Going Clipless

[mikeloveshisrockhopper]

Ok, so I have had my road bike (Giant Defy 1 2016 disc) for 7 months and it is now the single most important thing in my life (don't tell the missus though). I'll probably ride my MTB more in the winter but when I hit the road hard again in the spring, I am going clipless.

As far as the shoes are concerned, it seems you can spend anything between 30 and 300 quid in most outlets but I am wondering whether the 300 quid ones are really 10x better than the 30 quid options.

What's the general view on road cycling shoes in terms of what you should spend? Will I spend 50 and then replace them a year later or is it all marketing and brand vanity twonk and they'll last me a lifetime?

On a separate note, I am mechanically inept but will attempt to change my pedals from flats to SPD. YouTube will be my friend. Righty tighty and all that.

 

[Goggs]

Does your MTB have SPD's? If not you might like them so much on the road bike you'll want them on the mountain bike. You could save some money by getting MTB shoes for use on both bikes.

BTW, Righty Tighty on the right but Lefty Tighty on the left. Seriously.

 

[mikeloveshisrockhopper]

Hi Goggs,

No, the MTB just has clips atm. I see what you are saying, get some cycling shoes that suit both bikes. Probably a good idea, I have only just started my research. Any comments on what is a sensible spend? I am thinking 50 but some forums say that anything <100 will probably be poor quality.

Yes, Righty Tighty is drive side only, vice versa on the non drive side. Trust me, after watching about 150 YouTube clips in my hotel room this evening, it is engrained in my mind forever.

 

[Goggs]

Off-road pedals work well on-road but the reverse isn't true at all. I have Shimano PD-M540's which can be had for £40. I think they're excellent value but I haven't tried anything else. I'm not sure what you get by spending two or three times more. Less weight probably but my pedals aren't exactly heavy. Shoes-wise it's you call. I have a cheap pair of Specialized that fit me well but shoes are like saddles.

 

[CanucksTraveller]

I spent 40 pounds on some Northwave Sonic from Wiggle and I'm as happy as Larry. Honestly, they're really good.... stiff, breathable, swish looking.

What's the difference between those and £200 Sidi or similar? I'm not sure, if I can ever afford the more expensive shoe I'll let you know. I suspect it's possibly better materials, lighter weight and more stiffness, something like that.

Buy ones that fit, that you can afford, and that you like, that's the key factors.

 

[si_c]

I've got a pair of cheap(ish) specialised MTB shoes, cost less than sixty quid. Lasted about a year and 5000 miles, still going strong. No complaints at all.

 

[mjr]

Squeeze the pedal wrench against the crank to loosen or tighten but take care not to pinch fingers or the heel of your hand.

I use stiff soled sports shoes on rubber pedals. Don't see much point clipping if not chasing peak power any more.

 

[Spiderweb]

These pedals http://www.jejamescycles.com/shimano-m520-mtb-spd-pedal-black-10014345.html
And these shoes http://www.jejamescycles.com/specialized-comp-mtb-shoe-black-red-2015.html

The pedals are available in other colours and maybe cheaper elsewhere. Try Wiggle, Chain Reaction etc.
Specialized shoes are fantastic, great quality and robust. I would recommend sizing up one size, I usually wear eu42 but wear 43 with the Specialized shoes. Both shoes and pedals above would be fine for both your MTB and road bike.

 

[MiK1138]

I use these

Shimano SPD MT34 cost about £50 use them for both the roadie and the MTB

 

[GrumpyGregry]

shoes, the more you spend the more rigid the sole the lighter the shoe the more mesh in the uppers, the fancier the "lacing" mechanisms. Generally.

Many of us have winter shoes/boots and summer shoes.

Make sure they fit. The lasts the different brands use are not all the same.

 

[Globalti]

Read my post on page 3 of this thread: https://www.cyclechat.net/threads/clipless-still-got-numb-feet.206443/

 

[Ashness]

mountain bike shoes are better even for road bikes (unless you are a 'light weight at all costs' person) cos you can walk in them and not look like a total prat

 

[S-Express]

mountain bike shoes are better even for road bikes (unless you are a 'light weight at all costs' person) cos you can walk in them and not look like a total prat

If you prioritise walking over cycling, then MTB shoes certainly fit the bill.

 

[guitarpete247]

Since mid 70's commute into college I used toe straps and clips. For MTB I initially had strapless toe clips.
This century I took up cycling more regularly and decided to go clipless. I first got single sided and pedals with flat pedals on the other side so I could wear normal shoes. I never did. MTB shoes I got are Lidl and still good after 4 years.
I then got Shimno M520s for road bike and initially used same shoes but soon bought some dhb R1 shoes and fitted SPD cleats.
When I started to up distance I went for R540's but still with dhb R1 shoes. M520's now on MTB.

 

[Ashness]

If you prioritise walking over cycling, then MTB shoes certainly fit the bill.

so why are MB shoes worse than road shoes, other than a bit of weight