I'm picking up my very first road bike in a couple weeks and am trying my best to research and get the best deals and equipment while staying financially responsible. I'm a newbie; I haven't regularly ridden a bike in about 20 years, and definitely not a clipless pedaled bike. I live in the city, and that's primarily where I'll be riding, though hopefully I'll be able to get out to the suburbs occasionally. My biking goals are really just about fitness. I don't have any aspirations of winning races or anything...just getting my in shape and enjoying the biking thrill I remember from childhood. I'd like to get the best components I can afford right now, so I don't have the itch to upgrade so soon.
I was originally planning on going with Shimano's
SH-R088 shoes and their
PD-A530 SPD Dual Platform Bike Pedal, as I think I'd like to be able to wear my sneakers from time to time, especially while learning how to shift properly, ride in traffic, etc. I am also toying with the possibility of getting the
SH-M088 mountain biking shoes as they would easier to walk on for times when I ride more casually.
Well, this morning, ChainLove had Shimano's
SH-R191 shoes on sale, which seem to be a lot better a shoe than the SH-R088s. They are currently sitting in my cart, so I have a little time to decide. This would require me to scrap the Dual Platform pedals and go with something like the 105s. I've read that the 105s would still sort of be big enough to use with sneakers, at least when it is dry outside.
I've read that sometimes SPD cleats give riders uncomfortable hot spots, but many seem to think they are easier to clip in and out of (I have no experience with either; not sure if that matters).
So, for a newbie, would you go:
1) SH-R088 + PD-A530
2) SH-M088 + PD-A530
3) SH-R191 + 105 SPD-SL pedal
I'm looking for a little advice. In picking out all of my new gear, this is the most unsure I've been, and would like some assistance. I apologize for what is probably yet another thread with the same issue; I did a search, but couldn't find much (perhaps I'm an idiot!). Thanks in advance.
EDIT: All three options would be about the same cost.