That actually helps quit a bit. I'll check out the engagement on my MXRs when I get home to see if I can see what you're talking about. I can see how that type of engagement might be less than ideal.

when i was messengering and spending all day on my bike, i like time atacs. looks like there's been lots of improvements to their design, and the cost is real low.. you never really unintentionally release from them, at least in my experience.

ive tried lots of shoes, dominators (comfy uppers, nice looks n fit, but the soles wear out with lots of walking, and the toe box isnt that tough), carnacs ( nice toe box, pretty nice fit), and finally some yellow and red mtb shoe i got when i raced for a specialized cross team back in 02. it had a strong toe box and overall reinforcement.

now that i just use it as my transportation, and alley cats, i like christophe toe clips, pake straps, and mks gr-9s (best ever!!). i like regular tennis shoes, like the new vans era fixed gear shoes.. w the cordura toe reinforcements and 3m panels. it's just more casual, and i don't need to "suit up" to roll around town and kick it.

i used to do my preseason training.. long slow miles and recovery days on an old pinarello road frame, with a 42x18.. it helped me w my base training.. i used the same pedals i raced road races with.. dura ace spd-rs. not good for tricks or casual riding, but these were 30-50 mile rides.

when on the track, i now am trying out speedplay stainless pedals. haven't come out of them in a sprint yet.. but it's still winter.

Thanks for the info bro... Just scored a pair. :thumb:

I have never had clip-ins and wanted to try some out and compare them to having straps/cages.

If I go with a set of CB Smarties (only $30 perfect for testing), what entry level shoe SPD compatible shoes are out there that are the closest to wearing a regular tennis shoe? (ie i do not want to walk like a duck)

Thank you.

http://www.chainreactioncycles.com/M...x?ModelID=7610

Shimano MP66's. Recessed cleat cover and all...

Tried Egg Beaters and ATACs. Switched to BeBops because:

20 deg of non re-centering float
- Because ATACs tendency is to push the angle of the foot back to its designated neutral position, I ended up with very sore knees after rides lasting longer than 1 hr. The re-centering action on Egg Beaters is much less pronounced, but still noticeable.

Wide contact area
- On long rides, Egg Beaters feel like you're pedaling on walnuts. ATACs creek and wiggle about when pulling up in the pedal stroke.

Step-on engagement
- Stomp straight down on the pedal and you're in. No funny business of hunting for the retaining spring on the pedal.

Unclip and hold
- If I think I need to put a foot down, I can twist out and disengage while still having the cleat hold within the pedal. If i want back in, I merely press down on the pedal and the cleat re-engages. Good for those dicey moments at an intersection. Other pedals instantly jettison your foot once you disengage.

210gm /pair
needle and ball cartridge bearings
http://www.beboppedals.com/

http://i124.photobucket.com/albums/p...jim/pedal1.jpg

http://i124.photobucket.com/albums/p...jim/pedal2.jpg