Fifty Plus (50+) - Let's talk shoes and pedals...

As I search for my next bike, and vacillate between a Surley LHT or CrossCheck (or similar) or a nice mid-level (maybe carbon) road bike, I am also thinking about pedals and shoes.

I rode my Roubaix with a pair of pretty good Sidi MTB shoes (they no longer seem to make this specific model, but they are the kind with three velcro straps on top - I thought they were called Dominators but current Dominators have a buckle on top - mine were more like the Diablo without being high tops) on Shimano M520 clipless pedals. Although the shoes are a few years old, they remain in excellent condition. I no longer have the pedals but do have the cleats in the shoes.

The only complaint I had that might be shoe-related was that I got occasional hot spots. I don't know if that's pedal or shoe related (or both) or a fit issue, but I do remember having that problem.

My plan is to continue using these shoes and get another pair of M520s regardless of what bike I choose. This would keep expenses down. I no longer own the pedals.

That said, are there significant advantages to switching out to road bike shoes? And if I did that, what would you recommend? And what pedals? I really enjoyed the M520s, and they were my first clipless pedal.

I'll probably ride about 50-75 miles a week, in about four rides. I enjoyed the MTB shoes because I could walk in them easily.

What say you?

I had some hot spots after about 50 miles with Specialized BG MTB shoes. I switched to Shimano road shoes and the Hot spots went away. The next step was to bite the bullit and I bought some Specialized S works road shoes. Stiffest sole I could find and super light. But a bit more than I should have spent. I also switched to Speed Play Zero pedals and Cleats. However that won't save you any money. So back to the road shoes. If you don't walk around much they are worth it. If you do they may not be.

I use Sidi Dominators with the old style SPD pedal/cleat system. They work great for me with no hot foot issues.
Do some research on "hot foot". The answer may be to move the cleat forward or backward, but I can not remember which way. It worked for me.

You might try the Specialized BG foot beds. That relieved my hot foot with MTB shoes and A520's.

http://www.specialized.com/us/en/bc/SBCEqProduct.jsp?spid=57994

P2

Gary,
If you haven't got Joe Friel's Riding Past 50 book get it and read the chapters on shoes, cleats and pedals. Between the advice here and his recommendations you can get the shoes and hot spots sorted out. I followed his steps and have enjoyed the pain free feet, while riding, very much. Book has a good deal of fitting the bike and other aspects to make riding enjoyable for you. I am reading it again right now.

Bill

i do believe there are advantages to road shoes and cleats, but they don't matter if you want to be able to walk comfortably in the shoes you wear while riding. On my general purpose road bike I use Shimano SPD A520 pedals which provide more support to the sole of the shoe than any other MTB type pedal I've tried.

I have shimano M087 shoes and M324 pedals on my trainer. I got them just before christmas so I'm a noob. The shoes I like and the pedals are great while spinning and unclipping is no problem. It's clippin in that I struggle with. Do you guys just step into them or do you forcefuly bang them in? I don't want to damage them but when I've tried being more forceful it seems to work better. I have the tension about 1/3 of the way tight.

Are the 520's just a two sided 324 or is the latch different/better?

You are using Sidi Bullets, I believe.

The two things I did to improve their performance: put in Superfeet Green insoles, and switch from M520s to A520s. They feel great now.

Getting fancy road shoes for a LHT doesn't seem right, but if that's the way you want it...

I started off with Shimano M520 pedals on my Defy with Specialized BG Pro MTB shoes. The combination has been great for me and to this day, I have never had a hot spot. In fact, I think I'm the only person with M520 pedals on a Colnago (and yes, I'm being called names). The shoes I have are extremely rigid and to add to it, my fitter added shims in each shoe to get the proper angle of the foot inside the shoe, which stiffened them even more. I will agree that the correct cleat position is crucial for eliminating hot spots, so I would suggest working on that if hot spots are an issue. If you liked your M520 pedals before, I would stick with what works for you.

I have shimano M087 shoes and M324 pedals on my trainer. I got them just before christmas so I'm a noob. The shoes I like and the pedals are great while spinning and unclipping is no problem. It's clippin in that I struggle with. Do you guys just step into them or do you forcefuly bang them in? I don't want to damage them but when I've tried being more forceful it seems to work better. I have the tension about 1/3 of the way tight.

Are the 520's just a two sided 324 or is the latch different/better?

The pedals that you mentioned all use the same cleat and the M520/M530 pedal is a double sided version of those pedals. I'm not sure how you have the tension adjusted, but I have mine backed all the way out to the first setting (no tension on the cleats). I have never had any issue in premature releases while riding, so it shouldn't be an issue on a stationary bike. Another thing that you can do to make clipping in and out a bit easier with those pedals is to take a wire brush and brush the small curved areas of the retainer that holds the cleat in place. I do this every time I clean the bike and the cleats just slide in with no problems. It also makes it a lot easier to unclip.

