Mountain Biking - Cleats - walkability, versatility

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RJBIII
03-21-04, 03:03 PM
I want some cleats/pedals suitable for cross country trail riding, but also walkable for around town riding. Preferably, to not notice they are there when off the bike.

Time Alium pedals are $60 at Performance. Are these cleats good to walk around in or does that depend on the shoe? Should I look at SPD compatible instead?

I am trying to decide on pedals before considering shoes.

jhota
03-21-04, 04:28 PM
i've been using SPDs for years; "walkability" depends more on the shoe than the cleat. the more performance oriented the shoe is, the less comfortable and unobtrusive it'll be. i'd almost suggest getting a good set of pedals, and two pairs of shoes; one pair for trail riding, one for around town.

or you could get a pedal like the Crank Brothers Mallet (http://www.crankbrothers.com/products/pedals_mallet_c.php), with a large platform suitable for street shoes and a cleat retention system...
khuon
03-21-04, 08:09 PM
I have Time ATACs which I believe use the same cleats as the Aliums. They are as walkable as SPD cleats. But as you guessed, another big factour is your shoes. Get shoes with too stiff a sole such as with race oriented shoes and you may find that walking for a long time on them to be uncomfortable. That said, I wear Sidi Action SRS which are considered fairly race-oriented and have spent much time walking, hiking and even a short bit of running with them without discomfort. Also make sure you have a fairly recessed cleat-box and enough tread if you intend to do much walking with them.

RJBIII
03-22-04, 01:31 AM
So I am looking at either of these shoes to go with the Alium pedals:

http://www.specialized.com/SBCEqProduct.jsp?spid=5328&JServSessionIdroot=yo37n5gh89.j27004

http://www.pearlizumi.com/pearlizumi/site/catalog/product.aspx?iProductTypeSubID=24&iProductID=3600&iProductColorsTB=7191

Is recessed cleat capability available only on "recreational" shoes? I don't want to dance around on cleats.
khuon
03-22-04, 03:17 AM
Is recessed cleat capability available only on "recreational" shoes? I don't want to dance around on cleats.

Most mountain bike shoes have their cleat area recessed enough for walking/hiking.