WesMorrison

I have a hybrid (Trek 7.3 FX, 700x32c tires.) I ride mostly on pavement in rural areas. I'm looking into getting clipless pedals and shoes.

Is it unkosher to put road pedals on a hybrid bike? I mean, it's called a hybrid because it has elements of both mountain bikes and road bikes. Would there be any valid reason to do this?

I like the idea of being able to pedal with "regular" shoes once in a while, so that would push me toward mountain bike pedals, but in reality I don't think I would ride in regular shoes that much, so it's probably not that important.

Are road/mountain shoes interchangeable with the opposite style pedals? Is there an issue with recessed/non-recessed cleats?

As far as shoes, I want recessed cleats so I can hop off the bike and walk easily. I'd like them to look like a regular walking or running shoe. Not huge treads like hiking boots. Not super-hard slippery like road shoes.

Any suggestions?

cporcelli

I have mtb clipless on mine and like that better even getting same style for me new road bike.
Just my 2 cents

ivegotabike

MTB lets you actualy walk, thats what i would use. I use MTB pedals on my road bikes as well.

Black Shuck

I have shimano m520 pedals on all my bikes except one, wich has the PD6500 road pedals that work just fine with normal spd cleats and mtb shoes. I like being able to walk in the mtb shoes, and for shorter trips i can use normal shoes just fine, taking a bit more care not to slip off the pedal.

powerglide

Sounds like you're a candidate from somethings like a Crank Bros Candie C, gives you four sided entry (vs most road pedals only one sided), wear recessed shoes, and platform for riding with normal shoes.

If you prefer shimano, they make SPD clip ons with external cages that you can use with reg shoes.

most people, from what I have heard, don't end up using regular shoes once they start with the clipless.

PS road shoes are not recessed, hard to walk alot on....I use Candies or BMW platforms on my Hybrid, and Look Keos on my road bike.

avmanansala

I started with stock Wellgo cages and promptly dumped them in favor of Shimano PD-M324 - the platform/SPD pedal. Never rode unclipped so I swapped them for Shimano PD-M520 mtn bike pedals. I like 'em.

Patriot

I would definitely stick with an MTB type of setup. Something like a Shimano M520 SPD type pedal (or similar), and some Lake casual shoes with a rigid mid-sole would probably serve you best. They are still plenty stiff to get a good efficent pedal stroke, if you so desire. Yet, they'll be nice and comfy to walk around town.

The nieat thing about the M520's, is they come with a platform pedal insert for regular shoes as well.

CommuterRun

I suggest mountain pedals and shoes. Just so you can walk around off the bike without having to either take your shoes off, or walk like a penguin.

WesMorrison

I bought Shimano M520's and Louis Garneau shoes today. Pretty "normal" looking shoe. Rode with them tonight. Didn't fall over!

WesMorrison

This morning was a good test. About 9 or 10 miles into a ride I got a...

SUDDEN, INSTANT, EXTREMELY PAINFUL CRAMP

in my left calf. I didn't forget! I unclipped my left leg and tried to ride it out pedaling with my right leg. No good. Unclipped and had to stand by the bike a couple minutes in agony waiting for my calf to relax! Aaagh!!!

Same thing happened with my right calf less than a mile from home. I still haven't fallen...YET.

soderbiker

i have had the "SIDI Blaze mtn bike shoe" for a few months now .at first they werent very comfortable but now they are perfect ..allow time for break in .
and the best thing is you can walk in them ( when needed )
Cheers T

roadiespinner

I use Sidi Dominator Mtn shoes with an SPD pedal. The cleats are recessed and the walking is easy.
I use road pedals but lots of folks use mtn pedals so that they can clip into both sides of the pedal, and not have to flip it.
Set the tension screw, on the pedal, at the lightest setting and you should have no trouble clipping in and out.