Cycling shoes.

[johnnyb47]

Hi again.
I've just been given a pair of unused cycling shoes kindly donated from my brother in-law. Last year I did many miles just using my old trainers. I'm now eager to try my new cycling shoes out but was wondering about the benefits of them. I,m thinking on the lines that the harder soles on them will transfer more power to the pedals and not be absorbed ,compared to the soft soled trainers I've been using. Do a good cycling shoe make that much a difference. Only you guys who have much more experience than me can tell me for sure, and I would be very interested and grateful to hear your views.
Many thanks.
Johnny

 

[jay clock]

Sod all the power transfer bollox, just more comfy (imagine climbing a ladder in bare feet vs shoes). Also I very much prefer shoes to be clipped in

 

[S-Express]

They won't transfer more power, that's not how it works, although they might give you a more stable and comfortable pedalling platform, when combined with the right pedals. If the shoes are designed to be used with clip-in pedals and you are currently on flats, then they would probably make things worse rather than better. You may need some compatible pedals too..

 

[vickster]

As above, try them with cleats and clipless pedals. What shoes are they? Photos helpful

Do they fit comfortably? If not, numb or sore feet may result. Also make sure the cleats are set up right or sore knees may follow

 

[johnnyb47]

Thanks for the advice. The shoes in question are called "dhb".They seem to fit me very well but I think I will need to use them for a while before I can fully comment if there right for me. I've never used cleats before and these shoes don't have any fitted at the moment. I've never really been a big fan of them or tow clips in the past to be honest so if I can get away with not using them in the future I will no doubt try.

 

[jay clock]

dhb is Wiggle's own brand. Post a piccy and we can advise. If smooth soled they could be dangerous to us on flat pedals without cleats fitted

 

[johnnyb47]

I can't seem to be able to load a picture sorry. I will keep trying and hopefully get one on here buddy.

 

[bonsaibilly]

I abandoned the increased power con yonks ago and I barely use my bike shoes now because I don't like being clipped in. It does become "second nature" but still I would rather have my feet free in a vast majority of scenarios, and I've only to watch sweaty lycra-clad idiots on club rides haphazardly twisting in and out to remind me that I am just fine without.

 

[Johnno260]

I prefer to be clipped in, still have scars on my shins from my youth, feet slipping off the pedals and deciding to try and break my shins, as I am an old sod now I didn't want to rinse and repeat that!

 

[AndyRM]

Most commonly there are 2 kinds of system. One is double sided (spd) and the cleats are usually fitted into a recess in the sole of the shoe making walking easier. The other is single sided (spd sl) and the cleat protrudes meaning they wear quicker and walking is a faff.

Personally I prefer double sided for the stop start nature of a commute and single for longer rides when clipping and unclipping is a much rarer event.

 

[Smokin Joe]

Cycling shoes have stiff soles and are designed to be used with cleats. Without those and compatible pedals they will be constantly slipping. This is a case where you have to go the whole way or not at all.

 

[Dogtrousers]

On Saturday I had occasion to dismount and push a broken down car for a short way. I'm such a helpful chap. I don't know what kind of car - it was one of those big bulgy 4x4 things that are shaped a bit like a normal car but are as big as a truck. It was much heavier than cars I've pushed in the past.

Anyway ... In case you have ever wondered - cycling shoes do not enhance power transfer when trying to push a car. Not even recessed cleat SPD ones.

 

[Globalti]

As jay clock writes above, dhb is the "house" brand of Wiggle so you might be able to look up your shoes there. Generally the dhb stuff is affordable and good quality and their shoes have been very well reviewed in the cycling mags.

If you commute or plan to walk a lot, double-sided SPD pedals with the small two-bolt cleat recessed in the sole are best but with your road shoes you're going to need proper road cleats and pedals. A road shoe and cleat/pedal is also considerably lighter than an off road or touring SPD setup. I've tried Look Keo and been disappointed at the poor quality so have now gone over to Shimano SPD-SL, which are excellent quality and stable for walking in to cafes. Being securely slipped in, with a pair of stiff-soled cycling shoes is certainly better and a snug-fitting shoe will allow you to power the pedals all the way round the stroke for those last desperate yards at the top of that hill or when racing your pals to the next lamp post.

Having been given the shoes, you will probably use them for a while then have a much clearer idea of what you really want.

 

[Johnno260]

Even though I am a road rider I still prefer the recessed cleats, on the odd occasion you need to walk they're much easier to content with, again I am sure it's a preference thing.

 

[Globalti]

Touring or commuting, yes. Hooligan riding, no.