Hi all
I've been looking on here a while. Liking all the advice, and I'm here again asking for some more. I'm way off giving any advice..
I'm after some entry level shoes. I want to get into clip ons. I'm currently riding a hardtail with plastic pedals and my Adidas trainers. Love it, but want to take the next step
So.. I need shoes, cleats and pedals (or so my limited knowledge research has led me to believe) If I like it, I can upgrade to better one by one if I start off low grade and then like it.
I would like to do it on the cheap too. I've looked online, and all the good 'offers' seem to not have my size (I'm a size nine in real shoes)
Any good advice is appreciated.
Happy new year all
Cycling shoes
Best deals on shoes / cleats / pedals seem to be here:-
http://www.bikeplus.co.uk/
http://www.bikeplus.co.uk/
1999 ICE Classic NT
Fort s/s
Brompton
26" Thorn (converted to E-Bike)
The opposite of bravery is not cowardice, but conformity. Robert Anthony
Fort s/s
Brompton
26" Thorn (converted to E-Bike)
The opposite of bravery is not cowardice, but conformity. Robert Anthony
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thirdcrank
- Posts: 36740
- Joined: 9 Jan 2007, 2:44pm
Cycling shoe sizing is quirky even within a single make, and I've even seen it posted on here that it varies within a single model.
My impression is that Shimano's are generally a size smaller than youd expect, and Sidis are also very narrow.
I agonised fora long time before going over to clipless (from toe clips and plates) but it was well worth it and in the event no big deal. There are all sorts of systems and not much compatibility within them. You'll find there are supporters of the various types on here but for most non-racing uses I think SPD (Shimano Pedalling Dynamics, or somesuch) are the most popular in terms of sales. That is plain SPD - a suffix indicates something else.
If you are worried about the changeover you can get pedals with cleats on one side and plain the other - mainly intended so you can use a utility type bike with plain shoes if you want, but also providing an opt-out if you can't abide them. (I've heard from plenty of people who were worried, but none who had trouble when it came to it.)
If you opt for SPD and are worried about getting your feet out quickly, there is an 'M' model which stands for multi-release so you foot can be removed from the pedal by pulling in just about any direction.
The big thing about clipless pedals is getting the cleat position spot-on. (If you google you will see that a lot of american 'cycleries' provide a fitting service for a lot of $$$ but I've not seen it offered in the UK.) My own feeling is that you need to replicate as closely as possible your normal foot position on the pedal without cleats. Anybody who has ridden with standard metal pedals will have pedal marks on the soles of their shoes to act as a guide. (Your thread will almost certainly attract advice on this issue from others with their own methods.) It is important to get this right or your knees may suffer.
My impression is that Shimano's are generally a size smaller than youd expect, and Sidis are also very narrow.
I agonised fora long time before going over to clipless (from toe clips and plates) but it was well worth it and in the event no big deal. There are all sorts of systems and not much compatibility within them. You'll find there are supporters of the various types on here but for most non-racing uses I think SPD (Shimano Pedalling Dynamics, or somesuch) are the most popular in terms of sales. That is plain SPD - a suffix indicates something else.
If you are worried about the changeover you can get pedals with cleats on one side and plain the other - mainly intended so you can use a utility type bike with plain shoes if you want, but also providing an opt-out if you can't abide them. (I've heard from plenty of people who were worried, but none who had trouble when it came to it.)
If you opt for SPD and are worried about getting your feet out quickly, there is an 'M' model which stands for multi-release so you foot can be removed from the pedal by pulling in just about any direction.
The big thing about clipless pedals is getting the cleat position spot-on. (If you google you will see that a lot of american 'cycleries' provide a fitting service for a lot of $$$ but I've not seen it offered in the UK.) My own feeling is that you need to replicate as closely as possible your normal foot position on the pedal without cleats. Anybody who has ridden with standard metal pedals will have pedal marks on the soles of their shoes to act as a guide. (Your thread will almost certainly attract advice on this issue from others with their own methods.) It is important to get this right or your knees may suffer.
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thirdcrank
- Posts: 36740
- Joined: 9 Jan 2007, 2:44pm
Obviously the positioning of the cleat is restricted in that you could not place it at the heel or orientated sideways but the fittings have slots so you can position the cleat very precisly on the sole and subsequently, your foot precisely on the pedal. Most models of cleat have a certain degree of 'float' (the amount they allow your shoe to waggle without releasing it) and that gives some latitude but does not mean careful positioning does not matter.
It's certainly not just a matter of banging the cleats on where they 'look right'.
It's certainly not just a matter of banging the cleats on where they 'look right'.
thirdcrank wrote:Cycling shoe sizing is quirky even within a single make, and I've even seen it posted on here that it varies within a single model.
My impression is that Shimano's are generally a size smaller than youd expect, and Sidis are also very narrow.
