Singlespeed & Fixed Gear - Retrofitz DIY clipless kit

Has anyone try any Retrofitz clipless shoes or use their clipless conversion kit? I'm asking because I have plenty of shoes that I can convert and want something more casual looking.

I haven't, but it seems like a cool idea given it's stiff enough.

Has anyone try any Retrofitz clipless shoes or use their clipless conversion kit? I'm asking because I have plenty of shoes that I can convert and want something more casual looking.

I can't imaging bolting that to a flimsy pair of street shoes is going to be stiff enough to be comfortable or effective, nor will it make walking comfortable. There are lots of better options.

http://antranik.org/the-practical-guide-to-casual-and-stylish-looking-clipless-shoes/

Systems like that make no sense. The shoe is too stiff and the cleat isnt recessed enough, so its not really walkable. Any street shoe cannot get tight enough, and the soles are too squishy to make it worth it.

There are lots of touring or spin class shoes that work great for something walkable, but stiff enough to be worth it.

Well I decided to build my own casual clipless shoes using a pair of old Converse Chucks high tops and stiff insole from a pair of mtb shoes. Got it done last night and went for a short ride, it performs like it should and walkable. I used spd cleats on them so the grind when walking on cement, might have to try CrankBros cleats and pedals as the cleats seems to be thinner. I'll post up some pictures of the shoes later tonight.

has anyone tried this before? http://djcatnap.com/?p=680

Seems like a very troublesome solution to a not very troublesome problem.

has anyone tried this before? http://djcatnap.com/?p=680

That's what I did, out at BDubs with my coworkers right now and trying to eat 210 wings. So far I'm at 31 wings, I feel like crap. I'll upload some pictures later if I'm feeling good.

Did you just food derail your own thread?


so meta.

That's what I did, out at BDubs with my coworkers right now and trying to eat 210 wings. So far I'm at 31 wings, I feel like crap. I'll upload some pictures later if I'm feeling good.

I tried that once in high school. I completely destroyed the bathroom of the place I was at. I think I had to throw my underwear away at some point on the ride home.


Did you just food derail your own thread?


so meta.

You said it.

I bought some cheap spd shoes from nashbar...destroyed the shoe and removed the plastic sole from it...then used hot glue (yes the hot glue gun) and put a bunch alllllll over the sole before putting it into my Vans Chukka Lows. Obviously I had already made the hole through both shoes to place the cleat and the glue held in amazing!
comfortable...yes!
cleat recessed enough to not hear but still clip in super easy...YES!
not dumb looking....YUP!


its been 2 years and they are still intact!

I can post pics if you want

I bought some cheap spd shoes from nashbar...destroyed the shoe and removed the plastic sole from it...then used hot glue (yes the hot glue gun) and put a bunch alllllll over the sole before putting it into my Vans Chukka Lows. Obviously I had already made the hole through both shoes to place the cleat and the glue held in amazing!
comfortable...yes!
cleat recessed enough to not hear but still clip in super easy...YES!
not dumb looking....YUP!


its been 2 years and they are still intact!

I can post pics if you want

Yes, post up some pictures if you can. I'm still debating if I should glue mine or leave them so I can switch between different shoes and still use the same insole.
http://i628.photobucket.com/albums/uu6/sbs_z31/Mobile%20Uploads/20121204_222810.jpg

Seems like a very troublesome solution to a not very troublesome problem.

That depends. I have freakishly wide feet and I have yet to find a cycling shoe, of ANY style, that actually fits. I'll be in NYC in a couple weeks, and see what I can find there (suggestions?), but, something DIY as above may be my best (only?) option. (I can find sneakers and loafers that fit, but cycling shoes? No way! :mad:)

I have about 1000km on Retrofitzed shoes. Mine are from DIY kits. If you choose the right shoe, that thing works perfectly. Simple to implement (but you need a brain to make that operation). It puts the stiffness right where it is needed most. Light and effective design. At the office you will forget that you are on SPD shoes.
I suggest to build your first setup from some old shoes. You will learn what to do, and you next setup will be better.