Also, check out e-soles. They made a world of difference for my feet, which have always been a problem area (long, narrow, with high arches). One advantage of road shoes is that they are more adjustable than the two bolt MTB setup.

I would suggest "hot spots" are caused by shoes that are not wide enough. Unfortunately I think it is a hold over from Italian racing shoes of years ago. I bought what was adv as wide shoes, but was getting hot spots too. Then I loosened up the laces over the top of my instep, and the hot spot and pain went away. This was when I was using the SPD clip side of my pedals.

I just got a pair of Giro Privateers for my SS 29er MTB. I use the Giro Factor for my road bike with the SuperNatural Fit Kit no hot spots ever even on 6 hours rides.

Shoe SIZES are all over the place! Try them at a bike shop instead of ordering online. Just got a used mountain bike and the guy had size 14 shoes! I wear a 10.5 Wide . Long story/ short............THEY FIT!!

My shoes and pedals haven't been talking to oneanother lately... :(

I own the Louis Garneau Tri Speed Shoe that is compatible 2-hole MTB and 3-hole road. I want to use these indoors, but it doesn't seem to be compatible with an SPD clip. Is there an adapter to make it compatible with an SPD clip or is there a way to adjust the display?

Look into improving the insoles .. super feet insoles have a variety of arch profiles, blue/green etc.
go to the shoe shop and try in person.

I use old Sidi MTB shoes with Crank brothers pedals. on all my bikes. in my old age, don't want to put my foot down at a light and have my Look pedal slip out and take me down. with a type of Superfeet product called SOLE. they are heat moldable.

Shimano SPD's and a shoe you can walk in makes sense. The M520 is a popular pedal but there are a couple of road specific pedals that use the SPD cleat and are a bit more comfortable. The A520 is a one sided pedal and there is a longer platform around the cleat that does help to eliminate the Hot spot. The foot loading is spread over a larger area and this worked for me. The other one is the A530 and is SPD cleat on one side and a conventional Flat pedal on the other. Ideal if you use trainers and SPD shoes at various times- But they are not my favourite. Having got used to Being clipped in whenever I ride- I find I cannot ride unless my feet are fixed to the pedals.

I own the Louis Garneau Tri Speed Shoe that is compatible 2-hole MTB and 3-hole road. I want to use these indoors, but it doesn't seem to be compatible with an SPD clip. Is there an adapter to make it compatible with an SPD clip or is there a way to adjust the display?

?????

2-hole MTB is SPD.

"are there significant advantages to switching out to road bike shoes?"

There is one reason for road shoes, or roadies wouldn't bother with them. In a word, "Tradition!" It's similar to why some cyclists shave their legs - it's a bow to tradition, and it's an affirmation of commitment to the sport of cycling.

The first clipless road shoes looked about like they do today, kind of dorky. Except for mandatory Saturday and Sunday stops for a latte at Starbucks, roadies don't unclip, so walking isn't much of an issue. (I can remember waddling around a little in cleats that were attached to my shoes with thin, little nails that I carefully pounded into the shoe, back when everyone used toeclips. I remember it was imperative for city riding to remember to loosen the straps when coming to a stoplight.)

What it really boils down to is whether you are more interested in form or function. So if you want to fit in with people who are dedicated to riding road bikes, go for road shoes.

"I enjoyed the MTB shoes because I could walk in them easily." If that's more important than how you look, then go for MTB shoes. You aren't going to find a significant difference - other than walkability - between types of shoes.

Long ago I decided on mt. bike shoes for all my bikes, because I do like to get off my bike once in a while. And all my bikes sport Eggbeater pedals.

You are correct - that's what I'm wearing. Thank you for identifying them. I'll do some research on the A520s.


You are using Sidi Bullets, I believe.

The two things I did to improve their performance: put in Superfeet Green insoles, and switch from M520s to A520s. They feel great now.

Getting fancy road shoes for a LHT doesn't seem right, but if that's the way you want it...

"are there significant advantages to switching out to road bike shoes?"

There is one reason for road shoes, or roadies wouldn't bother with them. In a word, "Tradition!" It's similar to why some cyclists shave their legs - it's a bow to tradition, and it's an affirmation of commitment to the sport of cycling.

The first clipless road shoes looked about like they do today, kind of dorky. Except for mandatory Saturday and Sunday stops for a latte at Starbucks, roadies don't unclip, so walking isn't much of an issue. (I can remember waddling around a little in cleats that were attached to my shoes with thin, little nails that I carefully pounded into the shoe, back when everyone used toeclips. I remember it was imperative for city riding to remember to loosen the straps when coming to a stoplight.)

What it really boils down to is whether you are more interested in form or function. So if you want to fit in with people who are dedicated to riding road bikes, go for road shoes.

