Breadpudding

I'm getting closer to getting my new bike. Right now I'm looking at getting a Specialized Allez. I've ridden the Giant Defy 1 and didn't really like it. Still need to go ride the Cannondale Synapse. I looked at some shoes at my LBS and can't decide between road or mtb shoes. I like the idea of being able to get off the bike and walk around with the MTB shoes but I think in the long run the road shoes with road pedals would work better as I really don't see myself getting off and walking around or going shopping on long rides anyway.

So my question is mainly what pedals/shoes would you suggest for a newbie like me, MTB or road? I've also noticed there is an extreme difference between the type of pedals and clips that you need... I wasn't aware of that until I talked with someone at the bike shop.

Joe Dog

Both road and MTB work just fine - it's a matter personal preference in my book. I happen to like the versatility of MTB shoes and use them because I do get off and walk around now and then (like from the parking ramp to the office). If you want to be a roady and won't be walking around, get road shoes; if you are a commuter/recreational rider, I'd go with MTB shoes. My prediction is eventually, all shoes will have recessed cleats like MTB shoes, for what it's worth.

mattchuck2

I'm a newb too, and I went with these:



And these:



They're working fine (and are very easy to clip into and out of for someone who never did that kind of thing before). The only thing that I wish I did was buy some shoes with a little stiffer sole and straps instead of laces for ease of adjustment. That's probably my next purchase.

Breadpudding

Your first image got rexxed mattchuck2, the 2nd ones... meh not my style. They look overly much like hiking boots to me.

mattchuck2

That's why I liked them initially . . . Still kind of like them for casual rides where I'm off the bike for a long time.

mhrebin

i just made the switch to clipless and i went with the Shimano R076 shoe and the SPD R540 pedal (i believe the model is). they were having a sale on shimano stuff at REI and they have been working great so far. The shoes are comfortable and the pedals are easy to get used to. no complaints.

https://www.rei.com/product/783240

https://www.rei.com/product/710073