SPDs or SPD SLs
 

Hi Everyone,

I don't actually commute yet but I am in the process of getting my stuff together to do so. It's going to be ~30K each eay but I can make it shorter. So I am gradually increasing my mileage and confidence while I get some gear together including racks and what not.

I'm going to be doing it on a road bike. I bought this bike second hand and it came with SPD SLs (road pedals) with cleats and shoes that don't fit me. I replaced them with Shimano 647s (mountain bike pedal with outer) and MTB shoes because I like the idea of being able to walk around easier and have the option of using non-cycling shoes with them.

Some months on, I am actually getting around to using them and the shoes look like they are starting to fall apart and I am taking them back for a warranty replacement. I am finding that I don't think I would really consider riding the bike without clipless pedals and shoes, as it's just so much more efficient.

So finally my question is, if I get replacement shoes, should I stick with the MTB shoes, or see if I can switch to road shoes and switch the pedals on the bike?

I run SPDs on my commuter (Shimano A520s) and have mountain shoes (walkable) and road shoes (not so walkable) that are set up with SPD cleats. There are road shoes that will take 2 hole cleats (I use Pearl Izumi Vagabond) if you want to go that way. I also like the SPD SLs and run them on my road bike but the SPDs work better for commuting IMHO.

I like spd's on my commuter with double sided mtb pedals. I want to be able to run errands, shop, post office, etc and still be able to walk around like a normal human being.

Spd-sl on my road bike. When I wont be clipping in/out freq in traffic and I wont be walking much.

MTB shoes (SPDs) are walkable, road shoes (SPD-SL) are pretty much not.

Also, in my experience SPDs are easier to unclip from in an emergency situation. But SPD-SLs provide a much better pedalling platform, especially for longer rides.

I rock/run/roll Crank bros eggbeaters on my Cross Check. Sometimes I want to have pedals that are two sided for street shoes, but the eggbeaters look so clean and simple.

Go with SPD's. That's my vote. :D

Crank bros during winter commute and on mountain bike for me. SPD-SL on road bike and for wormer days commute. I ride mostly trails on my commute and have to unclip only maybe 2 dozens times during my 20+ miles each way

The assumption that MTB-style shoes are more walkable than road-style shoes isn't always correct. I started off with Shimano MT31, and they suck. I still use them as my winter shoes, as they fit loosely enough for wool socks. But my new shoes, Shimano M076, are awesome. And even though they look much more road-like, they are much more walkable.

OK, I'm jealous :(

A.

Those are both MTB shoes. Road shoes would have the cleat completely below the sole. Some MTB shoes will be more walkable than others but they will all beat a road shoe with a fully exposed cleat.