L8R
Buck

[tedsti]

I will second the egg beater vote. Based on the price of what you are looking at, they may be out of your range though. There is also the do it right the first time moto.

For shoes, if you aren't planning on winter riding just order what you think is close. You have all winter to exchange if necessary.

Ted

[thebionicman]

I have the Time Atacs right now. But I think the next time around I am going to go with the Egg Beaters. You can't beat the design on them. Plus if you ride with booties in the cold they are a lot easier to clip in with, versus the platform on the Time Atacs.

[ryno lite]

I think both the Times and Eggbeaters are great. I've ridden both a ton. I am currently riding eggbeaters and probably will stick with them. I'd give the Time's a close second. SPD technology has never impressed me. I like a pedal that works even if I get mud on my shoes!

[jeffgude]

Time pedals are great, spds are fine and can be a little cheaper (M520s $49.) Don't go with the wellgo unless you're absolutely strapped for cash. Don't buy shoes online. This time of year you should be able to find some closeouts at a local shop, depends on your shoe size & you really need to be able to try them on.

[jitterjepp]

As far as the shoe's go I would buy those from a LBS, you have to try shoe's on 1st, if you have to send them back, that's time without your shoe's.
My buddy bought shoes online from Nashbar and they didn't even have the plates inside. With the deal he thought he got and shipping it was actually more than he would have paid at a LBS. I pretty much get everything from LBS shops now. I did get a pair of Nashbar clipless peddles a few years ago that seemed ok but I like the Time peddles a lot more. It so much easier to get the shoes in, they have more play and when you wipe out the bike doesnt stick to you so much.

[soupboy]

...for shoes different brands/styles are significantly different in the same "size" - i.e. a 46 from Sidi may fit very different than a 46 from PI. Buy from the LBS if they fit you up. Once you figure out your brand/sizing the next pair you buy can be had cheaper online.

Pedals: While Times are great (I've got 2 extra pair - I'll let them go for a good price), I now run the CB Mallet Cs on my MTBs (SS and FS) and the Candies on my roadie. Nice pedals. I wouldn't run the classic eggbeater on a SS - the total lack of any type of platform being my issue. I killed the bearings on one set of CBs that they quickly warrantied and sent replacements for. That said, my Times never failed me. As for compatibility with winter shoes, or any shoe for that matter, all you usually need to do is use the cleat spacers provided with the pedals to get better clearance.

You can pick up classic Eggbeaters for $59 or less brand new online. I paid $59 for my Mallet Cs - Erik's wanted >$100.

Sean

[bradpartyka]

I have egg beaters and they are great. You can clip in on 4 sides. I got a shoe and pedal combo off of Pricepoint.

You do need to find your size because they run funny. I wear a size 11 shoe, but my bike shoes are 13. Strange!!!

If I was buying new clipless I may try the new egg beaters that are part platform looking. I can't recall the name. The one reason I would try those is sometimes I jump on my bike to go around the neighborhood with my daughter and don't always want to put my shoes on.

Oh and it sucks to learn to go clipless. Crash!!!!!!!!!!!!! :crazy2:

But, once you've gone you will never go back!!!

And screw the brick and mortar stores... they charge too much!!!

Pricepoint, ebay and http://www.cambriabike.com/ ROCKS!!!!!!!!!!!
Best prices on the net!!!

[rowland]

i love my lbs. they are always helpful, and even run a tab for me when i need something small. when that tab comes due, the prices are right inline with the online!

i think it is in everyones best intrest to build a relationship with a local shop, it'll be worth your while in the long run. if you can't afford the 1 or 2% difference in price once you factor in shipping, you could build a relationship with wal-mart.

the best deals i've had have always been with my lbs.

i've removed some prices i had listed, it showed poor judgement to discuss deals i've been given. sorry.

[BrightYellow]

Which shop is that? Sounds like a winner!

-D

[rowland]

if you're a loyal customer that knows all the guys by name, that could be just about any shop in town.

those were not advertised prices, just deals i've recieved over the past few years:)

[berrywise]

if you're a loyal customer that knows all the guys by name, that could be just about any shop in town.

those were not advertised prices, just deals i've recieved over the past few years:)
I'd keep your shop you go to on the down low :D since I couldn't even match those prices and I've worked at shops.

I think if a shop really wanted to try to compete pricewise with mail order pricing they either won't be able to or they have to become a mail order place like Speadgoat.com

Your LBS just needs to keep cranking out those 200-500 dollar family bikes, selling lot's of accessories. That's where the best mark ups are. Trying to be a small high end shop is a tough order, if you can do all the more power to you...but I think that this has been a well played out conversation.

[jjrsds]

I have been using Time Aliums and they are great. They tend to be heavy (415g) but you can clip in and out easy (like when you are falling). I have 2 pairs of Sun DS-2 rims with XT hubs and DT spokes (disc). They are a machine built wheel but with a little tweaking (need to have them trued before riding and after a few miles) they seem to hold up great for XC and they weigh around 1900g. They are pretty inexpensive and can be had for around 119.00 dollars at this link.




http://www.greenfishsports.com/index.asp?PageAction=VIEWPROD&ProdID=570