I agonised fora long time before going over to clipless (from toe clips and plates) but it was well worth it and in the event no big deal. There are all sorts of systems and not much compatibility within them. You'll find there are supporters of the various types on here but for most non-racing uses I think SPD (Shimano Pedalling Dynamics, or somesuch) are the most popular in terms of sales. That is plain SPD - a suffix indicates something else.
If you are worried about the changeover you can get pedals with cleats on one side and plain the other - mainly intended so you can use a utility type bike with plain shoes if you want, but also providing an opt-out if you can't abide them. (I've heard from plenty of people who were worried, but none who had trouble when it came to it.)
If you opt for SPD and are worried about getting your feet out quickly, there is an 'M' model which stands for multi-release so you foot can be removed from the pedal by pulling in just about any direction.
The big thing about clipless pedals is getting the cleat position spot-on. (If you google you will see that a lot of american 'cycleries' provide a fitting service for a lot of $$$ but I've not seen it offered in the UK.) My own feeling is that you need to replicate as closely as possible your normal foot position on the pedal without cleats. Anybody who has ridden with standard metal pedals will have pedal marks on the soles of their shoes to act as a guide. (Your thread will almost certainly attract advice on this issue from others with their own methods.) It is important to get this right or your knees may suffer.
Having just bought my first clipless shoes I totally agree that you really need to go try them before you buy them. I tried on about 3 pairs before I found one that fit well. If you live near a Decathalon you should give them a try as they have good entry level shoes.
Not had any major issues with unclipping after two rides. Just don't read my earlier post! Honestly though it's surprising how quickly the twist action becomes natural. I've got Shimano SPD's and the tension adjustment also offers alot of variation.
Finding cleat position is really what my first rides have been about. I found my right foot position, luckily, was pretty close from the start. I've been changing the cleat little by little on my left foot though. I think I'll try your suggestion of using the marks on my old trainers as reference.
I honestly would avoid buying shoes off the internet, unless you are re-buying a pair you know will fit.
I did this when I was first having a go with clipless pedals and ended up paying a lot of postage to return shoes that were the wrong size or width for me.
I got shoes in the end at the LBS, which although were more pricy than say Wiggle, I could talk, take good advice and best of all, try them on.
I can highly recommend Crank Brothers SMarty pedals for a novice, I found these easy to fit on the bike and onto my shoes, you can get them nice and cheap online too if you wish. They are nice and neat on the bike as well.
Mary
I did this when I was first having a go with clipless pedals and ended up paying a lot of postage to return shoes that were the wrong size or width for me.
I got shoes in the end at the LBS, which although were more pricy than say Wiggle, I could talk, take good advice and best of all, try them on.
I can highly recommend Crank Brothers SMarty pedals for a novice, I found these easy to fit on the bike and onto my shoes, you can get them nice and cheap online too if you wish. They are nice and neat on the bike as well.
Mary
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NukeThemAll
- Posts: 28
- Joined: 5 Sep 2008, 7:37pm
- Location: Hampshire
As a relative newbie to SPDs I can thoroughly recommend them - best thing I ever did bikewise. However....I have a question (and honest, I've tried searching the forums so please forgive...) do all SPD-equipped shoes 'crunch' on anything other than totally flat surfaces?
My shoes are Shimano MT31 with multi-release cleats. Happy with the shoes, and in the shop, OK to walk around. On first inspection the cleat seems reasonably-well recessed, but if I walk on even slightly uneven surfaces, I get that 'SPD crunch'. I'm guessing that making the cleats too recessed would hinder engage/disengage, but are my shoes typical? Do the Specialized, or North Wave, or...(insert favourite brand) also crunch on anything other than super-smooth?
My shoes are Shimano MT31 with multi-release cleats. Happy with the shoes, and in the shop, OK to walk around. On first inspection the cleat seems reasonably-well recessed, but if I walk on even slightly uneven surfaces, I get that 'SPD crunch'. I'm guessing that making the cleats too recessed would hinder engage/disengage, but are my shoes typical? Do the Specialized, or North Wave, or...(insert favourite brand) also crunch on anything other than super-smooth?
Try them first!
I have to agree with what others have posted. I've been trying to make the switch on and off for years and never found a pair of cycling shoes that fit. Most cycling shoes are too narrow for me. The ones that aren't, slip in the heel. Decathalon store brand come close, but lack sufficient arch support for me. My feet cramp after 1/2 hour at a hard pace 
I had all but given up on going clipless when I (by chance) tried the Decathalons. Since I got closer with those than anything I tried before, I'm having another go. I recently discovered that Specialized now do various insoles for their shoes, so I'm hoping I can find one of theirs that fit. Currently on order with a LBS. :sigh:
I had all but given up on going clipless when I (by chance) tried the Decathalons. Since I got closer with those than anything I tried before, I'm having another go. I recently discovered that Specialized now do various insoles for their shoes, so I'm hoping I can find one of theirs that fit. Currently on order with a LBS. :sigh:
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Hector's House
- Posts: 328
- Joined: 25 Aug 2008, 5:03pm
- Location: Glasgow/Edinburgh
I bought flat one side SPD on the other. Nearly two years later, I still haven't gone and bought fully SPD'd pedals. I think that's partly because of a lack of money, but mostly because occasionally I do find it pretty useful to have the flat side... mostly happens when I want to go to Tesco and I'm too lazy to change out of my current shoes! 
