Road Cycling - Opinions on pedals and shoes (Shimano Ultegra) please...

Hey,

I'm buying my first set of clipless pedals and shoes.

Opinions on the following please?

Pedals (http://www.performancebike.com/shop/profile.cfm?SKU=16365&subcategory_ID=5245)

Shoes (http://www.performancebike.com/shop/profile.cfm?SKU=17894&subcategory_ID=2110)

So, what do you think? Can these shoes be comfortably walked around in when not on the bike? If not, could you please make a recommendation for a decent shoe (compatible with that pedal, of course) that could be?

Also, just a quick question: What are the advantages/disadvantages of the lollipop pedals as opposed to these bigger pedals? While I'm at the questions, what does SPD stand for?

Thanks!

Hey,

I'm buying my first set of clipless pedals and shoes.

Opinions on the following please?

Pedals (http://www.performancebike.com/shop/profile.cfm?SKU=16365&subcategory_ID=5245)

Shoes (http://www.performancebike.com/shop/profile.cfm?SKU=17894&subcategory_ID=2110)

So, what do you think? Can these shoes be comfortably walked around in when not on the bike? If not, could you please make a recommendation for a decent shoe (compatible with that pedal, of course) that could be?

Also, just a quick question: What are the advantages/disadvantages of the lollipop pedals as opposed to these bigger pedals? While I'm at the questions, what does SPD stand for?

Thanks!


excellent shoes and pedals....however you should try on as many shoes as possible in your price range to get the best fit.
1. not for walking around in....unless it's into and out of a coffee shop or from finishing a race back to the car.
2. Lollipop pedals (I think you mean Speedplay...) have the advantage of greater cornering clearance and a recessed cleat that doesn't wear out from walking like Shimano, Time, Look etc.
3. Shimano Pedalling Dynamics. Marketing wank-term.

The biggest concern that you should have is that you find shoes that fit perfectly. I wouldn't buy sneakers online let alone very costly bike shoes. I tried on many pairs of shoes before I found a pair of Carnacs (at 3X my original cost target) that fit perfectly. After that, just make sure your shoes can fit whatever cleats come with the pedals you want. Almost all road specific shoes will take all three cleat styles (SPD, SPD-R, and SPD-SL). Most mountain bike shoes obly take SPD cleats so if you really wanted those Ultegra pedals, you'd need adapters to use mountain bike shoes. BTW, I bought my Ultegra pedals off Ebay for about $100 shipped. The cleats have held up nicely during the 1000 miles they've been in use. I don't do much walking though.

I so completely agree... try on several pairs of shoes!

Pedals... almost as personal a decision.

I started with SPD (about 2000 miles). A very acceptable system. While some would argue that the hot spots are from my less expensive shoes, a larger cleat made a huge difference when I moved away from these small cleats...

I kinda like the look-alike pedals by performance except I kept popping out when I stood and really cranked. (put about 500 miles on 'em... never was all that happy)

I didn't like the Speedplay (lolipop) cuz there was way too much float for my non-tracking messed up knee. I didn't like the huge and expensive cleat. (put about 2 miles on 'em and was afraid of hurting my knees).

I'm now using the pedals you want -- Ultegras -- and so far love 'em (tho only ~150 miles on 'em). Very solid, stable, and consistent. I love the cleat, easy to walk around in. Been totally happy with 'em for the short time I've been using 'em.

I actually use the exact setup you are asking about. The shoes are absolutely great. The first time I tried them on, I instantly knew they were going to work for me. They are very comfortable, as well as light and stiff. The R151's are the first real road shoe I've ever owned and I love them. The ventilation is outstanding as well.

The pedals get no complaints either. I hadn't ridden clipless in over five years when I got my SL's, and to me these were a very good choice. The platform is big, for power transfer, and the engagement/disengagement is very positive and easy.

My one complaint is that they are only one sided, and they are rear-heavy, which is something I'm getting used to...but nevertheless, I could do without it.

I got my shoes for $140, and the pedals for $60 (with my bike purchase), so while the shoes are a bit pricey, I couldnt pass up such a screaming deal for the pedals. I think they would have been worth every penny had I paid full price for both.

eh, I like 'em rear heavy, makes clipping in even easier.

I've said the same thing about my women as well.

I was in the bike shop for abot two hours the other night trying on those exact shimano shoes and trying to decide between those and the Sidi Genius 4's. In the end, I chose the Sidi's. Both fit nicely, but the Sidi's were a little nicer and the lorica was a good feel. Also, what really sold me on the Sidi's was the buckle closure. It's so nice to be able to adjust it so easily while on the bike.. you just reach down and either push your bottom button to loosen one notch or pull the little lever to tighten them. I love that. The all-velcro on the Shimano's made them lose out. They were a nice shoe, however; but for the extra $40, I'd gladly buy the Sidi's.

eh, I like 'em rear heavy, makes clipping in even easier.

I've said the same thing about my women as well.


Heh....LOL!!

:D

I was in the bike shop for abot two hours the other night trying on those exact shimano shoes and trying to decide between those and the Sidi Genius 4's. In the end, I chose the Sidi's. Both fit nicely, but the Sidi's were a little nicer and the lorica was a good feel. Also, what really sold me on the Sidi's was the buckle closure. It's so nice to be able to adjust it so easily while on the bike.. you just reach down and either push your bottom button to loosen one notch or pull the little lever to tighten them. I love that. The all-velcro on the Shimano's made them lose out. They were a nice shoe, however; but for the extra $40, I'd gladly buy the Sidi's.


woooot!

Sidi > Shimano!!

:)

I thought SPD stood for Stupid Pedal Death? :D

You may want to consider Shimano Dura Ace pedals if you budget allows it. Campy Chorus pedals are also pretty good, I'm gonna get those for my bike.

I'm with bpohl, definitely try on a pair of Sidi Genius 4s. The micro-adjust buckle is great, and they will probably outlast the pedals (mine Genius 3s are going on 3 years).

In any case, shoes are the hardest fit to get right. Widths and sizes vary significantly, and fitting cycling shoes is something of an art in itself. Buy them from a shop with people who know what they're doing, and are more interested in fitting you than making a sale. It's well worth the additional cost (of buying from a shop) to get the advice and assistance of someone who knows what they're doing.

And, FWIW, Sidi is very conscientious about keeping lasts, fit and cleat placement consistant. So, the next set you buy, get the same size, put the cleats in the same place, and you're good to go.

Aside from being slightly lighter and possibly having better bearings (I don't know so I'm asking), what makes the Dura Ace pedals worth that much more? The Ultegra pedals are my first ever clipless pedals and I'm quite happy with them so I'd like to know how much better it can get.


You may want to consider Shimano Dura Ace pedals if you budget allows it. Campy Chorus pedals are also pretty good, I'm gonna get those for my bike.