"I enjoyed the MTB shoes because I could walk in them easily." If that's more important than how you look, then go for MTB shoes. You aren't going to find a significant difference - other than walkability - between types of shoes.

Long ago I decided on mt. bike shoes for all my bikes, because I do like to get off my bike once in a while. And all my bikes sport Eggbeater pedals.

Tradition plays a part in cycling, but there is usually an underlying reason.

As far as function goes, it's one of the many "performance vs. comfort" decisions cyclists have to make. My road shoes are much lighter than my MTB shoes (as are the pedals), and they allow much greater adjustment of angle, and side to side, letting me get chainstay clearance for my large feet without adopting a poor angle. They are a pain to walk in, for sure. They also perform better once on the bike. It's not about looks: I'll wear the ugliest non-conformist shoes on the planet if they perform better for me.

"are there significant advantages to switching out to road bike shoes?"

There is one reason for road shoes, or roadies wouldn't bother with them. In a word, "Tradition!" It's similar to why some cyclists shave their legs - it's a bow to tradition, and it's an affirmation of commitment to the sport of cycling.

The first clipless road shoes looked about like they do today, kind of dorky. Except for mandatory Saturday and Sunday stops for a latte at Starbucks, roadies don't unclip, so walking isn't much of an issue. (I can remember waddling around a little in cleats that were attached to my shoes with thin, little nails that I carefully pounded into the shoe, back when everyone used toeclips. I remember it was imperative for city riding to remember to loosen the straps when coming to a stoplight.)

What it really boils down to is whether you are more interested in form or function. So if you want to fit in with people who are dedicated to riding road bikes, go for road shoes.

"I enjoyed the MTB shoes because I could walk in them easily." If that's more important than how you look, then go for MTB shoes. You aren't going to find a significant difference - other than walkability - between types of shoes.

Long ago I decided on mt. bike shoes for all my bikes, because I do like to get off my bike once in a while. And all my bikes sport Eggbeater pedals.

You are certainly entitled to your opinion, but you are making some incorrect assumptions about what motivates people with differing opinions.

After getting a new pair of mtn bike shoes I'm left wondering why they still make road shoes like they do. Why no heel? Doesn't make much sense to me. I may switch my road bike over to "mtn bike" pedals just so I can walk without killing myself.

After getting a new pair of mtn bike shoes I'm left wondering why they still make road shoes like they do. Why no heel? Doesn't make much sense to me. I may switch my road bike over to "mtn bike" pedals just so I can walk without killing myself.

Seriously... there is much that could be done to make road shoes more walkable without hampering performance. Not much, anyway. I'd take a few extra grams for something more walkable.

Are people really having that much trouble walking around at rest stops in road shoes? I don't really notice it anymore. With all the soft plastic pads they put on the heel and cleats nowadays, I haven't slipped while walking on store floors since some time in the 90s. I understand not wanting to walk around and do regular things in roads shoes/cleats, but for the things I do on the kinds of rides I take my bike with SPD-SL pedals on, I just do not have a problem walking around.

Are people really having that much trouble walking around at rest stops in road shoes? I don't really notice it anymore. With all the soft plastic pads they put on the heel and cleats nowadays, I haven't slipped while walking on store floors since some time in the 90s. I understand not wanting to walk around and do regular things in roads shoes/cleats, but for the things I do on the kinds of rides I take my bike with SPD-SL pedals on, I just do not have a problem walking around.
+1... Walking distance is minimal on the rides I go on and road shoes remind me of baseball spikes in the dugout or football cleats in the locker room... I kinda like that.

With SPDs you also have several sandal options -- especially good in hot weather and hot climates.

Yeah, Keen cycling sandals are all I have ever used. I was looking at road shoes last week, and even though they fit fine, they were no where near as comfortable as sandals. If you're racing or live in a cold climate then disregard.

Roger

It's been years since I've worn any bicycle specific footwear. I have MKS Lambda pedals on two of my bikes and usually wear trail running shoes with extra short laces. Teva sandals in the summer a lot. My feet feel good. As you might guess, I'm not racing.

Shimano sandals here (SPD clips). I love them, and only super cold will get me in my Shimano mtb shoes. I have several bikes with "campus" pedals that feature platform on one side and SPD on the other. On longer dedicated tours I usually swap in some M520's and have a set of A520s in case of hot spots.

I've worn nothing but sandals, Shimanos and Nashbar Ragsters, since moving to Florida.

I too rode Shimano MTB pedals and had developed a mortons neuroma on my right foot. My shop recomended road pedals as they have a platform that gives a little more support to the foot. When I told them I didn't want go through the additional expense of new shoes he suggested Shimano Deore XT pedals. Same clip as the 520's but with a platform for added support. He also moved my clips back so I was a little off the ball of my foot. Not as efficient pedaling wise, but relieved some of the pain. Now I also bought some new ski boots, and I got those with custom orthotic insoles. I had that shop also make me a set for my bike shoes, with a metatarsal pad added to the right foot. I think those orthotic insoles helped more with my foot pain riding than the new pedals did.

