Bike Forums - Clipless + Street Shoes

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Quote:

Originally Posted by mikewoodkozar (Post 9284800)

This thread is ******** to me, i switched back from clipless to clips and straps because i wouldnt ever ride my bike because it was so much of a pain to put on cycling specific shoes.

Jesus, what clipless shoes were you wearing?
Cycling shoes are at most, two velcro strap and a buckle, beats the **** out of tying up laces.
And if you get real fancy with the BOA system all you do is turn a knob.

Quote:

Originally Posted by steveymcdubs (Post 9276021)

Hmm... post from the bottom of the first page:

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've done it successfully, I have a pair of clipless converse now. Buy yourself one of these

http://www.bikeparts.com/pimage/BPC108443.jpg
Those plates are the key. Moding the shoe is relatively easy. Stiffen the sole with 3/8 inch steel plate, the full length of the shoe if you can. Cut it into an insole shape as close as you can, although if it's not perfect, it will will work. Pull out the insole, and about 3/8' of the padding underneath. Slip in the plate with a layer of your favorite adhesive on the underside.

The real problem is I have not found a way to allow for easy (or any) adjustment, so get your cleat placement right the first time. Go for a long ride and the pedals will leave a nice mark so you know where to mount the cleat.

Notice how the plate has two sets of holes? I used one to mount the plate to the shoe, and the second to hold the cleat in place.

Once you have the cleat plate mounted, put a light coat of rubber cement on the insole and place them in.

They worked pretty darn well if I do say so myself, but it took a bit of playing around to get it right. For one, while aluminum is lighter, it doesn't like being flexed...
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3/8" steel plate?? Wow that's really ridiculous and I hope nobody takes this advice. Good luck cutting it btw, got a torch or plasma?

Quote:

Originally Posted by JTMK (Post 9287438)

so... ive never even tried clipless. people seem to like them... can i romp on a skid stop and be sure my foots not going to pop off?

If you learnt to skid with clips/straps it's possible that you may have picked up the habit of rotating your foot a bit when you skid. Obviously if you twist your foot too much with clipless you will unclip and could wind up in a spot of bother.

The only time I've ever had probs with unintentional unclipping on Time Atacs has been when my cleats were worn out, and it's easy enough to make sure they're replaced when needed.

Also, I never have any issues with walking comfort or lose any sleep over looking like a bike dork wearing carbon sole MTB shoes whenever I'm riding -- or even out at the pub or wherever. I'd even go so far as to say that I think it's a kinda cool look, though I may be somewhat delusional on this point, and certain clipless shoes definitely do not look cool.

Quote:

Originally Posted by NTAPHSE (Post 9287571)

3/8" steel plate?? Wow that's really ridiculous and I hope nobody takes this advice. Good luck cutting it btw, got a torch or plasma?

talk about law of diminishing returns. What a waste of energy

Quote:

Originally Posted by dudezor (Post 9288250)

Also, I never have any issues with walking comfort or lose any sleep over looking like a bike dork wearing carbon sole MTB shoes whenever I'm riding -- or even out at the pub or wherever. I'd even go so far as to say that I think it's a kinda cool look, though I may be somewhat delusional on this point, and certain clipless shoes definitely do not look cool.

I think Sidi's look cool as hell, certainly at least to those in the know. I've got no issues occasionally wearing mine off the bike.

Eh. My next purchase is most likely going to be a good set of clipless pedals and shoes. I'm actually looking forward to it very much.

I will also say that my Sidi dominators have lasted me a couple years with very little wear. That's coming from replacing my Adidas' or Pumas or what have you every few months when they wear out. I wear these shoes 28 days out of 30, all day, everywhere I go. Since I ride to everywhere I go, it's not like I do that much walking in them. Maybe on an average day I'll walk 500 yards or so. I did replace the rubber tread thingys on the bottom after about a year and a half. These things last forever and are well worth the $. And since I wear them so much, they are much more comfortable to me than regular shoes now. Imagine that.

Quote:

Originally Posted by Syncmaster (Post 9289229)

Eh. My next purchase is most likely going to be a good set of clipless pedals and shoes. I'm actually looking forward to it very much.

you know what they say about clipless?

it must be inconvenient. im not interested.

also, you never go back.