And only having the one bike, there's always the chance that a friend might wanna borrow it... so...
I can top that.
I went to my local store to buy a pair of one sided spd's and get the shoes at the same time. After consulting the non-clothing people, I moved on through to the shoe section. One hour later, a change of personnel (so that the number 1 could go for lunch) and I still hadn't found a pair that fitted (let alone liked!). I still went ahead and bought the pedals, partly 'casue I felt guilty for spending so much time in there!
I found the first pair that fitted perfectly by absolute chance. I was in London on holiday by myself. It was pelting it down. I had two choices - tube it back to town or wait until it died down. There was a bike shop. I go in, see a pair, try them on, and then I buy!
Recently I bought a pair of more civilization friendly pair. they fit OK. Which is better than any other pair of my shoe collection...
SO yes! try try try try (and if it comes to it, don't feel as self-conscious as me...)
ALSO, flats are very useful option. Not least because if you can't find the right pair of shoes there and then, you can still go ahead and use the pedals!
Mine don't!
Shimano cheapy entry level shoes. Funnier to walk in than my slip-ons, so they might cause me some more foot problems off the bike, but certainly no crunch!
And only having the one bike, there's always the chance that a friend might wanna borrow it... so...
robwa10 wrote:Having just bought my first clipless shoes I totally agree that you really need to go try them before you buy them. I tried on about 3 pairs before I found one that fit well.
I can top that.
I went to my local store to buy a pair of one sided spd's and get the shoes at the same time. After consulting the non-clothing people, I moved on through to the shoe section. One hour later, a change of personnel (so that the number 1 could go for lunch) and I still hadn't found a pair that fitted (let alone liked!). I still went ahead and bought the pedals, partly 'casue I felt guilty for spending so much time in there!
I found the first pair that fitted perfectly by absolute chance. I was in London on holiday by myself. It was pelting it down. I had two choices - tube it back to town or wait until it died down. There was a bike shop. I go in, see a pair, try them on, and then I buy!
Recently I bought a pair of more civilization friendly pair. they fit OK. Which is better than any other pair of my shoe collection...
SO yes! try try try try (and if it comes to it, don't feel as self-conscious as me...)
ALSO, flats are very useful option. Not least because if you can't find the right pair of shoes there and then, you can still go ahead and use the pedals!
NukeThemAll wrote:do all SPD-equipped shoes 'crunch' on anything other than totally flat surfaces?
Mine don't!
Shimano cheapy entry level shoes. Funnier to walk in than my slip-ons, so they might cause me some more foot problems off the bike, but certainly no crunch!
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mick skinner
- Posts: 552
- Joined: 15 Aug 2007, 7:57pm
- Location: ilkeston, derbyshire
i'd recommend SPDs for any type of cycling other than hardcore road racing/time trialing/track racing. there's a huge range in the price you can pay for the pedals, so you can start off with a cheap pair and up grade later. the cleats seem to fit on to any type of cycling shoes.
with cycling shoes; the stiffer the sole the more comfortable the are to pedal in. i've got a pair of shimano mtb shoes with carbon fibre sole, £90 and are still virtually as good as new after two years of abuse.
with cycling shoes; the stiffer the sole the more comfortable the are to pedal in. i've got a pair of shimano mtb shoes with carbon fibre sole, £90 and are still virtually as good as new after two years of abuse.
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rogerzilla
- Posts: 3124
- Joined: 9 Jun 2008, 8:06pm
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EdinburghFixed
- Posts: 2375
- Joined: 24 Jul 2008, 7:03pm
mick skinner wrote:i'd recommend SPDs for any type of cycling other than hardcore road racing/time trialing/track racing. there's a huge range in the price you can pay for the pedals, so you can start off with a cheap pair and up grade later. the cleats seem to fit on to any type of cycling shoes.
I would have said that the benefit of clipless riding is higher the 'harder' you ride. I have only been to the velodrome once, but there's no way I would do it without being attached, think of the consequences of coming off your pedal at 150rpm, fixed wheel, with no brakes on your bike... ouch
Actually I still crashed and burned (literally, through my shorts) even though I had my SPDs...
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mick skinner
- Posts: 552
- Joined: 15 Aug 2007, 7:57pm
- Location: ilkeston, derbyshire