Shoes for walking up hils and cycling down them.

island girl · Post by **island girl** » 1 Feb 2009, 1:13pm

Hi All

I am doing a long cycle run in the summer that will involve hills and heavy traffic. I wear shimano shoes with double sided pedals for spd 56 multi release cleats. Shoes are extremely comfortable and I find the pedals and cleats fine.
However I know that I will have to walk up some hills and also am concerned that I will not release feet in time if I have to stop suddenly in heavy traffic.

Could anyone suggest womans lightweight shoes with a recessed covered cleat that would be comfortable for walking but also for cycling so I have all my options covered. Hope this all makes sense and I have got my terms right.

cycleruk · Post by **cycleruk** » 1 Feb 2009, 1:33pm

Have you considered single sided pedals?

Such as:-
http://www.ribblecycles.co.uk/productde ... 0000000000

or:-
http://www.ribblecycles.co.uk/productde ... 0000000000

random37 · Post by **random37** » 1 Feb 2009, 1:42pm

This is the reason I don't use clipless pedals.
I use clips and straps, with lightweight walking shoes. Not as good as the clipless for riding, but much better if I have to get off for a walk.

tad · Post by **tad** » 1 Feb 2009, 1:49pm

Start getting the miles in now then you'll be able to pedal up all the hills :wink:

MLJ · Post by **MLJ** » 1 Feb 2009, 3:46pm

You can loosen the pedal clip tension so that the M cleats pull out in any direction. I have stopped at a red light and put one foot down, then had a gust of wind blow me the other way and that cleated foot hit the ground first! I also use the 425 pedal which is double-sided, the other side being a normal non-cleated one; using this, the cleat does not engage and the foot is loose on top for instant moving.

Greybeard · Post by **Greybeard** » 1 Feb 2009, 4:28pm

I've used M324's for the last year on my commuter and the tandem - no problems to report - and they're cheaper here :wink:

http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/Shimano-M324-Sing ... 18Q2el1247

Curiously cheaper via their ebay shop than via Merlin's website - I assume there is only one Merlin Cycles :shock:

Steve

meic · Post by **meic** » 1 Feb 2009, 5:31pm

I am a great fan of the Shimano sandals in summer. You cant tell that they have cleats fitted when you walk with them. A pleasure to wear all day and at your campsite or hostel in the night.

You can end up with a funny sun tan on your foot. :lol:

ianr1950 · Post by **ianr1950** » 1 Feb 2009, 9:16pm

I have been using Specialized MTB shoes for over 10 years now.
I have never had a problem walking in them and much prefer them to clips and straps.
It can be difficult to get some that fir well but I have found that Specialized fit me better than Shimano.

island girl · Post by **island girl** » 1 Feb 2009, 9:49pm

Hi All

Thanks for all your tips. Some good advise.
Funnily enough I have just been looking at 07' Specialised Women's Taho Mountain Bike Shoe that looks very suitable for walking. Also has a covered recessed cleat. Could be a stong possibility.