Road Cycling - Newbie, Clipless, Help!

Hi, I’m new here, actually I’m new anywhere (AKA Newbie). So about six weeks ago I borrowed a road bike from my best friend that his brother gave him, it’s been collecting dust for a couple years. His brother is a real cyclist like you guys and gals are, he bought one of those bikes that cost more then my car, I guess that’s not saying much about my car.

I started riding this Canondale everyday and I’ve been fighting the urge to go buy anything serious until I knew for sure I was hooked. I got some minor things, a new helmet, riding shorts (Lifesavers!!!) and a few little things. It’s been five weeks now, I’ve only missed two days, I’m up two 17 miles a day and I can’t wait until it’s time to get up at 5:30am and hit the road. I got to be hook. Right?

I’m considering clipless pedals, which mean shoes and cleats too $$$. I live in Huntington Beach, CA (Surf City USA) and I ride the beach road but sometimes you have to get off and walk a bit. Sometimes in the afternoons I like going to the beach and locking up the bike and walking. Is there shoes that you can use with clipless but still walk in? Should I get mountain bike shoes? Or am I stuck with buying clip on, strap in pedals?

Any advise would be greatly appreciated, thanks.

u can get shimano SPD sandals

If you don't want the sandals I would definately get mtb shoes. The treads make it so the cleat doesn't touch the ground and make funny noises when you walk.

It also depends which pedals you are going to get. I think LOOK and Speedplay X-3/X-2 have the biggest cleats and they won't fit on the mtb shoes.

G'day,

get Shimano SPD's with mountain bike shoes. The cleat is small enough to be recessed into the sole of the shoes, so will make walking easier than with 'traditional' road shoes,

cheers,

Hitchy

Is there shoes that you can use with clipless but still walk in? Should I get mountain bike shoes? Or am I stuck with buying clip on, strap in pedals?
I wear mtn bike shoes when commuting for the sole purpose of being able to walk "normally" and quietly when I get to work. The cleats are recessed in the sole of the shoe. I have Shimano SPD two-sided pedals (M535) and Lake MX100 shoes. They look kind of like regular sneakers so I won't get the "look" at work. I get the "look" anyway cause I'm wearing cycling shorts and jersey. ;)

Totatly agree with the SPD and mountain shoes, I have put the SDP pedals on both my road bike and mountain bike and like the fact I can walk normanly in these shoes.

Thanks for the suggestions. It looks like Shimino SPD Pedals, MTB shoes and falling are all in my near future! :D

Cannondale makes some really nice casual shoes that can take a cleat too.