Long Distance Competition/Ultracycling, Randonneuring and Endurance Cycling - SPDs for LDC

My first and only clipless pedals are SPDs. I have the perhaps misguided idea that this system is slightly easier on my knees than the standard road pedals because of the additional float they allow. I am pretty satisfied with the pedals, but I would like to upgrade my shoes. I bought the Specialized Tahos, because I thought I might walk in them, but I don't, and they are heavy and flexible. I was wondering if anyone used SPD's and was happy with their shoes for LD.

Thanks

I have a old-ish pair of Shimano SH-MO 38's that I love, used them for 4 years and they're pretty good to walk in. Done a couple of tours and a few metric and imperial centuries in them without problems. Don't know if they make them anymore but the MO 40 look about the same.

I use SPDs for my brevets and have no problems with them. I know quite a few others as well.

I have an old pair of Dura Ace 7420 SPD's that I love. Absolutely my favorite pedal spd combo. I use Sidi Genius 5 shoes that I just got this summer. Prior to those I had a Pair of Sidi Genius 2's that are on their last legs. I bought a pair of Speedplay Zero's when I bought my new shoes but I just can't give up on the old 7410's. I may have to because it's getting really hard to find/replace the Shimano SH71 cleats. Anybody know after how long or when I should replace them? Anyone know where to get them? The ones I am using are over 6 years old. I would like to keep the pedals on my trainer this winter.

I use spd's with virtually no problems. Although I will switching to shimano's newer touring/road pedals that are for spd's. They have a bit more of a platform for better knee support.

another happy SPD user here - used to use speedplays, but they got uncomfortable on long days

I use SPD cleats, too. I'm interested in the new Shimano SPD touring shoes, after having seen spin guru mention them, and I checked 'em out on Shimano's site.

I use SPD cleats, too. I'm interested in the new Shimano SPD touring shoes, after having seen spin guru mention them, and I checked 'em out on Shimano's site.

Can you post a link? I have a pair of Shimano SPD touring shoes that I bought in 1984 and I love them for long days on the bike... but the colors are terrible. My brother won't even ride with me if I wear them! :D

Sidi Dominators are a perfect match for SPDs. They walk OK. They seem to last forever. They don't give me hot foot and they both climb and sprint well. They come in a wide range of sizes. They are expensive, but if you get the fit right, you won't need another pair for a couple of decades.

Sidi Dominators are a perfect match for SPDs. They walk OK. They seem to last forever. They don't give me hot foot and they both climb and sprint well. They come in a wide range of sizes. They are expensive, but if you get the fit right, you won't need another pair for a couple of decades.

I like the Dominators, but I'm leaning toward the Shimano Road Touring (http://bike.shimano.com/publish/content/global_cycle/en/us/index/products/shoes/road.html) shoes because they don't have the same aggressive lugged sole as most MTB shoes do, and they're a bit more "roadie" designed than the average "sneaker style" touring shoe.

The Road Touring shoes are in the drop menu on the right, in the link.

Check out on shimano's website under road/touring pedals the pd A530 pedals. They come highly recomended. One of my friends used them this year for the rocky moutain 1200 and loved them.