DIY Casual Cycling Shoes With SPD Cleats?
09-03-14, 10:10 PM
#1
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DIY Casual Cycling Shoes With SPD Cleats?
I am interested if anyone has made DIY casual SPD cycling shoes. Using, for example, the Retrofitz insert ( retrofitz makes any shoe a cycling shoe - urban cycling shoes | images | retrofitz ) or other solutions?
How did you do it? How did you hollow out the sole? Were the soles stiff enough? Pictures?
I'm interested in making some SPD compatible Converse, or retro Adidas, for my son.
How did you do it? How did you hollow out the sole? Were the soles stiff enough? Pictures?
I'm interested in making some SPD compatible Converse, or retro Adidas, for my son.
09-03-14, 11:53 PM
#2
Senior Member
Never did it, but they have a tab for DIY, and I just decided that's too many moneys for parts (note the items marked "Not Included" to want to buy the kit and jeopardize a nice, new pair of shoes. Read and visualize following their instructions before buying. As for shoes that they work with, there are clues under the "Purchase tab".
Interesting idea, but not for Nermal.
Interesting idea, but not for Nermal.
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Some people are like a Slinky ... not really good for anything, but you still can't help but smile when you shove them down the stairs.
09-04-14, 10:44 AM
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interesting idea
but doesn't seem to be so well executed
for one
all the pictures seem to indicate the cleat mounting plate sticks out by 3/8"
which will seriously detract from their comfort
i would think
and
most street shoes have little or no stiffness
so the heel will be flopping around while the ball of the foot stays fixed
further
vans and cons are the ideal shoes
to use with bmx style platforms
in fact
I would go as far as to say
that there would be very little benefit to converting a pair of cons
over using a pair of unmodified cons on the right pedal
but doesn't seem to be so well executed
for one
all the pictures seem to indicate the cleat mounting plate sticks out by 3/8"
which will seriously detract from their comfort
i would think
and
most street shoes have little or no stiffness
so the heel will be flopping around while the ball of the foot stays fixed
further
vans and cons are the ideal shoes
to use with bmx style platforms
in fact
I would go as far as to say
that there would be very little benefit to converting a pair of cons
over using a pair of unmodified cons on the right pedal
09-04-14, 01:13 PM
#4
Banned
You First .. Go For it.. since it's your your idea .. doesn't look like they would be comfortable walking then , So still need a second pair of shoes
(I just change the pedals, my Time Aluminum ones use the same 15mm pedal wrench as most other pedals )
Just buy Spud shoes and call it good enough. IMO.. the Chucks can stay in the locker and he can change shoes there,
(I just change the pedals, my Time Aluminum ones use the same 15mm pedal wrench as most other pedals )
Just buy Spud shoes and call it good enough. IMO.. the Chucks can stay in the locker and he can change shoes there,
09-04-14, 02:12 PM
#6
Banned
Winwood deckster, now thru QBP Problem Solvers will let you leave the shoes as is
add a pair of wide straps from the fixie set, to them and have the retention thing going too ..
he can unclip them to not get stolen from the bike rack, either..
originals were cut out of aluminum diamond tread deck plate.. that us still a DIY possibility .
add a pair of wide straps from the fixie set, to them and have the retention thing going too ..
he can unclip them to not get stolen from the bike rack, either..
originals were cut out of aluminum diamond tread deck plate.. that us still a DIY possibility .
09-04-14, 02:18 PM
#7
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Thanks for the thoughts. I'm not sure how we'll go. He is using the pedals that are SPD on one side and a cage on the other. He's used to riding with SPDs, positive retention, pulling back, etc. But waddling around high school with bike shoes isn't very cool . . .
09-04-14, 02:23 PM
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09-04-14, 02:28 PM
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For a few bucks, you could get something like these: Specialized Tahoe Cycling Shoes w SPD Cleats Size 43 | eBay
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09-04-14, 02:38 PM
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I took a beat up pair of bike shoes that didn't fit well and removed the soles then cut out holes in a pair of normal shoes I like and put the bike shoe soles in those. Works great and I can put them in any shoes I want.
