Since the start of training I had contemplated getting them clipless pedals on the bike, you know the ones where basically you couldnt use as a normal pedal and have to have metal cleats fitted under the shoe so you can "clip" in and not worry about your foot slipping off but also benefit from the upward stroke and be more efficient in the pedalling.
The downside is that its added expense on something I hadn't intend on making as I already have the renowned Shimano DX flat pedals with studs to grip the flat soled skate shoe that trials cyclists such as Chris Askrigg and Darren Berrecloth have (although they probably use different brands but you see what I'm getting at.
Anyway I took my bike last thursday to Buy a Bike in Charnock Richard (www.buyabikedirect.co.uk) as this is where I bought my bike from and they are literally around the corner from where I live, and also they have wierd opening times (check the times out on their website). The downside is that the service isn't cheap, well its not to me cos anything more than a fiver is expensive!
As I had taken the bike in on the Thursday before easter weekend I wouldnt be seeing it again until the week after and unfortunatley due to workload in the workshop it would be a week before I would see the bike again. Suffice to say it was a looong week without training whatsoever so I am not looking forward to getting back on the bike and getting sore quickly and back into shape.
I knew then when I went to pick up the bike it was time to move to clipless and the owner showed me a v nice pair of shoes made by Specialized, well they looked expensive so I was a bit worried as there was no price tag on them!
The ones I opted for are the Specialized Sport Mtb
Pedals on the other hand I was given these which are the Shimano M520 SPD
Next on my shopping list are cycling shorts and im not looking forward to them since they will make me look like a nonce!
