Changing from SPD to SPD-SL

[raleighnut]

Another vote for stiffer (more expensive) SPD shoes unless you enjoy imitating 'Bambi On Ice' crossed with 'Donald Duck' when trying to walk off the bike.

 

[Drago]

I don't find SLs any more or less comfortable, on the bike at least. Its all in the shoe, see.

+1 for Shimmy R82s, but what tickles my fancy might make you chunder.

 

[Racing roadkill]

I ride with both systems, interchangeably. I find the SPD's to be slightly troublesome on longer rides, purely due the the amount of float, relative to the SL's.

 

[Venod]

I have a pair of these,

http://www.startfitness.co.uk/sidi-dominator-5-pro-mtb-cycling-shoes-black.html

And a pair of these (in white)

http://www.chainreactioncycles.com/shimano-xc50-mtb-spd-shoes-2014/rp-prod69960

I got both pairs at a bargain price and both are very stiff, I also have a cheaper pair of Shimano (not sure of model) these are not as stiff biut I find them OK.

 

[ColinJ]

I have never had a problem with standard SPDs and cheapo Aldi SPD shoes, even for rides up to 135 miles when I weighed over 16 stone and had to apply a great deal of force to get up 20+% climbs.

I have had sore feet in the past with Look pedals/cleats but I think that was due to the cleat bolts being slightly too long.

I think SPDs are fine with stiff-soled shoes and if you make sure that you can't feel any bolts/holes in the soles.

 

[ianrauk]

Bottom line is that when it comes to pedals, everyone is different and has their own opinion as to which is the better system. A better system for them selves not a better system one over the other. Get the equipment right with either pedal/shoe/setup and you shouldn't have any problems what ever the cycling, riding or distance involved.

 

[cosmicbike]

My 11 miles into work this morning was fine in the winter boots, so not directly an SPD issue, likely shoe related as has been pointed out (the M060's were uncomfortable on a 5 miles pedal to the high street yesterday)
But, because I've been a good boy this month, I've ordered a pair of SPD-SL shoes and pedals, just to try. I'll stick them on the road bike and see how it goes, might be on the for sale bit here if I don't get on....

 

[si_c]

One thing you could try is changing the pedals, I use a mix of SPD pedals, but the ones which are comfiest over distance are the PD-M530s, which have more of a platform you put your feet on, bonus points for being generally available under £20.

 

[Gravity Aided]

I find Specialized work well for me in the SPD SL, as I have very high arches, but I like Bontrager for SPDs, on the rare occasion I wear cleats. I am prone to hot foot with cleats, but these shoes seem to mitigate it, my Nashbar SPD SLs not so much.

 

[cyberknight]

One thing you could try is changing the pedals, I use a mix of SPD pedals, but the ones which are comfiest over distance are the PD-M530s, which have more of a platform you put your feet on, bonus points for being generally available under £20.

I have them on my commuter, tried m520s which have always given me issues but the 530s and a600s are great .

 

[cosmicbike]

I have 520's on all bikes bar the CX which I use M324 as it's also a family ride bike.

 

[raleighnut]

I have 520's on all bikes bar the CX which I use M324 as it's also a family ride bike.

A520s or M520s?

 

[cosmicbike]

A520s or M520s?

M520's.

 

[Drago]

I have 520's on all bikes bar the CX which I use M324 as it's also a family ride bike.

@cosmicbike How are you finding the 324's? Been eyeing them up for one of my steeds.

 

[raleighnut]

@cosmicbike How are you finding the 324's? Been eyeing them up for one of my steeds.

The M324s are great if you can get the technique of lifting your foot off and letting the pedal change sides on it's own once the crank is rotating, it's a bit like the way old 'rat-trap' pedals invert if you know what you're doing and can time it right. If you try to tip em over with your toes whilst looking down and wobbling all over the road you'll hate them.