r/irishbicycling • u/Stephen465 • Jan 15 '26

Help buying clipless pedals & shoes

I've been getting into cycling more and thinking about upgrading to clipless pedals but I'm trying to understand all the components that are needed. I thought it was as easy as buying the pedals and buying the shoes and I'm done.

I'm using these as examples but also potentionally buy these ones but happy to take recommendations

Pedals - https://www.decathlon.ie/p/998588462-296152-rs500-spd-sl-road-bike-pedals.html

Shoes - https://www.decathlon.ie/p/328616-123303-road-cycling-shoes-road-100-black.html

With the pedals do I also need to buy a clip that I screw onto the pedals? Then in turn, buy an additional clip for the shoes that's compatble with the pedal clips? I guess the pedal and shoe are bare and you can switch out the clips depending on preference?

Thanks in advance

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u/Wawoooo Jan 16 '26

Perhaps think what kind of system you want first; SPD (mountain bike style) or SPD-SL (road cycling). I personally prefer SPD on my road bike as they tend to be easier to walk in as most MTB style shoes have recessed cleats. Just something to consider.

FYI; the Van Rysel shoes in your link will take both pedal types.

You will only need to buy the shoes and pedals to have everything you need. Pedals will usually come with cleats to screw into the shoes.

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u/Stephen465 Jan 19 '26

Thanks for letting me know about the shoes taking both types. Ended up going with SPD for ease of use and arriving Thursday. See you on the road

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u/RomfordWellington Jan 16 '26

Yes the clip that you're referring to is the cleat. It's not a complete rule but generally when you buy pedals they will come with cleats. This is the case with Shimano anyway. Shoes on the other hand don't come with cleats.

The cleats are a wearing item and will probably wear faster than the shoes but the good news is they're not that expensive.

If you opt for Shimano, you'll probably start off with the yellow cleats, these will be easier for you to start off using as you will be able to release your foot quicker from the pedal. As you gain more experience, you can try out better levels of "fix".