09-09-14, 08:15 PM
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I am interested if anyone has made DIY casual SPD cycling shoes. Using, for example, the Retrofitz insert ( retrofitz makes any shoe a cycling shoe - urban cycling shoes | images | retrofitz ) or other solutions?
How did you do it? How did you hollow out the sole? Were the soles stiff enough? Pictures?
I'm interested in making some SPD compatible Converse, or retro Adidas, for my son.
How did you do it? How did you hollow out the sole? Were the soles stiff enough? Pictures?
I'm interested in making some SPD compatible Converse, or retro Adidas, for my son.
09-09-14, 09:51 PM
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09-13-14, 06:43 PM
#13
Every day a winding road
You First .. Go For it.. since it's your your idea .. doesn't look like they would be comfortable walking then , So still need a second pair of shoes
(I just change the pedals, my Time Aluminum ones use the same 15mm pedal wrench as most other pedals )
Just buy Spud shoes and call it good enough. IMO.. the Chucks can stay in the locker and he can change shoes there,
(I just change the pedals, my Time Aluminum ones use the same 15mm pedal wrench as most other pedals )
Just buy Spud shoes and call it good enough. IMO.. the Chucks can stay in the locker and he can change shoes there,
This attachment throws that idea out the window. A REALLY poor design IMHO. Just not worth it no matter how much you save.
I can only imagine how uncomfortable they would be on bike too. With a standard flexible sole and that tiny point of contact. Plus no telling how long your shoe is going to last with these things.
09-13-14, 06:45 PM
#14
Every day a winding road
Toe clips are a pain in the butt. I had them long before clipless was around. From time to time your shoe would get snagged. I don't think I have ever been not able to unclip.
09-14-14, 01:36 PM
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I am interested if anyone has made DIY casual SPD cycling shoes. Using, for example, the Retrofitz insert ( retrofitz makes any shoe a cycling shoe - urban cycling shoes | images | retrofitz ) or other solutions?
How did you do it? How did you hollow out the sole? Were the soles stiff enough? Pictures?
How did you do it? How did you hollow out the sole? Were the soles stiff enough? Pictures?
THIS is , without a doubt, THE single most stupid idea dreamed up by morons!!
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My preferred bicycle brand is.......WORKSMAN CYCLES
I dislike clipless pedals on any city bike since I feel they are unsafe.
Originally Posted by krazygluon
Steel: nearly a thousand years of metallurgical development
Aluminum: barely a hundred, which one would you rather have under your butt at 30mph?
My preferred bicycle brand is.......WORKSMAN CYCLES
I dislike clipless pedals on any city bike since I feel they are unsafe.
Originally Posted by krazygluon
Steel: nearly a thousand years of metallurgical development
Aluminum: barely a hundred, which one would you rather have under your butt at 30mph?
09-14-14, 01:47 PM
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I think the idea is cool, but the execution isn't so great.
09-26-14, 02:45 PM
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I have an old pair of Nashbar SPD sandals that are worn out. I'm thinking of having a cobbler put the soles on a pair of shoes.
I like the idea of the retrofitz, but I agree that the protrusion is a deal-breaker. You might as well be using Look cleats, which are downright hazardous to walk in.
I like the idea of the retrofitz, but I agree that the protrusion is a deal-breaker. You might as well be using Look cleats, which are downright hazardous to walk in.
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Tom Reingold, tom@noglider.com
New York City and High Falls, NY
Blogs: The Experienced Cyclist; noglider's ride blog
“When man invented the bicycle he reached the peak of his attainments.” — Elizabeth West, US author
Please email me rather than PM'ing me. Thanks.
09-26-14, 03:01 PM
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Keen Austin FTW
