Changing from SPD to SPD-SL

[cosmicbike]

@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.

They work very well for what I use them for. Most of the time I'm clipped in, and as @raleighnut states if you catch them right it's easy, though I find it easy enough to flip them with a toe without looking at them. They went on the bike quite early on, so done at least 4000 miles with no issues. Not looked at them properly yet, but it may be possible to strip and re-pack the bearings in a similar fashion to the M520's.

The 'normal' side of the pedals is comfy enough for normal trainers etc when out ambling with the family

 

[cosmicbike]

Shoes arrived yesterday, pedals today. Had a little bit of time this afternoon before doing a spot of DIY, so on with the shoes, pedals fitted and a dry run in the conservatory whilst holding the wall... Minor adjustment to the cleats, but shoes comfy (Shimano R088's).
Off out for a pedal, lots of clipping in/out, left foot good, right foot harder. Only real issue I had was getting the pedal in the right place, a bit harder than the SPD's but no doubt will be mastered in time. Only 8 miles, but so far so good.

 

[antnee]

So at the moment when I get back to riding ( when this heel is fully healed) I am thinking about changing over from SPD shoes to SL shoes though don't want to spend a fortune on them, also wondering just how much harder it is to clip in and out as with SPD shoes and cleats its an easy feat . The main reason for wanting to change over is that I find the shimano dhb10 commuter shoe I got when I first started is far too heavy really compared to most shoes. would appreciate any advice Thanks

 

[Venod]

would appreciate any advice Thanks

Get a lighter stiffer SPD shoe, there is no advantage with SPD-SL (except possibly a few grams weight saving) IMO.

 

[antnee]

Thats worth thinking about as I do get on well with SPD cleats Just got to search for some lighter Shoes then! Thanks

 

[ianrauk]

Thats worth thinking about as I do get on well with SPD cleats Just got to search for some lighter Shoes then! Thanks

Specialized MTB shoes are probably the best I have come across for lightweight and stiffness.

 

[vickster]

Thats worth thinking about as I do get on well with SPD cleats Just got to search for some lighter Shoes then! Thanks

Look at Sidi. Bikechaincafe often have half price (so come in around £80, like most other brands)

 

[antnee]

Look at Sidi. Bikechaincafe often have half price (so come in around £80, like most other brands)

Thanks Vickster. I will I must say that a little cheaper than the Specialised MTB ones I was looking at

 

[vickster]

Thanks Vickster. I will I must say that a little cheaper than the Specialised MTB ones I was looking at

I'm sure there's a range of Sidis that cost more if they are below your preferred price point. Esp if half price

 

[antnee]

Oh no sorry: I didn't mean to infer that I wanted more expensive shoes just lighter and possibly a little more comfortable that the ones I have at the momentbut looking at the Sidi ones that are in the sale at the moment at the bikechaincafe all are unfortunately somewhat smaller than my size 10.5 EU 44.5