Cleats...

[Sellyb]

Hi,
Please can anyone tell me if the Northwave Verve SBS Womens 2011 road shoe is compatible with the SPD pedals, as I can't find anything on the internet? I have the SPD SL pedals, but as a beginner, am not sure if this is the right way forward just yet? Unfortunately, another beginner mistake, which I know now, was to buy the shoes online first because I liked the look of them, I didn't know about cleats/pedals at the time until I saw the sole. Any advice would be greatly appreciated.
Thanks
Selena

 

[ianrauk]

if they are these

They have 3 holes for SPD-L cleats/Pedals rather then the 2 hole SPD cleats/mtb pedals.

 

[ianrauk]

If you are new to riding clipless then I suggest you check out this thread.

 

[Sellyb]

Yes, they are, thank you for your help. I think they will be going back on e-bay!

 

[ianrauk]

Yes, they are, thank you for your help. I think they will be going back on e-bay!

Why put them back on ebay when in your first post you say you have SPD-L pedals?

 

[black'n'yellow]

SPD-SL pedals (and therefore the cleats too) will be no more difficult to use than SPDs. Both cleat types will clip you into a mechanism on the pedal. The locate/release action might be a bit different for each type, but one is not 'harder' than the other.

The only practical difference is the way the cleats are fixed to the shoes. SPD cleats are usually fitted to shoes with a recess in the sole, meaning you can walk 'normally' while wearing them. On SPD-SL (and other road-specific pedal systems, like Time iclic/RXS, Look Keo, etc) the cleat is not recessed, which makes it difficult to walk normally.

If you bought the shoes to ride your bike in, then don't worry about it. If, on the other hand, you want the option to be able to walk around in your shoes for more than a few yards at a time, then you might be better off with SPDs...

 

[Sellyb]

SPD-SL pedals (and therefore the cleats too) will be no more difficult to use than SPDs. Both cleat types will clip you into a mechanism on the pedal. The locate/release action might be a bit different for each type, but one is not 'harder' than the other.

The only practical difference is the way the cleats are fixed to the shoes. SPD cleats are usually fitted to shoes with a recess in the sole, meaning you can walk 'normally' while wearing them. On SPD-SL (and other road-specific pedal systems, like Time iclic/RXS, Look Keo, etc) the cleat is not recessed, which makes it difficult to walk normally.

If you bought the shoes to ride your bike in, then don't worry about it. If, on the other hand, you want the option to be able to walk around in your shoes for more than a few yards at a time, then you might be better off with SPDs...

 

[Sellyb]

I am just a little concerned, as I am also new to road bikes literally today, so I was wondering if the SPD would be easier to clip in and out. I have practised leaning against my kitchen counter, and I find them quite slippery to click in, my feet keep slipping, and just want to be able to unclip easily.
I will have a look at the recommended link above. Thank you both for your advice, it is much appreciated.

 

[black'n'yellow]

is one easier than the other? - no. You will have to get used to whichever pedal system you choose. There is a technique for both and the only answer is practice, unfortunately. I guess it can seem pretty daunting at first, but after a few hours you will be clipping in and out without even thinking about it - whichever pedal you end up with...

 

[Sellyb]

That's great, thank you. However, I do quite like the idea of the double sided pedal where you have the choice of road shoes or not. These seem to be SPD compatible only the ones I have found, so maybe I should try that way first while I get used to the new road bike. I would hate to fall and damage the bike or myself, it cost me enough! Gulp!

 

[black'n'yellow]

Specialized make road shoes which take both a two bolt (SPD) and three bolt (SPD SL) cleat - might be worth a look. There's probably others too...

 

[Sellyb]

Yes, thank you, I think that may be the way forward, you have been really helpful

 

[Edge705]

You might like to consider double sided spd pedals with spd recessed shoes A) the shoes come in different designs and are cheap B) the pedals are also cheap C) the shoes are easy to walk in Furthermore with the pedals being double sided you will find them much easier as you don’t have to look down when clipping in - Also with spd you can get standard everyday type pedals with the clip built in so that you get best of both worlds - However you may want to consider sticking with what you have because after a short while you will get used to them and it will become second nature

 

[Sellyb]

I think the double-sided pedal is definitely the way forward while I gain confidence. Thank you all for your great advice, what a great website!