Commuting pedals / shoes
 

I'll be picking up my 2007 Kona Jake the Snake on Tuesday. The bike comes with Shimano PD-M505 pedals which have SPD on one side and platforms on the other. Are these pedals any good, or should I replace them?

Having never used clipless pedals before, I'm confused about the shoes. Since I'm commuting, I'd like something that I can walk in without sounding like a drunken tap dancer. Should I be looking only at MTB shoes, or will something like these Adidas Triathalon http://www.parker-international.co.u...c-16bcff729672 shoes do?

The product information says, "Great value for money triathlon shoes built for speed in transitions and on the bike". That sounds like they might be suitable for running / walking.

I am sure those would be fine, but Adidas also makes some more "regular" looking shoes like these:

http://www.nashbar.com/nashbar_photo...um/YS-AEM3.gif
http://www.nashbar.com/profile.cfm?c...untain%20Shoes

I like the dual sided pedals a lot for commuting. Offers a great deal of diversity and the ability to sprint off from a red light, or start up at a hill without having to worry about getting clipped in.

definitely spd. also, when you show up at work, not hopping about on Look's reduces the number of insults.

most people never look down that far and can't seem to get past the spandex shorts/tights :)

Buy a pair of mtn bike spd's, those tri-shoes will suck to walk in.

If you're using clipless, go with mountain bike type pedals. It's easier to find shoes that:

1) You can walk in. Road-style shoes are really stiff, plus the cleats stick out too much.

2) Look "normal." As in, they don't look like bike shoes :D

MTN Bike shoes it is. Thanks for the replies.

Now, I was in the area and quickly perused the shoes at Duke's on Queen as well as at MEC. Not much of a selection at either. Anybody in Toronto know which shop has the best selection?

Huh -- I'd figure Duke's would be the place. After that, I'd try Urbane Cyclist (Queen and John), and then Bikes on Wheels in Kensington Market. Even if they don't have the shoes you want, they'll be able to point you in the right direction.

for non touring rides tho I favor looks. SPD's smaller cleat, it creates a hotter 'hot ' spot. I think caused by more friction over a smaller cleat surface. But, riding for days on Looks and their upraised cleat is just too much of an inconvenience . All that bunny walking.

Unlless you are a total uber-racer/trainer/roadie who walks from the kitchen to the garage, gets on the bike, goes 40 miles, and returns to same spot, never having stopped, then spd/mtb shoes are the way to go.

That "speed in transitions" phrase does NOT mean those shoes are for running or walking. It just refers to the fact that they have two velcro straps instead of the usual three, so they're quicker to get on and off. And if they're at all like most triathlon shoes, you'll want them off quickly. I think they make the shoes pain-inflicting to motivate you to finish the ride quickly.

My suggestion:
http://www.nashbar.com/nashbar_photos/medium/CN-RMM.gif
Cannondale Roam
These are my commuting shoes, and they're among most comfortable shoes I've ever owned, not limiting that to cycling shoes. They feel like a very supportive pair of trail running shoes. My job usually calls for dress shoes, but on the days it doesn't, I often just wear these all day.

Thanks for all of the comments and recommendations. GCRyder: The Roams look great and they're the right price. I didn't spot them at Dukes when I was there last, but they do list them as in stock. I may try them on tonight.

I find it funny that it is easier to find synthetic leather in a cycling shoe than in normal casual shoes. I really thought finding comfortable cycling shoes that did not contain leather would be difficult, but I'm pleasantly surprised :-)