Cyclocross - Shoes & Pedals

I always hear lots of suggestions on the bike but nothing on shoes and pedals. I can't imagine road shoes would be of any use for a serious cross racer. So, who's using what?

Tim

short answer: mountain bike shoes.

longer answer:
http://www.bikeforums.net/showthread.php?t=316255

edit: for pedals i like eggbeaters, but i hear real good things about time atacs.

Pedals - Vast majority of cross racers use either Crank Brother's eggbeaters or Time Atacs. It's split pretty evenly between the two. I use eggbeaters, personal preference.

Shoes - Yes, MTB shoes. Sidi Dominators are immensly popular. I hear that the Shimano MTB shoes are nice as well.

since i come from the MTB side, i use shimano spd pedals and really shimano basic shoes for max comfort, as i have had some soreness in my feet in wearing all kinds of shoes. It seems that the hardcore pedals are the eggbeaters and the sidi dominators ($$$$).

For what it is worth, i just bought the Candy pedals from crankbrothers. they have have the eggbeater core with a slight platform for unclipped in pedaling, say should you have an obstacle etc, steeps dismount etc. They seem to realease easier than the spd's and have some adjustability as well. Great product.

Time ATACs have a larger profile that suffice as platforms. I use mine on the street for riding fixed and they are great.

Shoes are entirely matter of what fits you the best.

I'm happy with my Specialized BG Comp shoes and Eggbeaters.

Mountain bike shoes are essential equipment -- preferably with removable cleats for traction. I use an old pair of Diadora Jalapenos, with laces, velcro straps and replaceable soccer cleats. They're a bit flexy, which makes them comfortable for running. I also use Time ATAC's (the cheaper Alium models). These pedals are popular because they offer good mud clearance and have dual-sided entry. Plus, there are very few parts to muck up. Eggbeaters are even better in this regard, as they offer four-sided entry.

Shimano PD-959's (they don't make them anymore I don't think). They're fantastic pedals.

Shoes I've been wearing Lake something or others for the past 2yrs. They do their job and are comfortable.

Thanks for all the replies. I am leaning towards Eggbeaters.


Tim

You'll want an off-road shoe that has a couple of threaded sockets for toe-spikes. These are essential for muddy run-ups.

I don't know fire sure, but most MTB shoes probably have acommodations for toe spikes.

Eggbeaters are probably the best bet for CX. I know ATACs use a similar retention mechanism, but I don't know if the spring tension is adjustable.

On Eggbeaters, cleat retention is not a function of spring tension-- like SPD pedals-- and are thus much easier to clip out while still being secure.