Pedals and shoes revisited
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Frankly, Mr. Shankly
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Pedals and shoes revisited
I've read almost every thread there is here about pedals and shoes and read a ton of reviews over at mtbr and roadbikereview, but am still not quite sure what to do (information overload!).
I want to make the switch to clipless. I ride a road bike now (after riding a mtb bike with toe clips) but I mostly use it for everyday use, ride to work and riding for fun, not a hardcore racer or anything like that. Since I get off my bike a lot, I want to go with MTB shoes and pedals so I can walk around and into work, etc.
Since I'm a beginner and also because I can't afford to spend a lot of money, I'm looking for something relatively decent (or used if I can get/find it) which would be good for someone learning clipless and would love to hear suggestions as to what sort of pedal (mostly) I should go for.
Thanks!
I want to make the switch to clipless. I ride a road bike now (after riding a mtb bike with toe clips) but I mostly use it for everyday use, ride to work and riding for fun, not a hardcore racer or anything like that. Since I get off my bike a lot, I want to go with MTB shoes and pedals so I can walk around and into work, etc.
Since I'm a beginner and also because I can't afford to spend a lot of money, I'm looking for something relatively decent (or used if I can get/find it) which would be good for someone learning clipless and would love to hear suggestions as to what sort of pedal (mostly) I should go for.
Thanks!
#2
human
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If you're looking for MTB pedals/shoes, you might want to look at the Time ATAC Alium pedals. You can get them for about $60-$70. They're easy to get in and out of, and I find that, of all the MTB pedals I've tried [Shimano, Ritchey, Look, Wellgo... and others] they feel the most solid and feel the most like road pedals.
I have Time Aliums on my MTB and Time ATAC Composites [they cost @ $100] on my cyclocross bike.
As for shoes... well, every foot is different. My only advice is to hie the to a bike shop to try some on.
I have Time Aliums on my MTB and Time ATAC Composites [they cost @ $100] on my cyclocross bike.
As for shoes... well, every foot is different. My only advice is to hie the to a bike shop to try some on.
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when walking, just walk. when sitting, just sit. when riding, just ride. above all, don't wobble.
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Cycling irregularly since 2002
when walking, just walk. when sitting, just sit. when riding, just ride. above all, don't wobble.
The Irregular Cycling Club of Montreal
Cycling irregularly since 2002
#3
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I was in the same boat about two years ago. Once I got past the style hype - mountain bike shoes on a road bike!?; and myths - the little mountain bike cleats cause hotspots on your feet!; and my own philosophical leanings - Sh... on my Campa equipped bike???, I opted for Northwave with SPD.
They are easier to walk on; hotspots might occur, but not on properly designed shoes (think about it); and the one I bought looks a lot like a road shoe after all.
In my case, I also put SPD pedals on my city bike, and use Shimano sandals in the warmer weather - great combination.
My overall experience is that I never think about my feet because they are so comfortable I forget about them. And I am now uncomfortable when I have to use the flat, normal shoe side of my city bike pedals.
Now may be a good time to get a deal on shoes, as the 2002 models are coming.
Good luck!
Cheers...Gary
They are easier to walk on; hotspots might occur, but not on properly designed shoes (think about it); and the one I bought looks a lot like a road shoe after all.
In my case, I also put SPD pedals on my city bike, and use Shimano sandals in the warmer weather - great combination.
My overall experience is that I never think about my feet because they are so comfortable I forget about them. And I am now uncomfortable when I have to use the flat, normal shoe side of my city bike pedals.
Now may be a good time to get a deal on shoes, as the 2002 models are coming.
Good luck!
Cheers...Gary
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I've been using a pair of Shimano MTB shoes (SH-M037). They have rubber treads with a recessed SPD cleat. You can walk easily without the cleat constantly clicking on floors or pavement. In addition, the sole is more flexible than the typical road shoe. Perhaps a little less efficient power transfer, but for commuting purposes that might be a better option.
Another option is the old-fashioned platform pedal. You lose the energy transfer on the leg upstroke, but you have more freedom in choosing your footwear.
Another option is the old-fashioned platform pedal. You lose the energy transfer on the leg upstroke, but you have more freedom in choosing your footwear.
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Frankly, Mr. Shankly
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Thanks all of you for your input, much appreciated. I'm still debating, but I will agree with spending a little more for pedals, since I've always believed in the idea that if you go quality the first time, you'll spend less on upgrades/replacing cheaper stuff.
I like the idea of the Time's as a wider pedals certainly. Willl look more into it..
Thanks again!
I like the idea of the Time's as a wider pedals certainly. Willl look more into it..
Thanks again!
#6
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I'm using Specialised MTB compshoes on spd pedals, and have about 600 miles on them Very comfy on the bike, and I can walk in them, but as they are so rigid, not for far.
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1985 Sandy Gilchrist-Colin Laing built 531c Audax/fast tourer.
1964 Flying Scot Continental (531)
1995 Cinelli Supercorsa (Columbus SLX)
1980s Holdsworth Mistral fixed (531)
2005 Dahon Speed 6 (folder)
(YES I LIKE STEEL)
2008 Viking Saratoga tandem
2008 Micmo Sirocco Hybrid (aluminium!)
2012 BTwin Rockrider 8.1
plus je vois les hommes, plus j'admire les chiens
1985 Sandy Gilchrist-Colin Laing built 531c Audax/fast tourer.
1964 Flying Scot Continental (531)
1995 Cinelli Supercorsa (Columbus SLX)
1980s Holdsworth Mistral fixed (531)
2005 Dahon Speed 6 (folder)
(YES I LIKE STEEL)
2008 Viking Saratoga tandem
2008 Micmo Sirocco Hybrid (aluminium!)
2012 BTwin Rockrider 8.1