Cyclocross - Pedals and shoes for cross bike?

What would you guys recommend for a Kona Jake for Pedals, the current pedals which are stock on my bike are squeaking, I think its the plastic on them, so I'm looking into getting some new pedals, I want to also get a set of MTB shoes, and im not even really sure on where to start, any help would be great, I have looked at prior post but really couldnt find what I was looking for. I'm looking into staying in the $100 range for the pedals, and $85 range for the shoes as well.

Thanks

Nashbar's got some shoe/pedal combo deals - Answer MTB shoes plus Eggbeater pedals for around 120 dollars.

If you plan to race cx, you'll be happier with either Time ATAC's or Eggbeaters. They are preferable to other systems because of their ability to shed mud, and their simple, low-maintenance design. I use Time ATAC Alium pedals. I think you can still get them for $60 at Pricepoint.com.

Again, if you plan to race, I would advise finding shoes with a minimum of three velcro straps, or something with adjustable buckles and velcro, or lace-up (which is rare). It's also essential that the shoes accept replaceable cleats. I'd avoid super-stiff soles, because they make running difficult. I use an old pair of lace-up Diadora Jalapenos w/ nylon soles, and two velcro straps. They're nice and flexible for running, and the lacing keeps them from slipping off in sticky mud. They also accept common soccer cleats, which are cheap and easily replaceable. I think the Geko replaced the Jalapenos awhile back. The shoes are pretty cheap -- under your $85 limit. Of course, the Sidi Dominators seem to be the benchmark standard for off-road shoes, but they're around $200.

Just my two cents...

pretty much everyone is going to say eggbeaters or time atacs for pedals. both for their mud shedding ability. i personally use some older time atacs.

as for shoes, it would also be worth trying to find a pair that accept studs in the toe as this will really help on muddy slopes.

For pedals, I'd go with some Crank Brothers Candy Cs. You can find amazing deals on them. My girlfriend just picked up some yellow ones from Performance for $49.

As for shoes, I'd check out some Pearl Izumi or Specialized shoes. I think they make some of the nicest stuff in the sub $100 range.

If you can stretch your budget for some Sidi Dominator shoes, you will not be dissapointed.

Good luck! =)

Any double sided clipless pedal will do. If all you can find are the Shimanos, then those are fine. If you end up with a pair of Candys or Eggbeaters, those are fine as well. I would reccomend the Shimanos from personal experience. They're all I've ever used, and I've had solid performance and maintanence from them.

As for shoes, any MTB-style shoe that accepts an SPD cleat will work. Best bet (this is where you don't do mail order) is to go to a bike shop, or a couple of bike shops, and try on shoes until you find a solid and comfortable pair. Every advertised shoe is the best shoe in the world, but at the bike shop, the best one is the one you feel most comfortable in.

I'm riding the Shimano SPD 747s (?) I started with a couple years ago. No problems ever except once they didn't release cleanly after getting packed with mud and bark chips. Not bad enough to crash me, but a moments, uh, concern. On not-quite-a-miff among thousands of perfect clip in/outs is fine with me.

The shoes are the ancient leather Duegi's I got on sale from Nashbar. They've broken in perfectly and fit nicer than most socks. Gotta pack them with newspaper when they get wet, but big deal. Ya get soaked and it means more work with any material. When it's time to replace them I'll be looking for a mesh upper to get more airflow and cool going.

Ron

despite their weight, I prefer down-hill style platform clipless pedals like the Crank Bros. Mallet (http://www.crankbrothers.com/mallet.php) simply because it gives me a larger place to land when re-mounting. I'm kinda clumsy that way.

No question, egg beaters are great, BUT, if you're lazy like me and have store nearby . . . . . I like to jump on my bike and go grab a sandwich a couple of blocks away without having to go and put on my cycle shoes. The egg beaters chewed up the soles of my shoes. Plus they'll chew up your shins if you're not careful.

I bought some Time ATACs, but i'm having a hard time clicking into them. That may change with time. I'm also playing with the adjustment. But they do work better on the sandwhich runs.

just my .02. These are the kind of things that might only matter to me.

No question, egg beaters are great, BUT, if you're lazy like me and have store nearby . . . . . I like to jump on my bike and go grab a sandwich a couple of blocks away without having to go and put on my cycle shoes. The egg beaters chewed up the soles of my shoes. Plus they'll chew up your shins if you're not careful.


What kind of shoes are the eggbeaters "chewing up"? I would be really suprised if they did any more damage than an SPD/TIME. The eggbeater Candys have a small platform to help with foot stability, and they are similar in size to SPDs or TIMEs.

I use shimano pd-959's (around $100 on ebay) and lake mx165's ($100)... I like the lake shoes because they have lace ups and straps all in one. Fit well and are might comfy top.