jslopez

As I use my ride on the commute and I'm really not sure on how much better a road (vs. mtn) shoe would help my actual riding. I would like to know which road pedals are compatible with mtn bike spd type shoes. I know that Coombe pedal system is one of them but I was wondering if there are any other options out there.

Steelrider

I'll confess that I know little about mtb shoes other than that I know that they are, in general, less efficient than road shoes. However, don't underestimate how much of a difference there is even between different road shoes. When I went from Diadoras to Sidis (Genius 4's), I was amazed at how much more efficient power transfer I got out of the Sidis. It has helped all phases of cycling for me whether on flat or hill climbing.

Don't remember if you ever mentioned what kind of shoes you currently ride?

catatonic

Just use mountain pedals. My motobecane and my Trek both use "mountain" SPDs on their pedals. The Trek has some VP peics of junk, and the motobecane has Shimano M-505 pedals. Both work great, however I do need to get better shoes....I found the cheapo $30 shoes I use are flexing too much under load.

Just make sure your shoes are very stiff, and you are all good.

khuon

What I think you're looking for is basically pedals that use SPD 2-hole MTB-style cleats. Most MTB shoes have standardised on this cleat mounting bolt-pattern. However, this says nothing about the actual fit of the cleat itself as some cleats are bigger than others so some trimming of the lugs/tread of the shoe might be required to enlarge the cleat box to accept certain cleats regardless of the fact that they're SPD-compatible. Pedals that use SPD MTB-style cleats include the Shimano SPD and SPD-R (not SPD-SL) line of pedals, Bebop, Crank Brothers Quattro (uses Eggbeater core system) and most MTB pedals. Some popular pedals that although deemed "MTB" pedals are also found on many a roadbike include:

• Time ATACs
• Speedplay Frogs
• Crank Brothers Eggbeaters

jslopez

I use cheap Shimano M81 for the daily commute and Sidi bullets for weekend rides. I'll get a pair of Sidi Titan 2 road shoes soon so I'll be able to compare the stiffness differences between those shoes but I was wondering if road pedals will make that much fo a difference in the long run or is I should invest in a better seat (Fizik Arione vs. my stock) or maybe a pair of beater wheelset.

catatonic

only reason i continue to use the mountain shoes are the ones i have are concealed cleat, which is helpful for doing errands and such.

BTW, I think supergo has some road pedals that use regular SPD-type cleats.

hansraj

I was wondering if anyone ever used wellgo pedals as they are about 10 to 20 bucks cheeper than the shimano's? Are they good or what?

meb

The road pedals' mild edge is aerodynamic and weigth due it's smaller size. For commuting, the convenience of a mtb pedal should outweigh the road pedal. The stiffer sole road shoe is much more efficient pedalling than the mtb shoe, but you pay for that if you have any significant walk. Unless you have a lot of high speed commute with minimal stopping, I'd go with the mtb shoes and pedals. I'd go to road shoes before road pedals in a commute.

DieselDan

I confess. I use cheap Wellgo pedals on both my road bike and MTB, and I always wear MTB shoes (Specialized Rockhopper Comps). The Wellgo pedals have held up well after three years of use and have ever given me a bit of trouble.

slvoid

I have a pair of specialized MTB shoes with a carbon fiber sole. Just as stiff as road shoes.

Dchiefransom

Wellgo, and other brands are decent pedals, if you're not going to use them for pro racing. I've had problems with pedal "creak", that stopped when I got the "mud cleaning" type. Keep an eye out for sales, and get the two sided pedals. I have some Shimano 520s on one bike, and some Ritcheys that were on sale at Nashbar on the other. You don't look down for anything, just reach down with your foot and clip in. Beware of ending up behind people with one sided, more efficient "road" pedals at stops. Since you're quicker clipping in and getting going with the two sided MTB pedals, avoid running into them from behind when they take longer getting going.

jslopez

So I got a pair of Sidi Titan 2 road shoes yesterday. and tried them out and I must admit that I did notice it being stiffer than my Sidi Bullet mountian shoe. The best way to describe it when from a complete stop you start pedaling, there was a slight sense of the MTN shoe "sinking in" an exagerated exaple would be a sponge effect. on the road shoe it fet like I had a brink under my sole so there was a direct and solid pressure there.

That beind said :
1) It is WAAAAAAY easier to walk in mountain shoes, after the stiffer ride on the road shoes, I almost slipped on the tiles at the front of the office.
2) I need to remember that the whole shoe of the road pedals are smooth. I was trying to clip in with a bit too much force and the shoe slid and my jewels got a good wake up call
3) Seems a bit too east to clip in and out on these shoes. Maybe because hey were new? I have the pedals at a relatively high tension and I was surprised at how it seems to have less play to click out on these shoes.

Steelrider

What under the sole? Brick? If so, yeah, the power transfer really is much more immediate and efficient.

1) Get some Kool Kovers and carry them in your bag or pocket if you have to walk more than 10 steps.

3) Are you using different pedals than you had? My experience is that it gets easier over time, not harder, so might be concerned. Don't know anyone who has clipped out unintentionally, but have heard of it happening. Likely because their heels were all over the place and mistakenly applied too much lateral force.

jslopez

"What under the sole? Brick? If so, yeah, the power transfer really is much more immediate and efficient."
Yes under the sole. I didn't think it would be noticeable (between a good mtn and a road shoe) but lo and behold...

"1) Get some Kool Kovers and carry them in your bag or pocket if you have to walk more than 10 steps."
Noted.

"3) Are you using different pedals than you had? My experience is that it gets easier over time, not harder, so might be concerned. Don't know anyone who has clipped out unintentionally, but have heard of it happening. Likely because their heels were all over the place and mistakenly applied too much lateral force."

Same MTN SPD pedals. Not sure if the fact that the pedals and new cleats were lubed last night (which I do regularly anyways) but clipping out was too easy as compared to the MTN shoes. I'll adjust the tension a bit more tonight.

Steelrider

This is the likely culprit. Also, friends I have who have also made this transition commmented that the float is much more noticeable, likely because for whatever amount the sole comes in contact with the shoe, the road shoes are a much smoother surface - kind of like ice skating vs. feeling some resistance because of the bulkier rubber sole of the mtb shoe.