I love my Keen bike sandals w/ SPD cleats on Shimano double-sided MTB pedals.

I have ridden a few rides below 40F wearing them with heavy wool cycling socks and a PearlIzumi thermal toe cover between socks and sandals. The cleat cutout in the toe covers isn't noticeable with the heavy sock under it; and the sandal can be significantly loosened up to allow enough toe wiggle room. The solid rubber toe bumper cuts windflow very effectively. I also have worn a second pair of socks (soccer socks) instead of the toe covers to get additional protection for my lower leg under my tights. I believe I could wear a shoe cover between socks and shoes if I need additional cold weather protection. So far I've never had an issue with cold heels.

In the summer I wear thin cycling socks underneath. No hot spots. Longest day is 80 miles pedaling plus a few miles walking.

The type of riding I do involves many stopsigns/red lights on slick pavement, walking the bike over small rocks; stopping at restaurants or stores; the showers at work are 1/4 mile from my office where I keep my work shoes when I commute. They were perfect for RAGBRAI where you walk several blocks getting through each of the pass-thru towns on the route. The double-sided MTB pedals are very easy to clip in/out which is great when doing advocacy or community event rides with many novice riders packed together riding erratically at low speeds. There is enough traction on the Keens to take a few pedal strokes without clipping in.

They also dry very quickly if you get caught in the rain or end up wading (!) a low-water crossing.

YMMV. I have a high instep and a rigid foot and feel the most comfortable in sloppy loose shoes. The Keens are heavier than road shoes and the pedals are heavier than road pedals.

Shimano shoes with an RTxx designation are sort of a cross between road shoes and mtb shoes. They take SPD mtb cleats, but they don't have the lugged sole. For those overly concerned with tradition, you can't tell that you're not using "road" cleats. (ya know, when it comes right down to it, nobody really gives a xxx what cleats you're using.) I used the RT-80's in Paris-Brest-Paris. They came in very useful since you can end up doing quite a bit of walking at the controls. And the soles are stiff enough that you can pedal 1230 km in under 84 hours with no problems.

Luis

How about shoes that get noticed when you stop for pie

http://i34.photobucket.com/albums/d126/telehammer/CFM_pumps.jpg

I've been riding with Specialized MTB shoes and M520 pedals for years. I've ridden 100 miles in a day without any issues. I prefer this setup so I can walk easily and not ruin the cleats.

My first road bike with clipless pedals had Look pedals with a big red cleat. The red cleat on pavement was dangerous when starting uphill. The cleats also wore down from walking (which I tried to limit).

As I search for my next bike, and vacillate between a Surley LHT or CrossCheck (or similar) ......

To help you decide:

Last week I took my Surly LHT for a solo ride and stopped at the local bagel shop. When I arrived, there was one nice road bike leaning against the railing in front of the store. I parked my bike a few feet away, got my bagel, and went to a table outside to eat. As I was eating I noticed the bike roll by me so I looked up to greet the rider. She was a very fit-looking young female in full club kit and about 2% body fat. She said hi then said emphatically "You have an awesome bike", and kept going. Get it Gary -- it's a chick magnet!:thumb:

I own the Louis Garneau Tri Speed Shoe that is compatible 2-hole MTB and 3-hole road. I want to use these indoors, but it doesn't seem to be compatible with an SPD clip. Is there an adapter to make it compatible with an SPD clip or is there a way to adjust the display?
Shimano SH-SM85 Cleat Adapter Plate

Converts a 3 hole Look/SPD-SL fitment shoe into an SPD and SPD-R compatable shoe.
http://www.wiggle.co.uk/shimano-sh-sm85-cleat-adapter-plate/

My plan is to continue using these shoes and get another pair of M520s regardless of what bike I choose. This would keep expenses down. I no longer own the pedals.

That said, are there significant advantages to switching out to road bike shoes? And if I did that, what would you recommend? And what pedals? I really enjoyed the M520s, and they were my first clipless pedal.

I'll probably ride about 50-75 miles a week, in about four rides. I enjoyed the MTB shoes because I could walk in them easily.

What say you?
I say, stay with the SPD as they are more durable and by far the easiest to walk around in. If getting off your bike and taking a walk around and getting back on or having a lot of stops are part of your normal bike rides then hands down the SPD is better.

The road shoes / pedals offer a larger platform for you shoe than a SPD and will generally be lighter in total. However, there is no getting around the fact they are not designed off bike activity.


Good luck

I get around OK with SPD-SL cleats. I don't think I'd care to tackle a walking tour of a historic district in them, but for the kind of walking around that one does during a normal road ride, they're fine.