Road Cycling - Pedals and shoes revisited

I've read almost every thread there is here about pedals and shoes and read a ton of reviews over at mtbr and roadbikereview, but am still not quite sure what to do (information overload!).

I want to make the switch to clipless. I ride a road bike now (after riding a mtb bike with toe clips) but I mostly use it for everyday use, ride to work and riding for fun, not a hardcore racer or anything like that. Since I get off my bike a lot, I want to go with MTB shoes and pedals so I can walk around and into work, etc.

Since I'm a beginner and also because I can't afford to spend a lot of money, I'm looking for something relatively decent (or used if I can get/find it) which would be good for someone learning clipless and would love to hear suggestions as to what sort of pedal (mostly) I should go for.

Thanks!

If you're looking for MTB pedals/shoes, you might want to look at the Time ATAC Alium (http://www.timesportusa.com/aliumdata.html) pedals. You can get them for about $60-$70. They're easy to get in and out of, and I find that, of all the MTB pedals I've tried [Shimano, Ritchey, Look, Wellgo... and others] they feel the most solid and feel the most like road pedals.

I have Time Aliums on my MTB and Time ATAC Composites [they cost @ $100] on my cyclocross bike.

As for shoes... well, every foot is different. My only advice is to hie the to a bike shop to try some on.

I was in the same boat about two years ago. Once I got past the style hype - mountain bike shoes on a road bike!?; and myths - the little mountain bike cleats cause hotspots on your feet!; and my own philosophical leanings - Sh... on my Campa equipped bike???, I opted for Northwave with SPD.

They are easier to walk on; hotspots might occur, but not on properly designed shoes (think about it); and the one I bought looks a lot like a road shoe after all. :p

In my case, I also put SPD pedals on my city bike, and use Shimano sandals in the warmer weather - great combination.

My overall experience is that I never think about my feet because they are so comfortable I forget about them. And I am now uncomfortable when I have to use the flat, normal shoe side of my city bike pedals.

Now may be a good time to get a deal on shoes, as the 2002 models are coming.

Good luck!

Cheers...Gary

I've been using a pair of Shimano MTB shoes (SH-M037). They have rubber treads with a recessed SPD cleat. You can walk easily without the cleat constantly clicking on floors or pavement. In addition, the sole is more flexible than the typical road shoe. Perhaps a little less efficient power transfer, but for commuting purposes that might be a better option.
Another option is the old-fashioned platform pedal. You lose the energy transfer on the leg upstroke, but you have more freedom in choosing your footwear.

Thanks all of you for your input, much appreciated. I'm still debating, but I will agree with spending a little more for pedals, since I've always believed in the idea that if you go quality the first time, you'll spend less on upgrades/replacing cheaper stuff.

I like the idea of the Time's as a wider pedals certainly. Willl look more into it..

Thanks again!

I'm using Specialised MTB compshoes on spd pedals, and have about 600 miles on them Very comfy on the bike, and I can walk in them, but as they are so rigid, not for far.