Pedals

hi everyone. i have just bought my first fixed, but it is coming without pedals. can you collectively advise on the best way to go.... bit paranoid at the prospect of being totally strapped in. what are my options?
cheers

Strapping in is no problem man, you get used to it lickety split.

i'd say use spds or something similar until you're used to it, in my opinion its generally safer as its really easy to unclip and you can adjust tightness according to preference.

time/shimano/eggbeater spd's

I rode around with clipless pedals for a while but recently wacked on toe clips on my spare bike so i can just get on and off it without changing shoes at either end. it feels just as secure so now i;m a convert and have them on both bikes. go with toe clips

I have ridden with clips and spd clipless. I would definately go for clipless, spd's are double-sided so it is effortless to get in and out.

SPDs for sure. Cheap and effective.
Others like Time ATACs but I've never used them so can't comment.

It has been said by Lord Sheldon Brown that riding a fixed gear bike without clips or straps is an advanced technique.

not as advanced as riding without pedals

Buckle up!

http://www.sheldonbrown.com/fixed.html#pedals

"The most important characteristic to look for in choosing pedals for a fixed-gear bike is good ground clearance. You should also choose pedals that are easy to get in and out of, because both operations are somewhat complicated by the fact that the pedals will be in motion.

Generally, I recommend using whatever pedal/shoe system you are most used to. Getting used to fixed gear riding is challenge enough without also trying to get used to a new pedal system at the same time!

When I used to use toe-clips and straps, I fit two toe straps to each pedal, partly because they help keep my feet in better alignment (since I don't use cleats) and partly for safety. Toe straps can get highly stressed on a fixed-gear bicycle, and if they break, unpleasant consequences may ensue.

Sometimes, novice fixed-gear riders will try to use plain pedals with no form of retention system. I strongly advise against this. Riding fixed with plain pedals is an advanced fixed gear skill, only recommended for experienced fixed-gear riders."

thanks, especially for the sheldon link (was just there myself). I was unclear in my original post - by not wanting to be 'strapped in' I meant the whole shoes/cleats combo. Too many shoes, too expensive, and they just wouldn't fit in with the vintage/retro look of the bike itself.

Wouldn't dream of going with naked pedals - I may be wet behind the ears, but I ain't stooopid.

So, some sort of pedals/toe-clips/straps arrangement is in order. Plastic vs metal for clips? and the straps?

Thanks again

Strap doesn't really matter. Metal clips are better than plastic.

I'm a total clipless convert, so if you want to buy my old ones, private message me and we do business.

how's it like lpg? i'm considering switching camps as well...

A revelation! Not so much being attached to the pedals, you can pretty much the same thing with clips n straps, but it's more the fact that the shoe has a much stiffer sole. Acceleration feels a lot nicer.

It also depends on how you ride. If you don't really ride for speed, then straps are better simply b/c you can wear any shoes. They're better for 'utility' cycling.

i just got a pair of MKS Sylvan Road pedals with Toeclips and leather straps for cheap on Ebay. they look alright.

But i've never ridden clipless and mostly just ride to the pub and stuff where you want to wear normal shoes.

i mean the look alright as i haven't yet put them on my bicycle.