What would you do
 

I recently joined a new gym in my area. They have spinning classes available, and I will probably do 3-5 classes a week...not to help with my cycling, but to help with the cardio. We have all new bikes (about 20 or so) with SPD pedals installed. Also, we have about 6 older bikes with look pedals. I ride Dura-Ace pedals on my Orbea, so my current shoes will not work on either bike. My options would be:

1) ride in tennis shoes (least desirable)
2) buy new shoes and have SPD cleats
3) buy new shoes and have Look cleats
4) Buy new shoes and switch my SPD-SL cleats to the new ones and put either SPD or Look on the old ones...

Also, if I get some SPD cleats, are there specific shoes that you can install those on? I mean, most shoes can accomodate Look and SPD-SL, correct?

Thanks,
mscycler

#4 works well.
Here's your chance to upgrade and increase functionality.

The other option is to take your own pedals and a wrench.
Who has time to do that 3- 5x per week?

Yeah, the pedal thing is obviously the cheapest route, but I don't know...I sure don't want to take my pedal wrench and a set of pedals up there every time I want to spin.

I am leaning toward upgrading my shoes...my current ones are the first ones I bought and have about 1200 miles on them (shimano something or other...cheap (like $79))...

Just have to pass this off to the boss at home...

mscycler

If you want some hand me downs I've got a pair of Nashbar Shadow shoes that will fit both of those cleat designs. They would probably be ideal for a spin class. If you want 'em, they're yours.

Edit: I suppose size would be helpful... They are 44's

They have spinning classes available, and I will probably do 3-5 classes a week...not to help with my cycling, but to help with the cardio.


Don't underestimate the spinning classes. I did a two hour class the other day. They're still mopping the sweat off the floors.

Dude...I appreciate the offer. I have tried those shoes in a 44, and they didn't fit. I bought those to begine with, and then bought the Shimano...in a 44, and they fit fine.

Really, I appreciate the offer, but will have to decline.

Thanks again,
mscycler

I used to do spinning before I got into cycling (about 6 yrs ago, before spinning was popular here in MS, at least where I was going to college), and they kicked my a$$. The classes we have right now are ONLY 45 mins to an hour...

mscycler

Not a problem. The 44's are a bit snug. I bought some Shimano in the same size and they fit like a glove.

I think I would just ride my bike instead.

I usually go twice a week. I personally would buy some cheap shoes with spd cleats solely for spinning. Its pretty impressive how big a difference going to those classes can do, especially if you try to push yourself.

I still ride my bike. I put in about 70-100 miles/wk provided the weather is cooperative. I am going to the gym for other reasons...gotta bulk up for the ladies :D (JK)...but I figure I would go to the spinning classes on off days, bad weather days, etc...

I never said I was going to stop riding and go strictly to the spin classes...

mscycler

There is also:

5) Buying a cheap pair of SPD-SL pedals and installing them on semi-permanent load to the gym.

Swapping pedals is a pain, and this will save you money over buying shoes (considering you can either sell the pedals later or put them on your next, beater bike). Personally, my feet/legs seem to be sensitive to shoe/pedals switches (they don't like rocking in SPD's), but most people aren't as...er, delicate...as I am.

Plus other Ultegra/Dura Ace riders could use them, which might give you a warm, fuzzy, do-gooder feeling (although, admittedly, for the price you're paying, the gym should considering buying them for you).

Just one more idea.

Flip-flops.....heck, it's just spinning class!

Definitely get some new shoes and SPDs. There are a ton on "indoor" cycling shoe style out there with recessed cleats. I have a very old pair of nike "combis"....SPD with recessed cleat, very easy to walk in. It was really nice to have a spinning specific set of shoes - I could get dressed at home, drive to the gym (yes even in bike shoes - makes clutch work more interesting :D ), and take of my sweats and get right on the bike. I miss the spinning classes - they were a heck of a workout!