MikeEagle12

Ok well I just bought my first new road bike. I had a used Peugot back in '04-'05 but it fell apart and I had to leave it with a friend in Phoenix.
Well after a week and half of shopping I purchased a Motorbecane Vent Noir from bikesdirect.com for $700 with some extras.

https://www.bikesdirect.com/products/...ventnoir07.htm




It comes with clipless pedals and cleats. I don't know anything about these pedals. I've used them once before on a friend's bike just to try it out and I'm fine with them but I don't know how to purchase the shoes.

The sizes seem to be in European. I wear a 10 in dress shoes and an 11 in sneakers. I think I'm a 44 in European. I assume the "cleats" are what screws onto the bottom of the shoe allowing it to clip to the pedal. Will these cleats fit on just about any shoe or do I have to get a specific brand?

I would like to order shoes now too so they're here by the time the bike is so I can start riding right away.

michaelmc

Most shoes and cleats are cross-compatible. It would help if you told us what brand of pedals/cleats they are.

Mach42

Well, most shoes will be compatible with 2 hole (mounting screw hole) cleats or 3 hole cleats. Two hole cleats small. They tend to be in the 1inch wide x 3/4 in long size. Pretty small.

Road cleats are almost all 3 hole cleats. They tend to have a large platform of 2 to 3 inches across.

Mountain bike shoes are almost all 2 hole cleat compatible. Road shoes will be compatible with 3 hole cleats, and sometimes with 2 hole cleats also, on the same shoe.

The best way to find the right size is to go to a shop and try them on. Don't buy online unless you know how the shoe fits. They will be a snugger fit than your everyday walking or running shoes.

Tell us what cleats you have.

2Tired2Shift

Different brands have different sizing - it can vary widely. Go to a good LBS and try shoes on. Shoes are one of the few items that you probably should not mail order unless you are very experienced with the sizing of the different brands.

ILUVUK

I would also recommend going to the LBS for fitting. I took a chance and ordered online and I got lucky. My shoes are compatible with LOOK and SPD-style pedals, so I've just ordered some LOOK-style pedals as my bike came with SPD-style...and they're not bad, but I believe there is a reason why roadies seem to (almost) universally ride LOOK or SPD SL-style pedals.

dcvelo

Ah, now you've pissed off the Speedplay crowd....

I'd also recommend the LBS route...road shoes fit very tightly (for a reason) and it's hard to guess what'll be best without trying them on.

ILUVUK

Yes, you're right. I didn't intend for that post to come off like that. I was attempting to stress that SPD-style pedals are not that common among roadies more than an attempt to recommend a certain style. I agree that Speedplay pedals are very, very popular...out of my price range though (unfortunately).