General Cycling Discussion - bike sandals

I just bought a pair of SPD sandals (Shimano).

I must say that I really like them for several reasons:

1. They are much easier to take on and off (my other shoes have laces).

2. They are MUCH cooler (handy here in Hawaii).

3. They are more comfortable walking (the clip doesn't hit the hard ground but on my other shoes, they did).

4. Going on the beach, I have less concern about getting sand in them.

My first ride with them, I wore socks because I was concerned about having some edges constantly rubbing and causing irritation. Today, on the way home only, I didn't wear the socks. Felt great! But that will be a gradual process to make sure I don't get a sore.

There are at least two negatives, but I consider them minor compared to the benefits:

1. Unclipping takes a hair more effort since the sandal "gives" more than a shoe.

2. Since they "give" more, I'm sure they have greater mechanical loss when pedaling.

I do have some questions if there are other users out there.

1. The whole bottom section of the sandal is obviously impervious to water, but what about the rest of it? I don't know what the other parts are made of and wonder what would happen if they got wet in the rain or, giving an extreme example, if I misjudged a big wave at the beach at got drenched!

2. How well do they hold up compared to "solid" shoes?

Bob

Originally posted by TheRCF


1. The whole bottom section of the sandal is obviously impervious to water, but what about the rest of it? I don't know what the other parts are made of and wonder what would happen if they got wet in the rain or, giving an extreme example, if I misjudged a big wave at the beach at got drenched!

2. How well do they hold up compared to "solid" shoes?


I always wear mine if I think it might rain, because they dry out so fast with no apparent ill-effects. If it's chilly I wear coolmax socks too. I haven't tried this in the winter, though. I guess that's not a concern for you.

Mine are about two years old and have thousands and thousands of miles on them. I often wear them all day. They're still like new.

My SPD sandals are my most favorite item of cycling gear.

RichC

> I always wear mine if I think it might rain, because they dry out so fast with no apparent ill-effects. <

That's great. Wonder how they handle salt water!

> If it's chilly I wear coolmax socks too. I haven't tried this in the winter, though. I guess that's not a concern for you. <

Well, I've ridden in temperatures all the way down to 62 degrees! (grin)

I guess I might need to wear socks on those days. Actually, I will wear them sometimes until I know my foot isn't going to suffer from any rubbing action. Even if that is a problem at first, over time it should toughen up.

> Mine are about two years old and have thousands and thousands of miles on them. I often wear them all day. They're still like new. <

That's even better news. My original shoes are in good shape and I guess I've used them for something over 6000 miles. I can't say I wear them all day, but I do wear them more than what would normally be expected.

> My SPD sandals are my most favorite item of cycling gear. <

I'm already getting that feeling!

Bob

TheRCF,

The shimano sandals are very durable. You can ride through a soaking storm and the'll be dry in 30 minutes after. They are a popular choice amoung randonneuring cyclists so that says a lot about their durability and utility.

Dave

Nothing says "Fred" quite like SPD sandals. Wear-em on a 'bent and grow a beard, and you're there. Extra points if you have a handlebar radio tuned to NPR... :)

Originally posted by peloton
Nothing says "Fred" quite like SPD sandals. Wear-em on a 'bent and grow a beard, and you're there. Extra points if you have a handlebar radio tuned to NPR... :)

It's a good thing you smiled when you said that.

RichC

I know what you mean!

I really enjoy blowing by young twenty-something posers on their $3k wonderbikes on my commuter.

When you get passed by a guy in sandals, on a 30 lb beater with fenders, 37c tires, rack, lights, generator, and pannier full of clothes, you know you've been PASSED.

Dave

Originally posted by peloton
Nothing says "Fred" quite like SPD sandals. Wear-em on a 'bent and grow a beard, and you're there. Extra points if you have a handlebar radio tuned to NPR... :)

that may be the funniest thing i've read on here all week.. you just described every bent ride i've ever come in contact with :D

as fas as the SPD sandals go.... they look goofy.. but a few of the women I ride with love them, and would never be caught without them in the summer

Jeff

Just finished the Markleeville Death Ride wearing SPD sandels.
And riding a Bacchetta Ti Aero Bent.
This 'Fred' passed many younger riders.
I always ring my bell when passing.:beer:

I may regret this, but what is this reference to "Fred"?

Bob

Fred would be the equivalent to "Barney" or "Kook" in the surfing world... I'm guessing that if you live in Oahu... this may be somethign you might know a little about ;-)

Jeff

Originally posted by SipperPhoto
Fred would be the equivalent to "Barney" or "Kook" in the surfing world... I'm guessing that if you live in Oahu... this may be somethign you might know a little about ;-)

Jeff

Well, I've only lived here 19 months - and I not only don't surf, I can't even swim! But I wade real good! (grin)

Bob

hey,

are these the sandals you are talking about? Shimano SPD Sandals (http://bike.shimano.com/Footwear_Pedals/Footwear/componenttemplate.asp?partnumber=SH-SD60)

Also how much do you expect to pay for them? (please state which country's currency you are using so as I can convert it).

Another thing, anyone had any luck with Shimano PDA-515 Pedals? I have some lying around that I might start using instead of the Wellgo/Look pedal and cleats I have.

One last point, can you put SPD cleats on a SiDi shoe (currently has look cleats on it)

Thanks for any pointers.

Yeah, that's what I got. They cost $75 (U.S.)

I probably could have saved money online or something, but I do try to support dealers who have helped me.

Bob