General Cycling Discussion - Shoes,....

Hey,

I was just wondering what are good shoesfor riding with cages? I was also wondering what pro cyclists in the pre clip era (RDV and EM in the like) had?

MEDIA

i can't help you with a specific model, but generally a "stiff-soled" shoe, which is also lightweight = what you're looking for.

if you're interested in doing the shoe/pedal efficiency bit, just go clipless. a set of pedals = 60$, shoes = 110$.

Get something like the Shimano MT20. It has a stiff sole and pretty flat tread, so getting in and out of the cages shouldn't be a problem. Then when you get sick of the cages you're halfway to clipless. :thumb:

Eddie Mercks rode with clips. I have no idea what happened before clips. I guess they had no system for foot retention.

If you mean before clipless (i.e., toeclips, but not ski-type bindings) I've probably still got some of those shoes laying around. They were light, stiff-soled, well ventilated and the soles had provision for bolting on a cleat that featured a simple slot that fit over the back edge of a platform pedal. In my view, they were much harder to get into and out of than clipless. One had to remember to loosen a strap just before stopping, then upon starting to bend over to cinch the strap on the fly.

Eddie Mercks rode with clips. I have no idea what happened before clips. I guess they had no system for foot retention.

Toe clips date back over 100 years per some photos I have seen of early competition bikes. Maybe not quite to the high wheeler period but not too much later than that.

Personally I find modern clipless much more convenient and I believe they are more efficient.

I have found old soccer shoes and trimmed the cleats down till they worked well with toeclips. Mess with leaving a bit to "hook" into the platform(not enough to interfere with a quick foot dab). Sometimes you can find them pretty cheap, cheaper than regular road shoes.
If you get a pair of clip compatable shoes that you want to use with toestraps then think about getting some with laces instead of velcro. velcro straps can hang up on a clip(learned that one the harder way).
Every once in a while I ride into town with sandals and toe clips. Thats 12 miles of some serious hills, and if I am not in a hurry its fine. Just did a 500 mile ride in some Payless Shoe source 20 dollar light sneakers. They look like they will outlast the tevas they replaced as touring shoes.

Every once in a while the Epay will throw up a vintage pair of metal cleated italian leather... never yet in my size.

I ride clips and clipless and there is much to be said for both. Generaly use some old lace up Shimanos with my clipless, laces look like real shoes. I have worn them with a tie and chinos for work stuff and no one noticed

Oh and i hav an 1890 sears and roebuck star track bicycle I am trying to restore that has toeclips on it. pretty sure that they are original